HUE and Kelvin are built on the Electron software framework. Within Electron applications, some users may experience what is called kernel panics due to conflicts with other applications (Typically anti-virus software) on the same device. These kernel panics result in freezes or crashes. This is a known issue that Electron is working to resolve with future updates.
In the meantime, we have created the functionality to disable GPU rendering for HUE and Kelvin which has shown to help reduce or stop kernel panics.
Below is a step by step guide on how to disable GPU rendering for both Windows and MacOS devices.
Windows
In order to disable GPU rendering, you will need to be on versions 3.1.0 or later of HUE and Kelvin. It is not possible on earlier versions of the applications.
Go to "This PC" on your computer and right-click to access the additional settings.
From there, click on "Properties" right at the bottom
Once in the Properties area, click on "Advanced Setting" on the right-hand side.
You will then need to navigate to "Environment Variables"
Once within "Environment Variables" you can click on "New" and add the following:
Variable name: CF_Disable_GPU
Variable value: 1
You can then click "OK", and then close out of "Environment Variables" and Advanced Settings.
You will then need to restart your computer for the changes to be applied.
MacOS
Please note that in order to disable GPU rendering, you do need to use the MacOS Terminal, which may not be possible if your IT controls your computer environment. These steps may vary depending on how environment variable are controlled by your IT. It is recommended to consult your internal IT department before performing these steps.
We are using a bash file in order to adjust the environment variables.
In order to disable GPU rendering, you will need to be on versions 2.12.0 (or later) of Kelvin or version 2.13.0 (or later) of HUE. It is not possible on earlier versions of the applications.
Download the latest versions here.
Open the Terminal and open a bash file by entering the following into the terminal.
touch ~/.bash_profile; open ~/.bash_profile
Paste the following into the bash file and save the file:
export CF_DISABLE_GPU=1
The "1" denotes that GPU rendering will be turned off, while "0" means it is turned on.
To activate the bash file you will need to paste the following into the Terminal:
source ~/.bash_profile
Then restart Kelvin and/or HUE
To validate that GPU rendering has been turned off, open the Activity Monitor and Check if GPU percentage and time is at Zero. If both are at 0, then you have disabled GPU rendering.
