Hardware limitations can create a barrier for aspiring creatives between their ideas for 3D designs and their computer's capabilities. However, there are workarounds to run 3DS Max on any device. 

3DS Max is visionary software with incredible 3D animation, modeling, and visual effects capabilities. It is used widely by professionals in entertainment and design to create everything from visual effects for TV to 3D building designs for architectural projects. 3DS Max is a graphics-intensive software and typically requires a high-performance computer with a dedicated GPU. 

This article shares tips and tricks for running 3DS Max on low-end devices or without a GPU, including the best settings and hardware alternatives. Whether you are a beginner in 3D design looking to dabble in 3DS Max without investing in expensive computer hardware or you are an industry professional looking for alternative solutions to get things done, this guide to running 3DS on a low-end device can help. 

What Happens When You Run 3DS On a Low-End Device

It can be incredibly frustrating to experience slow rendering times, or even worse–a total program shutdown, when working on a 3D design project. When running 3DS Max on a low-end device, designers will likely encounter issues without the correct settings. 

Rendering Issues

One of the biggest problems with 3D modeling on a low-end device using 3DS Max is that rendering power fails without a dedicated GPU. High render times and frequent render failures can make the program useless to the designer until the issue is resolved. Click here for more tips on how to reduce render times in 3DS Max. 

Viewport Lag

Slow processing speeds in 3DS Max can also be due to a computer not meeting the minimum requirements for running the program. The viewport, the window-like portal into the 3D design space, also tends to lag behind due to the lack of a GPU. This can make it difficult to efficiently model 3D designs in real-time.

Difficulty Processing High Poly Count Designs

Highly detailed 3D designs have a high poly count, which makes it difficult for the system to handle them. Without optimized settings or a high-performance computer system, creators cannot achieve high realism and detail with their designs. 

How to Optimize 3DS Max for Low-End Devices?

A few small tweaks to the system settings can greatly impact 3DS Max's performance. It may sound basic, but always remember to close out all other windows and applications. That way, the system can dedicate all of its processing power to the task currently being worked on in 3DS Max. 

#1 Close Background Applications

Some applications may run automatically in the background at all times. To see if applications are currently running in the background on your PC, go to the Windows settings. In the Privacy settings, click on Background apps and turn off the feature that allows apps to run in the background. 

Windows > Settings > Privacy > Background apps

#2 Reduce Resolution

Another recommended way to optimize 3DS Max for running on a low-end PC is to reduce the resolution within 3DS and adjust the monitor's screen refresh rate. The system can better handle graphics-intensive projects by showing fewer pixels at a slower rate. 

Lower the "Render Output Size" in the render setup window by adjusting the width and height. 

#3 Lower Screen Refresh Rate

Lowering the screen refresh rate is done in the system's display settings. There will be multiple options; select the lowest refresh rate for the best performance in 3DS Max. 

Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings

#4 Software Alternatives

Switching to a Nitrous display driver can enable computers to handle better real-time rendering for modeling complex 3D designs. A high-performance display driver can easily optimize the computer for running graphics-intensive software like 3DS Max. Compared to standard viewports, Nitrous offers far superior visual performance. 

DirectX is another great tool for improving 3DS Max performance. It allows 3D designers to view more detailed and accurate real-time renderings while working on a project without sacrificing processing speed. DirectX borrows power from the computer's video card to render accurate visuals efficiently.

There is a way to run 3DS Max without a GPU. To do this, switch the 3DS Max settings to "Software mode." The program uses the computer's CPU to create the image in software mode. 

Customize > Preferences > Viewport > Driver > Legacy OpenGL

#5 Reduce or Disable the Undo Tool

Turn off the undo system whenever possible to increase processing speeds in 3DS Max. While the "undo" button can be both a blessing and a curse to digital creatives, it takes up a ton of memory that could be better allocated to running the program smoothly. If disabling the undo system is not possible, try to utilize the undo tool sparingly. 

#6 Eliminate Unnecessary Effects

Optimizing 3DS Max settings is sometimes as easy as eliminating the unnecessary. When effects such as shadows or reflections do not add much to the design, eliminating them can help save memory and time. 

#7 Enable Multi-Threading

Multi-threading allows the CPU to render different parts of a 3D design simultaneously utilizing multiple CPU threads. Traditionally, rendering processes rely on one CPU thread. With multi-threading, you can achieve more efficient rendering. Make sure to enable multi-threading in your 3DS Max settings to improve performance. 

