Rendering 3D Computer Graphics on a Parallel Computer

Using the cluster computing facility at the University of Sunderland, the performance of four commercial applications for 3D computer graphics rendering are compared. While these applications employ different approaches to the problem of computer graphics rendering, some common issues are identified. The rendering process is described and various ways to use system resources investigated and compared. Common themes concerning Operating System performance and hardware configuration are reviewed. Results of tests conducted using the embedded rendering engines supplied with each application are presented.