Slow or sluggish performance while running 3ds Max can usually be attributed to either a video configuration conflict or a memory allocation problem. The hard thing about performance problems is narrowing down the culprit. Here are some common situations that can hamper operation of 3ds Max and steps to take to rectify them.
Files Take a Long Time to Open
Slow Response to Open or Drag Dialogs
In an extended session, especially one where you have created renderings or worked extensively with bitmapped materials, 3ds Max can become sluggish because of memory allocations. Before you close and restart the 3ds Max session, you can try a few MAXScript functions that free up memory:
Clears the Undo/Redo buffer. Be very sure the scene is as you want it before you invoke this function!
Simply enter the MAXScript function call in the MAXScript Mini Listener at the lower left of the 3ds Max window.
Thanks to Tom Isaksen for documenting these functions online.
Autodesk Product Support often encounters an increase of this situation around the time a new version or upgrade of the software is released. The question usually posed by the customer is, “Why does the new version take longer to start than the last version?” There are several reasons.
Files Take a Long Time to Open
The size of a file often defines how quickly it loads into 3ds Max. However, if you notice an increase in load time from one design session to another, it could be an indication that 3ds Max is not finding enough memory to operate efficiently or that the file needs to be optimized.
The first thing to check is your system memory allocation. RAM, swap space, and free hard drive space should be adequate to run 3ds Max: You can find the required amounts at www.autodesk.com/3dsmax-sysrequirements.
Here's how to check your memory and swap-file allocations.
To check RAM and swap-file allocation on Windows XP:
This opens the System Properties dialog.
On the General tab, you should see information about your computer. The amount of RAM should be listed on this panel.
To check RAM and swap-file allocation on Vista or Windows 7:
On the Advanced panel, the Virtual Memory group displays the amount of hard-drive memory allocated to the swap file. If you want to change this, click the Change button and use the Virtual Memory dialog to adjust the swap-file size. Prompts on this dialog show the minimum and maximum amounts you can allocate to the swap file.
If the physical and virtual memory are set appropriately, then you'll have to check the model. If the model does eventually open, do the following:
Slow Response to Open or Drag Dialogs
This situation is exhibited when you click a command that opens a dialog, like the Material Editor or graph window, like Track View. After you click, you notice an appreciable time lag until the dialog or window opens. If you then attempt to drag it to a new location, the dialog or window does not smoothly follow your cursor.
The usual cause for this is a video driver conflict or display configuration issue because opening or dragging a dialog causes your graphic card to refresh the screen. Try these steps to diagnose the problem.