Is AI replacing render farms?

[Sponsored] Ukraine-based online render farm Forrender argues that traditional rendering workflows still provide a degree of artist control and scalability that new AI tools cannot.

The world of 3D rendering has seen remarkable advances in recent years, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence. AI-driven tools are reshaping workflows, allowing artists to accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently. With the introduction of video generation models like OpenAI’s Sora, the question on many people’s minds is: will AI replace render farms?

While AI is making significant strides in the field, the reality is more complex. AI is changing how rendering tasks are approached, but it hasn’t made render farms obsolete — far from it. Let’s discuss different aspects of rendering.

An AI-generated illustration of current generative AI models.

The situation surrounding AI in rendering

AI is now being integrated into various parts of 3D production workflows, speeding up iteration, automating tasks, and even providing more overall creative freedom. Some of the most exciting tools and technologies include:

OpenAI’s Sora
An AI model for generating short videos from text descriptions or images, or extending existing videos. It lets artists quickly visualize ideas without extensive manual animation.
Runways’s Gen-3
A cutting-edge generative AI model that transforms text prompts or existing images into video content, opening new creative possibilities in storytelling and concept visualization.
Adobe’s Firefly
Adobe’s generative AI technology now includes a new Video AI model, making it possible to extend shots or perform smart edits directly within Adobe’s Creative Cloud tools.

These tools are helping artists prototype ideas faster, handle repetitive tasks, and experiment with creative possibilities in ways that were previously too time-consuming. However, when it comes to final renders — especially those involving high-quality visual effects, complex lighting, or detailed textures, the need for powerful hardware remains essential.

An individual approach is essential for high-quality renders

No matter how advanced AI becomes, there are certain nuances in 3D modeling and rendering that require human expertise and an individual approach. Custom scene setups, project-specific requirements, and high-quality final renders can’t always be fully automated. Creative projects, particularly those involving complex animations or highly detailed scenes, need careful handling by experienced professionals.

This is where render farms remain crucial. While AI handles smaller tasks, the real heavy lifting of rendering still requires dedicated infrastructure, especially for large-scale productions like feature films, architectural visualizations, and game development.

At Forrender, we specialize in providing this personalized approach. Our hands-on support during the scene setup process ensures that artists achieve the highest possible quality from their renders. AI can handle many repetitive tasks, but when it comes to high-performance computing, fine-tuning, and delivering a final product, human oversight is key to ensuring that the vision is realized exactly as intended.

Forrender’s value proposition

Forrender provides CPU and GPU rendering at competitive prices. That’s why we offer a blend of automated tools and personalized support, so you can work faster without sacrificing quality.

Here’s how we meet your needs:

Automated submission via our desktop application
Forrender offers a desktop app that simplifies the submission process. Once your project is ready for rendering, our application makes uploads easy and processing quick, leveraging our high-performance cloud render farm. It’s designed for professionals who need efficiency without losing control over the details of their projects.
Online cabinet for project management
Our intuitive online cabinet allows users to track the progress of their renders, manage multiple projects, and keep an eye on billing — all in one convenient place.
Remote desktop rental
Need extra computational power beyond rendering? Forrender also offers remote desktop rental services, providing access to high-performance machines for tasks like simulations, scene setups, or AI-driven workflows. This flexibility ensures that you have the tools you need at every step of the creative process.
Support for a wide range of software
Another key benefit of Forrender is the variety of software we support, from industry-standard tools like 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Maya, Blender, Houdini and After Effects, to specialized software such as Lumion, Terragen, KeyShot, RendeMan, and Nuke. No matter what software you prefer, Forrender’s render farm can handle it with ease, providing the performance and compatibility you need for any project.

Special offers from Forrender

We are also pleased to offer:

Special conditions for education
For educational institutions and students, we provide discounted rates to ensure affordable access to professional rendering tools.
Special conditions for 3D schools
3D schools can benefit from tailored packages that fit their specific needs and budget.
A special promotion for CG Channel readers
As a limited-time promotion, all CG Channel readers signing up with Forrender will receive twice as many render points as they decide to refill. For example, if you add 50 Render Points to your balance, a further 50 Render Points will be added for free. To claim the offer, you need to sign up online and enter the word cgchannel in the Invite Code field. If you have already registered, please contact your manager and highlight the fact that you found us on CG Channel. The promotion is valid until June 2025.

Supporting Ukraine

At Forrender, we believe in giving back. As part of our commitment, we are proud to announce that 5% of all of our profits from rendering will go to support Ukraine. By working with us, you not only get exceptional rendering services but also contribute to a meaningful cause.

We are working with Kolo, the charity fund organized by the Ukrainian tech community. They help defenders on the front line gain a technological advantage, using donations to fund equipment based on the ROI principle, maximizing lives saved. Check out their initiatives here.

Conclusion: AI is evolving, but render farms are still essential

AI is transforming 3D modeling and rendering, making workflows faster and more efficient. However, while AI offers exciting new capabilities, it cannot replace the raw computational power that render farms provide — especially for large, complex projects that require high-resolution outputs and detailed scene management.

At Forrender, we offer a cloud-based render farm service designed to complement these AI-driven workflows, ensuring that your creative vision can be brought to life with precision and efficiency. From automated submissions to hands-on support and compatibility with a wide range of software, we help artists navigate the challenges of modern rendering, combining the best of AI and traditional computational power.

Ready to elevate your workflow? Visit Forrender today to see how we can support your next big project, ensuring high-quality results without breaking the bank.

Visit the Forrender online render farm