As the others said, ram wont help but to open scenes faster. Nor will having a fancy 3D acellorator card Turn off any uneeded programs Shutdown the clock turn off screensavers (along with sleep ect) turn off your monitor (Refresh rates take up a small bit of processor) Allocate Vurtual memory to bryce if on a mac to help keep the render going, and keep bryce open at the same time. To minimize render time scenewise. these are the factors that you should use wisely Volumetircs Bump Lights Transparancy High Detail on objects and figures Imported DXF or 3DS models Sine/noise in textures if your scene doesn't need too much of these - don't over do it :) As for Poser, it runs on a totally different ray-tracing engine. Rgards, Matt