Purpose of Writing:
3D scanning is a process that involves real-time collection, processing, and rendering of large amounts of 3D data, which places high demands on a computer's computing power, graphics processing, and memory bandwidth. Just as a high-performance sports car requires a highway, your scanner also needs a computer with sufficient performance to fully realize its potential.
If the computer's performance is not up to par, you may encounter the following issues:
- Startup phase: Performance test failure, software fails to start or crashes, preview failure.
- Scanning phase: Preview lagging, view loss, making it difficult to control the scanning path; low scanning speed; inability to use the fine scanning mode.
- Data processing phase: Extremely slow post-processing or even software crashes; inability to perform fine processing, resulting in poor data processing results.
This guide aims to help you:
- Avoid problems in advance: Before purchasing a scanner or a new computer/phone, scientifically assess the compatibility of the devices to ensure your investment is worthwhile and to achieve a smooth scanning experience.
- Troubleshoot after purchase: If users who have already purchased encounter problems during use, they can consider the "computer/phone configuration" as a key troubleshooting info, providing accurate information for after-sales technical support and accelerating problem resolution. (the configuration could be pasted from the performance test)
Understanding Core Hardware Specifications: Taking Windows as an Example
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): It can be regarded as the "brain" of a computer, responsible for the calculation and stitching of 3D data. A higher clock speed and more cores mean faster point cloud stitching and model calculation speeds, significantly reducing the time you wait for processing. It is recommended to use Intel i7 or above series. AMD is not recommended at present due to stability and compatibility reasons.
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and Graphics Card Type: These two concepts are highly related. The GPU is the core chip of the graphics card, while the graphics card is a complete hardware assembly that integrates the GPU, video memory, etc. It is the "engine" of the 3D scanning experience, mainly responsible for real-time processing and rendering of 3D images. It directly determines the smoothness of the preview screen and the fineness of model rendering.
- Graphics Card Brand and Series: For 3D scanning software, NVIDIA graphics cards are usually a must and often the only choice. AMD or Intel graphics cards may not work properly.
- Graphics Card Model: Among NVIDIA graphics cards, the RTX series (such as RTX 30/40/50 series) with dedicated RT Cores (Ray Tracing cores) and Tensor Cores (Tensor cores) can provide more powerful graphics processing and computing capabilities.
- Video Memory (VRAM): At least 6GB or more. VRAM is the "dedicated memory" of the graphics card, used to store textures and 3D model data. During high-precision scanning, the model data volume is huge. Large VRAM can ensure that all data can be quickly called and processed, avoiding stuttering and rendering errors due to insufficient VRAM. For scanners like Raptor pro/X and Sermoon series that include large-scale cross-line modes, the data volume is even larger, and it is recommended to increase VRAM to 8GB.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Memory is the "workbench" of the CPU. 3D scanning, especially high-precision scanning, generates massive point cloud data. Sufficient memory ensures that this data can be smoothly loaded and processed. If the memory is insufficient, the software may limit the number of scanning points, preventing fine scanning and even causing errors or crashes during processing. Large-capacity memory ensures the system has sufficient "working space", avoiding the slow hard disk being used as virtual memory due to insufficient memory, which can cause stuttering. Therefore, for infrared structured light scanners like Ferret and Otter series, 16GB is currently the recommended starting point for a smooth experience. For blue line laser scanners such as Raptor and Sermoon series, which generate more point cloud data during laser point cloud scanning, it is recommended to increase RAM to 32GB and 64GB.
| Platform |
Ferret series |
Otter series |
Raptor |
Raptor X / Raptor Pro |
Sermoon series |
| Windows（Recommended configuration） |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or above
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (or higher)
Memory (RAM): 16 GB or more |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or above
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (or higher)
Memory (RAM): 16 GB or more |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or above
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB VRAM) or higher
Memory (RAM): 32 GB or more |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel Core i7 13 or above
GPU: NVIDIA 4060 (8GB VRAM) or higher
Memory (RAM): 32 GB or more |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel Core i7 13 or above
GPU: NVIDIA 4060 (8GB VRAM) or higher
Memory (RAM): 32 GB or more |
| Windows（The lowest configuration） |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel i5-Gen8
Memory (RAM): 8 GB
Software version:≥V2.3.0 |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel i5-Gen8
Memory (RAM): 8 GB
Software version:≥V2.3.0 |
OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel i5-Gen8
Memory (RAM): 8 GB
Software version:≥V3.3.0 |
OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit only)
CPU: i7-Gen7
GPU: NVIDIA (6GB VRAM)
RAM: 16GB
Software version:≥V3.3.0 |
OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit only)
CPU: i7-Gen7
GPU: NVIDIA (6GB VRAM)
RAM: 16GB
Software version:≥V4.1.2 |
| macOS（Recommended configuration） |
OS: macOS 14 or above
CPU: Apple M2/M3/M4
Memory (RAM): 16 GB or more |
OS: macOS 14 or above
CPU: Apple M2/M3/M4
Memory (RAM): 16 GB or more |
OS: macOS 14 or above
CPU: Apple M2/M3/M4
Memory (RAM): 32 GB or more |
OS: macOS 14 or above
CPU: Apple M3/M4
Memory (RAM): 32 GB or more |
OS: macOS 14 or above
CPU: Apple M3/M4
Memory (RAM): 32 GB or more |
Note: The following recommended results have been verified through testing and will continue to be tested and updated. :）
Intel Arc graphics cards are not yet compatible.
