Network render server

[ottscay]

I'm hoping to be able to set up a render farm in the near future, and I was wondering what qualties are important in the render server?
For example, does multithreading speed up render distribution? Does lots of RAM (over 1gb) improve performance? Hard disk speed?

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[pnoizat2]

heaps of ram (but remember your master will need the most ram.)
multithreading = good.
fast processor.
good network cards/ cables.
crap graphics card/ monitor.
assuming your saving files to a fast server and that your not wallowing around in virtual memory hard disk shouldnt be a huge concern.

rack mount those bad boys!

and if anyone is enlightened. with advanced you get two copies of mental ray. but the licenceing system doesnt seem to split them up if you are using single tread systems. any ideas?

[ottscay]

As for the second mr licens of XSI Advanced not being floating...maybe try calling your reseller? On the other hand, they were just selling MR node licenses for $495, (which makes the choice to set up a MR based render system a no brainer) so purchasing an extra one isn't too prohibitive. Say...now that the promotion is over, does anyone know how much a MR license is?

Scott