Hi everyone,

I’m considering this laptop for architectural visualization, mainly for using 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, and D5 Render. I’d appreciate your feedback on both the Acer Predator Helios 16 PH16-72-908D model and the Predator Helios series in general.

Here are the specifications for this specific model:

• Processor: Intel Core i9-14900HX, 24 cores, 32 threads
• RAM: 32GB DDR5 5600MHz
• Storage: 1TB SSD NVMe M.2 Gen 4.0
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, 12GB GDDR6
  • Boost Clock: Up to 1585 MHz
  • Max Graphics Power: Up to 165W
• Display: 16.0” WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS, 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3 Color Gamut, 16:10 aspect ratio

Do you think this is a good choice for archviz workflows? How does this model—and the Predator Helios series as a whole—perform in terms of build quality, thermals, and overall reliability?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

https://preview.redd.it/m23bs1ipmn6e1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=6772b8e4d7ffe15e1d64181c2612a57170973cb6

So Im pretty decent with rhino/grasshopper/twinmotion, but I've noticed a pretty big limit to my skillset-

I can only model things that look nice, clean and new.

But this year for uni I'm doing a project about repurposing shipwrecks, which are obviously not nice, clean or new. What's the strategy for making things look worn down, rusted, barnacled, etc?

I get that I could do some stuff with simple textures (like rust) but I still get this problem that everything looks uniform. It doesn't feel random or natural.

Any recommendations? Software that's good for this stuff or like, tips and tricks?

Thanks in advance for any help 🙏

According to the AI overview on google, it's FBX. But i'm curious what you all would recommend.

I started messing around with D5 last night using a skp. file which went fine.

But if there is a recommended format to use I will begin using that.

Thanks

As a photographer, I've always been fascinated by how pros use manual camera controls vs auto modes. Sure, auto settings work, but real magic happens with precise control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This same principle led me to build something different in architectural visualization.

Here's the problem with current AI visualization tools: they're essentially 'auto mode' - upload and pray. But architectural design needs nuance. Just like how a photographer might:

• Drop the shutter speed slightly for that perfect motion blur
• Tweak the aperture decimal by decimal for exact depth of field
• Fine-tune ISO to balance noise and brightness

I built an AI platform that brings this level of control to architectural visualization:

• Custom prompt engineering for specific architectural elements and materials
• Style intensity slider for subtle to dramatic changes
• Layout preservation controls to maintain structural integrity (crucial for accurate architectural representation)
• Real-time adjustments for instant iterations

The result? Instead of hoping the AI gets it right, you can dial in exactly what you want, just like a pro photographer with their camera settings. Perfect for quick design iterations and client presentations.

Please check out demo at https://propulix.com/

As I'm focusing on new projects, I'm looking to pass this on to someone who is interested.

how can i make it better by lumion?

Hi all! First post here! I have been reading a lot of comments from other posts and here it is my work. I would appreciate it if you could leave your comments from any perspective(design...lighting...decor...materials...etc..)!

I am an interior designer/kitchen designer. Technically this is my second full-on render(most of the modeling and all material adjustments). No post work yet as I wanted to hear from you guys before getting into that. Just wanted to see where I can improve and make it presentable to my clients. My goal is to post these images to social media as well as client presentations and have the images as close to photorealism as possible(I know Enscape has limitations), but I am not sure if the quality is good enough to post.

I also don't know why my linear light on the ceiling and under the upper cabinet doesn't show smoothly. I did have sunlight set to 0 and created my "own" sun using Enscape spotlights.

https://preview.redd.it/lyb1tws9hc6e1.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=177162e925dc1eea47fee8a13a8719bc897c855b

https://preview.redd.it/gke6mws9hc6e1.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=9617beef852c2adda29135ae4dfe77b7f8f4252a

https://preview.redd.it/q77r7ws9hc6e1.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=9be7a7c0d72b6f2d0bff734099abc2d1d306b5dd

https://preview.redd.it/dqynaxs9hc6e1.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=bead1811d83c46afa1b80088ed0737636256f866

https://preview.redd.it/3l1guws9hc6e1.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=a23990849633733457a7e3a6124e1dfeec7744e8

I'm about to buy a loaded M4 MBP for my primary gig - retouching / illustration / Ae motion with Adobe software.

My hope is that the MacBook Pro (with occasional render farm help when needed) will be sufficient for the C4D work I'm increasingly incorporating into my workflow for a few years.

But I'm wondering if it would make sense to go ahead and spend an additional $1,000 - $1,500 to get a dedicated PC rendering station soon (for fear that potential tariffs will make it way more painful).

Any thoughts / opinions about this are welcome, as well as suggestions on a good PC, if you think that would be a smart move.

Many thanks!

I've been using Twinmotion for the longest time in architecture school but only recently came to realize how gimped it was compared to other software, so i've started learning Blender for a few months now which has been really good although I know that 3DSmax coupled with Corona are the industry standard, and one can achieve better results with the latter than with cycles when it comes to photorealism. Should I make the switch?

3dsmax , corona render

https://www.instagram.com/karn.viz/profilecard/?igsh=YnNpYnJxNW93Nzl6

https://preview.redd.it/zfshzyt3b36e1.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=f7d71cd2fd5b9eec1075da721498ea1b41ba6b80

Previously I posted in this group that whether I should use lumion or twinmotion. Many folks suggested me Twinmotion. I've been using lumion for the past 2 years and now installed Twinmotion. Saw a tutorial about it and tried it myself. It's my first ever render on Twinmotion. I'm open to productive critisism and any suggestions.

I know 3ds max very well and some other software. Unreal Engine, After Effects etc. I’m about to make an Archviz portfolio but before I even go that route will Architecture companies expect me to know CAD modeling at all. Because I can’t do that. I maybe able to do some AR examples though which I’m hoping would put me in. Do you guys mainly just render or is there Cad involved as well?

Thanks

One of our senior architects gave me these hoping they'd be useful. "Designed for Windows 95", and I am only on Windows 10, these should be amazing!