Processing Speed & Rendering Time?

I am using a MacBook Pro 2.54GHz (4GB memory) Laptop for my X3 version of Chief (I am running Parallels to get windows 7). My company is looking to purchase a desktop Mac. My question is will the rendering speed up if I get a faster computer? If so, would it be significant enough to purchase a faster computer? Currently it takes me 18 hours to render an 11x17. I am sure the setting will change speed as well. But just wondering if it is worth investing in a better computer? Thank you.

Michael Benson

It's all about the processor for ray tracing so get the fastest you can afford. That said, there are much faster ray tracing solutions than Chief's native one. Thea, for instance, is many fold faster at raytracing with the same processor.

Michael, you're welcome to join in on our users group. Maybe someone will have an answer for you. I do know an Architect in the Galveston area that was using a MAC and X3. I'll ask her about this.