Linux and render farm

[hermanj]

Hi! I just want to get info from anyone here about using Linux on a render farm. Our studio is planning on upgrading our present setup by implementing a render farm and I was tasked to make a study on it. Our present setup consists of a bunch of indigo2's and indys networked to a challenge server serving as the render server. We're planning on using a bunch of, maybe, dual PIIIs for the farm that will be connected to the sgi stations that will be used for modeling,etc. Now for the OS, we're thinking of going Linux since from what i've read in magazines, boards, etc. it is more stable than NT. So, anyone give me their 2 cents on this. Plus, insights and technical data on how to implement a render farm based on our existing setup (note: the render server will be replaced) will be greatly appreciated since I'm not quite experienced and knowledgeable in these things. And also any websites pls. if anyone knows one which can provide me insights and technical data. Thanks!

[xavyiy]

You did forget one thing about Linux. On average, given the same hardware, you'll get 20-30% better performance with Linux than with NT.

Anyway, regarding setting up a render farm, I can help you with Linux networking (I have set up Linux networks before). If you want more help than that, you'll have to provide some info about your rendering software. Odds are I won't be able to help much with that, but odds are equally good that someone else here will be able to.

-Rakesh

Rakesh Malik

[tony-4]

This is hardware related but might give your project a boost---> Intel has announced that the new PIII has an integrate full speed 256Kb cache built on the chip itself and that it's planning to bring out the CPU in both slot1 and socket 370 versions. I'm looking into the socket 370 option as a more efficient and less expensive setup which may make for a better farm. Abit already makes a Dual socket 370 board which can also utilize Celeron CPU's. Whether this works out is a question that may have to be tested out. I would welcome any comments...

[shaggy-aliendrink]

for the money your probably better of with a bunch of
celerons, especially if your using jig and probably also with renderman.

linux is closer to SVR4 as far as unixes go, which is
what irix is so its not that far off, but its not quirky
like irix. if you can deal with irix, linux is easy.

some linux dists use the bsd style init (slackware) you may
want to use one with at sys V style if your more comfortable
with that (red hat is the most common)

if your anywhere near hollywood i can help. been doing linux
and hybrid networks for years.

[skaa]

I know that is just over a year since the initial post... but I figured I would add my 2 cents.
Linux render farms are a life saver.
We are running the Maya renderer on VALinux boxes and have had minimal problems.
All of the boxes are dual P3 600's and we have some dual P3 800's on the way and plan on ordering more as the need for the boxes increase.
We had been an SGI shop, first on Softimage but now exclusively Maya so this is a change for us. We have gone through two productions, one with final renders being done on both SGI's and Linux boxes with a 3:1 ratio in favor of the Linux boxes. The second show was rendered almost exlusively on the Linux boxes.
We plan on keeping this model as we move in to the future.

-I just program here, how am I supposed to know?