3DS max 9 sp1 vs sp2 and gfx performance.

[MadKoiFish]

OK nevermind sheesh I just noticed the laptop was running directX 9 vs open GL on the pc. -_- dunno how it reverted to DX unless a recent driver change affected this so please disregard this post -_-

Strange DX is faster in performance when everyone is steady on by claiming Open GL is better in Viewports. Seems the other way.

Ok here I go.
Machine 1
core 2 duo 6400 2.3ghz
nvidia 680i
1gig ram ddr2
7850gt 256 pcix gfx

Machine 2 laptop
dual core T2400 (1.8ghz)
forget the chipset
1gig ram
7600 go 512mb

Machine 1 with a 1million poly model I get about 2fps with fully shaded
Machine 2 the same model I get 10fps

Only diffrence is listed above and the fact machine 1 max has sp2 installed.

So the question is DOES the extra 256mb or ram account for this diffrence even with the lower cpu and overall gpu power? I thought the 7600go was comparable to a 6600gt if that. Im thinking its the diffrence between SP1 and SP2 on max. Has anyone else encountered this? IE slower performance with the update?
Keep in mind these Service Packs are NOT windows XP packs but ones from Autodesk.
The diffrence in performance is on a level of affecting my performance and the ease of which larger models can be worked on.
I was getting ready to wipe the laptop and clear off the copies of max on it. But if the gfx card is the explanation to my performance I will yank max off this pc and move back to the laptop. Hard to belive this though. . . . . .

[SnowCrash]

always turn off the grid when you don't need it - really slows down the viewport redraws.....

I tend to use DX9 rather than opengl now......

[MadKoiFish]

Ohh I HATE the grid! lol
its the first thing I do is hit G on the kb wen starting a new prj.
Only drawback in max9 is some of the edges in perspective get a bit broken, IE odd dashing when its on a curved surface and your zoomed in. But the #x speed increase has me sold. All the max7 bugs in DX are gone so bye bye ogl.