The Best CPUs For 3D Rendering 2023 [Experts Choice]

If you are an engineer, architect, construction manager, interior designer, student, or artist, the best PC for 3D rendering is a must-have. Having a good PC can be helpful to smoothly run tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Maya, Blender, and more.

The software needed for rendering and 3D design is resource-intensive, and you need a PC that can fulfill all the basic requirements and provide performance. If you build a PC that is powerful enough for handling any tasks, you will be able to create designs more efficiently and without facing any lag.

There are also many other important features to consider, like the display, connectivity, and storage, which will define the quality and speed of 3D designs. This article will help you look at the important information you should keep in mind for building the best PC for 3D modeling and rendering.

Quick Shopping Tips

CPU

CPU or processor is the most vital part of a 3D rendering PC, and it is important to find the best and most powerful CPU according to your budget. The CPU is vitally important because it is used for everything that you will do on a computer. Thus, a faster CPU is always the best thing to consider.

CPU rendering takes advantage of several CPU cores. For several years, Intel CPUs have offered single-threaded performance, and however, AMD CPUs usually provide the best multi-threaded performance. Nowadays, both companies offer some great chips for building 3D rendering CPUs.

Graphics Card

The strength of a graphics card is very important for the speed at which you will complete your work, and GPU rendering is quite important for performance and speed. Currently, the two most developed GPU renderings are NVIDIA’s exclusive CUDA and AMD-backed OpenCL.

RAM

RAM isn’t one of the biggest concerns. However, all modern consumer systems use DDR4 RAM. The lower-end systems use dual-channel RAM, and the higher-end systems use quad-channel. A Dual-channel configuration offers slightly improved performance than a single stick, and a quad-channel is slightly better than a dual channel.

Storage

Unlike computers that are dedicated to traditional animation, filmmaking, gaming, or content creation, a computer for 3D design doesn’t essentially need a lot of storage space. Assets, Images, and Modeling files are considerably smaller than games or videos.

Power Supply (PSU)

Getting a PSU that doesn’t provide a sufficient wattage for your PC, or having a budget PSU that isn’t made up of high quality, increases the risk of terrible failure for the PC. It is ideal to find a high-quality PSU for your PC build to avoid damaging any of your PC components. Buying a high-quality PSU today will go a long way for at least 5 or 10 years.

Our Recommendations of The Best CPUs For 3D Rendering 2023 [Experts Choice]:

Here are the best CPUs for 3D rendering in 2023. So, have a read.

10 Best CPUs For 3D Rendering In 2023:

1. AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor

Key Features

• 8 Cores & 16 Threads
• 7 GHz Base Frequency / 4.3 GHz Boost Frequency
• AM4 Socket
• 105W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

AMD has introduced its Ryzen series with too many advancements in its architecture, making this processor a great addition by AMD. It comes equipped with excellent features to make it a good choice for 3D rendering.

This CPU is similar to AMD Ryzen 7 1800X, and it comes with 8 cores and 16 threads. It offers a faster base clock speed from 3.7 GHz and provides a 4.3 GHz boost frequency max. The AMD Ryzen, the 2nd generation processor, is based on the Zen+ architecture having a 12nm LP node to make it faster than its predecessor. This CPU comes with a good cooler that helps the system run smoothly and perform your desired tasks efficiently.

AMD has released an X470 chipset and program to provide a better power supply. However, it can also work on X370 motherboards. It is a complete set of improved specifications at an affordable price. Overall, Ryzen 7 2700X comes with all the features to make it a good choice for you. This product has a rating of 4 stars, and users are happy with the performance of this CPU. You won’t regret buying this CPU.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

2. Intel i5 8400

Key Features

• 6 Cores & 6 Threads
• 80 GHz Base Frequency / 4.00 GHz Boost Frequency
• LGA 1151 Socket
• 65W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

Intel i5 8400 is an excellent choice for people who are low on budget but looking for something great. It is a great processor that is lighter on your pocket. The price of this processor is low, which doesn’t mean the quality of the processor is low; it comes with a great set of features to make it a good choice for 3D rendering. This CPU comes with six cores and six threads without hyper-threading.

