From: Chao, Chandler To: 3DSMAX@engram.net <3DSMAX@engram.net> Subject: RE: dual proc doubts Date: Monday, April 24, 2000 8:35 AM Kieth has a good point here. Let us point out that you can net render on a machine that does not have a video card in it; firm proof that the video card plays no part in the rendering process in Max. As others have pointed out the Max's scanline renderer is purely software based, and if you doubt that I would suggest you contact discreet and confirm it with them. That is not to say that there is no such thing as a hardware renderer that takes advantage of the video card. A wonderful example of this is Maya's Hardware Renderer, primarily used for rendering out certain particle effects, and also getting quick animation previews. It is done primarily, if not purely, through the video card which makes it lightning fast. There is also the standard software renderer which is the one normally used to render out the scenes, again it is solely done in software taking no advantage of the video card whatsoever. I cannot speak for other programs such as ProEngineer fore I have not exposure to them. They very well could have a hardware renderer, and if they do I'm sure it is separate from their software renderer. Chandler -----Original Message----- The software doesn't record the image file to disk after it passes through the video card! Eh... It records the image after the render process is complete. It only dumps a version to the video card to show you what you've created. You don't even need a video card to render. Some render servers don't even have any video card. -- Subscribe/Unsubscribe at: http://mail.engram.net/guest/RemoteListSummary/3DSTUDIOMAX List courtesy of http://www.Engram.net