Terragen on lap-tops

[N-drju]

Hi,

I figured I'll just post a separate topic instead of interfering with Ulco's. I am also thinking about changing computers soon, but I'd rather like to use lap-top and I'm wondering whether programs that use up lots of CPU and RAM like TG does can work smoothly on these machines...?

I've set my own minimal requirements to be at least as follows; 4-cored CPU, at least 12 GB RAM, either traditional HDD or hybrid drive and a standard HD resolution screen. I compared that to TG system requirements and I think my expectations exceed the minimum that TG requires. I'm not sure whether video card makes any difference tough...

However, I'm quite worried about issues that are, well, hard to resolve for an average, hobbyist user like me. For example - heating issues that I mentioned in that other topic. I don't know how a lap-top computer will behave in this situation. The interesting thing, however - when I use my Mac for rendering complex scenes the back of the computer can almost burn your fingers. Still, nothing bad happens. Of course when I work with my computer I always apply the rule that you all know from cleaning products - "Use in a well ventilated area".

I figure that it is also possible to render your works using, say, four crop renders that you later put together in an image processing program if a computer is not too "fire-retardant". This way it can get a rest in between the crop renders instead of working all day long.

Well, I think that lap tops that have 16GR RAM should, by definition, be fitted with all the right systems and safety equipment that enables them to work so hard. It's quite logical to me.

Well, I think those are my thoughts on the topic. What are your views? If any of you use TG on laps, I would gladly hear how you're doing with it.

[Kadri]

I use a Laptop for rendering. Sometimes nonstop for weeks. Heat is mostly between 80 and 85 Celsius.
This is with the manual controlled fan and with a laptop stand that does have another big fan in it underneath.
I made a test with the stand it makes only a difference maximum 3 Celsius and probably much less.
So don't count on them so much. It is better then nothing of course.

Heath is important but if you are so afraid you shouldn't use any machine that is heating while working.
Just search for a laptop that is good for this kind of work and stay away from laptops that get too warm.

My laptop is kind of a good one with 16 GB RAM , I7 CPU etc... But still i use the laptop only because of too long rendering hours.
It wasn't the first reason to buy. It was more a just in case i need it and for work when away from home.
I would always prefer a desktop computer for rendering and work. It is much more flexible from any point you look at it.
Except one point of course:portability. Working on a small screen with a small keyboard isn't nice.
I use TightVNC to work from my main desktop pc on my laptop even when they are side by side.

[Oshyan]

Hi,
Well, I think that lap tops that have 16GR RAM should, by definition, be fitted with all the right systems and safety equipment that enables them to work so hard. It's quite logical to me.

Not really a safe assumption to make. There are lots of reasons one might need large amounts of RAM that would not also mean extended, continuous maximum CPU usage. In fact only really workstation systems and CPUs are *designed* for such scenarios, although desktop CPUs of course work just fine for this too. Laptop CPUs are little different, what *is* different is the very small interior and difficulty of cooling it. Few - if any - laptops are really designed for *continuous* maximum CPU usage for long periods of time. An hour or two? Sure. Overnight? No laptop is intended for that. Still, as I said in the other thread, if you must have a laptop (why? you haven't said why you want one, just that you prefer it...), then you can make your chances of avoiding failure reasonably high by getting a cooling stand and making sure it's always adequately ventilated.

- Oshyan

[N-drju]

Still, as I said in the other thread, if you must have a laptop (why? you haven't said why you want one, just that you prefer it...)

Oshyan, simple - I like small computers and have no space for another workstation at my place. (I have Mac computer already but with 4GB RAM only, sigh...)