What kind of GPU should i get for 3d modeling(blender/3ds max)/spec. effects rendering?

Question

I am looking for the best GPU to do both 3d modeling with physics and material symulations, and for gaming. currently i have a 460 that is making simulations hard by dramatically decreasing in reaction time of my viewport. but for gaming, i always hit the ultra high settings at 45-50 fps :). I love gaming, but I plan on doing 3d modeling and animations in college, which is gonna hit shortly. and even if i dont do it in college, i undeniably enjoy doing it as a hobby. So, what kind of work station or even high end gpu should i get. be reasonable though, i dont want a recommendation for a $1000 card, as I am not doing effects for Avatar on this gpu >:3
Computer specs are:

gigabyte z68 mobo
i7 2600k @ 4.6 ghz (hopefully 4.8 after i can get the voltage right :/)
8bg (2x4gb) 1333Mhz ram (also hope to get 1600Mhz after i learn more about ram OCing)
64gb crucial M4 + toshiba 1tb sataII 5400 rpm (in intel smart response technology).
gtx 460 1gb
750w ocz psu

i think thats all that is necessary (if even that was necessary), just hate when i make a post and people say post specs :p. so there you have em.

i was looking at selling my 460 and getting a 580 or 590? maybe waiting until christmas for 680??? idk all input would be appreciated : ). thx guys

Answer 1

Well you have a very nice build for animation purpose but having an extra hard disk with faster 7200rpm speed would be good.Gtx 460 should still be ok but if performance is all what you need then may be you should look for Nvidia quadro series or Ati firepro workstation cards.

Ati firepro V7800 for $600 is very decent and capable card for animation.Or Nvidia quadro 4000 is another amazing card for $750..but,but they are not meant for gaming.So you may have to look for the most high end gpus like gtx 580 and 590

Answer 2

I got Nvidia GTX 580 which is good for viewport rendering and also works very fast when rendering with GPU based renderers like Cycles in Blender,Octane etc.

I am not a very hardcore gamer, but the gamers review for this GPU is also good.

Answer 3

I would consider looking into sli



and I would get a second hard drive that runs at least at 7200RPM



as for the RAM, I believe (but could be wrong) that it is the Motherboard that OC's to the speed (which means you will need 1600MHz RAM)