Must-know tips for better using iRender services


C drive is a hard drive while Z and X drives are network drives. C drive is to perform heavy tasks that require high computing performance, such as rendering, training Deep Learning models, etc. Meanwhile, Z drive, synced with iRender Drive/GpuHub_Sync, is to transfer files. X drive contains common software installers.

There are some useful tips for using C, Z, and X drives on iRender remote servers.

1. Upload data to iRender Drive/GpuHub_Sync before booting

It’s suggested to upload the data files to iRender Drive before booting the machine. Depending on the amount of data you upload, it may take a few minutes or longer to sync. 

You can check the sync process by clicking the Syncing at the vertical bar on the left side.

  • Syncing shows that the folder is being synced to Z drive.
  • Synced means the sync process is done. To save your money, you should boot the machine after your data is synced. 
Note
In case it takes you too long to sync files, contact our technical support for help.
Tip
  • INPUT (Z:): Upload your data to our servers, please upload your data projects to INPUT (Z:)
  • OUTPUT (Y:):  You can download the results file in OUTPUT (Y:), please move your output files from the C: drive to the OUTPUT (Y:) drive in iRender machine
  • Remember to compress the files in .zip format before uploading them to iRender Drive.
Information
Upload the data files through GpuHub_Sync at any time, anywhere. Especially for teamwork, each member can actively upload data files as long as they sign in to this app.
Note
In case you can’t see the uploaded file when you re-upload this edited file to GPUHUB sync. The reason leads for this issue is that this filename already existed in the folder.
To resolve this (or Solution): Please rename the file or upload it to another folder when re-uploading this file to iRender Drive.

2. Install software a Desktop or C drive

Always keep in mind that you work everything on hard drives like C or Desktop, instead of network drives like X or Z. You might get installation errors when installing software on X or Z drive.

  • Most software is not allowed to install via network drives (X or Z drive), so there is a system error.
  • As X and Z drives are network drives, so if you open the installer file and install it directly on one of these 2 drives, you will experience a slow opening and a slow or laggy installation.

Solution

  • If the installer you need is in X drive, just copy it to Desktop before installing.
  • In case you need a different installer, you should transfer it to the remote server by GPU Hub sync. You then copy it from Z drive to Desktop before installing it.

3. Open files from C drive or Desktop

As mentioned above, it’s optimal to work on C drive or Desktop. Opening files from C drive or Desktop can prevent the project from being crashed. If you open the file directly from Z drive, it’s likely to cause a crash due to loss of connection. So, remember to move your file to the Desktop before opening it.

The hard drive (C/Desktop) is better at data recording and transmission speed than the network drive (Z drive). As a result, rendering through C drive is much faster and more stable. It’s highly recommended to prepare the data files to render in C drive or Desktop, instead of Z drive.

Let’s watch the below video to see the huge difference when rendering a project at C drive and Z drive.

4. Set output path at C drive to avoid data loss

Another tip you need to know is to set the output path on a hard drive like C or Desktop to avoid output data loss.

Imagine when you save the output path directly at a network drive like Z. As a result, the output files of your 3D rendering project may not be saved continuously when there is a temporary loss of connection.

To avoid this unfortunate thing from happening:

  • Set the output path at C drive first.
  • After rendering, compress the output results in .zip format, then move it from C drive to Z drive. To receive the result, read this guide.

Tip
Remember to name the result folder different from other folders in the Z drive. This action will avoid the case that rendered files overwrite the original files causing data loss.

5. What to do when you don’t see enough X, Y and Z drive?

After successfully connecting to the machine, if you don’t see enough X, Y, and Z drives, please follow these steps: right-click on the desktop and select ”Reconnect XZY Drives”


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