ZBrushCentral

MultiProcessor Support Preferences

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I’m using a multiprocessor Computer, and greatfully ZBrush2 can use it =] ! But In the Preferences menu, when I set the MultiDraw and MultiRender on, then store the Config (using the button in the config section).
Close ZB2, start it again, the two option are off… Even if I save the UI in another file, and relaod it, the two option are disabled … =[

#2

This will be handled in an updated “Test Multithreading” ZScript. Meanwhile, you can simply open the DefaultZScript.txt file in a text editor and paste the following at the beginning of the file:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
/===========start===========/
// Activates MultiThreading at startup
[VarDef,MultiThreadingInited,0]
[If,!MultiThreadingInited,
[VarInc,MultiThreadingInited]
[IPress,Preferences:MultiDraw]
[IPress,Preferences:MultiRender]
][pd]
/===========end===========/
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This will activate multithreading at startup. If needed you can add other IPress commands to set your own preferred startup configuration.

NOTE: The default ZScript was deliberately left empty (except for the single [pd], which must remain) in order to allow for user customization on startup.

IMPORTANT: Some of the technical problems reported by users have been caused by users adding or modifying files in the ZData folder. It is VERY important that the ZData folder or any of the files included within it (including ZScripts) NOT be modified. ZBrush is relying on the existence of the files, and if any are removed or changed then ZBrush may not work correctly. Any change to these files may also cause difficulties with future ZBrush upgrades.

#3

Thanks ! ^^ Work fine now =]

#4

how does saveing your preferences keep anyone from customizing thier own preferences when the app is launched, it is pretty annoying to have to go in and reset all the options that you like everytime you launch the program. What do oters think about this, is it just me :slight_smile:

#5

If you share the same machine with a couple other people save your preferences with Config:Save UI. When you start Zbrush use Config:Load UI to load “KrisTaylorsSetup1_do_not_touch.cfg”. Just an example of course, add your own expletives to the filename :slight_smile:

#6

Ok guys,

Single Thread = 5.859

Multi Thread = 3.781

Multithreading resulted in 35.4% speed increase.

I am running an HP Pavilion ( M7680n ) Intel core 2 duo E6400 2.13 GHZ

With an Nvideo Ge Force 7300 LE and 2 GB of DDR2 SDRam

So, I was wondering if smaller numbers are better or higher? So, I was noticing that most of the posts the numbers were much higher?

Brian Bouffard

#7

The smaller the number the better.

also- why do people go out of their way to change the default font color to black when posting? do you not realize how hard it is to see black on top of dark grey? :confused:

#8

Hey [color=wheat]testure,

Thanks for the info. Am sorry about the color of my font choice. I actually never changed the color. I mearly wrote my response in Word and copy pasted it. But I will keep this in mind for all of my future posts. Thanks again.

Brian Bouffard

#9

Just a note regarding multi-core processors:

For AMD users, you should not turn on MultiRender. MultiDraw is fine, however.

For Intel users, I’ve heard reports that both MultiDraw and MultiRender can cause problems on some Dual Core machines. You may not be able to use either reliably. Test with both turned on first. If you start experiencing instability, turn off MultiRender. If the instability continues, then turn off MultiDraw as well.

#10

Aurick,

So, how do you test your machine once you have applied the multi draw and rendering setting’s? Is it the same as when you just check your machine to see if these settings will help speed up your software?

Brian Bouffard

#11

There’s no need to retest.

The initial test gives you results for performance with and without hyperthreading. As it tests, it actually turns the feature on and off, performing the same operation both ways and measuring the results. So one result is what you’ll see with it active, and the other is what you’ll see with it turned off.

If you were to retest at that point, you’d just get exactly the same result as before.

#12

Aurick, is that also recommended for AMD Opteron processors?

-Andrea

#13

AMD Dual Core. Opteron processors (if I remember correctly) are single-core processors. If you have two such processors in your system, then you could use both MultiDraw and MultiRender.

#14

Opteron processors (if I remember correctly) are single-core processors.
At least mine are. Thanks for the info, Aurick.

-andrea

#15

Hi,

I only get about a 30% speed increase using MP, looking at task manager zbrush is only using 50% or less cpu power during the MP test.

System is a Dual xeon with HT, winXP-64, so i have 4 cpus in total, is there a way to set the number of threads for Zbrush ?

thanks

#16

ZBrush 2 supports two processors.

ZBrush 3 will support up to 256. :slight_smile:

#17

Awesome, thanks aurick !

Can’t wait for 3 !!!

Reuben