ZBrushCentral

PC specs help

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I recently got myself zbrush, my computer lags if I try to do anything over 40k poly.
I’m wanting to do models around at least 20mil poly. 1mil poly lags my computer, it doesn’t stop my work but it makes it difficult to work on any fine detail.
I looked up the recommended systems specs and my computer meets them all:

i7intel CPU
windows10 64bit
16g RAM
500gb HD (free space) and a 280gb external SSD
1920x1080 monitor
GTX 970 GPU

Even running off the SSD my computer can hardly handle the program.
Do I need to shoot for more ram? Maybe replace my CPU?

#2

Your computer definitely fits the bill. Make sure you have Dynamic Subdivisions turned off. “Tool > Geometry > Dynamic Subdiv > Dynamic”. Turn “Dynamic” button off. If you are still having problems after that, you should submit a Support ticket.

#3

Omg, that did it! Thank you! I guess I spent $200 on an ssd I didn’t need, but oh well. I can get back to work!

Before I close this up though, could you tell me what kind of monster PC you would need to handle something like subdivision? Or is it just not suppose to be used on higher poly models?
Zbrush noob trying to learn new things.

#4

You can use the SSD for the ZBrush scratch disk which will speed up ZBrush even more. So it definitely wasn’t a waste of money. Yes, Dynamic Subdivision is meant more for low poly as a preview. I havn’t really used it that much, so I don’t fully understand it’s use. I’m sure you could find something on Youtube that would probably clarify it’s use. Stick to Classic subdivisions (“Divide” button) for now and you should be able to get 20M poly meshes on your system without to much problem.

#5

Just not sure if external SSD is good choice for scratch disk because limitations of USB? You connecting it that way?
Or that doesn’t matter anymore?

#6

Depends. ESATA is probably going to give you 6 Gbps and USB3 is going to cap out around 5 Gbps.

#7

Now compare that to the fastest internal HDD.