This video is my lecture created for Autodesk University 2011.  

GPU-accelerated rendering within Autodesk 3ds Max software is no longer limited to the iRay rendering engine. In this 90-minute session, I explore numerous options now available with the 3ds Max Quicksilver hardware renderer.  Quicksilver accelerates rendering by using both the CPU and the GPU and is somewhat like having a game-engine renderer within 3ds Max. The main role of the CPU is to translate scene data for rendering; this includes compiling shaders for the specific graphic card in use - then the GPU does the heavy lifting of rendering tasks.

1. Intro & verifying hardware compatibility (0:0:00)
2. Similarities & differences to iRay (starts at 0:5:52)
3. GPU monitors (0:31:00)
4. Wicked-easy setups (0:35:32)
5. The main QS Interface (0:44:45)
6. NPR & Stylized rendering (0:53:01)
7. Render Elements (1:00:48)
8. Autodesk Composite (1:07:22)
9. Custom AO, contour and direct lighting/shadow passes (1:14:07)
10. Additional Tips & Tricks in Autodesk Composite (1:20:32)
11. Nitrous texture limiting (1:25:54) 

Summary:

3ds Max users of all types can take advantage of the Quicksilver hardware rendering engine.  There can be different uses at various points in a production cycle to create stills/animations with a faster turnaround, or more iterations of a piece in the same amount of time as a software renderer.  This is true even if projects are destined to use a different rendering engine for the final deliverable.  GPU rendering within 3ds Max has more options that ever so its time to hit the hardware, people!

A few important things to reitarate:

• Verify you have Shader model 3.0 via DirectX to work with Quicksilver
• The Arch+Design shader works with Quicksilver, mental ray and iRay so its easy to flip-flop renderes with it
• Use Iterations for final output of animations
• When using the Quicksilver hardware renderer, change the Material Editor renerer to mental ray to speed it up

Web and download links:

EVGA  Precision (Free GPU monitor app)
Tech PowerUp's GPU-Z (Free GPU monitor app)

MaxScripts - tiny ZIP file including:

• Randomize Object (Wireframe) Color - for Object ID Render Element option in QS
• Texture Map Limit - option for Nitrous viewports
• Bobo's NPR Explorer - for Nitrous viewports

I hope you all enjoy!

//gD