I just bought a workstation:
Win 8 64 bit
6-core 12 threads Intel
dual 760 gtx
16 gb 1600 RAM
I’ve set my virtual memory up to 16 gb.
I’ve set Zbrush to 4096 in the “mem” preferences.
I’m running as administrator.
I understand it’s not a 64-bit program but don’t people get up to like 20 million polygons? Or is everyone capped at 8-12?
Thanks for replying! I did! Up to 32 million polygons. I get an error about not having enough RAM which is not true.
EDIT: I’ll get to about 8 million with the above options how they are. The next subdivision goes up to 22 million. I get a RAM error.
On another model, it gets up to about 12 million and I get the RAM error again.
Grab some memory test and see what happens. Maybe they are broken.
I can go to 20 or more in one subtool on 4GB. My max was more than 70 milions with 6 subtools, but Zbrush became a little unresponsive to work comfortably. That’s without using HD sculpting.
I go to 5-8 million with almost each project I do. 16-18 millions is for really detailed meshes that I bake using xNormal. Never had any problems with it.
Maybe you got Zbrush scratch disk set to disk that have not enough free space? Check
// this is on Windows 7
C:\Users\Public\Documents\ZBrushData\ZBrushScratchDiskPath.TXT
file and set it to point to drive that have lot of free space. I got one partition on my second drive that I use solely for Windows swap file, Photoshop swap file and Zbrush swap file. Maybe this will help.
Thanks very much for responding again. I don’t have time to check this right now but I promise I will.
Is this not the same as virtual memory? I have virtual memory set to 16000 on the windows properties.
I’m not looking to get crazy but I would certainly like the 12 million option if possible and I have, in my mind, more than capable enough pc to do it.
I’m running Windows 8 64 bit. Could that be a problem as well? I certainly hate to ask since I haven’t yet checked the .txt file yet but it’s worth asking. I have a 2 tb drive that I can set a high amount of scratch disk if needed so hopefully that’s the problem but I have 36 gb left on my solid state drive. That should be enough for any scratch disk, no?
I changed the path of the zBrush Scratch data and added a new scratchdisk folder but still no change. :banghead:
It goes from 8 mill to 33 million and then sometimes I can at least turn the model but more often than not it just crashes. I’ve never been able to paint detail sculpt anything this high yet.
I’ll get this error “Memory error- sorry this action could not be completed seccessfuly due to insufficient amount of system memory (RAM).”
It seems if my mesh is around 6-8 million then it will never reach the next subdivision level as that will put it in the > 25 million range.
Zbrush is so slow in development I hardly think they’ll get to a 64bit program any time soon.
I am an Official ZBrush Certified artist and you can find me listed on their web site under the section that shows those of us with official certification. The reason I say that is because I think I can help and there are many common misconceptions about user settings. At this time, it would help most if you can post some screenshots of your preferences menu > mem and preferences > performance. Also, I assume you are using the latest version 4R6.
First, you need to know that ZBrush will automatically optimize itself for your computer when launched. I almost never adjust any settings and get optimal results. So, you should not have to change anything much either.
Second, I assume you are loading a “clean” ZBrush when starting, meaning no other tools, custom UI, etc.
Third, your video cards make no difference whatsoever. They are NEVER used and you need to understand that. ZBrush ONLY uses the CPU for everything it does and therefore is more CPU dependent than GPU. Also, 2 video cards will NOT work in most other programs regardless as many programs only see one GPU like Maya, Max, etc. Please list what type of CPU you have specifically, as that is what matter here AND your memory specs.
Fourth, adjusting your memory does NOT help and is another misconception. What the memory setting does, such as “compact mem” is meaning how much memory the program uses when NOT in use, such as sitting idle while you do something else. You can use more than 4GB of course, because the program will use up to that amount automatically when you are working. However, you will ALWAYS need headroom which is why more than 4GB is required. If you open any other program or do anything you are needing more RAM. Each program, even if 32bit like ZBrush can use up to 4GB each.
Fifth, the “doc undo” and “tool undo” should be left at 4 most times. Again, this is just stating you want a MINIMUM number here, it does NOT increase the number of undos allowed. The 4 for both is saying you want a minimum number of undos for them to be 4, but it will automatically go higher.
Sixth, you should see in ZBrush Preferences the “maxpolypermesh” in the “mem” menu. Here, it should say about 22 million or a number your computer can handle which may be lower. Mine is maxed out at just over 22 million.
There are other steps we can check, but this should get you started. Hope it helps
If you are hitting a wall with your models and not as a result of the program itself, then it’s most likely your workflow and not having enough training. You want to start as low as possible and only sub-d when REALLY needed. Using Dynamesh is a great help to get your basic forms in place BEFORE doing any sub-d of it. Typically, depending on what you are doing, a Dynamesh of 32 is good to start and you can always go up to say 128. Even for my high-res detailed human realistic models based on a real person I stay within 128 BEFORE doing any sub-d as you can get a LOT of detail in.
I think it’s a matter of understanding more of ZBrush at this point because it sounds like you are hitting a wall and not using a good workflow which is why I mention it. You really should never get a memory issue even on extreme models as I have seen and taken classes where this is done without any issues.
Your ZBrush seems like an OLD version from how you describe the memory menu. There is no reason why you should not be on 4R6 if you are not yet.
Also, the 64bit thing is coming with ZBrush 5. I can’t say much even if I knew more, but I don’t. It’s in the works for sure though and the great thing is how much they keep refining and adding.
Good luck in your work.
i think when you set your memory you need to press >compact now
the other problem is if all your subtools are high
set them to tool>all low
then work on 1 subtool at the highest
or you may turn on SOLO which only the active tool will show
that way its only rendering 1 subtool and not the others.
the other problem if your main tool start mesh is to high and you subdivide it then your multiplying it by 4
and making it subdivide to much in click of subd,
in other words you need to do the math if your multiplying it by 4.
that depends with or with out subtools
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