Last Updated:January 17, 2005


Qualification of Maya 6.0 on Supported Windows Operating Systems
Products Version Software Date
Maya Complete / Unlimited 6.0 200404092210
Maya Complete / Unlimited 6.0.1 200407132209


File Compatibility :
Maya: Maya 6.0 can read Maya 6.0, 5.0, 4.x, 3.x, Maya 2.x, and Maya 1.x format files.
Others:
 Maya 6.0 imports Adobe Illustrator, EPS (level 2), OBJ, DXF, DWG (AutoCAD 1 to 2000), IGES, Alias Wire (win32/linux/irix), AIFF (win32/mac), RIB (win32), OpenFlight (win32/irix/linux)
VRML2 files can be read via a standalone translator.
Maya 6.0 exports OBJ, DXF, DWG, IGES, Alias Wire (win32/linux/irix), MOV, VRML2, RTG and GE2, OpenFlight (win32/irix/linux).
Note:
 Not all file formats are supported on all platforms.


Qualified Operating Systems
Maya 6.0 is qualified on Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 (SP1), on Intel Pentium II, Pentium III and Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon processors in the following systems with any of the graphics cards listed in the graphics card table using the specified driver.

Maya 6.0 is qualified on Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2) with the same configurations listed above. However, after installation of Service Pack 2, Maya or its component programs may not launch successfully. If this occurs, you may either Unblock the program via the Windows Firewall Security Alert dialogue, or add it as an Exception in the Exceptions Tab in the Windows Firewall dialogue box. For more information, please see the Microsoft Update at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242&product=windowsxpsp2

Maya 6.0 is presently Untested on Windows 2000 Professional (SP4).

Maya 6.0 is NOT qualified to run on Windows NT 4.0 or the Windows NT Terminal Server.

mentalRay for Maya is qualified for the same platforms as Maya. We are unable to qualify all graphics cards on all operating systems.


Intel and AMD 64-bit Compatibility
Maya 6.0 is currently Qualified on the following 64-bit systems:
Opteron: Windows XP Professional (SP1, SP2)
EM64T: Windows XP Professional (SP1, SP2)
   
Maya 6.0 is currently Untested on the following 64-bit systems:
Athlon 64: Windows XP Professional
Athlon 64: Windows XP x64 Edition
Opteron: Windows XP x64 Edition
   
Maya 6.0 is currently Unsupported on the following 64-bit systems:
Itanium: Windows XP x64 Edition


Workstations
Company Model Web
Boxx 3DBOXX R1 www.boxxtech.com
Boxx 3DBOXX Workstation 7106, 7108, 7112 www.boxxtech.com
Compaq Professional Workstation 6300 www.compaq.com
Compaq Professional Workstation AP 400, 500, 550 www.compaq.com
Compaq Professional Workstation SP700 www.compaq.com
Compaq Professional Workstation 6000 www.compaq.com
Compaq Professional Workstation EVO 6000, 8000 www.compaq.com
Compaq EVO Notebook N800 www.compaq.com
Dell 1 Precision Workstation 210, 410, 610 www.dell.com
Dell1 Precision Workstation 220, 420, 620 www.dell.com
Dell1 Precision Workstation 330, 530 www.dell.com
Dell1 Precision Workstation 340, 360 www.dell.com
Dell Precision Workstation 350, 450, 650 www.dell.com
Dell Precision Workstation 370, 670 www.dell.com
Dell Precision Workstation m50 w/Nvidia Quadro4 Go www.dell.com
Dell Precision Workstation m60 w/Nvidia Quadro FX 700Go www.dell.com
Fujitsu-Siemens Celsius Workstation M420 www.fujitsu-siemens.com
HP HP Workstation X1000, X1100, X2000, X2100, X4000 www.hp.com
HP HP Workstation xw5000, xw6000, xw8000, xw4100 www.hp.com
HP HP Workstation xw4200, xw6200, xw8200 www.hp.com
HP HP Mobile Workstation nw8000 with ATI FireGL T2 www.hp.com
IBM Intellistation E Pro 6836, 6846 www.ibm.com
IBM Intellistation M Pro 6868, 6849, 6850, 6229, 6219, 6230
 www.ibm.com
IBM Intellistation Z Pro 6866, 6221 www.ibm.com
IBM Thinkpad A31p (ATI FireGL 7800 mobile) www.ibm.com
IBM Thinkpad T40p (ATI Mobility FireGL 9000) www.ibm.com
IBM Thinkpad T42p, R50p (ATI FireGL T2) www.ibm.com
Intergraph TDZ 2000 Graphics Workstation www.intergraph.com
[1] Please see below for workaround required for some Dell systems.


