MAC questions (SU related)
-
I think you will find that running SU in Parallels or Fusion works pretty well. Once you get into rendering, though, you want to maximize processor allotment, which can only be done with Bootcamp. You are right that rebooting is not at all an elegant solution, and can be a thorn in your workflow. Having Windows open in just another window is pretty sweet and I still get a kick out of flipping between OS's.
I would really take a look through the MAC forums before choosing Parallels; there seems to be quite the consensus that Fusion is a superior product. I have had no issues with Fusion and installing and getting it set up was very easy.
All things being equal, I would highly recommend getting render package that runs on the MAC side; life is really good when you are rendering a 8sec, 240 frame, 2560x1440 animation and you look at your processor activity and it is running at 98% usage. Makes you feel like you spent your money well. That animation took 36 hours to render, BTW, so every second per frame you can maximize saves a ton of time over the long run.
I could be wrong here, but I thought that the only real reason to run 2 graphics cards is so you can run 3 or 4 monitors. I use a Wacom tablet with no problems with 1 card, FWIW.
-
Thanks Chuck. We will end up running a display wall of 4 monitors down the road and that will be up in the lobby, so I will need to upgrade down the road for sure. I think for now I will run 1 8800. That should run the 30" and the wacom without an issue. I think for rendering I am down to Modo302 and Cheetah. They have already bought Modo so I think I can just have them spring for Cheetah as well. I will upload some pics in a few weeks of the whole set up.
After some reading last night I think Fusion is the best I am going to get. Parallels still has some people complaining and that has me a bit worried. If I have to change later it is not a huge investment so I should be able to get that change made.
Scott
-
I use VMware vs. Parallels. Used to use Parallels, but VMware just seems better in a number of ways (stability, speed, features).
But I didn't have to use between VMware or Bootcamp. You get both. I can launch VMware when I went it and mac open at the same time. And I can reboot into windows when I want real power. I think Parallels does the same. I will say that I have issues with startup time for Windows (others in office don't have this problem, have not pinned down why), but once windows is running, application are fast.
One things I can't do with dual vm/bootcamp setup is to suspend windows. With VMware only you can quit VM ware where it saves your windows state. Makes for quick startup next time, because windows is right where you left it with applications already open. Since mine is shared with bootcamp, it has to be shut down when I'm done.
-
Thanks David. I am really happy that I am getting all this great info. I appreciate everyones input.
Scott
-
@unknownuser said:
Concepts unlimited
in the meanwhile rebranded to 'Shark FX' with new version 5 (inkl. SU filter) and also functional limited versions called 'Shark' (no rendering/animation) and 'ViaCAD' avail:
2D / 3D CAD and Drafting Software | CAD Software for Mac and Windows | CAD Programs | Drawing Software | Architecture Design Software
2D / 3D CAD and Drafting Software, CAD Software for Mac and Windows, CAD Programs, Drawing Software, Architecture Design Software
(www.punchcad.com)
if you don't need modeling capabilities but looking for a renderer with an intuitive interface check resp. try Art•lantis too:
have fun,
Norbert -
Norbert,
I already have Artlantis V2. I was looking at Shark (thanks for the link) but could not find anything regarding a SU Filter. Can you point me to the documentation?
Scott
-
@unknownuser said:
...could not find anything regarding a SU Filter.
Scott
check available translators at page #2 of the product comparison matrix here:
404 Not Found 2
At Punch!CAD, it is our mission to make computer aided design software that matches up perfectly with your needs, regardless of your industry or expertise. Whether you’re an architect, engineer, CAD drafter, 3D printing expert, furniture designer, student, or DIY hobbyist, you can always find the right tools for the job.
(www.punchcad.com)
all the best,
NorbertP.S.: yes, nVidia Quadro FX is the best, f..orget the rest
(* regarding reliable OpenGL support especially under Windoze)
-
Norbert,
So your saying Shark FX took the place of Concepts unlimited?
