Cinema 4D

Processor

3D Modeling

Building meshes, extruding polygons and other 3D modeling tasks are single-threaded, meaning they only utilize one CPU core. If using this software mostly for modeling, we recommend a processor with 4 to 6 cores and a high clockspeed (3.2GHz and above).

Animation

Like 3D modeling, animation is also single-threaded. Therefore a processor with high clockspeed and 4 to 6 cores is also recommended.

Rendering

While 3D modeling and animation only utilize one CPU core, rendering is a highly multi-threaded task and therefore a high amount of CPU cores will provide better performance.

Memory

In general, 3-6GB of RAM per CPU core is recommended. For example, if you select a single 12-core processor, 32GB will suffice for basic tasks or 64GB for more demanding workloads.

Storage

We recommend having two drives which provides the best performance:

1. Primary Drive: SSD for the operating system and software
2. Secondary Drive: another SSD, or for better performance, an NVMe Flash Storage Drive (the "HP Z Turbo Drive") for active project files

If you need additional storage for large, infrequently accessed files, we also recommend one or more 4TB, 6TB or 8TB+ hard drives. Hard drives also work well for storing export files as the export/rendering process is generally not write intensive.

Graphics

For post production video editing, we recommend NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics cards as they provide high performance at a great value compared to Quadro cards.

For lower budget systems, we recommend a single NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti. If you require support for 10-bit displays, we recommend adding a Decklink card as well.

For higher budget systems, we recommend a single NVIDIA GeForce Titan Xp, which is currently the top of the line GeForce card with the latest architecture. It also supports 10-bit displays, so no need to add a separate Declink card.

If you are considering a dual graphics card setup, then we recommend two GTX 1080 Ti cards (as opposed to two Titan Xp cards) since it provides extreme power at a great value and utilizes less power from the power supply.

Read More: GeForce GTX vs. Quadro Graphics Cards

Chassis

The Z840 is recommended if you require dual processors or dual high performance graphics cards. The Z840 can support up to 6 hard drives or 10 SSDs.

The Z640 is recommended if you require a single high-end processor or single high-performance graphics card. You can always add a second processor and double the memory at a later date using the optional Z640 processor riser. The Z640 can support up to 4 hard drives or 6 SSDs.

The Z440 is recommended if you require a single processor with a low core count or mid-range graphics card. The Z440 can support up to 4 hard drives or 6 SSDs.

Specialty Hardware

Include a Blackmagic Decklink capture and playback card to your post-production workstation. Work with any video format and resolution that you need. Capture from cameras, decks and live feeds directly into editing, effects and design software applications. DeckLink Studio 4K and DeckLink SDI 4K feature high resolution Ultra HD, while DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G and DeckLink 4K Pro also includes dual link 12G-SDI, 2160p60 support, 4:4:4 image quality, 3D stereoscopic for advanced feature film visual effects, editing and color correction. There are DeckLink models to support either file or tape based workflows to precisely deliver perfect monitoring in editing and grading suites using professional SDI monitors, HDMI televisions and even video projectors.

Include a AJA KONA 4 integration and connectivity card to your post-production workstation. KONA 4 is a powerful 8-lane PCIe video and audio desktop I/O card with unparalleled features for handling everything from SD to HD, 2K and 4K with full 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 sampling for fantastic image clarity and 12-bit support. For HDR workflows, KONA 4 supports HDR 10 and HLG for rich color delivery over HDMI.