Chapter 4
How Rendering Works
In order to understand the rendering process, you need to know how IRPs and computers render images. By understanding the mechanics of computers and their components, you’ll be able to save time and ensure that your renders are completed successfully.
The central processing unit (CPU) and random-access memory (RAM) are the two key hardware components that affect rendering. The CPU (the processor) determines the rendering speed. RAM (the computer memory) determines the maximum model size that can be processed. Video cards do not generally affect IRP rendering process but can affect SketchUp’s performance.
The computer recommendations at the end of this chapter provide essential basic information so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing a computer for modeling and rendering. (Because computer technology advances quickly, the specific recommendations here will eventually be outdated.)
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