Test Objective:
This test aimed to compare the performance of 3ds Max and D5 Render running simultaneously on an Nvidia RTX 4090 under different driver versions, with a focus on identifying potential conflicts or performance issues, particularly in a 32:9 ultrawide monitor setup. It is suspected that the monitor’s aspect ratio may play a critical role in the observed problems.
Key Consideration: 32:9 Monitor Aspect Ratio
The ultrawide 32:9 monitor could be contributing to the performance and stability issues. This aspect ratio may cause the Nvidia driver to handle GPU resource allocation differently compared to setups with multiple monitors. It is possible that the driver is not isolating CUDA resources between 3ds Max and D5 Render as it would if the system were using two physical monitors, leading to performance degradation.
Key Findings:
1. Nvidia Driver Version 552.44:
3ds Max (2024 and above):
Performance: Render times were normal, and viewport performance was smooth. No crashes were observed during prolonged use.
Stability: Fully stable, with no issues reported.
D5 Render 2.7 and above include the latest 2.8.0.0469:
Performance: When running 3ds Max and D5 Render at the same time, the FPS in D5 Render dropped significantly, falling as low as 4 FPS in some scenes.
Workaround: By setting the CUDA-GPUs option to “NONE” for 3ds Max in the Nvidia Control Panel, D5 Render regained its full FPS and performed optimally, suggesting that 3ds Max was monopolizing CUDA resources otherwise.
Stability: Stable after adjusting the CUDA settings.
2. Newer Nvidia Driver Versions (Post 552.44):
3ds Max:
Issue: All newer driver versions caused 3ds Max to crash almost immediately upon startup . This behavior may be linked to how the driver manages CUDA resources across the ultrawide monitor.
D5 Render:
Performance: Similar FPS drop issues were observed when both programs were running simultaneously.
Stability: Performance returned to normal when CUDA-GPUs were disabled for 3ds Max, but otherwise, performance was significantly impacted.
Conclusion:
32:9 Monitor Setup: The ultrawide monitor aspect ratio appears to be a key factor in the observed issues. It is likely that the Nvidia driver does not manage GPU resource allocation between the two programs on a single large monitor in the same way it would with dual monitors, leading to performance conflicts, especially when using newer driver versions.
3ds Max: Driver version 552.44 remains the most stable. All newer versions cause immediate crashes of 3ds Max, suggesting a driver conflict possibly related to how CUDA resources are allocated across the ultrawide display.
D5 Render: Performance degradation, particularly FPS drops, was observed when running alongside 3ds Max. Disabling CUDA for 3ds Max resolves the issue, but this workaround indicates that the programs are not sharing GPU resources efficiently.
Key Question for R&D Team:
Can the R&D team investigate why D5 Render does not automatically prioritize CUDA-GPU resources when running alongside 3ds Max on a 32:9 monitor? It seems that 3ds Max dominates the available resources, causing D5 Render’s FPS to drop significantly unless CUDA is disabled for 3ds Max. This problem may stem from how the Nvidia driver handles GPU resource management in an ultrawide monitor configuration, as opposed to a dual-monitor setup.
Recommendations:
For 3ds Max Users: Continue using driver version 552.44 until Nvidia resolves the crash issues in newer drivers.
For D5 Render Users: Adjust the CUDA-GPU settings for 3ds Max in the Nvidia Control Panel to NONE when running both programs
Best Regards
Dragan
