Professionals who handle 3D animation and rendering tasks regularly will know the value of a powerful workstation and/or render node that tackles complex tasks in no time.
We cover both the best hardware parts as well as the best bang-for-buck parts to make sure you can build a powerful workstation, regardless of your budget.
Some professionals need mobility; we couldn’t agree with you more! Our 3D Animation and Rendering hub also covers the best laptops out there that act as excellent mobile workstation and won’t hamper your productivity just because you need power-on-the-go.
February 26, 2024
3D Models are needed in almost any 3D Project and there are sites galore that provide them. Just a couple of sites, though, are actually worth your time. Here's our list.
July 15, 2023
The real-time rendering solution Enscape can push just about any PC to its limits. Here's what we think of its Official System Requirements and what PC you'll need for best performance.
![Adobe Animate System Requirements and PC Recommendations [2024 Update]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/06/Adobe-Animate-System-Requirements-and-PC-Recommendations-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Adobe Animate System Requirements and PC Recommendations [2024 Update]")
July 9, 2023
Adobe Animate is the most popular vector animation software on the market. But what kind of PC performance will you need to make it run smoothly?
![Solidworks System Requirements & PC Recommendations [2024 Update]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/05/Solidworks-System-Requirements-PC-Recommendations-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Solidworks System Requirements & PC Recommendations [2024 Update]")
August 27, 2023
The official Solidworks System Requirements leave much to the imagination and don't make buying a specialized PC all that easy. Here's what you really need to run Solidworks efficiently.
August 27, 2023
The ability to tile textures indefinitely across a 3D Model, a Print, or other digital design comes with some preliminary effort to make the image or texture seamless in the first place. Here's how.
November 4, 2023
Redshift has conquered the GPU Rendering World by storm. But with all this popularity also come considerable performance demands. Here's our take on Redshift's System Requirements.
![What Is “Rendering” in Digital Art? [2D/3D]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/09/What-Is-Rendering-in-Digital-Art-Twitter-420x236.jpg "What Is “Rendering” in Digital Art? [2D/3D]")
September 21, 2022
The so-called "Rendering" process is involved in all kinds of phases when creating digital art. But what does it mean exactly and why does it matter?
![Lumion System Requirements & PC-Recommendations [Updated]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/09/Lumion-System-Requirements-PC-Recommendations-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Lumion System Requirements & PC-Recommendations [Updated]")
September 14, 2022
Lumion is one of the most popular architectural render engines for many different 3D Applications. But what do you need to run Lumion well?
![IOR / Index of Refraction List For Common Materials [For Use In 3D Materials / Rendering]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/IORIndex-of-Refraction-List-for-Common-Materials-Twitter-420x236.jpg "IOR / Index of Refraction List For Common Materials [For Use In 3D Materials / Rendering]")
September 5, 2022
Refractive and Reflective Materials & Shaders in 3D Software are defined through the so-called IOR (Index of Refraction) Value. Here's our List of common Materials.
March 28, 2022
What does CG mean? Computer-generated, Graphics, Visual Effects, or something else entirely? Let's clear up the confusion.
February 15, 2022
Substance Painter is used by creative productions far and wide. But what are the System requirements and PC recommendations you'll need to run it?
April 27, 2022
Unreal Engine's Official System Requirements are vague and you need to take a closer look at your workloads to truly find the right set of hardware for your needs.
May 2, 2022
It can be challenging to select a render engine that fits your needs. We break it down to make picking a suitable 3D Render Engine an easy task.
December 21, 2021
One of the basic skills that an animator should have is to know how to animate walk cycles. Here are our favorite walk cycle references.
April 29, 2022
Normal, Displacement and Bump Maps all add depth and details to your Model's surfaces. But which one should you use and what sets them apart?
November 9, 2021
Normal Maps are easily created through free Generators. They add detail to your 3D Models without the necessity of increasing polygon count.
![Best Laptops for 3D Modeling and Rendering [Updated Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/07/Best-Laptop-for-3D-Modeling-and-Rendering-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Best Laptops for 3D Modeling and Rendering [Updated Guide]")
May 10, 2022
3D Modeling and Rendering on a Laptop is possible but there are some drawbacks to consider. Choose your Mobile workstation wisely with the help of our Guide.
August 15, 2022
There are huge differences in 3D Modeling Software and choosing the right one can make or break your succsess as a 3D-Artist in the 3D Industry.
![Building the Best Workstation PC for ZBrush [2024 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/06/Best-Workstation-PC-for-ZBrush-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Building the Best Workstation PC for ZBrush [2024 Guide]")
January 3, 2023
Smooth active work performance is crucial when sculpting in ZBrush. Here's what parts perform best in ZBrush and how to put together a specialized PC.
April 12, 2022
There are the right kind of CPU and GPU Render Engines for any type of 3D Projects. But what are the differences between them and which one should you choose?
August 31, 2022
X-Particle Benchmarks tell us a lot about what kind of CPU and PC-Parts to get to maximize X-Particles' cache build time. We compare modern CPU's in different Scenes.
May 9, 2022
The Best Website to get Free and Paid High Quality Textures for your 3D Projects. Download High-Res PBR Maps from these Library Sites for 3D Artists & Designers.
May 9, 2022
Make use of our first-hand experience with Online Render Farms to find the best Render Farm for your needs. Octane, Redshift, V-Ray, Blender, 3ds Max, and more.
September 25, 2021
Find all possible ways to move the Camera in Blender here. See which fits your workflow best and which method is the fastest.
January 3, 2023
There are many available Render Engines for Blender. We take a closer look at the most popular Renderers, their strengths and weaknesses.
September 3, 2022
We all want to render faster. With this in-depth guide you'll find a multitude of methods to speed up your rendering and overall 3D render performance.
May 9, 2022
The first thing you need to know when planning a new PC for Rendering Workloads: What Render Engine are you using and what Hardware do I need?
November 7, 2023
What is the Best PC-Build for Blender? Find out what individual Hardware-Parts are important in building a high-performance Workstation for Blender.
![Building the Best PC for 3D Animation [2024 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2018/11/Building_Best_PC_for_3D_animation-Twitter-1200x675-420x236.jpg "Building the Best PC for 3D Animation [2024 Guide]")
January 3, 2023
Everything you need to know about buying and building the best PC for your 2D and 3D Animation needs. In-Depth Info on all PC-Parts.
![Best Laptop for Animation [2024 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2018/09/Best-Laptop-for-Animation-Twitter-1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Laptop for Animation [2024 Guide]")
January 3, 2023
In-Depth Guide on buying the best Laptop for Animation. Overview of Hardware Components and important decisions to make before a Purchase.
October 5, 2023
Best Computers & Workstations in different Tier Builds for 3D Modeling and Rendering, CPU Rendering & GPU Rendering
May 9, 2022
The 3D Artists Ultimate Guide to Making Money in a fulfilling way. Become independent from your day job and make money in 3D with passive income.
October 6, 2023
Here's everything you need to know about the Best Hardware for GPU Rendering in Octane, Redshift, V-Ray and other modern GPU Render Engines.
May 9, 2022
Learn, create and use albedo maps quickly. Improve your realism with the correct use of Albedo Maps.
![Building the Best Cinema 4D Workstation Computer [2024 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2016/10/BestPcforCinema4D-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Building the Best Cinema 4D Workstation Computer [2024 Guide]")
October 23, 2023
The best bang-for-the-buck Cinema 4D Workstation PC Computer would consist of the following hardware components: