Rendering with AMD Graphics in Blender 2.79: A Comprehensive Guide

Rendering with AMD graphics in Blender 2.79 can be a powerful tool for efficient and high-quality production. By utilizing the OpenCL framework, you can leverage the Compute Units of your AMD GPU to accelerate rendering processes. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to set up and achieve successful GPU rendering in Blender 2.79.

1. Installing AMD Drivers

To begin, ensure that you have the latest AMD graphics drivers installed. These drivers are crucial for enabling OpenCL support. You can download the latest drivers from the AMD website.

2. Launching Blender 2.79

Open Blender 2.79 by launching it from your application menu or by double-clicking the Blender 2.79 icon.

3. Accessing User Preferences

Next, access the User Preferences by navigating to the top menu and clicking on File User Preferences, or by pressing Ctrl Alt U.

4. Switching to the System Tab

Once the User Preferences window opens, switch to the System tab. This tab contains the settings required for configuring your AMD GPU to render using OpenCL.

5. Selecting OpenCL

Under the Compute Device section, you should see the option for OpenCL. Select this option to enable AMD GPU support for rendering.

6. Choosing Your Device

If you have multiple AMD GPUs, choose the specific device you want to use from the dropdown menu. This step helps optimize your rendering performance by selecting the most suitable GPU for the task.

7. Saving User Settings

After making your selections, click on the Save User Settings button at the bottom left corner of the User Preferences window. This will save your configuration and apply it to future Blender sessions.

8. Setting the Render Engine

Ensure that you are using the Cycles Render engine. To do this, go to the top header and select Render Render Engine and choose Cycles. The Cycles engine is optimized for rendering with GPU support and will provide high-quality results.

9. Adjusting Render Settings

In the Properties Panel, navigate to the Render tab. Here, you can adjust additional settings like sample count and other parameters to optimize performance. This step is crucial for fine-tuning your render settings to achieve the best possible results.

10. Rendering Your Scene

With everything configured, you can now render your scene using your AMD GPU. Go to Render Render Image or press F12 to initiate the rendering process.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues with rendering, ensure that your drivers are up to date and that your GPU supports OpenCL. Additionally, check Blender’s console for any error messages that might indicate the cause of the problem. Following these steps should help you efficiently render your projects using your AMD graphics in Blender 2.79.

Note: Your AMD graphics should be GCN generation (HD 7XXX upwards) to ensure compatibility. Choosing the Blender Cycles as your renderer, selecting your graphics card in preferences, and choosing GPU rendering in the render panel will streamline the process and ensure optimal performance.