This CPU offers a 2.8 GHz base comparatively low clock speed, and it provides a maximum single-core turbo speed of 4GHz. However, the all-core boost performance of this CPU is 3.8 GHz. Moreover, it also offers an L3 cache set of 9 MB. This CPU is built on a better version of 14nm architect. Like its predecessors, it also needs a 300 series motherboard for an adequate power supply because Z370 isn’t an ideal chipset.

Overall, the Intel i5 8400 is a great CPU that offers excellent performance for all of your needs. You can expect top-notch performance from this CPU, When it comes to rendering. Combining it with a good motherboard can be helpful for you to get the best performance that you can expect from this CPU.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

3. AMD Ryzen 7 1700X

Key Features

• 8 Cores & 16 Threads
• 4 GHz Base Frequency / 3.8 GHz Boost Frequency
• AM4 Socket
• 95W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

AMD Ryzen 7 1700X is relatively cheaper than Ryzen 7 1800X, and this CPU is developed on Zen architecture with 14nm of the manufacturing process. When compared to the 1800X, the AMD Ryzen 1700X works slightly slower, and it has 8 cores and 16 threads as well as 16 MB of L3.

The X series offers a bigger XFR boost, and it provides a lower base clock speed up to 3.4 GHz with a boost frequency of 3.6 GHz. Moreover, this CPU comes with a chip of dual memory, and it supports 64 GB DDR4 memory. It offers excellent overclocking and makes it a good choice for overclockers. Moreover, this CPU also holds the eight-core configuration with 16 MB of L3 cache. You need a premium motherboard and a high-quality cooling system to get additional overclocking.

The Ryzen 1700X is a wonderful performer than The 1700 and similar to 1800X. This CPU is available at a great price to make it more economical. This processor comes with AMD SenseMI Technology, a set of learning and adapting features that are helpful for the AMD Ryzen processor to customize its performance for you and your applications. Thanks to the true machine intelligence of this chip.

Furthermore, it offers precision boost technology that helps fine-tune the processor performance in real-time to meet the performance demands of your applications and games. Clock speed changes can quickly occur without pausing the work you are doing on it.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

4. Intel i7 9700K

Key Features

• 8 Cores & 8 Threads
• 6 GHz Base Frequency / 4.9 GHz Boost Frequency
• LGA 1151 Socket
• 95W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

Intel’s 9th generation Core i7-9700K is a powerful and great processor, and it is developed on a 14nm production process. Moreover, this processor also supports up to 128 GB of memory. The coffee Lake i7 by Intel has advanced the core count, unlike Core i7-8700, which has 8 cores and 8 threads but no hyperthreading. However, losing extra threads isn’t an issue for the overall performance of the processor.

This processor comes with a TDP of 95 watts, and thus CPU won’t need a steep desktop cooling system. For gaming enthusiasts who have an extra budget, Core i7-9700K is an amazing choice for gaming than the expensive Core i9-9900K, and it offers similar performance at a lower price.

The Core i7-9700K offers 12 MB of L3 cache. Unfortunately, the company has intentionally disabled on-die SRAM for keeping Core i7-9700K from coming too close to Core i9-9900K performance.

Just keep in mind that a 95W ceiling doesn’t apply to the Turbo Boost clock rates. However, the processor needs at least a 130W cooler. The 8 cores of this processor are more than the 6 cores used in the previous models. If you are looking for overclocking, you should use liquid cooling, and a beefy heat sink fan combination won’t provide you with much headroom.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

5. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Key Features

• 12 Cores & 24 Threads
• 8 GHz Base Frequency / 4.6 GHz Boost Frequency
• AM4 Socket
• 105W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X comes with 12 cores and 24 threads. It provides up to 4.6 GHz power, making it an ultimate high performer on the market. The performance of this processor is better than the overpriced Intel Core i9-9900K.

