Issue:
Experiencing sluggishness or lag when interacting with the user interface (UI) elements in 3ds Max, even on powerful machines with processors like Intel i9 or AMD Ryzen Threadripper?
Causes:
The potential culprits behind this performance slowdown include:
- CPU cache bottlenecks that can occur with specific hardware setups when performing certain calculations. Even though CPUs can run fast when they can hit the data they need directly in the cache, they can stall when there is a “cache miss”.
- Outdated video card drivers.
- Windows power management settings may be switching between a slower, integrated graphics processor (GPU) and a higher-performance video card.
- Large 3ds Max scene files (over 1 gigabyte) containing numerous objects and high-resolution textures that can drag down viewport performance.
- High monitor resolutions.
Solution:
Here’s the most up-to-date collection of potential solutions. You might need to try one, or a combination, of the steps to resolve the issue:
Disable Hyperthreading (for Intel CPUs) or Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT, for AMD CPUs)
It may seem counterintuitive, but disabling Hyperthreading (for Intel CPUs) or SMT (simultaneous multithreading, for AMD CPUs) can actually boost 3ds Max performance. (Note: The Arnold renderer does take advantage of Hyperthreading and SMT, so only disable these settings if you don’t require the best performance from Arnold.)
- For Intel CPUs, the instructions at this link may be helpful. Consulting the tech support personnel of the PC manufacturer (or the motherboard manufacturer) could also be beneficial.
- For AMD CPUs, please consult the AMD website or your motherboard manufacturer’s website on how to disable SMT in the PC BIOS or UEFI settings. In addition, these instructions regarding Windows power options for Ryzen CPUs may also be helpful (even though this page recommends not disabling SMT for gaming).
Set a Qt Environment Variable in Windows
Some 3ds Max users have reported UI improvements after setting a Qt (UI) environment variable in Windows:
- In Windows (8 or 10), search for “System” to open the “System (Control Panel).” Press Enter.
- In the System menu, select “Advanced Systems Settings” located at the bottom-left. This action will open the System Properties menu.
- At the bottom, click the “Environment Variables” button. The Environment Variables menu will then appear.
- In the Environment Variables menu, under System variables, click the “New” button to open the New System Variable menu.
- Variable name, enter: QT_OPENGL = angle
- Variable value, enter one of these:
QT_ANGLE_PLATFORM = warp
QT_ANGLE_PLATFORM = d3d9
QT_ANGLE_PLATFORM = d3d11
7. Click “OK” in each menu to save the changes, then restart your PC and re-test 3ds Max.
Note: If one of the preceding settings doesn’t work, repeat these steps, but delete the previous variable and add the next one on the list.
Update Graphics Drivers
Instead of relying on Windows Updates or other update software, go to the GPU manufacturer’s website periodically, search for the latest drivers available for your PC or laptop, then download and install them.
- Nvidia.
- AMD.
- Intel.
Configure the PC or Laptop to Use High-Performance Graphics
See the following resources:
- How to configure Autodesk software to use high performance graphics.
- Crash on systems with integrated (Intel HD) and discrete GPUs (NVIDIA/AMD).
Optimize 3ds Max Scenes
Follow the steps outlined in this resource: How to optimize performance in very large 3ds Max scenes
4K and Above
Reduce the resolution to 1080p.
See Also:
- Arnold Renders Objects As White Or Self-Illuminated When Rendering With Legacy Mental Ray Assets In 3ds Max
- How To Change The Graphics Display Drivers In 3ds Max Before Launch