macOS versions of AMD’s Radeon™ ProRender plugins for Blender and Maya are now available for 3D artists using Apple’s Mac computer systems that support the Apple Metal 2 API and external GPUs for maximum rendering performance.
Following on a beta release this past February, the final plugins are now available and support AMD’s powerful, physically-based rendering engine for CAD designers and 3D artists.
Some of you may know me from working together with @goalque on getting eGPUs working with Mac OSX 10.12. At the time I still used an Akitio Thunder 2 with an AMD RX480. At the time I still used an Akitio Thunder 2 with an AMD RX480.
Radeon ProRender for macOS — What’s Available
Radeon ProRender technology is supported via add-ins for Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS.
01 – Viewport Denoising is supported in AMD’s Radeon ProRender technology via macOS plugins for Maya, Blender and inboard tech in Cinema 4D. (image: AMD / Architosh. All rights reserved.)
Additionally, the rendering technology is natively integrated into Maxon’s CINEMA 3D R19. So in addition to CINEMA 4D on Mac, the latest plugins for Maya and Blender on macOS add additional options for 3D artists on Apple’s platform, tapping into the benefits associated with Metal 2.
Radeon ProRender Details
The Blender and Maya plugins for macOS include an updated Uber Shader that enables better PBR workflows and enhanced subsurface scattering (SSS) for better skin rendering. The Blender plugin now includes more AOV (arbitrary output variables) options such as reflections and diffuse lighting can be composited with the final render.
MORE:Maxon Taps AMD Radeon ProRender Technology for CINEMA 4D
There is also now interactive viewport denoising with the macOS version, something that was previously released on Windows first. Radeon ProRender supports denoising for both final renders and interactive renders. The plugins also support Volumetrics to render advanced effects like smoke, fog, and clouds for more realistic images at faster render times.
Metal 2 Support
As part of CINEMA 4D R19 for macOS, Radeon ProRender became the first production renderer to support Apple’s Metal 2 API, that maximizes the performance of GPU-accelerated rendering on macOS, with this recent update to CINEMA 4D R19 SP2 update.
Availability and External GPUs
The macOS Radeon ProRender plugins for Bender and Maya are available now, require macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 or higher, and support all Apple Mac systems that support Metal 2.
In addition, macOS High Sierra 10.13.4’s new support for external graphics processors (eGPUs) allows macOS Blender and Maya Radeon ProRender users to harness the rendering power of select Radeon™ RX and Radeon™ Pro WX graphics cards on their Macs (such as Radeon™ RX 580, Radeon™ RX Vega64, and Radeon™ Pro WX 9100 GPUs), when used with a compatible eGPU Thunderbolt™ 3 chassis.
AMD has user guides and downloadable links to the new plugins here on this page. To learn more click here and watch the video below.
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Best4K Monitors for MaciMore2019
Your Mac or MacBook's display is already gorgeous, but if you're in the market for a second display or even something larger than what you have, a 4K monitor is a huge step in the right direction. If you want to try and maintain the same level of definition as your current display, here are the best 4K monitors for your Mac.
Our pick: Dell U2718Q
Staff FavoriteDell's tried and tested U2718Q is a feature-laden monitor that supports HDR content playback. It's still, unfortunately, missing a USB-C port, but it does have a USB 3.0 hub, HDMI, DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It's the best 4K monitor for most people.
$600 at DellHDR10 support: LG 27UK850-W
One of LG's latest monitors, the 4K 27UK850-W sports USB-C, HDR support via 2 HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and two down-stream USB-A ports. It also has excellent viewing angles, thanks to its IPS panel, and its gray-to-gray response time is a blazing-fast five milliseconds.
$627 at AmazonUSB-C connection: HP Z27
HP's new Z27 4K monitor may just take over the top spot after more testing since it features USB-C, as well as DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and HDMI. Its colors are immaculately accurate, and with a gray-to-gray response time of 8 milliseconds, you won't see any hiccups while you're working or gaming.
$539 at DellUpgrade pick: BenQ PD3200U
BenQ's 32-inch monitor is somewhat expensive, but it offers excellent features for the creative pro, like several different modes (including Darkroom) for photo and video editing, a built-in SD card reader, as well as a 5-port USB hub, HDMI ports, and mini and regular DisplayPorts.
$700 at AmazonBudget option: LG 27UD58-B
This inexpensive monitor from LG has the company's excellent IPS panel, as well as a swift 5-millisecond response time. With a refresh rate of 60Hz, excellent viewing angles, and a designated gaming mode, this is a solid all-around monitor for most people. It doesn't offer much in terms of inputs (HDMI and DisplayPort only), but it'll do in a pinch.
$325 at AmazonA couple of suggestions
When it comes to excellent 4K monitors, the Dell U2718Q is hard to beat, with excellent bang for your buck. Its combined features and price make it a great consideration for anyone looking for a 4K display to use with their Mac, but the lack of USB-C can be concerning for some.
Of course, when it comes to using a newer MacBook you're not only going to want USB-C (since its the only ports the MacBook lineup has anymore), but you're likely going to want some extra ports. That's where the LG 27UK850. Since it has the ability to charge your MacBook, MacBook Air, or 13-inch MacBook Pro, and it also features two USB-A ports, two HDMI ports, a display port, and headphone jack, making it not only a fantastic monitor but a whole hub for connectivity.
Lastly, if the price is your only concern the LG 27UD58-B is probably the monitor you should pick up. Since its a monitor that a couple of years old, it's received a huge price cut recently and that's no laughing matter.
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