VW 'core' compatibility - Mac

[domer1322]

I may buy a new Mac Mini M4 for use with VW 2024.  Can anyone steer me toward an official VW document that describes the compatibility and benefits of using VW with various configurations of the Mac Mini (or the iMac) ?    

 

Specifically, I understand the value of more computing cores or more memory, but I don't understand if VW 2024 can take advantage of more cores (or more memory).  I don't understand if VW uses "efficiency cores" or if that makes a difference.  I also see comments about 'Ray Tracing' in the M3 or M4, but can't even figure out if VW or RW uses Ray Tracing.   Also, I have 14 yr old, (but nicely large), monitors and wonder if there is any issue with continuing to use them with the new Macs and VW.

 

In short, I'm just looking for some definitive guidance on these hardware features, and searching for understanding if VW uses these features, or if I would just be wasting money to pay for more 'cores' that VW doesn't even use.  (I will never upgrade my 2024 VW perpetual license .....   I'm old, and I'm thinking this will be my last computer purchase to use VW).

 

Thanks in advance for any advice / information.

 

  

[Pat Stanford]

 

[domer1322]

thanks, Pat ...    I reviewed all the hardware recommendations,  but perhaps I'm asking for a document that doesn't exist.   I understand previous CPUs or graphic cards might have more cores than VW could use.    I suppose my basic question is this:    Can I be sure that if I pay more money for more cores, more memory, and more power, will those features all ensure that I will get more added benefit when using VW/RW 2024 ?     (especially for speedy rendering)

[Pat Stanford]

For Shaded Rendering, Vectorworks will use all the GPU cores you have available.

 

For Renderworks and Redshift Vectorworks will use all the CPU cores you have available.

 

If you are doing large high-end renders, don't scrimp on the RAM.

 

If you are asking these questions is is likely because you are frugal and normally keep your machines for a long time. That is even more reason to not scrimp.

 

My rule of thumb is but the top of the line machine (well maybe not absolute top, but max processor and RAM) every 36 months or buy a middle of range system every 18 months. Price for either option is low on an hourly basis if you use the machine a lot.

 

Is your M1 handling your needs ok with 8GB?  If this is the last machine you are going to have, them max out the RAM.  All the coming AI stuff will take lots of RAM and lots of power.

 

$0.02

[domer1322]

OK ... thanks Pat ... your first two comments address my concerns very well.      ... you are preceptive ... I am frugal and I intend to use this next computer (and VW 2024) until the end of my drawing days.