Looking for an entry-level 3D-rendering/animation graphics card replacement for workstation

[nicodoll]

Hi everyone. I'm not familiar with technical CPU components; forgive me if something doesn't seem right here. I hope I've been specific enough but feel free to ask me for any clarifications.

I've purchased a refurbished HP xw4400 Workstation back in Feburary '15 and it has a very old card called the ATI FireGL v3350 that isn't compatible with most software anymore, even with the most recent drivers. Video streaming is also a headache as it freezes constantly. I am an animation student and I would like to replace it with a compatible entry-level 3D-rendering and animation specific GPU. My budget is about $250, and I'm purchasing online from Canada.

The workstation is running Windows 7 x64, has an Intel Core 2 6400 @ 2.13GHz processor, 1TB internal storage and 8GB of RAM.
The components in the CPU are standard. It has two Chassis cooling fans. The power supply assembly inputs 100-240VAC, outputs 460-watts and has a wide range, active power factor correction. I also have a 1920 x 1080 monitor.

The card has to be PCI-e x16.

I use a lot of graphic arts software (Clip Studio, Flash, Photoshop, Artrage, Zbrush, Maya etc.) and do a lot of internet browsing on chrome. I also take online instruction so streaming videos on my machine is very important. I don't play video games on my workstation.

Specs of my workstation: http://h50146.www5.hp.com/lib/doc/manual/workstation/xw4400/c00768537.pdf , http://partsurfer.hp.com/Search.aspx?SearchText=2UA7170479

Specs of my current card: http://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/851/firegl-v3350.html

Thank you in advance for your help,
Nico

 

[little cat]

The video card is too weak
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu.php?gpu=FireGL+V3350

I would get GTX 950 . Standard ref one has 90W TDP . Recently new were announced running on PCI-E slot only i.e. power draw up to 75W .

Unfortunately E6400 would bottleneck GTX 950 . So , the processor must be upgraded at least - for instance E8400 . Must be checked whether supported . Or just get a new CPU/mobo as well . Or build a new AMD APU rig .
http://cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php

Maybe something like this !
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.98 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88X PRO3+ ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($99.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $249.47
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-21 02:24 EDT-0400

Edit :
I dont understand Maya , Photoshop .so my advice is like a gaming rig

Edit 2: If You dont wish to get a new CPU/ mobo , might get this :
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/zotac-video-card-zt7111420l
This GT 730 has 384 CUDA cores

 

[Caring1]

Basically any current Nvidia card will be better than the FireGL V3350.
I think the CPU will also need upgrading as it is fairly slow by todays standards and could be replaced with an E6700 or possibly the X6800.
As mentioned look for a GPU that does not need a power cable connected.

 

[vega22]

yea, expect nv have crippled all their card bar a couple of titans for ws stuff.....

i imagine for a new gpu you're going to need a psu in that budget too dude, does it have any pcie power plugs?

i think lil cat is on the right track tbh. swapping out your main parts for a new amd apu based set up would give you a boost in all areas whilst being able to run on your other existing hardware. you might even then be able to sell your old parts on to free up cash for an ssd which can greatly improve a system too.

 

[ne6togadno]

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=191,190

 

[Frick]

Hope you didn't pay much for that, becuase it's a decade old, and these days it pretty much suck for everything except browsing and maybe some HTPC stuff. If anyone told you differently you've been lied to.

I don't know enough about what you do to give you a good recommandation though. Will the CPU hold back a modern GPU in whatever it is you're doing? In any case I wold definitely look for a CPU, I believe that machine can take the q6600/6700, and even the X6800, but then cooling might be an issue (at least for the x6800).

 

[P4-630]

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=191,190

Thats crazy!
AMD FirePro W4100 529,58
While the same but Ati FirePro W4100 costs only 233,98

 

[Devon68]

You did not specify a budget but here are 2 cards you can look at:
The GTX 750
and
The GTX 750 Ti
they have this much more performance compared to your card

and they don't require a beast of a power supply.

 

[dorsetknob]

guy asked about a replacment card and Too many people try to push him into upgrading
his entire machine ( one or more is too many )
Are You GUYS on " $£ sales Commission"
Please Recommend a Suitable Card for his Budget and not a Machine Rebuild
Just like @Devon68 has above^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Caring1]

Please Recommend a Suitable Card for his Budget and not a Machine Rebuild

I can't recommend an exact model, but as the system only has PCI-e 1.1 he will be limited as to the card he can use.
Preferably no power connector and an older model NV card that still has D.P. for processing work.

 

[ne6togadno]

Thats crazy!
AMD FirePro W4100 529,58
While the same but Ati FirePro W4100 costs only 233,98

for future purchases i'll definitely avoid amd.
ati all the way

 

[nothappy]

I had these to be the recomendation from HP Z Workstation, The entry level would be :
1. AMD Firepro w2100 ($190)
2. Nvidia Quadro K420 ($228)
3. Nvidia Quadro K620 ($342)

These prices are from my usual retailer in indonesia, I converted them tu USD using google. This is my refference :
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/workstations/z230.html#!&pd1=1

Please do a reasearch of each to find the pinnacle of the money spent in them, as the softwares are really diverse. Processors are secondary due to your Graphics need are the ultimate priority right now. I hope this helps.