RenderFarm

[dvornik]

You have to run backburner that is included with max. You run bb "servers" on all the machines that do renders. You run the manager on the machine from which you send the job. And you can run the monitor anywhere. Most important thing is to give ALL your file paths (textures and everything) in UNC naming convention even if they are on your local machine, like \\Junk\D\Downloads. Or mount a network drive so it has the same letter everywhere. Then check the "network rendering" checkbox in render dialog and that's it. Render in file sequences cause it can't network render an .avi.

Win2k pro has a limit of 10 connections per box, so if you need more you'll have to get windows server OS.


There are several articles on discreet support site on this .
here (http://www.discreet.com/support/max/faq/searchlist.php3)

[Xilica]

Well, I am using Windows 98, using 160 RAM with a 466 mHz.

My dad said I am really pushing the envelope with my machine.

With 3ds max 5 it laggs tremendously but when I used 4.2 it was fine. That's why I am considering this.

By the way, it works for Windows 98, right?

[dvornik]

I'm not sure about Windows 98, "should" work. I don't think it's a good idea to run max on it in the first place. And yeah, your machine is old. Don't know what to tell you. Rendering on another computer would save you rendertime, but won't improve performance.

[Xilica]

I've been planning to upgrade to another eMachine, as that is what I am on now. :airguitar

[dvornik]

That makes sense. Turn your old box into a render slave. I'm not familiar with e-machines. At the moment something like a single athlon with a GF4 ti 4200 would be a good budget solution with a very solid performance in max. Oh, and try to get win2k while you're at it.

[visualboo]

I'm not sure about max 5 yet but 4.2 and erlier won't network render on win98. It's all in the docs.

Deffinitely go with win2k at least

[Xilica]

Yeah, Windows 2k ownz XP.

[s2a-adamk]

Win 98 is not an "approved" os for max. If you are getting a new machine - try to get a win2k machine. I would not get an e-machine. They are the cheapest computers on the shelf for a reason. All the components are the cheapest you can get = and they usually fail. Spend an extra $300 - it is worth it.

Graphics cards DO NOT speed up rendering. Do not believe this myth. Will only effect your display. And you will never see a difference in Max unless you like to run all your animations back with the active shader in the viewport. You do not need the above recommended GeForce 4 Ti - unless you are a serious gamer and plan to get all the new games this fall. GeForce 3 (non Ti) is only $38. Buy more ram.

Why do you think you need a render farm? Unless you are rendering animation sequences, you only need 1 good workstation (take a break every now and then). Whatever new cpu get - you will find that old box worthless - I wouldn't even bother with it, unless you want an MP3 server.

Good luck!
a

[s2a-adamk]

PS - we run max 4.2 on dual p3 800s with 512 - 1 gb of ram. For rendering we have a "farm" of 14 - mostly dual p3 800s and 933s - with a couple of athlon 1.X - the dual p3s are usually 25% faster.

FYI - You can get a (NICE!) HP Kayak dual p3 800 off ebay for $500.

a

[Xilica]

I went to CompUSA. I can't find Win2k anywhere.

Do they still sell it new?

Thanks.

- Mike

[Pim4]

as far as i know, you may "downgrade", so buy a copy of xp and use win2k instead. Collegue of mine did it once with NT4.0, wasn't for sale any more, so they bought win2k, en used nt4

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.