Basic Build

[-rb-]

Hi all,

Quite a simple one really...I've been getting more and more into Octane for C4D and finally dropped Vray (which I used to up to Rebus), though I now realise Octane Cloud might be a way off, and I've got a major job coming up for quite a few Architectural interiors, possibly some animation. I'm running a quite basic GTX 765M on my Win 8 laptop, but want to maintain laptop portability so I can visit sites/studios with ease.

So what I was looking for was the cheapest way I can get max GPU goodness over network render...I have two Octane licenses and 2 C4D plugin licenses. I was considering just buying something super cheap on ebay, ripping out the graphics card and popping something with at least 6GB into it. Problem is, I'm sure I'll screw it up some how as I've just come out of an office environment where I'd usually leave it to the IT guys. I'll get the bloody thing and the card will be too big for the slot (or something) I can feel it! I probably have around £600 - this might not be realistic for a 6GB addition.

What would be the best course of action? A lot of this info is scattered across so many forums...

Just really don't want to go back to Vray (obviously!)

Cheers,

- Rich

[glimpse]

hi Rich,

what is the laptop model You own?

cheapest & the best option in my eyes would be to get an eGPU- this would allow You to have it nearby Your laptop & do work on the move..

for 600pounds You can get new 780 6GB or used TitanBlack + PSU & required kit to connect GPU with laptop..

now the question comes.. do You have Express card slot? mPCI? - any of these would allow to plug adapter easily =)
(ussually mPCI used for wi-fi, but You have wi-fi as USB stick & then be able to plug eGPU that way..)

[glimpse]

I have this on my table =) will try soon to see how it works - if You're interested I can share some findings.

p.s. as You mentioned, You can try to buy & repurpose old PC, but keep in mind You need extra licence, not to mention the fact, because of lan upload might be slower..& You need pretty good PC in order to take advantage of 6GB card (I mean at least 16GB of ram so You would not cap the performance..- as I work on scenes close to 6GB of vRAM I see Octane running at 10GB+, add some system resources..16GB is a must.. - not so sure if You can get a full system for that)

[-rb-]

Ah yes Glimpse - I would love to just use an eGPU...Unfortunatley I'm running one of these http://bit.ly/1yvcVZV which is only USB 3.0 in terms of connections...Which when reviewing the eGPU thread on this forum dashed my hopes...

However I've never seen the USB wireless as a work around? Wondering if it would work with my MSI? If it did that would be a great solution?

Thanks so much,

- Rich

[-rb-]

I do have a couple of licenses though already (to run Amazon AMI - but this service is so up and down for me it's useless to rely on)

- Rich

[glimpse]

ghm..ORC, Octane Render cloud is coming soon..it is in closed beta now - so this might be an option..

as for mini PCIe for laptop as external GPU - there's a lot to read - it's not so out-of-the-box option as You would like, but it might work, it might not =) 7 it's hard to say unless You find someOne who has identical laptop or try that on Your own - that involves investment to try things out =)

if you have extra set of licences (Octane Standalone if You wish to use as a node or c4d if You want to leave it running on it's own with scene there) going full buld migh be an option, bus as said.. if You wish to get at least 6GB card - 600 ounds migh be too short..as You need simple board with at least lower-end CPU + ~16GB of RAM then PSU, case.. etc.

where are You from? =)

[-rb-]

I'm in London at the mo - howdy Issue with Octane Cloud is that I can't see it coming out in the next week! Been waiting about 18 months so far

If you don't mind me asking - what hardware should I be looking for to install the PCIe?

- Rich

[glimpse]

I'm in London at the mo - howdy Issue with Octane Cloud is that I can't see it coming out in the next week! Been waiting about 18 months so far

hehe, I might be there soon (nothing for sure), might give a spin on Your laptop, if I take this kit with me =) still need to order few more wires to be able to hook it from PCIe (in regular PC, & mPCIe in case of laptop). This express card is good only incase if You get Thunderbolt to express card adapter.

If you don't mind me asking - what hardware should I be looking for to install the PCIe?

You mean if You want to go this, external GPU, route? =)
just say, I can give You links (basically all kits are 99% the same)..

[-rb-]

If you're coming across then yeah sure! I'll buy you pint or two

With the hardware question was more basic than that even...Should I check my laptop for a specific card? Also I only have USB 3.0...

- Rich

[glimpse]

With the hardware question was more basic than that even...Should I check my laptop for a specific card? Also I only have USB 3.0...

hehe, I'm still in talks 'bout some job opportunities out there, but might have to go next week for a meeting =)

mm, let's see, could You turn Your rig upside down & see if anything opens from the bottom? DO You know how wifi cards looks? =) basically if You have it inside, then it's 50/50 that this route might work for You!..

What You need is to buy thumb drive (for wife internet) & get something like I've posted but with this mPCIe end instead of express card =)

I'll send You link soon, but You can check if You have wifi board..
I'll try to google up more 'bout Your laptop now..