My First Computer Build:
3D Workstation

Web page author W. David Hoisington, Ph.D.
This web page is about my efforts in custom designing a computer system that would specifically used for both 3d rendering and game play.  As this was a new field of investigation there was a lot to learn.  It took me 6 months and some mistakes along the way.  There were financial constraints on the project, thus the aim was to build something that could be upgraded with new technology in the future, but didn't cost me 5k.  The focus was on 3D graphics, gaming, and a combination of form and function that looks nice on top of the desk.  I expect that this "hobby" will continue to be enjoyable as I seek to build a system that I enjoy.
First Build: April, 2010

Photo shows an overall shot of the entire system.  The front of the computer has a see-through acrylic door that has been modified to let in air provided by four 120 mm fans linked to a fan controller.

There is a liquid cpu cooler,  1000 watt modular PSU, 8 GB RAM DDR3, and Phenom 965 BE.
(all of this moved over to second build shown below)

The case is the NZXT Appollo, a mid sized case chosen to sit on top of the desk.

The desk arrangement is set to decrease mouse strain and eye strain.

Some Information on Build 2: 

The second build improved, over the first, the air flow while also decreasing the noise (dropped 10 db maybe?).  This is done by using larger fans (two 220mm and one 140 mm), and also 4 four 120 mm fans on a fan controller.  The case has 4 intake fans, 4 exhaust fans, a 120 mm fan on the VGA and 40mm fans on the RAM.  Also fans installed on the dual RAID 0 hard drives with a second controller that has a sensor readouts, time and date.  There are dust filters, some custom made, on all the intake fans.  The system stays very cool and the cpu is clocked at 3.6 ghtz.
 

The mother board (Gigabyte 890fx - ud7) received high ratings for rendering, and is designed for the hex core processor (also good for rendering, to be a future upgrade). The board just fit into this large case (Thermaltake Speedo Advantage).  Components were moved over from build one (cpu, fans, controller, cpu cooler).

There is a new Gigabyte Aivia gaming keyboard with great key response and sturdy wrist support (in the keyboard tray, see upper photo build 1).
The headphones have optical input and true surround sound - yellow arrow points to them.

The system is also designed to be easily upgraded as the case has lots of room, great air flow, and a fantastic cable managment system. 

To see the work results of this system visit:
Thanks to Mathew Martin for his help with build one and thanks to AllinOneComputers.com for help with build two.
and
I post this web page to share my entry into a new domain of knowledge, to share this accomplishment with my friends, and to offer a design to others who may want a quality 3D workstation at a reasonable price which can be used for rendering and also used for gaming.

My Second Computer Build:
3D Workstation

Second Build: January, 2011 - modified in May, 2011
Second build is below
Close-up of the front of the computer showing the fan controller and the lcd system readout which alows me to keep track of system perfomance when I am totally in 3d graphic programs.

The above photo shows the new 32 inch monitor.  It is hooked up directly to an HDMI output from a GeForce GTX 570. 

The system has both a left (space mouse) and a right hand mouse - white and orange arrows.  The right mouse is a track ball with special adaptions.

Interior of the left side of the system.  Note the clean apperance and the lack of wire clutter.  This is because the wires are mostly on the right side of the computer in a special cable management compartment.  This helps the air flow in the case, and it looks nice.

There is also a divider between the graphics card and the cpu which has helped to limit the temperature effects of the graphics card on other components.

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