Introduction to Maya - Modeling Fundamentals Vol 1
This course will look at the fundamentals of modeling in Maya with an emphasis on creating good topology. We'll look at what makes a good model in Maya and why objects are modeled in the way they are.
# 1 19-02-2004 , 10:08 PM
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Seattle
Posts: 6

System Requirements

Hey here, (total newbie here)

My system does not meet the "system requirements" for Maya but I went ahead and downloaded it anyway... rebellious, I know.

The download went without a hitch but it freezes up on anything complicated, ie; color changes, polygon increased editing... I know I have to upgrade but I want to make sure I get the right stuff and not unecessary upgrades.
I am running Windows XP Home Edition (it says you need the Professional Edition) with 384 RAM (it says you need 512). I have an "integrated direct AGP 3d graphics card with 11 megabytes Dynamically Allocated as video Memory" (read that off the computer).. I have a 60GB Hard Drive and istalled an additional hard drive recently (for video editing) with 120GB. The whole thing runs on an intel Celeron 1.4ghz Processor.

Do I definately need both the XP 'Professional' version AND the extra RAM? Is my graphics card decent enough?
By the way - thank Gawd for this place!

# 2 19-02-2004 , 10:16 PM
dannyngan's Avatar
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 1,154
I think that most of your trouble is with the graphics card. Integrated video cards are horrible at any sort of high-end graphics application such as Maya. Your first priority should be upgrading your video card. That will make a huge difference in the performance that you are seeing.

XP Home is ok for running Maya. It's not officially supported, but I know many people who are using Maya under XP Home just fine. More RAM is always good. You can never have enough RAM. user added image


Danny Ngan
Animator | Amaze Entertainment
my website | my blog | my job
# 3 19-02-2004 , 10:32 PM
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Seattle
Posts: 6
Wow, thanks for the quick response!

Seeing as I am only fairly literate computer wise do you have any graphics card recommendations?

Also (completely off the subject)... From newbie to actually animating a character... for a dedicated and quick learner - how long would you say that self teaching should take?

# 4 19-02-2004 , 11:08 PM
doodle's Avatar
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London
Posts: 1,292

Originally posted by Shambolam
Also (completely off the subject)... From newbie to actually animating a character... for a dedicated and quick learner - how long would you say that self teaching should take?

It's hard to say as everyone work and picks thing up at a diffrent pace. With alot of practive it shouldn't be too hard.

I've seen people on SM who becomes rather good after only a few weeks/months, other a few years. I also find those who people who pick it up easily have a good artist's eye (howardpotter specfifcally user added image )

For animation, anyone can do it, but for good animation, it's a good idea to learn the fundamental animation techniques/skills. The Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams explains everythink and i highly recommend it. Learning the fundamentals will make animatng in Maya alot easier.


Yeah, but no but yeah but no....
# 5 20-02-2004 , 12:18 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Seattle
Posts: 6
Still looking for a decent graphics card recommendation... Anyone?

# 6 20-02-2004 , 03:37 PM
Pony's Avatar
Subscriber
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: with PonysGirl
Posts: 2,573
Shambolam, I wish there was one Vcard that stood out from the others. But haven't found that to be the case yet. Alias has a list of approved cards on there web site. You can check your price ranges with the manufactures them self’s. And the search feature works good hear at SM for finding out the bad apples or the ones you need what version of drivers for.

I my self would go with Nvidia's stuff. But that’s just personal.

# 7 21-02-2004 , 01:53 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Seattle
Posts: 6
K - Dug deep and found the list, then went online-a-searchin... couple questions.... Who the heck in PNY? Is that the same as nVidia?... Also - I found an nVidia Quadro FX 500 for around $230... Decent price?

# 8 21-02-2004 , 02:16 AM
rich's Avatar
Subscriber
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 418
NVIDIA dont actually manafacture graphics cards themselves. What they do is develop the chipset and drivers. There are a bunch of licensed manafacturers who actually make, brand and sell the actual cards. PNY is probably largest and best known of these manafacturers. Dont underestimate them, they are a BIG firm.

For what it's worth, I own an PNY Quadro4 980XGL and I love it.


That'll do donkey... that'll do...
Posting Rules Forum Rules
You may not post new threads | You may not post replies | You may not post attachments | You may not edit your posts | BB code is On | Smilies are On | [IMG] code is On | HTML code is Off

Similar Threads