Questions for a future computer

[SkatingJesus]

Hi !

I'm a Octane user with Daz Studio, and I'm very happy with it.
Very faster renders, I'm still learning to work my shaders (if someone knows a good SSS for human skins, tell me where it is!).

I work with my computer, a MSI GT70 laptop (laptop, because I live in an appartment, for room purposes), 16Go ram, I7, and a GTX680M (4Go) as graphic card.

I would like to buy a new computer, a normal one (I mean, not a laptop, sorry for my poor english!), and I'm not really a specialist about that.

The limits I noticed for now is the 4Go memory of my graphic card. It seems that because of that, I can't load too many textures in my scene, so not a lot of characters. I can't have more than 4 people in it with HD clothes on them.

I know it's possible to built a computer with 2 or more graphic cards, but I wonder if Octane can recognize and use both of these cards. So my question is : is it a better choice to buy a very powerful graphic card, like a GTX Titan with a lot of RAM, or should I buy 2 or more smaller graphic cards with less memory ? It could be less expensive, buy I fear that Octane can't use both of the graphic cards, and so, still have the 4Go RAM limit.

I planned a good budget for that future computer, about 2500-3000€ (I don't need a screen, I will connect it on my TV).

What do you think about that ?

[SimonJM]

Multiple graphics cards do not increase overall capacity of Octane to process larger scenes. Each card used for the render must load it's own copy of the geometry and textures and thus the memory limit will be that of the card with the smallest amount of memory. From what you say, it sounds like you'd be better off with a single card with more memory.

[smicha]

1 - the most important - the amount of vram for gpus does not sum up - 2x780 3GB don't give you 6GB! Octane must share the scene across gpus so it will see minimal vram out of gpus. For example - if you have 670 2GB and Titan 6GB - octane will see 2GB. But you can select in Octane settings only Titan and have 6GB for rendering (670 may serve as a gpu for system - then you use whole power of titan for rendering only).

2. For 3k eur you may have a great michine. If you can get 780 6GB do it, if not - titan, it not - titan z. Get yourself high power PSU 1200W +, to be ready to insert more cards. Motherboard - look for used WS with 4 slots and an old CPU like 2600k. If new - gigabyte X99 UD4 is a great choice. Always try to look for motherboard that supports 4 dual slot cards. Don't spend too much money on CPU - Octane will work great on 5820 (if new), or 2600 (if old). Think about well ventilated case.

3. We are pleased to answer your questions. Welcome on Octane Render forum

[Seekerfinder]

If you can get 780 6GB do it, if not - titan, it not - titan z.

Or Titan Black. It's getting harder to find an original Titan these days.

Best,
Seeker

[SkatingJesus]

Thanks a lot for these anwsers, and for the welcome!

I will think about it, but I have (for now!) the answer to my questions. I have planned to built the future computer with my bro, but I will ask you again if the configuration is interesting, once we will have made it. Thanks again!