Design Visualization

SPECapc Releases New 3ds Max 2011 Benchmark

19 Jul, 2011 By: Cadalyst Staff

The long-awaited update is available in an economical personal edition and a comprehensive professional version.


The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation's Application Performance Characterization (SPECapc) group has released the long-awaited new benchmark test for evaluating the performance of systems running Autodesk 3ds Max 2011. Launched earlier this month, the updated test is available in professional and personal versions, both of which can be purchased from the organization's web site.

New features in SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 include:

  • Updated tests based on new functionality in 3ds Max 2011.
  • An improved user interface that makes it easier to configure and run tests.
  • Increased level of testing for shading and rendering in the professional version, including use of the Autodesk Quicksilver engine for accelerated CPU and GPU rendering.
  • Automated benchmark results compilation in the professional version.

One Benchmark, Two Versions

The professional version of SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 ($495) contains 58 tests for measuring modeling, interactive graphics, and CPU and GPU (graphics processing unit) performance. It includes a 32-million-polygon city scene that is modeled, rendered, and displayed in real time, testing the limits of high-end workstations with powerful CPU/GPU combinations. Licensees of the professional version of SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 can publish benchmark results publicly and submit them for review and possible publication on the SPEC web site.

"The professional version is for organizations that can realize major bottom-line benefits from performance improvements running 3ds Max 2011," said Allen Jensen, SPECapc chair. "On the user side, that includes anyone for whom increased performance, better purchasing decisions, and more accurate scheduling projections are important business drivers. On the vendor side, it includes any organization that derives benefits from developing, marketing, and selling better-performing systems for running 3ds Max 2011."

The personal version of SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 ($20) generates a single number from a subset of the tests in the professional version. The personal version is designed for those who are seeking more information about 3ds Max 2011 performance, but don't need a comprehensive test suite using large models and do not wish to publish test results.

A First for SPECapc

SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 is the first pay-for-download benchmark from SPECapc.

"Industry vendors who are SPECapc members pay the bills for benchmarks that benefit the entire community," says Jensen, "and will likely continue to subsidize most of the development costs. But, we would like to see users and vendors who are not members of SPECapc but find our benchmarks valuable to their businesses make a contribution to our future efforts." 


About the Author: Cadalyst Staff

Cadalyst Staff

Add comment

Note: Comments are moderated and will appear live after approval by the site moderator.

AutoCAD Tips!

Lynn Allen

Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's Tips & Tricks Tuesdays free e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is available. All exclusively from Cadalyst!
Follow Lynn on Twitter Follow Lynn on Twitter


Latest News from Cadalyst Partners
Feed
Autodesk Gallery Powers of Design Exhibit: 10**15 Cat's Eye Nebula   23 May, 2013

I work out of our office on One Market Street in San Francisco. My standup-desk is right across from our Gallery at One Market. One of our newer...More>>Read more It's Alive in the Lab blog posts>>

Feed
TERA Semicon Drives Its Own Destiny with CAD and PDM   22 May, 2013

When you read the history of TERA Semicon, you can see right away that the company has had a strong vision and direction from Day 1. The South Korean...More>>Read more PTC Creo blog posts>>

Feed
Excel Hyperlinks & Document Management Tricks   22 May, 2013

Do you have to keep track of a lot of different folders and files? Do you wish you peers could open the correct Revit file? Are you tired of having...More>>Read more BIMbuilder blog posts>>

Feed
SolidWorks Simulation Tips: Parameters and Design Studies   22 May, 2013

In my opinion, one of the most underutilized tools in SolidWorks Simulation is the Design Study.  Design studies allow you to easily set up a...More>>Read more SolidWorks Blog posts>>

Feed
Cubify Releases Cubify Draw: Simple, But the Best Free Way to Communicate 3D Printing to Kids?   22 May, 2013

While the majority of us may find happiness in 3D prints based off of complicated geometry, there is still a population out there that would love to...More>>Read more SolidSmack blog posts>>

Poll
What type of input device (besides the keyboard) do you use at your primary CAD workstation?
Standard mouse
Trackball mouse
Programmable mouse
3D navigation device
Pen/tablet
Multiple devices
Submit Vote




Considering Wide Format Printing Solutions?
Four FREE White Papers Available:






Subscribe Cadalyst Newsletters