How to configure your workstation forMaxon Redshift 2027

What hardware does Maxon Redshift 2027 require?

Graphics Card: The Most Important Factor for Rendering Performance
Redshift performs the bulk of its rendering on the GPU. Consequently, the choice of graphics card has a decisive impact on render speed. Key factors include the available GPU computing power, the generation of the graphics card, and the amount of video memory (VRAM). When selecting a suitable graphics card, do not rely solely on benchmark results or theoretical computing power. The crucial question is whether the card can reliably handle your specific, real-world scenes. VRAM is particularly critical for complex projects. High-resolution textures, extensive geometry, complex materials, and large scene datasets can significantly increase memory requirements. If the available GPU memory is insufficient, factors such as additional memory management, data swapping processes, or the need to manually adjust your scenes can complicate your workflow.
As a guide for professional NVIDIA-based systems, the following tiers are recommended:

• Small projects: An appropriate NVIDIA RTX graphics card with sufficient VRAM for manageable scenes and routine single-workstation rendering.
• Medium projects: A more powerful RTX configuration with increased video memory and enough performance headroom to handle larger scenes, high-resolution textures, and multitasking.
• Complex projects: High-end GPUs with large amounts of VRAM, or a multi-GPU workstation, for scenarios where render throughput, scene scale, and production timelines demand higher performance. The ideal configuration depends on your software environment and the specific Redshift features you utilize. We verify the latest compatibility and system requirements when configuring your system.

Processor: Important for scene preparation and the overall workflow

Since Redshift is GPU-based, a high CPU clock speed alone is not a sufficient criterion for selecting a workstation. Nevertheless, the processor handles essential tasks surrounding the actual rendering process. These include, for example:

• Preparing and processing scene data
• Loading and processing geometry and textures
• Tasks related to the 3D application and other concurrent processes
• Supplying data to the graphics cards
• General workflows involved in modeling, animating, and editing complex projects

For many Redshift workflows, a well-balanced processor - offering strong single-core performance and sufficient computing resources is a sensible choice. For large-scale scenes, extensive simulations, the use of multiple concurrent applications, or other CPU-intensive tasks, a more powerful workstation platform may offer distinct advantages.
Processor platforms such as Intel Core, Intel Xeon, and their equivalents should be evaluated based on your specific usage profile. A Xeon-based system is not automatically faster than a Core-based workstation. Key factors to consider include the required number of PCIe lanes, memory support, expandability, and the actual level of CPU performance needed.

RAM, SSD, and Network: The infrastructure behind the rendering
A powerful GPU alone does not guarantee an efficient workflow. Especially in large-scale projects, system memory (RAM), storage, and network connectivity can significantly impact operational speed. When configuring a system, we take the following into account:

• RAM: Sufficient capacity for the 3D application, complex scenes, and any programs running in parallel.
• NVMe SSD: Fast access to projects, textures, caches, and other frequently used data.
• Network: Reliable connectivity to centralized project repositories, asset servers, and shared production data.
• Expandability: Headroom for additional SSDs, RAM, or further GPUs, provided the platform supports them.

Small-Scale Redshift Projects: An Economical Entry Point – For Individual Users, Smaller Studios, and Manageable 3D Scenes

Getting Started: Professional Redshift Workstations for Small to Medium-Sized Projects

For individual users, smaller studios, and companies working with the current version of Maxon Redshift, we recommend a high-performance enterprise workstation equipped with a dedicated NVIDIA RTX graphics card. This provides an economical yet professional foundation for product visualizations, small-to-medium animation projects, material development, and regular GPU rendering. Since Redshift is a GPU-based renderer that relies heavily on graphics card performance, the GPU should be the primary focus when configuring your system.