Graphics Cards and Driver Versions
Maya is qualified for the following graphics cards using the specified driver, with the the listed Operating Systems, and any of the workstations listed in the Workstations table.

Important: Graphics drivers are usually different for different Windows operating sytems. Alias has tested only drivers listed under each OS. While it may be possible to use Maya successfully on earlier or later drivers, Alias cannot guarantee their performance or behaviour. If you encounter problems with a driver, we strongly suggest that you contact the graphic card vendor to report your problem.
Company Graphics Card Driver version on Windows XP Professional Driver version on Windows 2000 Pro
3DLabs Wildcat VP560/760/870/970/990 3.01-0834  
3DLabs Wildcat Realizm 100/200 4.03-0162  
Nvidia Quadro DCC 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro4 Go 42.02  
Nvidia Quadro FX 700Go 44.24  
Nvidia Quadro FX 1000Go 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro4 700/750/900 XGL 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro4 780/980 XGL 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro FX 330 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro FX 500 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro FX 1000/2000 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro FX 1100 61.76
  
Nvidia Quadro FX 1300 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro FX 1400 67.20 (as pkgd by Dell)  
Nvidia Quadro FX 3000 61.76
  
Nvidia Quadro FX 3400 61.76  
Nvidia Quadro FX 4000 61.76  
Nvidia GeForce2, GeForce3, GeForce4 (ANY GeForce) NOT QUALIFIED
(see note) 		NOT QUALIFIED
(see note)
ATI Mobility FireGL 7800
(IBM Thinkpad A31P)		 6.13.10.6200
7.79.6-021213a-007988c-IBM
 		 
ATI Mobility FireGL 9000
(IBM Thinkpad T40P)		 6.14.10.6444
8.011-040427a-015929E-RC1-IBM
  
ATI Mobility FireGL T2
(IBM Thinkpad T42P, R50P)		 6.14.10.6444
8.011-040427a-015929E-RC1-IBM		  
ATI FireGL V3100 8.023.1  
ATI FireGL V3200 8.023.1  
ATI FireGL V5100 8.062  
ATI FireGL Z1/X1 8.011  
ATI FireGL X2-256t, X2-256 8.011  
ATI FireGL T2-64, T2-128 8.011  
ATI Radeon 8800 Mobility
(Compaq EVO N800)		 6.13.10.6206
7.77.3-021016a-006195E-1.00C		  
see below for important details about each of these graphics cards

Video Cards without Hardware Overlay Planes
Using video cards without Hardware Overlay planes (or Hardware Overlay planes turned off) can result in poor performance for certain operations within Maya including (but not restricted to) use of tools based on Artisan or Paint Textures technology. There will also be visual differences compared with Hardware overlays that may result in difficulty seeing or manipulating aspects of the scene or Maya interface.
Examples of Graphics cards without Hardware overlays include (but are not restricted to):
  • NVIDIA based TNT/TNT2/GeForce/GeForce2 video cards
  • ATI Rage128/ Rage128Pro
  • Matrox G400
  • etc.
Examples of Graphics Cards where Hardware Overlays can be turned on/off include (but are not restricted to):
  • 3DLabs  GVX210/GVX1/VX1/GMX2000
  • etc.
Although Maya may be used successfully on systems containing these Graphics Cards, only those specifically  listed here have been tested. Please review the notes below carefully as some of these cards have limitations which may make them unsuitable for your purposes.

