Are you working with Houdini software and looking to speed up rendering time? One of the best solutions is to utilize a Houdini render farm. This article will explore some of the top Houdini render farms and offer suggestions for choosing the right one for your projects.
What is Houdini?
Houdini SideFX is 3D software designed for CG animations, films, games, and TV. As one of the leading 3D software options globally, it provides powerful tools for features like modeling, rigging, animation, particle effects, dynamics, compositing, integrated rendering, and more. It’s a node-based procedural approach that provides digital artists with unprecedented power, flexibility, and control. Many 3D artists and studios now recognize Houdini as a future-forward software in the 3D industry.
Houdini is compatible with numerous renderers and can use both CPU & GPU rendering. Popular GPU rendering render engines compatible with Houdini include Redshift and Octane. For CPU rendering, you can render Houdini with Mantra, Arnold, and V-Ray.
Even though Houdini is a popular software, render farm support can be limited due to project-specific factors, plugins, or the project’s extendibility with Houdini. However, several well-regarded Houdini render farms are available. Let’s explore some of the top options!
1. Best Houdini Render Farm Option
This is a great option. Offering a wide range of service packages, including CPU and GPU rental options. This lets you choose from a variety of resources.
2. Fox Render Farm
Fox Render Farm, established in 2009, is a well-known render farm, with many 3D artists and studios globally choosing this service.
Fox operates on a SaaS model, enabling rendering through their website. Because it’s a a SaaS render farm, Fox only supports certain Houdini versions with render engines, which can be a limitation if your projects utilize scripts or plugins.
3. Ranch Computing
Ranch Computing is known for its high-performance 3d rendering service for Houdini. Operating out of France with over 15 years of industry experience. Providing both CPU and GPU-based rendering. Like Fox Render Farm, Ranch Computing is a SaaS render farm, utilizing a web-based rendering management system. This is another great option.
Ranch Computing gives Houdini users access to RANCHecker, which is a plugin integrated into your Houdini. It helps you check for issues within your project, and if everything is correct, it will be uploaded through RANCHecker. You can then wait for the project to finish and download the results.
Because Ranch Computing is a SaaS render farm, it supports only some Houdini versions and render engines, while providing limited control.
4. AnimaRender
AnimaRender is a strong render farm option for Houdini. It is based out of Russia and was founded in 2016. Like many other render farms, they offer SaaS, as well as CPU and GPU rendering. To utilize the service, download their plugin and integrate it into your Houdini software. After you can start your render from the interface of your software.
Besides SaaS rendering, they also provide GPU Rental services. You can rent a rig of (5x1080Ti and 5x2080Ti) for at least three days. You can then connect with the GPU server through Anydesk or VNC. Afterwards, install another version of Houdini on their instance, and use it as required.
In a SaaS render farm, you need to verify your Houdini version, Render engine, and plugins before upload. However, it is very important to note that AnimaRender does not typically support plugins or some Houdini versions.
Summary
These are some of the best Houdini render farms available for your projects. Each render farm offers a unique combination of pros and cons. It’s your responsibility to select the most fitting option. Regardless, you are now equipped with the tools to make the best decision for your project.
