The rendering is managed by the engine's graphics system.
The rendering is managed by the engine's graphics system.
The CPU typically manages general tasks and control flow, while the GPU is responsible for rendering animations and video content.
Typically both are used. When software supports it, the workload is spread to optimize both CPU and GPU performance. Remember though, not every animation or video editing tool uses GPU acceleration, so some may rely solely on the CPU. This means extra cores help with animation and video processing more than gaming, since those jobs can fully use all available cores.
CPU usually handles most tasks, while RAM is the next critical component for video rendering. The GPU is needed only when you're working with complex 3D graphics, such as those in After Effects.
It varies based on the software you're employing. For instance, Blender's internal rendering relies solely on the CPU. Yet Cycles can utilize both at once (though not simultaneously) while some capabilities remain unavailable on the GPU. Since the CPU demands more memory, opting for a stronger processor seems preferable over a powerful GPU. Of course, this decision hinges on your budget.
varies by application, often they utilize both GPU and CPU together, while some shift the workload entirely to the GPU. In WETA studio, I believe a cluster of Xeon processors paired with phi co-processors and Quadro handles the combined task of final rendering for filtered 3D animation.
I've worked extensively with various 3D programs (3ds max, maya, cinema4d, blender, solidworks, autocad, microstation, keyshot) and After Effects/Premiere, and I can confidently say that most of the processing is done on the CPU about 80% of the time. This is especially true on consumer-grade systems. Only a handful of rendering engines support openCL/CUDA, and even then you usually need a workstation-level card. While some workarounds exist, they're limited to specific effects or filters. When building a workflow, you don't just decide based on hardware; you research the tools, their drivers, and choose the right equipment for your tasks. For instance, someone doing CAD rendering with Keyhsot or Bunkspeed will have different requirements than someone editing video. That's my take on the matter.