Quadro isnt really for rendering purpose only.

The main reason for Quadro / FireGL is for high poly count, huge texture cache, real time view in viewport. Also, Quadro do SLI.

For consumer levels, a gaming grade GC worth the run. Recommended is to get hold on a 512MB of VRAM GC for huge textures support. For latest series, nVidia 8600GT minimum while ATI 38x0 series minimum if you are a up-to-date geek

I run on 2x Quadro and tbh, performance is on real time viewing and high polygon support. High as in millions of faces. If you are into detail modelling and hardcore user of Mudbox, then Quadro is worth to look at. Mid range now goes around RM1k++ unless you wanted to do modelling ONLY, then the entry level ones is for you.

You dont need RM14k setup for a DCC workstation. I setup mine at 9K. Depends on what part you choose.. and what application you wanted to run and do you want to do pipeline within any DCC application.

Ok i learned that you mainly use Maya and AE so since i am the same as you.. here is my advice. Go for a 2x 10k RPM HDD (1 for boot, 1 for scratch disk + VM), a huge 7200RPM storage HDD and max your memory your mainboard can handle (usually around 4GB. If you have the cash, workstation class mainboard for up to 32GB) ah.. i miss this, 1 external 7200RPM HDD for backup, recommended 500GB.

Monitor, go for dual screen. You wont feel regret. I run on 2x 24" and it give ample space to lay out your windows and layout config in maya ( even best if you are a shader geek, you get to have hypershade on the 2nd monitor for experiments )

Get a good speed dual core processor and get Nucleo Pro for AE to get full use of the dual core composition efficiency.

Anyway, this is my 2cent so.. its up to you to go after what is best for you. All the best!

This post has been edited by onscreen: Jan 2 2008, 12:26 AM