General Configuration
  • A three button mouse is required.
  • At least 512 MB of RAM or more is recommended to run Maya for Windows.
  • Customers intending to license their Alias software based on an external network card should be aware that Alias does not support the use of these devices and cannot guarantee that software will operate correctly when licensed in this way.
  • It may be possible to successfully use Maya with a non-qualified or partially qualified configuration, but support and maintenance programs will be subject to the Alias Support services guidelines.
  • The configurations shown are subject to change, and additional qualified configurations may be added after qualification testing has been carried out.
  • Where Graphics Controllers are configurable, you must have at least 32MB of texture memory (TRAM). Due to the differences in the manner in which hardware vendors approach display memory, we suggest that you consult your hardware vendor to ensure that your configuration will support your required resolution.
  • The graphics drivers specified in this table are the drivers that were used for the qualification process. While it may be possible to use Maya successfully on earlier or later drivers, Alias cannot guarantee their performance or behaviour.
  • We do not recommend saving data directly from Maya to NFS or Novell Netware or other remote mounted file systems. We have received several reports of data corruption when saving in this method although we have been unable to reproduce this. We strongly recommend that you save the files locally and then copy the data to the mounted storage system.
  • When texture images are stored on systems remote from the rendering process; depending on network speed, specifications and load it is possible that the renderer may be unable to access a texture file on demand and may 'drop' individual textures on a frame by frame basis. To reduce this occurrence store textures on a system local to the rendering process.
  • Windows Compiler Requirement: To build Maya plug-ins, your Windows system must have the Microsoft .net 2003 Visual C++ Compiler installed.
  • Be aware that with ALL dual monitor setups you will experience problems with window positioning - windows/menus not displaying on 2nd monitor, flipping back to the main monitor, etc. Dual Monitor use is therefore not recommended or supported at this time.

Notes on Operating Systems:
Windows XP
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation Under some circumstances, when playblasting an animation, partway through, the playblasting ceases to be updated. Attempting to ESC from the playblast may cause a hang.
Solution RMB->(desktop maya icon)->Properties->Compatibility Tab->(Run in Windows 2000 mode)
Limitation Tear-off pull-down menus don't display properly on XP with UI schemes
Solution Set UI preference to Windows Classic Style. Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Windows Classic
Limitation Maya on Windows XP has slightly different window focus interaction than on other OS's. For example, if you render in the Render View window and switch focus to another Maya window or another application and back to the Render View, the Render View may not update, or may turn completely white giving the appearance that it has hung. The window will update when the render completes. (On other OSes it updates when each tile is finished rendering.) You may see similar interactions in other windows.
Solution RMB->(desktop maya icon)->Properties->Compatibility Tab->(Run in Windows 2000 mode)


Notes on Computer Models:
Some Dell Systems
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation On some Dell systems, Maya apparently is missing some or all controls in some or all option boxes or dialogs. Specific sliders are not drawn and option boxes may be sized incorrectly or appear empty.
Solution Change the DPI settings for screen resolution(XP), or default system font size(Windows 2000), restart your system and change it back (and restart again).
On Windows this is in display properties: (right-mouse on desktop -> properties), Settings-> Advanced -> Display DPI Setting(XP), or Display Font size(Windows 2000). )



Detailed Driver Notes and Settings:


3Dlabs Wildcat VP560, VP760, VP870, VP970, VP990
Model Version Driver Settings
3Dlabs Wildcat VP560/760/870/970/990 (3Dlabs) Windows XP Pro:
3.01-0834		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation This card is not recommended for use with Hardware Rendering as not all features are supported.
Solution None


3Dlabs Wildcat Realizm 100/200
Model Version Driver Settings
3Dlabs Wildcat Realizm 100/200 (3Dlabs) Windows XP Pro:
4.03-0162		 Optimize->Optimize for: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro4 780XGL, 980XGL
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro4 780XGL, 980XGL Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 330
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 330 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 500, FX 1000, FX 2000
Model Version Driver Settings

Nvidia Quadro FX 500,
FX 1000, FX 2000

 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya/StudioTools
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 1100
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 1100 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 1300
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 1300 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 1400
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 1400 Windows XP Pro:
67.20
(as pkgd by Dell)		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 3000
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 3000 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation The viewport windows may not refresh completely after an IPR render.
Solution Force a refresh of the viewports.


