It looks like using a beefy PC on the local network as a render node is the way to go for Mac users running Apple integrated GPUs. Unfortunately, the whole lack of serious AMD/Apple driver support (and of course, the total drop of NVIDIA support) has made AMD hardware not a good option for Mac Octane production users looking to the future. Otoy has very little incentive to put the significant effort required into supporting AMD these days. Some poor folks got stuck with the newer Mac Pro towers with AMD GPUs, and they are kinda screwed.
Although you are understandably reluctant to buy a PC, even a cheapo/used PC or an older Mac Pro tower, (either of which can run a stripped down Linux), with a decent GPU in it on the LAN should make a big difference. It essentially IS an eGPU, just connected over ethernet. 10/100 GB ethernet makes a significant difference for real-time look dev rendering. Depending on your final scenes, a really fast LAN may or may not make a significant difference in rendering sequences. For Frames that take a few minutes to fully render, network speed doesn't seem too important in my experience, but if your frames are on the order of 01:00 or less to render, especially if they contain a lot of assets, then network speed becomes a significant factor.
How is Octane X holding up for you Mac users out there?
Moderator: ChrisHekman
Plugging this very own resource summarizing the (nearly whole) Octane X history.
It covers the surface of cross-platform scenario, however cross-platforms have resulted in satisfactory results and operationality.
It covers the surface of cross-platform scenario, however cross-platforms have resulted in satisfactory results and operationality.
Octane resources
OCTANE POSTS (URLs have changed, which will break some links but all content remains available).
OCTANE POSTS (URLs have changed, which will break some links but all content remains available).
Your summaries and deep-dives are always excellent. Thank you for sharing them with the community.skientia wrote:Plugging this very own resource summarizing the (nearly whole) Octane X history.
It covers the surface of cross-platform scenario, however cross-platforms have resulted in satisfactory results and operationality.
Animation Technical Director - Washington DC
Much appreciated. Back at you. There would be a void without your contributive help.frankmci wrote: Your summaries and deep-dives are always excellent. Thank you for sharing them with the community.
Octane resources
OCTANE POSTS (URLs have changed, which will break some links but all content remains available).
OCTANE POSTS (URLs have changed, which will break some links but all content remains available).