When configuring a high-performance workstation for KeyShot, it’s important to consider more than just the “minimum requirements” listed online. Rendering workflows, whether CPU- or GPU-based, demand specific hardware configurations to ensure the fastest rendering times. Based on benchmarks and extensive testing, we’ve compiled optimal recommendations for users looking to maximize performance in KeyShot.

CPU vs. GPU Rendering in KeyShot
For many years, KeyShot was primarily a CPU-based rendering engine, but with recent updates, GPU support has been introduced. Whether you choose CPU or GPU rendering depends on your project complexity and system configuration.

CPU Rendering
CPU rendering allows KeyShot to utilize the system’s RAM, enabling the processing of larger, more complex scenes. It’s typically slower than GPU rendering, but it excels in handling projects that require extensive memory resources.

GPU Rendering
GPU rendering, on the other hand, is faster, especially if you’re using high-performance graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX series. However, the complexity of projects that GPUs can handle is often limited by the amount of video memory (VRAM) available. This means that while GPU rendering can drastically reduce render times, it may not be suitable for extremely large scenes.

KeyShot Hardware Recommendations
1. Processor (CPU)
When configuring a CPU-based rendering workstation, core count and clock speed are essential. The more cores a processor has and the faster those cores run, the better the rendering performance. AMD’s Threadripper PRO series currently leads the market for CPU rendering.

Best CPU for KeyShot (CPU Rendering):
AMD Threadripper PRO 7995WX with 96 cores offers unmatched performance for CPU-based rendering in KeyShot, though it comes with a hefty price tag. A more affordable yet highly capable option is the Threadripper 7980X with 64 cores, which provides around 80% of the performance at a significantly lower cost.

Best CPU for KeyShot (GPU Rendering):
If you opt for GPU-based rendering, the CPU plays a less significant role. In this case, a processor with fewer cores but higher clock speed, such as Intel’s Core i9 or AMD’s Ryzen series, will provide better performance, especially when paired with 3D design or CAD software.

2. Graphics Card (GPU)
The choice of graphics card depends largely on whether you’re using CPU or GPU-based rendering. GPU-based rendering in KeyShot leverages the GPU’s VRAM and processing power to accelerate rendering times, making the graphics card one of the most critical components in your workstation.

Top GPUs for KeyShot:
GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB: Ideal for users with smaller scenes or those working with just one or two GPUs.
GeForce RTX 4090 24GB: This is the top recommendation for most KeyShot users, offering the best performance with ample VRAM for larger projects.
NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada 48GB: For users requiring maximum VRAM or the ability to run multiple GPUs simultaneously, the RTX 6000 Ada offers a professional-grade solution. It supports up to three cards for extreme rendering performance.

3. Memory (RAM)
Memory is another critical factor in KeyShot performance, especially for CPU-based rendering. GPU rendering relies more on the VRAM of your graphics cards, but if you opt for CPU rendering, your system’s RAM becomes paramount.

Recommended RAM for KeyShot:
64GB: Sufficient for most projects, especially those that use 3D, CAD, or architectural applications alongside KeyShot.
128GB or more: Necessary for larger or more complex scenes that rely on CPU rendering. KeyShot’s ability to tap into system memory means more RAM will help render bigger scenes without performance drops.

4. Storage (SSD vs. HDD)
For optimal performance, Solid-State Drives (SSDs) should be the go-to storage solution for your operating system and KeyShot software. SSDs, particularly NVMe SSDs, offer significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional hard drives.

Primary Drive: A 1TB NVMe SSD is recommended to ensure quick boot times, fast software launches, and speedy file loading.
Secondary Storage: For project storage and backups, a traditional hard drive (HDD) offers more capacity at a lower cost. Alternatively, a secondary SSD can provide faster access to your files and improve overall workflow.

Multi-GPU Support in KeyShot
One of the key advantages of KeyShot is its excellent scalability with multiple GPUs. This means that adding additional GPUs to your workstation will dramatically reduce rendering times. A two-card setup can render twice as fast, while three cards can render three times faster, making multi-GPU configurations ideal for large workloads.

How Many GPUs Can You Use?
The number of GPUs you can use is limited by your system’s power supply, PCIe lane availability, and the physical size of your case. Large tower workstations that support two or three GPUs, such as the NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada, are ideal for high-end KeyShot users who need extreme performance.
Best Workstation Configurations for KeyShot
Here are two recommended workstation configurations based on your rendering needs:

CPU-Based Workstation (VRLA Tech AMD Threadripper Workstation):
and
VRLA Tech AMD Threadripper Pro Workstation for Keyshot
CPU: AMD Threadripper PRO 7995WX
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 or 4090
RAM: 128GB-512GB (depending on project size)
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + additional HDD for backup

GPU-Based Workstation (Multi-GPU Setup):

CPU: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9
GPU: Dual or triple GeForce RTX 4090 or NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada
RAM: 64GB (sufficient for GPU rendering)
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + additional SSD/HDD for project storage

If you are looking for a more affordable option, the VRLA Tech Intel Core Workstation is a great option as well.

Conclusion
Building a workstation for KeyShot requires a careful balance between processing power, GPU performance, memory, and storage. For users working on complex, memory-intensive projects, a CPU-based workstation using AMD’s Threadripper PRO processors is ideal. For those prioritizing speed, especially with smaller projects, a GPU-based setup with multiple high-end graphics cards like the NVIDIA RTX 4090 or 6000 Ada will deliver the fastest results.

Make sure to select hardware that meets both your budget and performance needs, ensuring that you get the best rendering times and a seamless workflow in KeyShot.

By following these recommendations, you can optimize your KeyShot workstation to suit both your rendering preferences and the complexity of your projects. Whether you opt for CPU or GPU rendering, carefully selecting the right components will make all the difference in achieving high-performance rendering. Check out all of our workstation offerings at https://vrlatech.com/vrla-tech-workstations/ to find the ideal workstation for you!