Nvidia Quadro FX 3400
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 3400 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 4000
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 4000 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro4 Go (in Dell M50)
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro4 Go Windows XP Pro:
42.02		 OpenGL preset: Maya/StudioTools
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation Occasionally, animation stops updating when playblasting, and the playblast may contain repeated frames.
Solution RMB->(desktop maya icon)->Properties->Compatibility Tab->(Run in Windows 2000 mode)


Nvidia Quadro FX 700 Go (in Dell M60)
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 700 Go Windows XP Pro:
44.24		 OpenGL preset: Maya/StudioTools
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro FX 1000 Go (in Dell M60)
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro FX 1000 Go Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya/StudioTools
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro4 (700XGL, 750XGL, 900XGL)
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro4
700XGL, 750XGL, 900XGL		 Windows XP Pro:
61.76		 OpenGL preset: Maya/StudioTools
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


Nvidia Quadro2 series (EX, MXR, Go, Pro)
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia Quadro2 series
(EX, MXR, Go, Pro)		 Windows XP Pro:
60.85		 Windows style should be set to Windows Classic

Advanced->OpenGL Support->Driver is optimized for application: MAYA
Overlays: ON
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation Some of the newer hardware based functionality, such as hardware shadows on sprites, may not work optimally on older cards.
Solution None



Nvidia GeForce256, GeForce2, GeForce3, GeForce4 series
There are many cards based on GeForce256, GeForce2,  GeForce3 and GeForce4 chipsets. Nvidia and Alias do not recommend these cards for use with Maya as you may experience various refresh, display and stability problems and inadequate performance.
We suggest you choose from Nvidia's workstation cards instead, such as the Quadro families which are much better suited to high-end 3D packages such as Maya.



Nvidia Quadro DCC
Model Version Driver Settings
Nvidia QuadroDCC
 Windows XP Pro:
61.76

Windows style should be set to Windows Classic

OpenGL preset: Maya/StudioTools
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


FireGL 7800 Mobility
in IBM Thinkpad A31P
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL 7800
(ATI)		 Windows XP Pro:
6.13.10.6200
7.79.6-021213a-006958e-IBM		 OpenGL preset: MAYA NT
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation You may encounter poor performance using Artisan tools with "Show Brush Outlines ON".
Solution Do not use Show Brush Outlines.
Limitation You may encounter poor performance using Maya Paint Effects in Canvas mode.
Solution None


FireGL 9000 Mobility
in IBM Thinkpad T40P
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL 9000
(ATI)

Windows XP Pro:
6.14.10.6444
8.011-040427a-015929E-RC1-IBM

 OpenGL preset: MAYA NT
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation This card is not recommended for use with Hardware Rendering as not all features are supported.
Solution None


FireGL T2 Mobility
in IBM Thinkpad T42P, R50P
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL T2
(ATI)

Windows XP Pro:
6.14.10.6444
8.011-040427a-015929E-RC1-IBM

 OpenGL preset: MAYA NT
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


FireGL V3100
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL V3100
(ATI)

Windows XP Pro:
6.14.10.6451
8.023.1-040624a-016801C-ATI

 Configuration->MAYA NT
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


FireGL V3200
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL V3200
(ATI)

Windows XP Pro:
6.14.10.6451
8.023.1-040624a-016801C-ATI

 Configuration: MAYA NT
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


FireGL V5100
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL V5100
(ATI)

Windows XP Pro:
6.14.10.6483
8.062-040929a-018529C-ATI

 Configuration->Maya
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


FireGL Z1/X1
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL Z1/X1
(ATI)		 Windows XP Pro:
Package Version
8.011		 OpenGL preset: MAYA NT
Note: Be aware that ATI refers to specific versions of drivers as "Package Version"
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation  
Solution  


FireGL X2-256t, X2-256, T2-128, T2-64
Model Version Driver Settings
FireGL X2, T2
(ATI)		 Windows XP Pro:
Package Version
8.011		 OpenGL preset: MAYA NT
Note: Be aware that ATI refers to specific versions of drivers as "Package Version"
Limitations and Solutions
Note: Drivers suitable for laptops should be obtained from the laptop vendor, not ATI, unless the driver specifically states it can be used on all models. 
Solution Follow this link for HP
Follow this link for IBM.


Radeon 8800 Mobility
in Compaq EVO N800
Model Version Driver Settings
Fire GL8700/8800
(ATI)		 Windows XP Pro:
6.13.10.6206
7.77.3-021016a-006195E-1.00C		 OpenGL preset: MAYA NT
Limitations and Solutions
Limitation This card is not recommended for use with Hardware Rendering as not all features are supported.
Solution None