Rendering Computer

[dude5487]

Hi all.

I am looking to build a computer for rendering at the beginning of the year. I know a little about how everything works, but dont know a lot at the same time.

I am torn between making an actual render farm, versus building another computer to just handle my renderings, which if I threw it onto the network, I think that might be a render farm...then I get confused. Then there is also the thing of if I do a render farm, dont I need a render software?

I know how to build computers so thats not an issue. I am just looking for the pros and cons, and really what will I need to get this going. Next year I plan on doing a lot of rendering short animations as well as high quality renders of images and rendered frames of models, etc etc.

Can anyone give me a few simple tips or idea, or even point me in the direction of some information on this subject?

I look forward to your responses. Thanks in advance! :)

Josh

[danlefeb]

Well the first thing you need to determine is exactly what you want the computer for. If its strictly for rendering, then you will need to configure it differently than if you plan on using it for other things. If you do plan on using it for other things, then what other things? Only 3D? Motion graphics, compositing, editing?

I believe Maya Complete comes with two render licenses for mental ray where Unlimited comes with eight -- so that's something to keep in mind when planning on doing a network setup.