This processor offers a base frequency of up to 3.8 GHz and a boost frequency up to 4.6 GHz. Moreover, it also comes with a TDP of 105W. Moreover, there is no need to buy a new motherboard for Zen 2 architecture. To make it compatible with all the X470 and B450 chipsets, AMD has announced the BIOS updates to make the processor compatible with more boards. The 3900X comes with a 70MB of L2 and L3 cache, which is a significant improvement.

The AMD Ryzen 9 3900 is one of the mainstream processors available on the market right now. It offers multi-threaded performance that beats everything that comes in its path and supports PCIe 4.0. The best processors are the ones that offer amazing performance at an affordable price. The Ryzen 9 3900X offers whatever it needs to be a good processor.

The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a great processor, and it comes with everything you need in an advanced processor. Do you want to get the best processor? Then, look no further and buy this mainstream processor. Whether you need a processor for gaming and doing hardcore video and 3D rendering work, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X can handle all the tasks easily.

However, you should remember that there are some workloads where this processor will surpass your expectation. It offers support for PCIe 4.0, which is an excellent addition to choosing AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, as it will be helpful to increase the overall performance of the system. You can connect speedier SSDs for better performance. Overall, it is a great processor that you can buy for 3D rendering or other heavy workloads.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

6. Intel Core-i9 9900K

Key Features

• 8 Cores & 16 Threads
• 60 GHz Base Frequency / 5.00 GHz Boost Frequency
• LGA 1151 Socket
• 95W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

This is one of the best CPUs that you can choose for 3D animation or modeling work. It comes with 8 threads and 16 threads that are helpful to run rendering applications smoothly.

This processor helps you in overclocking all the cores up to 5 GHz. However, you may need to invest in a second-hand CPU cooler to take care of the heat in such a case. It offers you a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, and this processor is a beast when you want to perform jobs like 3D animations and run intense graphical applications.

The CPU performance of this processor is better than the famous Core i7 7700K in terms of 3D rendering. We have compared this CPU with the highest-ranking processor from the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X. The higher clock speed of i9 9900K has outranked the 2700X in raw 3D development.

One of the most outstanding features that make this CPU worth buying for 3D applications is its Cache. The processor comes with 16 MB of L3 cache for efficient and faster processing. However, this processor is a bit expensive, but it justifies the price that you pay for it.

The only flaw that you will find in this high-end CPU is its limited compatibility with the Intel 300 chipset. Thus, you may need to spend money on a new motherboard in high-quality motherboards like Z390 if you want more from this CPU.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

7. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

Key Features

• 16 Cores & 32 Threads
• 5 GHz Base Frequency / 4.7 GHz Boost Frequency
• AM4 Socket
• 105W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a beast processor with 16 cores for delivering unbeatable performance in 3D rendering, gaming, audio, and video production. Apart from multiple performances, this processor also offers excellent single-core performance.

This is a CPU that offers all the features if you buy this processor for creating 3D animations and designs. However, this powerful performance comes at a price for building your next-generation 3D designing machine. Buying this CPU is a serious deal than going for an Intel processor having less than half the cores that 3950X offers at this price point. Thus, Intel needs to take some serious steps if they are looking to mainstream processors for beating the AMD lineup.

The Ryzen 9 3950X is expected to last for years before there is any need to upgrade it to a new processor for 3D rendering. Surely, ample cores on this CPU ensure that it will draw more power, which eventually creates more heat. As no CPU cooler comes with this processor, you need to buy a third-party CPU cooler to cover the heat.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

8. Intel Core i7-6800K

Key Features

• 6 Cores & 12 Threads
• 4 GHz Clock Speed
• LGA 2011-v3 Socket
• 140W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

If you have a tight budget and require a wallet-friendly CPU for rendering 3D rendering and animation, then nothing is better than having the Intel i7 6800K. Although this processor has fewer cores than the others available on this list, its performance with the 3D rendering software is exceptional.

This processor is an excellent CPU for budget builders who don’t have enough to spend on a processor for 3D development. Thanks to the Intel Turbo Boost Technology, you can get more out of this CPU with a single click.

This CPU can efficiently handle tasks like 3D modeling, audio production, video editing, and rendering. This CPU is unlocked, and overclocking isn’t difficult; we suggest you not try it over 4.2 GHz if you are looking for stable performance.

