Multiprocessing, OpenGL, and if I should use them in AE

M

Marshallarts

Well-known member
Once every 6 years I'm on top with a brand new computer. I have the newest 2.8Ghz IntelCore2Duo Macbook Pro with 4GB RAM and the discreet 512MB GeForce 9600M (or the onboard 256MB 9400M). I mention this because my question probably is directly related to the capabilities of my computer.

This in mind, should I enable Multiprocessing (render multiple frames simultaneously)? I've read the manual and am confused if there are drawbacks to selecting this. If not why wouldn't it be on by default (unless someone doesn't have multiple processors).

I also would like to know when someone should use the option to Render in OpenGL? Having a good video card capable of OpenGL 2.0 I assume I should but in the manual it warns this: "You cannot use the Render Multiple Frames Simultaneously multiprocessing feature while also using OpenGL to render RAM previews or render for final output. The Render Multiple Frames Simultaneously feature works by using background processes on multiple CPU processor cores to render frames. "

I'm having trouble interpreting that comment..... does this mean I should do one and not the other? What is best?

Assuming the option to do either or neither is because certain people don't have computers with OpenGL or multiple processors, what does that mean for people who do?
 
everyone these days have computers with multicores and opengl has been around for ages. I personally don't use either as multiprocessing doesn't work for a lot of plugins, scripts and expressions I commonly use. Opengl is handy for fast previewing in some instances but I wouldn't use it for my final render. They are both basically there to speed up previewing and rendering times but they aren't fully reliable yet. The most reliable way to get boosted performance is to get the fastest cpu clock speed you can afford and if you can, overclock it to it's limits.
 
I have a 8 core MacPro with 18 GB's RAM with an ATI HD3870 512MB video card and I keep both off when working. I've never had good luck with OpenGL in AE, crashes a lot. Multiprocessing is good, but with only a 2 core machine, you're probably better off keeping it off. The only time I use it is when I need to RAM preview something that is uber-complicated and longer, let's me get more loaded into RAM to preview. I also use it when rendering complicated comps that I need to be done faster, usually due to a deadline. Either way, I only use 4 processors with MP anyways.
 
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