MODO (v.14 and newer)

MODO, a versatile 3D modeling and rendering tool, offers GPU acceleration for rendering and denoising through its mPath renderer. By enabling NVIDIA OptiX denoising, you can significantly speed up rendering while maintaining high-quality output, especially for complex scenes.

How to Enable GPU-Accelerated Rendering and Denoising in MODO

1. Launch MODO
   Open the application from its default path:
   C:\Program Files\Foundry\Modo\14.0v2\modo.exe

2. Configure mPath Rendering

   • In the Shader Tree, select your Render item.

     

   • In the Properties pane, open the Frame sub-tab.

   • Set Renderer to mPath, which supports GPU rendering.

     

3. Select the Ray Tracing Engine

   • In the Settings sub-tab, choose the Ray Tracing Engine.

     

   • For optimal performance, select NVIDIA OptiX.

4. Enable Denoising with OptiX

   • In the Shader Tree, select Final Color Output.

     

   • Switch the denoising option to NVIDIA OptiX for faster, AI-accelerated denoising.

     

These settings enable MODO to fully utilize your GPU for faster, more efficient rendering and denoising.

Top Tips to Speed Up MODO Rendering

1. Optimize Ray Tracing Settings
   In the Ray Tracing Engine settings, adjust the samples and rays per pixel according to your project. Lowering these values during test renders can speed up the process without drastically affecting quality. Increase them for final renders when quality is critical.

2. Use GPU Memory Efficiently
   When working with large textures and models, use texture clamping to limit the resolution of textures in the viewport. This helps prevent GPU memory overload and keeps your rendering pipeline smooth.

3. Update GPU Drivers
   Keep your NVIDIA or AMD drivers up to date to ensure full compatibility with MODO's GPU features. Updated drivers often come with performance optimizations that improve rendering times and stability.

4. Utilize Hybrid Rendering
   MODO’s mPath renderer supports hybrid CPU-GPU rendering, which can balance workloads between the CPU and GPU for even faster performance. Use this option if your scene benefits from both processing units.

MODO System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Operating System:

  • Windows: Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit only).

  • macOS: macOS 12.x (Monterey), 13.x (Ventura), and 14.x (Sonoma).

  • Linux: 64-bit operating system (Rocky 9).

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or higher.

• RAM: At least 2 GB.

• Storage: 10 GB available hard disk space for a full installation.

• Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels.

• Graphics Card: NVIDIA or AMD graphics card with at least 1 GB of GPU memory and drivers that support OpenGL 4.4 or higher.

Recommended Specifications:

• Processor: 2.5+ GHz quad-core processor.

• RAM: 16 GB with additional virtual memory.

• Storage: 250+ GB disk space available for caching and temporary files; SSD is preferable.

• Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels or higher.

• Graphics Card: NVIDIA or AMD graphics card with the latest drivers, 8+ GB of graphics memory, and OpenGL 4.4 or higher support.

Meeting these specifications will help you get the most out of MODO, ensuring efficient workflows and high-quality outputs. Keep in mind that more complex projects, especially those involving high-resolution textures or intricate models, will benefit from higher-end hardware configurations.

Top Recommended GPUs for MODO

1. NVIDIA RTX 3090
   With 24GB of VRAM, the RTX 3090 is ideal for handling high-resolution textures and complex scenes in MODO. Its robust CUDA core count ensures fast rendering and smooth performance, even with demanding tasks.

2. NVIDIA RTX 3080
   The RTX 3080 strikes a balance between cost and performance, making it a great choice for most professional 3D artists. It offers excellent rendering speeds and denoising capabilities, making it a top choice for MODO users.

3. NVIDIA RTX 3070
   A more affordable option, the RTX 3070 provides strong performance for GPU rendering and is suitable for users working with medium to large scenes without excessive demands on VRAM.

By enabling GPU acceleration and following these tips, you can significantly improve your rendering workflow in MODO, achieving faster results and higher-quality renders.

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