RAM preview stalls out

[Ashish Gupta]

Bruce,

I think its an issue of low RAM .. your cache is very heavy and system is running out of RAM .

[Vishesh Arora]

Bruce

Do you suffer from the same problem with other compositions, where there is no such PSD file? Or is it taking time only with the composition that has PSD file with it?

Also when I attempt to run the already rendered preview, AE tries to re-render frames already processed. There appears to be constant updating and swapping of RAM and disk cached data as indicated by changes from green to blue as well as gaps in the render indicator.

From Adobe:


With Layer Cache Indicators on, you begin to see how After Effects breaks down the RAM cache into individual layers and even effects (a). With fast attached storage, you will see those green lines turn blue as they move from RAM to the disk (b).

Reason:

The permanent disk cache can be a little like a huge RAM extension providing much longer memory and far greater capacity. As such, it’s in your interest to maximize its performance and, if possible, capacity. Why? Not only because faster is better; After Effects actively evaluates whether it’s in the application’s best interests to commit a given process to disk. The greater the difference between processor and cache speed, the more likely a frame gets the blue cache indicator, ready to turn green at any time (and the faster it turns green, ready for real-time).

Vishesh Arora
3D and Motion Graphics Artist
Films Rajendra

Blog:
https://digieffects.wordpress.com

2011 3D Demo Reel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHPgIJU_BR8

[Bruce Gaber]

Thank you Ashish & Vishesh

The problem does seem to be one of resources. When I reduced the resolution for the RAM preview AND flattened the file to reduce its size, the preview proceeded fine. The question now is which resource needs to be enhanced. I am considering adding a 4 Tb G-Raid drive exclusively for my media. If I do so, should the RAM cache be on that drive or remain on the iMac’s system drive? Comments happily received.

Best

Bruce

[Vishesh Arora]

Bruce

I am considering adding a 4 Tb G-Raid drive exclusively for my media. If I do so, should the RAM cache be on that drive or remain on the iMac’s system drive?

Never do that. Your disk cache should be on the fastest drive with the fastest connection. There is no problem if it will remain on the iMac’s system drive.

Vishesh Arora
3D and Motion Graphics Artist
Films Rajendra

Blog:
https://digieffects.wordpress.com

2011 3D Demo Reel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHPgIJU_BR8