System setup

[sheldnz]

Hello
I

[gdc]

I think that your decision on an OS should be yours. You need to think about how much you are willing to learn an OS. If you've been using NT and are familar with it and have never used UNIX, then go with NT. However, if you've used a UNIX OS then go with Linux. OR make a system that dual boots into both OS's!! This is pretty simple to do as there are a couple of programs out there that let you boot to multiply OS's (System Commander, Boot Magic ).
The other advantage to this is that if you find a graphics card that works with both NT and Linux you can see for yourself with one works better for you.
You also have to think about what other programs you want to be able to run, like do you have to have Photoshop or will Gimp do?
I have used both NT and Linux in production and prefered Linux by a mile!! The performance was more or less the same though it's had to judge for sure as the two machines where not the same set up. I would just rather be in a unix enviroment.
As far as the choices you have:
For the graphic's card, I would check on sidefx web site to see what cards are certified to run with houdini and linux. I wouldn't venture too far off of these recommendations. Sidefx has done a lot of testing to get these cards listed. We used the Xig drivers and they worked OK. I would also check on the sidefx mailing list because this topic has come up before.
For the processor I would go with the Intel. I don't think I'd go for the RDRAM--just heard too many negitive things about it, same goes for the ram, go with 512 of SDRAM.

Hope that helps
--g

[sheldnz]

Thanks for replay.
I

[dougr]

Sidefx has a list of qualified hardware on their website. If you want to go another a route beside building your own box. Look at a factory refurbished SGI 230 NT or Linux box. SGI has them on thier site for $1400 to $1900 depending on configuration. The only reason I recommend that box is because it is qualified for both NT or Linux and qualified for Houdini by Sidefx. You should be able take it out of the box and be up and running with a warranty too.

[gdc]

I used the Oxygen VX1 ( I think it was a VX1, I get the names confussued sometimes, but I'm pretty sure it was this one), with the Xig drivers for it. Overall I was really happy with it. The performance was for the most part the same as being on NT, maybe better. Like I said the machines where different configurations, so it's hard to say for sure. As far as Linux being the right system for 3D, I think it is, especially in a production enviroment. Most (all?) of the major 3d packages have either ported to Linux or in the process of doing it. Renderman is all ready there, which is a big plus too. I can't really comment on the E&S cards because I've never used them. I would think that if they are listed on Sidefx's web site that they should be OK. Plus the card your asking about is listed to work with both NT and Linux, so a duel boot solution is still a good alternative.
As far as the SGI suggestion--I'd stay away from their NT and Linux machines with a ten foot pole. They SUCK! I used a 320 with NT on it and houdini. It blew! Their Linux machines aren't anything special at all, their basically just a PC with an Nvida card in it and SGI's name on the front. Also, I belive they have dropped all support for NT. The last I heard you have to call a third party for support of their 320 and 540 machines. As much as I like SGI's IRIX machines, I can't stand the other machines they make.
Anyway, I hope that helps,
--g