Scott
-
i'm going to interject here hoping to get some answers. i'm running SU through parallels and i'm having the issue where the 'snap points' (if that's what you call them), and drag arrows don't show up. for example when using the tape measure tool. wouldn't think that that would be annoying but it really is comforting to see a corner light up when you're drawing a line from it.
is this an video card issue? nvidia geforce 8800gt under the hood. -
@unknownuser said:
So your saying Shark FX took the place of Concepts unlimited?
Scott,
Shark and Shark FX are essentially version 5 of the Concepts Unlimited product with feature improvements and updated core technology. This release introduces full parametric dimensions and constraints, multiple viewports and more modeling tools.
Also added are .OBJ export for data sharing, spline arcs, OpenGL display of textures, updated modeling kernel (ACIS R17), Autocad 2008 DWG support and updated Pro/E and CATIA v4 translators.
you can view an extended list of new features and changes at:
http://www.csi-concepts.com/Demo/shark/SharkReleaseNotes.pdf (~ 7mb)
hope that clarifys,
Norbert -
Just saw that you mentioned Rhino. Tried MoI yet? Not quite the beast Rhino is, but it's a nice app to have.
-
Stinkie,
I tried it a while back but really did not like it. Plus I think if I have the budget available right now I might as well get them to pay for Rhino over Moi.
I know what some are thinking, why Sketchup plus Modo or Rhino? multiple modeling apps? Well, I want to broaden my modeling capabilities not to mention there are still a handful of thing that SU does not do or it does do then just not as efficiently as other apps. Multiple rendering apps? Well some times I have time to go with Vray or something else that takes more time, other times I need Artlantis or something faster. Granted not really apples to apples but time is money and I need options.
I am really appreciative to everyone for your input and help. I have until tuesday to make my decisions so feel free to keep giving input.
Scott
-
I agree that having multiple modeling softwares is critical, as no one does everything, or everything as well. In my view though, it pays to really concentrate on one render app, as it takes a while to get the nuance necessary to generate really enticing product. Your point about speed variation is well made, but I would not be excited about figuring out two engines.
-
Chuck,
I could not agree more. I think if I want to use Vray (which I am most familiar with) I may need to run SU on the PC side. Not a huge deal but I do not know of another alternative since Vary is not in MAC format for SU. I understand there are alternatives (C4DVray) but I can not sell buying C4D just to run Vray on the MAC side. So I do have my mind made up on Vray. Modo302 has a nice rendering engine but the material editor is a goat rodeo. BUT they are developing a SU plugin for Modo302 so once that happens I could also have Modo to do some rendering not to mention it has some really nice modeling tools. I do know Artlantis quite well so that too is another rendering option (more so for speed than quality over Vray).
Scott
-
Not to beat a dead horse, but Cheetah has a really really good render engine. And it is very reasonably priced.
For exteriors with HDRI lighting, it is almost automatically beautifully right off. Interiors, with lights, can take more time setting up, for sure.
Render times are very fast, though can still be days for a short animation.
-
Yep, I think I may pick that up too so that I can start playing around with it. I have heard and read great things about it not to mention, like you said, you can not beat the price. I heard the new update recently really makes it a strong contender.
Scott
-
@unknownuser said:
Modo302 has a nice rendering engine but the material editor is a goat rodeo.
lol! Ah, the Shader Tree ...
-
Yea, LOVE modo but the damn shader tree is enough to make to crazy. I do not understand with everyone (MAX, C4D, etc) all using somewhat the same design for a material editor that Modo would do things SO differently. Hopefully either they will change it or I will learn it well.
Scott
-
@seadog00 said:
i'm going to interject here hoping to get some answers. i'm running SU through parallels and i'm having the issue where the 'snap points' (if that's what you call them), and drag arrows don't show up. for example when using the tape measure tool. wouldn't think that that would be annoying but it really is comforting to see a corner light up when you're drawing a line from it.
is this an video card issue? nvidia geforce 8800gt under the hood.seadog,
i have the same issue with parallels but only as the file gets bigger. too bad their support is so crappy.
i wonder if this is a graphics card issue. my macbook pro came with the nvidia 8600M GT card. because of that i have installed vmware fusion. so far the problem has not arisen.
-
Great to know. I think after all I have read Fusion is the way to go thus far.
Scott
Advertisement