Furthermore, this CPU is also ideal for editing videos, 3D modeling, and performing other useful tasks. For 3D designers, this CPU can be helpful to save them money and buy a 4K graphics card or other valuable items needed.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

9. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X

Key Features

• 12 Cores & 24 Threads
• 5 GHz Base Frequency
• TR4 Socket
• 180W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X is known as the best processor. It can handle all 3D rendering, 3D animation, video editing, gaming, and more like a breeze. It comes equipped with 24 threads and 12 cores to provide a fantastic performance that you can expect from this AMD processor. It offers a base speed of up to 3.5 GHz.

This CPU is designed on a 14 nm process. It comes with the typical Thermal Design Power 180W. It has excellent benchmark results to impress the users with its score. This processor ticks all the boxes to provide the performance that you are expecting from this beast.

It is an unlocked processor that allows users to push the base clock limit of the chip more than its stock settings. This chip doesn’t only push the high-end performance but also redefines it. This CPU offers high-end computing power and performance. The choice is clear for people looking for great horsepower for rendering 3D videos and scenes, working with raytracing lighting, or handling major encoding tasks without getting their hand over the entire system. This chipset offers better multi-core performance and more features needed for better performance at the same price point that Intel is offering.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

10. Intel i7 11700K

Key Features

• 8 Cores & 16 Threads
• 6 GHz Base Frequency / 5.00 GHz Boost Frequency
• Intel LGA 1200 Socket
• 125W TDP

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Overview

The Intel Core i7-11700K is the 8 cores and 16 threads CPU. It offers a max boost frequency of up to 5.00 GHz. However, Intel Core i9-11900 is rated at the peak to deliver 5.3 GHz. Talking about the performance, it offers enough performance to carry out all of your 3D rendering, video editing, and 3D modeling jobs easily.

Moreover, this CPU also offers great single-core boost limits. It includes a 105W TDP, a 16 MB L3 cache, and compatibility with the AMD’s venerable Socket AM4. It supports 5000 series CPUs compared to the older and cheaper 3000 series.

The Intel i7-11700K comes with a new Intel UHD Graphics 750 integrated graphics processor.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Summary for The Best CPUs For 3D Rendering 2023 [Experts Choice]:

Conclusion

If you are in the process to build a PC that will help you with all of your 3D modeling needs, you will find many options on the market that will make you overwhelmed. With so many numbers out there and all kinds of specifications to consider, even technical people may end up choosing something that isn’t the best on the market.

We aim to create a complete guide that will be helpful for you in deciding what you need and then find something that will meet your needs and fulfill your requirements. We hope this guide will be beneficial for you to choose the best PC for work.

You can check this list of best CPUs for 3D rendering 2023 to find what creates the perfect balance between pricing and pure power. After reading this guide, you will save time and money by choosing the right CPU according to your needs and requirements.

Frequently Asked Question

Is a powerful CPU needed for 3D rendering?

You will always need a CPU that offers the most outstanding clock speed for modeling and works great in 3D scenes. It creates no difference if it only provides a few cores because many will not be used for modeling.

Is it better to use AMD or Intel for 3D rendering?

Because rendering is more dependent on the single-core speed of a CPU, Intel takes the lead in this scenario. AMD Ryzen CPUs are far better at 3D rendering when it comes to video rendering. This is mainly because AMD CPUs offer more cores and threads, and they can be helpful to handle many tasks simultaneously.

Does 3D modeling need a graphics card?

Whether you are an architect, engineer, product designer, or simply a CAD fan, having a good graphics card is essential when using 3D modeling software. While producing final renders of any model with the help of specialized rendering software or plugins, performance and processing time are essential factors.

Is i5 good enough for rendering 3D graphics?

When it comes to 3D rendering, the CPU, without any doubt, is one of the most critical components. The rendering speed depends on these cores. 3D rendering is possible while using the Intel Core i5. However, it isn’t the cheapest and most efficient choice, but it will be enough.

Other Product Guides:-  Best