| Manufacturers |
Series |
Currently supported
graphics card models |
Recommendation
rate |
| NVIDIA |
GeForce 50 series |
RTX5080 |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| RTX5060 |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| GeForce 40 series |
RTX4080super |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| RTX4060 |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| GeForce 30 series |
RTX3080Ti |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| RTX3060 |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| GeForce 20 series |
RTX2080super |
️⭐️⭐️ |
| RTX2060 6GB |
️⭐️⭐️ |
| GTX 1660super 4G |
️⭐️ |
| GeForce 10 series |
GTX 1080 Ti |
️⭐️ |
| GTX 1060 3GB |
️⭐️ |
| Apple |
M series chips |
M4 |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| M3 |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| M2 |
️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| M1 |
️⭐️⭐️ |
¶ The wireless handles required for using the wireless scanning function
Note: The Google Pixel series is not currently recommended for use; Samsung phones do not support Exynos chips.
|
Ferret/ Otter Series |
Raptor series/Sermoon S1 |
| Android |
Chip |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8gen1 or above |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8gen3 or above |
| Operation System |
Android 10.0+ |
Android 10.0+ |
| RAM |
8GB + |
12GB + |
| iOS |
Chip |
A15 or higher |
A16 or higher |
| Operation System |
iOS 15+ |
iOS 15+ |
| RAM |
6GB + |
8GB + |
Recommended Phone models' examples:
| Platform |
Ferret Series |
Otter Series |
Raptor/Raptor X |
Raptor Pro |
Sermoon S1 |
| Android |
Samsung: S24 Series
Xiaomi: 14 Series
Redmi: K70 Pro
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 Pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
Samsung: S24 Series
Xiaomi: 14 Series
Redmi: K70 Pro
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 Pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
Samsung: S25 Series
Xiaomi: 15 Series
Redmi: K70 Pro
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 Pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
Samsung: S25 Series
Xiaomi: 15 Series
Redmi: K70 Pro
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 Pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
Samsung: S25 Series
Xiaomi: 15 Series
Redmi: K70 Pro
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 Pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
| iOS |
iPhone 14 |
iPhone 14 |
iPhone 14pro |
iPhone 15pro |
iPhone 15pro |
Phone models examples for the lowest configuration:
|
Ferret Series |
Otter Series |
Raptor/Raptor X |
Raptor Pro |
Sermoon S1 |
| Android |
Samsung: S21 Series
Xiaomi: 12 Series
OPPO: Find X5 Pro
Vivo: X100
Honor: Magic 4 |
Samsung: S21 Series
Xiaomi: 12 Series
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 pro
Honor: Magic 4 |
Samsung: S22 Series
Xiaomi: 12 Series
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
Samsung: S22 Series
Xiaomi: 15 Series
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
Samsung: S22 Series
Xiaomi: 15 Series
OPPO: Find N3
Vivo: X90 pro
Honor: Magic 5 |
| iOS |
iPhone 11 |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 14 |
iPhone 14 |
- Minimum System Requirements
- Definition Interpretation: This is the "threshold" that can barely start and run the scanning software and basic functions. Meeting this configuration means that the software can theoretically be installed and opened, but it is almost impossible to guarantee any smoothness or functional integrity. Therefore, please ensure that your configuration is better than the minimum requirements.
- Recommended System Requirements
- Definition Interpretation: This is the "ideal configuration" that can ensure the smooth operation of the scanner's core functions. With this configuration, you can enjoy smooth previews, stable frame rates, and efficient data processing, fully leveraging the scanner's various functions. Therefore, please ensure that your device can reach or exceed the recommended configuration on the basis of the minimum requirements.
Definition and Interpretation: This is the most direct and accurate method of judgment. The built-in performance testing tool in the Creality scanning software will comprehensively evaluate your CPU, memory, graphics card, and driver environment, and provide a clear result of the computer performance test.
Operation and Interpretation:
- This test usually runs automatically when you start the software for the first time.
- You can also manually find the "Performance Test" function in the "Settings" menu of the software.
- If the test passes (normal / smooth / very smooth): Congratulations! Your computer meets the basic operation requirements of this software under the current driver and system environment.
- If the test result shows "extremely low": Please pay attention to this result. The software will clearly indicate which hardware (usually the graphics card) does not meet the standard. If the problem persists, it indicates that your hardware configuration indeed needs to be upgraded.
- Frame rate is the direct standard for judging whether the performance meets the requirements. If the maximum frame rate can only reach a few frames, it will seriously affect the scanning effect.
- When encountering faults suspected to be related to computer performance, you can copy the test results from the performance test to the after-sales engineer with one click.
External power supply: For laptops, when performing wired scanning, it is essential to connect the power adapter and switch to the "High Performance" power plan. This will lift the system's power consumption restrictions on hardware, allowing the CPU and graphics card to operate at full capacity.