Clusters ???

[3DImageWorks]

We have 3 Alienware dual processor machines (Windows XP Pro).

We want to set it up so all 3 machines are used when performing single frame renders in Vray.

We were going to set up a network render setup BUT someone mentioned that you can share CPU resources from one machine to another.

After a quick Google search I found some info on Network Clusters.

 

Has anyone managed to create a cluster for this purpose?

Is a cluster a better option than a NR?

Can a cluster be setup with just 2 or 3 machines?

Do I need to change OS to setup a cluster?

[JamesTaylor]

you need to look at distrubted rendering which is supported in vray, its a little flakey at the moment but should be properly addressed in v1.5 when its released.

 

instructions can be found in the vray help files http://www.spot3d.com

[3DImageWorks]

thanks jat10005

but I am still wondering about this cluster business

 

Anyone have a clue how to set one up and if they will help with rendering times etc

[jtmdr]

Clusters? Are you really referring to a "render farm" which is, in itself a "cluster" of computers? IF that's the case, there's many ways to set them up, depending on the soft ware that your utilizing. Also, the VERSION of that software will determine how you set up your render farm or "cluster." (I think this is what you mean.... )

 

Withall - it will substantially reduces rendiing time, but that all depends on the speed of the indvidual machines in the farm or cluster, the particualr "render" you are processing at the time, and how many you have in the render farm itself.

 

V-RAy can handle ten nodes - I think - I'm not sure if there is a limit on MAX. ( I have a friend who processes all my large renders and a VERY LARGE FARM. How much time reduction? I his case, hours become minutes.

 

Each computer in the "cluster" or farm is a "node." So, ten node farm, twenty node farm, or three node farm? And what are they . . .? Dual processors, single processor machines, quad processor machines. What is there clock speed? How much memory in each node?

 

There are a million variables.

 

It short, it will speed things up. How much? Aagin each render is different.

 

Good luck!

[tdarcy]

I would go down the vray DR route if I was you. I use it all the time at work, distributing still images across 10 machines. Very seldom have any trouble with it.

 

Cheers

TD