Hardware Platform Recommendations

[nsunier]

//Edit by Moderator: Moved to the correct subforum as requested by user. Thanks!
.

Hi,

I am new MADRIX user. I have bought a basic KEY.

I am now looking to buy a dedicated hardware platform. I want ton buy Apple hardware since it is reliable and also easier to resell. I have chosen a Mac Mini platform because I do not want integrated screen. I will wait a few more weeks because it seems that Apple will announce new hardware...

The current high end Mac Mini specs:

• 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz)
• 256GB solid-state drive
• Intel HD Graphics 4000
• 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 memory
• Native Mini DisplayPort output
• DVI/VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI/VGA Adapter
• Audio line in minijack (digital/analog)
• Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog)
• Thunderbolt port (up to 10 Gbps)
• FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)
• Four USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
• HDMI port
• SDXC card slot
• 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
• 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible

I want to add to this computer an Elo 2201L 22-inch Desktop Touchmonitor:

• 22" diagonal, Active matrix TFT LCD
• 16:9 Widescreen
• 1920x1080
• VGA/DVI
• Windows 7 and 8 multi-touch interactivity
• Response time (typical): 5 msec
• Contrast ratio (typical): 1000:1
• LED backlight

This hardware platform should drive about 2700 RGB LED pixels (16 DMX universes). But, why not, should have a lot of power margin if in the future I buy a PRO key update.

I want your opinion about my hardware platform choice.

[Fritzsche]

Hi,

Welcome to the MADRIX Online Forums!

Choosing an Apple hardware platform and running Windows natively via Bootcamp can indeed be a viable choice.

The hardware you have chosen is very potent when it comes to controlling 16 DMX universes. It should be more than enough. When we talk about DMX control for MADRIX KEY professional, it should also be a good choice; especially when you wait for Apple to release new hardware.

Do you want to control 3D? If so, we might want to think twice about this, because of the graphics card.

Thanks.

[nsunier]

Thanks!

At this time, I do not want to control 3D. So I think I will go with the new upcoming Mac Mini (the graphic card should also be upgraded from Intel HD 4000 to HD 5000).

Can you tell me more about the integrated performance test of MADRIX? It calculates maximum 3D voxels. But what is the link between this parameter and the effective number of LED pixels that can be managed?

[Fritzsche]

The performance test is actually about 3D. More information from the user manual:

Benchmark
▪ When running MADRIX for the first time, you will be asked to perform a short benchmark test.
▪ Or go to Previews > Benchmark...


▪ Since using the Previews in 3D Mode can require a certain computer performance, MADRIX allows you to run a benchmark to see the recommended maximum 3D voxel resolution for your computer.
▪ It is recommended to run this test once for your computer setup.
▪ Please close other windows and background tasks during the test since they can negatively affect the performance and outcome.
▪ Usage: When exceeding this recommended resolution, MADRIX will ask you if you are sure to use the Preview in 3D Mode. In this way, a decreasing computer performance can be avoided.
▪ This is just an information. You are free to use any resolution you want.

[nsunier]

OK, now I understand better.

Thank you for the explanations!