We recommend a high-end, current-generation NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card with at least 16 GB of VRAM. This ensures sufficient video memory for many typical production scenes, high-resolution textures, and complex materials. For more extensive projects or to ensure greater future-proofing a graphics card with 24 to 32 GB of VRAM may be a worthwhile investment. Additionally, a modern processor with high single-core performance ensures a smooth workflow in applications like Cinema 4D, Maya, or 3ds Max, while also reducing load times and calculation speeds during scene preparation.
For system memory (RAM), we recommend at least 64 GB, allowing for the comfortable handling of larger scenes, numerous textures, and multiple applications running simultaneously. A fast NVMe SSD with a capacity of at least 1 TB provides ample space for the operating system, software, and active projects. For larger datasets, an additional SSD dedicated to project files and assets is highly recommended. The configuration is completed by a high-quality motherboard, a reliable power supply, and a professional chassis and cooling solution, ensuring stable operation even during extended rendering sessions. Such a single-GPU workstation is particularly attractive to companies seeking a balanced combination of investment costs, high interactive working speeds, and reliable rendering performance. It offers a professional entry point into GPU-based rendering without unnecessarily straining the budget through a complex multi-GPU configuration. When selecting specific components, one should consider not only the available budget but also the 3D application being used, the complexity of the scenes, and the intended use case. This results in an enterprise workstation tailored to specific requirements - one that is well-suited for productive use with the current version of Redshift and can be expanded in a targeted manner as demands grow.

Mid-Range Redshift Projects: Enhanced Performance for Daily Production - For Established 3D Teams, Agencies, and Sophisticated Visualizations

For established 3D teams, agencies, and companies that regularly create sophisticated visualizations, animations, and complex product presentations, we recommend a high-performance enterprise workstation equipped with a high-end NVIDIA RTX graphics card. This provides the necessary performance headroom to efficiently render extensive scenes, high-resolution textures, complex materials, and intricate lighting using the latest version of Maxon Redshift. In a professional production environment, high GPU performance is key to reducing render times, accelerating iterations, and implementing creative decisions more quickly.

The core component is a powerful graphics card with at least 24 GB of VRAM, ensuring sufficient capacity even for memory-intensive scenes. For exceptionally complex projects and large-scale assets, even more VRAM may be beneficial. We also recommend a modern, high-performance processor, at least 128 GB of RAM, and a fast NVMe SSD with a storage capacity of 2 TB or more. This configuration allows for the smooth handling of large 3D scenes, the simultaneous use of multiple applications, and the efficient management of extensive project files.

For reliable, continuous operation in a studio setting, the workstation should also feature a high-quality power supply, robust cooling, and a professional-grade system platform. This ensures that performance remains stable even during long render sessions. A carefully optimized single-GPU configuration is often a highly capable solution for many mid-range Redshift projects. When dealing with exceptionally large scenes, high resolutions, or a high volume of recurring render tasks, a multi-GPU workstation can be a sensible alternative provided that the software in use and the specific workflow can benefit from multiple graphics cards.

Consequently, this class of workstation is particularly well-suited for companies looking to streamline their 3D production, reduce render times, and provide their teams with a reliable environment for demanding projects. The specific configuration should be tailored to the complexity of the scenes, the required VRAM, the daily render workload, and the 3D applications being used. This results in a powerful, cost-optimized enterprise workstation capable of meeting the requirements of professional Redshift workflows.

Complex Redshift Projects: High-End and Multi-GPU Workstations - For Large-Scale Scenes, Professional Animation, VFX, and Time-Critical Production Pipelines

For companies with demanding 3D workflows, extensive scenes, and high rendering volumes, we recommend a high-end enterprise workstation specifically engineered for maximum GPU performance, high memory capacity, and reliable, continuous operation. In professional animation, visual effects (VFX), photorealistic product visualization, and complex film or advertising production, short render times and rapid iteration cycles are often the deciding factors in the efficiency of the entire production process. A powerful workstation equipped with multiple GPUs can help execute even the most demanding projects within tight deadlines.

