Question 1

What versions of 3D and other software are supported?

Accepted Answer

All software and versions thereof that are supported can be found HERE.

Question 2

Does GridMarkets support Houdini dependencies?

Accepted Answer

Yep!

Question 3

Does GridMarkets support Houdini simulations?

Accepted Answer

We do.  Check out our explainer video HERE to learn how to launch a simulation.  By leveraging our simulation service combined with our support of dependencies, data uploads and downloads can be minimized - and the delivery of results accelerated.

Question 4

What kinds of machines does GridMarkets offer?

Accepted Answer

We use 32 VCPUs @ 3ghz/core with 60 Gb RAM.  Our GPU offering leverages Tesla K80s or P100s.  If your submission requires bigger machines (e.g. more Ram and/or more VCPU power), email us at Support@GridMarkets.com.

Question 5

How many machines does GridMarkets have?

Accepted Answer

GridMarkets has access to 1000s of machines.  By default, 30 machines are assigned to all jobs.  This can be adjusted to 5 machines using our "Economy" setting and to 60 machines using our "Rush" setting.  If your submission is time sensitive and requires more machines than the default, contact us at Support@GridMarkets.com.

Question 6

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

It's easy!  Sign up for an account HERE.  You will then recieve a GridMarkets welcome email containing your account details (account name and password) and links to our pluggin and job submission portal.  Download the pluggin (see HERE) and off you go.  See HERE for further details.

Question 7

How does GridMarkets' pricing work?

Accepted Answer

The cost is fixed per machine hour . . . and is all inclusive (i.e. includes all licence, machine, storage, data transfer and other costs).  There is not a GridMarkets minimum charge - and GridMarkets only charges for what you use to the nearest second (not the nearest hour). There is no need to worry about starting/stopping machines . . . all this is taken care of for you.  For further information, see our pricing page HERE.

Question 8

How do I buy GridMarkets credits?

Accepted Answer

When your account is set up, free credits will be added to it - to allow you to "kick the GridMarkets tyres."  If you like what you see . . . and would like to acquire additional GridMarkets credits, visit the GridMarkets Portal (see HERE).  Credits can also be purchased via our "pricing" page (see HERE).   Our most commonly used payment method is paypal . . . but we also can accept bank wire transfers.  If you would prefer to purchase credits via a wire transfer, contact us at Support@GridMarkets.com and we will provide the details.

Question 9

How much will my submission cost?

Accepted Answer

We have prepared a calculator (see HERE) to help you estimate the cost of a GridMarkets submission.  Using the free credits provided when you received your GridMarkets account, submit 5 to 10 representative frames.  Enter the frame times for those samples into the calculator - and an estimate will then be generated.

Question 10

What is the GridMarkets Credit Overdraft Limit?

Accepted Answer

GridMarkets has implemented a credit overdraft mechanism that kicks in whenever your credit balance reaches zero.  Once a zero credit balance is reached, the mechanism monitors the number of negative credits accumulated and then stops your running submissions once a credit overdraft limit for your GridMarkets account has been reached.   For example, if your credit overdraft limit is set to 5, then any running jobs will be stopped when your credit balance reaches negative 5 credits.  Stopped submissions will not be restarted and subsequent submissions will not be started until a positive credit balance is restored.   Your credit overdraft limit is set by GridMarkets management.  Among other factors, the limit is a function of the number and sizes of GridMarkets submissions over time.   You can determine your credit overdraft limit by viewing your GridMarkets profile in the portal.      After selecting "Profile", your GridMarkets Credit Overdraft Limit will appear at the bottom of the profile page.  Here is an example.

Question 11

I bought GridMarkets credits - how can I get a receipt?

Accepted Answer

Easy.  Visit us HERE.  After completing the form, a receipt will be forwarded to you within 48 hours.

Question 12

My submission suspended - what now?

Accepted Answer

Submissions will suspend when credit balances drop below zero.  Any frames that were rendering prior to suspension will continue to completion.  To render the remaining frames, top up your credit balance and restart the job.   To resume a stopped job (or to rerun failed frames), select the "Restart" button and select “Non-Completed Tasks” from the dropdown.

Question 13

How do I resume a stopped job or rerun failed frames?

Accepted Answer

To resume a stopped job, or to rerun failed frames, select the "Restart" button in the job portal and select “Non-Completed Tasks” from the dropdown.

Question 14

Is there a data transfer speed cap?

Accepted Answer

No.  By default, we use public networks for data transfer.  If needed, we can also provide private high speed and encrypted network connections - contact us at Support@GridMarkets.com for details.

Question 15

When using Envoy, I got an "Upload failed" error.  What now?"

Accepted Answer

If you have experienced an “Upload failed” message after attempting to initiate an Envoy upload, this may be the result of a web protection service blocking Envoy’s efforts.  If you are running a web protection service (e.g. Kaspersky) and you experience an “Upload failed” message at the onset of uploading or thereafter, check your web protection service settings.

Question 16

Can I integrate your Cloud rendering service into my render or pipeline management solution?

Accepted Answer

Yes via our API - please send an email to Support@GridMarkets.com for details.

Question 17

Does GridMarkets support GPU rendering?

Accepted Answer

We do - please see our Redshift offering.

Question 18

I have a suggestion for GridMarkets - how do I submit it?

Accepted Answer

The GridMarkets Team is motivated to continuously improve our service.  Complete our feedback form (HERE), tell us how we can improve and earn 10 free GridMarket credits.

Question 19

How long does GridMarkets keep my files?

Accepted Answer

We keep your data in the render nodes for 3 days, but in Envoy for 15 as long as there are jobs for the project. A new submission for an existing project in Envoy will re-sync all the files from Envoy to the render nodes since they may reference previously submitted or generated assets. This can obviously take some time if there's a lot of data. So if you don't need the assets from an existing project then please submit under a new project name and only the files you upload will be synced. It's also good practice to delete any files from Envoy that are no longer needed as this will speed up the re-sync and start your job faster.

FAQ