Customize > Preferences > Rendering > Multi-threading

#8 Render Engines

CPU-based render engines are among the best alternatives for running 3DS Max on low-end systems. Render engines use the power of the computer's processing system to create images from 3D models rather than use a dedicated graphics card. The output of CPU-based render engines is incredible accurate, although it may take more time than if you used a dedicated graphics card. 

Software rendering has limitations, but it can be a lifesaver when working on a computer with limited graphics processing power. Arnold or Scanline are two render engines popularized by 3D professionals. 

#9 Proxy Objects 

A proxy is a low-resolution placeholder frequently used in film and 3D design. Utilizing proxy objects when working on complex models is a smart way to speed up visual processing in 3DS Max. Proxy objects allow for working on complex 3D scenes with optimal speed and efficiency without sacrificing the detail of the final output. 

#10 Break Up Large Scenes

When working on a large 3D scene, it can be helpful to break it into smaller parts. By working on smaller parts individually and combining them at the end, you can manage your resources better. Streamlining workflow in this way can make working on a large project on a low-end computer a much less daunting task. 

#11 Low-Poly Modeling

To work around the limitations of a low-end device without a dedicated GPU, 3D designers can employ low-poly modeling techniques. High-poly modeling techniques are typically used to produce hyper-realistic 3D models, but low-poly modeling techniques can be just as charming and visually stunning.

#12 Textures

When applying textures to models in 3DS Max, opt for procedural textures to improve performance. A procedural texture generates textures using computer codes rather than stored data, which helps to save memory and speed up processing times. 

Running 3DS Max With Cloud Computing

Want to bypass hardware limitations entirely? The future of 3D design is in the cloud. Cloud computing uses remote servers to store and process information separately from your computer's CPU. 3DS Max artists can use cloud PCs like Vagon to work on graphics-intensive projects from any computer. Click here to read more about how cloud-computing solutions enable creatives to take projects to higher levels by making graphics-intensive software more accessible for everyone. 

Using Vagon is like sitting in front of your own personal supercomputer, except it's entirely in the cloud. You can download and install software like 3DS Max and run it seamlessly, even on a less-than-ideal computer. Professional designers can utilize Vagon’s cloud solutions to work on design projects when away from the office, using a smartphone, tablet, or any device connected to the internet. All you need is access to an internet browser and good wifi. 

Conclusion

Running 3DS Max on a low-end device or without a GPU is possible if you tweak a few settings and make a few hardware adjustments. Working in low-resolution with proxy images can make it much easier for computers to handle complex 3D design projects. Updating to a high-performance driver and using a CPU render engine can also help. 

Hardware constraints can limit up-and-coming 3D artists and designers who do not yet have access to top-of-the-line computer systems. Whether your goal is to design visual effects for Hollywood or build the video game universe of your dreams, do not let weak hardware hold you back when solutions are available. 

Smooth 3DS Max performance is just a click of a button away with Vagon's in-browser cloud supercomputer. Give cloud computing a try today with a free trial! 

FAQs

1. Can 3DS Max run without a GPU?

3DS Max typically requires a dedicated graphics card; however, using 3DS without a GPU is possible. Users can utilize CPU rendering engines that only use the computer's processing power.

2. What are the minimum system requirements for 3DS Max?

• CPU: 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction set

• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB or more recommended)

• Disk space: 9 GB for installation

• Operating system: Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11

• Mouse: Three-button mouse

3. How can I reduce lag in 3DS Max on a low-end PC?

To reduce lag in 3DS Max, streamline your workflow by breaking large projects into smaller pieces and optimizing your system's settings. Reduce the resolution of the viewport and utilize proxy objects to prioritize performance. Eliminating unnecessary effects, reducing polygon count, and using procedural textures can also reduce the memory used. 

4. Is software rendering in 3DS Max good enough for professional work?

The software rendering in 3DS Max has decent capabilities, but a dedicated render engine is ideal for projects with a professional scope.  

5. What are affordable alternatives to upgrading hardware for 3DS Max?

Affordable alternatives for improving 3DS Max performance include optimizing workflow and settings or utilizing an affordable cloud-computing solution such as Vagon to bypass hardware restrictions.