PC Specification

[Dakmar]

Hey

We have been told that having more memory and a better graphics card will not make much difference when rendering. This does not seem right to me. I would think that running a 64-Bit system with 16mb memory and having a good graphics card would make a difference over a 32-bit system and a lower spec graphics cards.

Can anyone confirm this ?

Quad Core 2

4mb

Quatro FX 1700

[Ray Libby]

Graphics cards only help with render in OpenGL. You also need a good graphics card for screen redraw. Memory doesn't make rendering faster, it only keeps it from getting slow if you run out (which I guess would be faster). Where did you get your info?

[Dakmar]

The local sales people.

The main problem is that I cant' do much else while the computer is rendering as it slows down the whole machine. So I'm thinking that 64-bit and more memory will at least let me do other work on the PC while it is rendering.

[Ray Libby]

Possibly, Vectorworks render is a resource hog. With my latest computer with 4 cores I am seeing some ability to do other tasks while rendering, but still really slow.

[grant_PD]

Your 64 bit machine will not run VW any faster as it's a 32 bit compiled program. In fact, you may notice a little lag as it's emulating VW rather than straight running it.

Having more cores is definitely a plus. More memory will help, although at 32 bit VW cannot address more than 3 gigs anyway.

You may find that batch rendering lets you use other programs a little better, as it won't take up screen drawing processes, just writes them to file.

[Pat Stanford]

Grant is correct about running VW2010 and earlier. What we don't know is when VW will be able to take advantage of 64 bit.

If you are getting a new machine, get the biggest fastest bestest that you can afford and plan to replace it in three years.

Or get a mid-range machine and plan to replace it in 18 months.