At the core of the configuration are high-performance NVIDIA RTX graphics cards with as much VRAM as possible. For exceptionally large scenes and memory-intensive VFX projects, we recommend GPUs with 32 GB, 48 GB, or more of VRAM, depending on specific requirements. A multi-GPU setup—utilizing two or more graphics cards—can significantly boost render throughput, provided the specific workflow is optimized to leverage multiple GPUs. However, the configuration should not be determined solely by the number of graphics cards; both the available computational power and the memory requirements of the scenes are critical factors. Furthermore, Redshift supports features for shared memory usage across multiple GPUs, as well as "out-of-core" techniques for handling geometry and textures that do not fit entirely within the available VRAM.
For the system platform, we recommend a high-performance processor with sufficient computational headroom to handle scene assembly, simulations, data processing, and parallel applications. A minimum of 128 GB of RAM serves as a solid foundation; for large-scale VFX projects, expansive scenes, and complex production pipelines, 256 GB or more is recommended. Fast NVMe SSDs with a storage capacity of at least 2 TB ensure short loading times and rapid access to large project files, textures, and cache data. Depending on the volume of data, it is advisable to include an additional SSD for working files and caches, as well as a separate, professionally planned storage solution for larger project archives.

Particular attention should be paid to the chassis, cooling, power supply, and expandability. Multiple high-end graphics cards place significant demands on power delivery, heat dissipation, and mechanical integration. A professionally configured workstation platform featuring sufficient PCIe slots, appropriate GPU connectivity, and a well-thought-out cooling design lays the foundation for stable operation, even under sustained full load. For companies with time-critical production pipelines, other key decision criteria include long-term system configuration stability, reliable support, and ease of maintenance.

A high-end or multi-GPU workstation is especially well-suited for studios, agencies, and production companies where rendering performance and meeting deadlines directly impact profitability. Such a system enables high local render throughput and can reduce reliance on external render farms. Whether a single high-end GPU or a multi-GPU setup is the better choice depends on typical scene sizes, required render times, and projected production volume. By carefully balancing graphics cards, VRAM, processor, system memory, and storage architecture, a bespoke enterprise workstation can be created tailored for professional Redshift production environments that demand high levels of performance, stability, and scalability.

Enterprise Hardware for Professional 3D Workflows - New equipment, professionally reconditioned systems, and refurbished business workstations

Not every project requires a brand-new, high-end workstation. Especially when it comes to professional business systems, a carefully selected and reconditioned hardware platform can be a highly cost-effective solution.

We offer companies a range of procurement options:

• New equipment: For the latest platforms, specific configurations, and maximum planning certainty regarding component selection.
• "Refresh" systems: For cost-optimized configurations featuring select, newly replaced components. Our "refresh" approach ensures that at least two key components are replaced with new ones.
• Premium refurbished business workstations: For companies looking to deploy professional-grade hardware in a cost-efficient manner.

The best option depends on the required GPU performance, the desired service life, requirements for expandability and support, and your available budget.

Professional consulting - beyond just hardware spec sheets
For IT decision-makers, acquisition costs and benchmark figures are not the only factors that matter. Compatibility, maintainability, availability, expandability, and seamless integration into existing work environments are equally critical. We assist you in selecting the right platform, taking into account both the needs of your 3D users and the specific requirements of your IT infrastructure. Whether you need a compact single-user solution, a high-performance production workstation, or a multi-GPU system, we configure the hardware to meet your exact needs.

Mobile Redshift Workstations
For mobile workspaces, presentations, and flexible project-based work, a suitable mobile workstation can be a valuable addition to your stationary infrastructure. In such cases, it is essential to carefully evaluate GPU performance, available VRAM, cooling capabilities, and compatibility with the specific version of Redshift being used. Depending on their configuration, even older mobile workstations can still be highly effective for certain tasks. We evaluate available systems based on their actual intended use and point out any technical limitations.

Purchasing or Leasing a Redshift Workstation
A professional rendering workstation is an investment in productivity and reliable project workflows. For this reason, the decision should not be based solely on the purchase price. We will provide you with a no-obligation quote for a suitable configuration whether as a brand-new unit, a "refreshed" system, or an expertly refurbished business-class workstation. For commercial clients, we also offer leasing options on orders with a net value of 2,000 euros or more.

Let Us Configure Your Redshift Workstation
Are you looking to reduce render times, expand your existing hardware, or build a new professional 3D production environment? We can help you select the right Redshift workstation—tailored to your software, your specific scenes, the GPU performance you require, and your budget. Request your no-obligation quote today.