Is 512 DDR Ram overboard when rendering 3d graphics with 1.2 ghz athlon?

[CheapJabroni]

Hey there,
I was wondering if 512 DDR RAM would be pointless or useful in rendering graphics in 3d Studio Max with a 1.2 gigahert processor. Anyone know if that's just too much RAM that won't fully be used? Thanks.

 

[Scouzer]

I've read that rendering 3D graphics, the more RAM the better.

 

[DesignDawg]

I'm a 3D animator. I have 640 each on my computers, and it's not enough sometimes. It totally depends on your scene. The SKIN TEXTURE for one character in Toy Story 2 was a couple of gigabytes. So, in that case, 512 MB would certainly not be overkill. Nor would it be even close to enough. On the other hand, a fairly complex "video res." scene can be rendered with only a few hundred MB to spare. I would say without reservation that 512 is DEFINITELY gonna be worth it if you are doing any serious work. --And you may find you need more. I certainly do. I plan on going at least 1 GB each on my computers.

Ricky
DesignDawg

 

[CheapJabroni]

Hey..great. I'll fetch for the 512 then...I'm a standard university student wanting to get into the animation industry and I've been teaching myself the tools for a couple months now...and the rendering times have been hell for me. Thanks alot.

 

[VBboy]

CheapJabroni,

Just so you know, it's "512 MB DDR RAM"

 

[GoldenTiger]

I can't figure out how to even build a model with 3dsm can someone link me a few guides ?

 

[TNTrulez]

I think 1GB would be better don't you? Or is it 768 for those new DDR motherboards?

 

[gsaldivar]

I agree with 1GB -

I wouldn't consider doing rendering with anything less than that. If you can get more, 1.5GB maybe - and your motherboard supports it - it's so cheap right now - why not??

Most modern rendering software will take all you can throw at it

 

[TunaBoo]

Crucial needs to hurry it up with their 512 meg chips.

 

[CheapJabroni]

hehehe 512 megs..yes I'm well aware. As as to why I don't get a gig...its just matter of not being able to afford all of that at the moment =P but I think it'll be fine for now...I just hope DDR prices don't go up soon.

Hey Golden Tiger, I'm self-taught and when I started I just learned from buying a 30 dollar book and flipping through it, I'm not too sure about free online guides.

 

[DesignDawg]

<< Most modern rendering software will take all you can throw at it >>

Hmmmm... Not really. And you can render some QUITE complex and photoreal stuff with less than 512. Don't sweat it that you can't get a gig right now. You'll probably be fine with 512 for a while.

Ricky
DesignDawg

 

[CheapJabroni]

Allright thanks alot guys, been a great help.

Designdawg, I hope you don't mind if I ask you a simple question not related to hardware. I haven't had much personal contact with actual animators and wondering since I've been working with 3dmax for a couple months...what program do you recommend for aspiaring CG animators? 3d Studio, Maya, or one of the other ones? Which ones your favorite? Thanks alot for your help.

 

[Storm27]

Hi,

I've just come late to this thread but thought I'd give my two cents worth.

3D/Graphics applications will use all the ram you can throw at them, especially stuff like 3D Studio Max.
In work I've got a pathetic 256mb ram on a 1 gig Athlon, and a lot of the time I've got AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max
and Adobe Photoshop open at the same time, at home I've got a gig Athlon but with 768mb or ram, and there is
definately a difference.

I'm going to be getting the new Abit KG7 and sticking a gig of Crucial DDR2100 registered memory in it (apparently
its got to be the registered stuff). If Crucial get 512mb sticks out and its cheap I'll stick even more ram in it.

By the way I've only had a little play with Maya but considering it costs about £15,000 you'd expect it to be
much better than 3D Studio Max (which I've used for years now).

 

[SJ]

Alot of the places that used Max(the ones I know of), are switching to Maya, or already have. On the highend you have Maya and Softimage. Then you have Max and at the bottom of the list, Lightwave. I started with Max, but I plan on switching to Maya rather soon.

And yes, Maya is worth the price. As per Shrek &quot;Im a believer&quot;...