[caryjames]

Hey guys, I have heard a lot of talk about the i7 systems. If you were trying to build a nice modeling rendering until on a modest budget would you go with an i7 or would you pick one of these Xeon systems? I have had a Xeon based system consistently for a few years and never had any issues so tend to think I will stay with a Xeon based unit but would like to hear some feedback - I would go i7 if you guys think they are stable units. Here are some of my Xeon choices from Dell
Thanks in advance for your help

[m-Que]

I don't know - it's just 2 day ago I heard "Sandy Bridge" is coming in the beginning of 2011, don't you wanna wait for it?

[itsallgoode9]

I was running a 920 for quite a while and had no stability issues at all. In fact, I am trying to get rid of my old parts i7 920, 12 gigs of ram, Graphics card. Depending on if you interesting in saving money or not, this would help you build a budget system. Check it out at the link below if you think you'd be interested.

http://maxwellrender.com/forum/viewtopi ... 19&t=35295

[numerobis]

i had only non-xeon-systems so far without any problems. I don't know, but for me the only point to buy a xeon would be the 32nm for better overclocking

$2233... for a quad core sys with 2,5GHz, only 6GB ram, an old 512MB Quadro FX580 (geforce 9500GT!) and 250GB! HDD?!? What's the point with this sys? a gold plated case? or is this a limited edition?

i have recently bought/build two render nodes - one with a i7 930 (2,8GHz stock) and one with a 950 (3GHz stock) - with 12GB ram, a scythe mugen 2 and 2x320GB in RAID0 ~710€ (with ASRock x58 Extreme3 and small video card and case) The 930 is already running at 4GHz. The 950 should come tomorrow and will hopefully do the same or more...
ok, this is without a good video card and without windows - so you have to add 110€ for win7 and 150€ for this Quadro FX580 = ~ 1000€

[caryjames]

Thanks guys... I was planning on building my next system (first time) but am way too busy these days to contemplate building. Any suggestions for online sources that can put together a decent box (not gold plated )?
Thanks again for all the advice!!!!!!!!

[Bubbaloo]

I have used http://avadirect.com/ in the past, they are very professional and helpful. I also used http://www.ibuypower.com/ to build my current computer. I can recommend both.