64 Bit PC or Mac for Max 2012?

[Chris62]

I need to render really hi rez files for print - so what's best for performance - a 64 bit Windows machine or a screaming' ass Mac with Parallels or Bootcamp?

If Mac which is better? (Im told Bootcamp)

 

I’d love a new Mac for other things as well, but a 64 bit windows machine is a lot cheaper. Right now I have a four year old 32 bt Dell, 4 gigs of RAM and I can’t render out much higher than 5000 x 2500 (give or take) in that neighborhood.

 

For example an 18x24 poster at 300 dpi crashes me, I get the cant create bitmap thing...it’s a memory and processor issue I’m sure. It’ll only use 2 gigs RAM anyway so time to upgrade.

 

Taking into account price, laptop vs desktop for both max and PC.

 

thanks for the help.

[Frosty]

Wakes no difference. A Mac is a PC. Just make sure you are 64 bit with as much ram as you can afford.

 

Also, why would you render a poster at 300dpi? Images that are viewed further back do not need high resolution. I very rarely go beyond 4000pixels in any direction. You are talking about 7200.

[Chris62]

Thanks Steve,

 

Well, lots of details in my scene, and this would be viewd right up to the print. 300 dpi is standard anyway for a good print. Especially if youre charging $50 or more (USD).

 

As for make no difference, I hear the Mac vs PC thing all the time. Just want to hear it from people who use Max for the same thing I do, not for instance, video editiors (which I do but its a different bird all together)

[AJLynn]

A Mac that runs Windows in bootcamp is functionally a Windows PC - it's really only a Mac when running OSX. So much as I prefer Macs, I usually recommend Windows PCs for people running Windows.

 

Some recommended configurations can be found at the link in my signature.

[Chris62]

Thanks AJ,

 

Was looking for the excuse to buy a new Mac - good thing my better half doesnt read these. Ill check out your link thanks.

 

Sorry about your Sox BTW.