Multi thread suggestion

**ben1arch** · December 11th, 2006

Here are a couple of things I found out when I got a new computer with two dual core processors running windows xp pro. At first, I was disappointed because the renders were faster, but everything else slowed way down. If I tried to use Autocad while Max was rendering with Vray, well, forget it. I found out though, that in Max, under customize/preferences/rendering you can turn on or off mutli-threading. When doing an animation, I actually get better results turning off multi-threading and loading 4 copies of Max and have each of them render a separate part of the aninmation. I can also use other programs with Max running. Now your probably saying, what if its a single frame and I want to use all the processors? I found a solution to that too. In the render dialogue box, under the vray settings/system there is a box to check for low thread priority. Check that, and the rendering hit is minimal, and you can use other programs at the same time.

**BrianKitts** · December 11th, 2006

under the same circumstances I prefer to leave all threading intact and when I need to multitask - specifically working in autocad/photoshop/or modeling while I have a rendering running to go into the processes tab in the windows task manager and (right click on actual process) remove the affinity on one processor from the instance of max that is completing the rendering. This allows enough processing power to complete the extra tasks while leaving max running @ 3/4 strength. The nice thing is this option can be changed mid rendering.

**ben1arch** · December 11th, 2006

Cool! I wasn't aware of that. Almost total control of your processors. Who would have thunk.

**Christopher Nichols** · December 11th, 2006

Vray has included in the system tab a preference where you can use a low thread priority. This allows you to use the full power of Vray when you are not doing a thing, but gives you back some control of the computer wehn you move your mouse or read your email, etc... I turn that on all the time by default. Basically, it does the same thing that BKittsARC said, but Vray does it for you.