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View Full Version : "Turn-key" workstation for high-res Maya renders...need lots o' RAM

HailSkins
02-25-2010, 04:26 PM
Hi Everyone - I use Maya on a daily basis to generate high-res renders for printing large format graphics, but I constantly find myself running out of RAM.

Currently I have a DELL T7400 workstation with 4 GB (maxed out) RAM. (Also has Dual 2.66 Xeons, Quadro FX 4600, Win XP Pro, etc.) I need a new render box for Maya which will allow me to add more system memory.

Personally I would like to build the new machine myself, but my office's IT Dept has asked me to find a "pre-built" solution with good customer support if possible. Does anyone have any ideas?

I am open to a Mac Pro or any PC brands recommended.

Thanks for your help!
DanielWray
02-26-2010, 04:50 PM
Perhaps on of these machines, Even the 24GB should be more than enough. But I guess if the money is there you could future proof the machine for some time.

You could probably get a good system custom built as well but you would have to have a look in your local area, or you could visit BOXX, there systems are built for stuff like this and customer support from what I hear is second to none. Although they are a bit pricey.

EDIT: Forgot the link http://www.dell.com/us/en/enterprise/workstations/precndt/cp.aspx?refid=precndt&s=biz&cs=555&~ck=mn

EDIT#2: Using a 64-bit OS would allow you to use your full 4Gig's, XP allows only 2.75Gig when running 32-bit, that could solve the memory issue.
biliousfrog
02-26-2010, 06:02 PM
BOXX are very nice machines, they've also just released a 'budget' workstation based on the i7 which will allow 8-12gb.

You're obviously only using 32bit XP which is going to cut Maya's RAM usage down to 2gb anyway, even swapping the current PC to 64bit will give you a boost. TBH almost anything with 64bit OS and 6-12gb of RAM will be an enormous improvement.

What size renders do you need? I've created images for 18ft banners and the DPI is usually so low that you're rendering to a fairly modest size anyway.
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