3d studio max question.

[Hottie]

Did search but no luck. Is 3d studio max performance more about CPU or video card? and link for branchmark will help.

Thank.

 

[Mrvile]

Try posting in the software forum. But to answer I'm pretty sure it's CPU.

 

[DV8]

<< ive noticed (no benchmarks to back it up) you need a good video card for OpenGL (quick render in viewports) but a fast cpu when actually rendering. CPU power has a lot to do with rendering cuz of all the calculations ie. refractions, shadows, maps, etc .

 

[wisdomtooth]

One needs a fast CPU and lots of RAM for final rendering in 3D Studio Max, especially if you use a lot of texture maps.

A fast vid card as DV8 says is good for quick working renders only.

 

[Mrvile]

Macs run 3DSMax pretty well, a lot of game/movie artists use them but remember they come with virtually no ram and a pos graphics card.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Huh? According to Discreet Corporation's website (the makers of 3DSM), it does not have a version for Mac.

I suppose you can run 3DSM on Mac through Virtual PC, but that will turn ANY program into a butt-dragging dog.

 

[Mrvile]

Oops. I get my 3D rendering software mixed up. Anyway I know Macs are nice for editing stuff, whether it be 3D, video, even sound, but I guess not 3DSMax.

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: Hottie
Did search but no luck. Is 3d studio max performance more about CPU or video card? and link for branchmark will help.

Thank.

it depends on what is more important to you.

if its anything like MAYA, then i -think- the program itself and the manipulation of objects in your scence, rendering wireframes, rotating the camera, panning, zooming etc etc. relies on the ability of the video card.


however, when it comes to rendering? thats a little more complicated. basically, i think you have hardware rendering and software based rendering options.

if you use software rendering, then you will need a fast cpu(+ all the ram you can get of course)

if you use hardware rendering? then the video card takes some of the burden off the cpu. BUT! you need a special video card for doing that (like the quadro or fire gl video cards)



i only have experience with Maya, but i'm sure that 3dsmax uses the same principles as above.

 

[kazeakuma]

Originally posted by: skunkbuster

Originally posted by: Hottie
Did search but no luck. Is 3d studio max performance more about CPU or video card? and link for branchmark will help.

Thank.

it depends on what is more important to you.

if its anything like MAYA, then i -think- the program itself and the manipulation of objects in your scence, rendering wireframes, rotating the camera, panning, zooming etc etc. relies on the ability of the video card.


however, when it comes to rendering? thats a little more complicated. basically, i think you have hardware rendering and software based rendering options.

if you use software rendering, then you will need a fast cpu(+ all the ram you can get of course)

if you use hardware rendering? then the video card takes some of the burden off the cpu. BUT! you need a special video card for doing that (like the quadro or fire gl video cards)



i only have experience with Maya, but i'm sure that 3dsmax uses the same principles as above.

It can use other render modes if you have a capable card. But for 100% accuracy, I'd stick to Full Software rendering unless I had a Quadro or Wildcat. Even then, most of the load is still on the CPU.

I'd get the best CPU I could afford with as much ram as possible. (Not just textures, complex 3d models contain large amounts of point information and any manipulation of the model costs you more ram) Having no idea what your budget is, if you're serious I'd get a lowend Quadro or Wildcat so that you can benefit from the 'Pro' features on these cards which help greatly in your use of the program. Otherwise, you can honestly work with a normal card in the box, that has good OpenGL support. You're renders will look exactly the same.

 

[Antoneo]

An interesting take on this was raised in Video forums not to long ago, where people pointed out that you can soft mod a 6800 to a Quadro for hundreds of dollars cheaper.

 

[DV8]

<< Yes you can....i was told!

 

[jm0ris0n]

Max performance is determined by CPU. Final rendering via the videocard is currently not a viable option.

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Max performance is determined by CPU. Final rendering via the videocard is currently not a viable option.

i can vouch for that. i soft modded my ati 9800 pro into a fire gl and i didnt see ANY reduction in my rendering times

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: skunkbuster

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Max performance is determined by CPU. Final rendering via the videocard is currently not a viable option.

i can vouch for that. i soft modded my ati 9800 pro into a fire gl and i didnt see ANY reduction in my rendering times

I don't know if I can claim this definatively, but I think I'm the resident 3D Max guru at AT. (Czar is also a 3D Max guy, you can try PMing him. Duvie will also be of help).

You're both on the right track. The CPU determines the render time, but the graphics card is the main bottleneck for realtime manipulation.

PM me if you have any questions.

3D Max is one of the most stressful apps you can throw at a PC, so I hope for the OP's sake that they're running a serious computer. OP: Softmod your graphics card if this is at all possible, otherwise you should buy one that can be softmodded if you're going to be doing complex work.