I want to build a system to work optimized for 3ds max 2009, 2010

I am new here at this website, i have never asked for help.

I am a 3ds max professional, and majorly work only in this software, I make walkthroughs mostly.

I currently use a core 2 duo with 4 gb ram for my needs and the rendering were outsourced. I now want to do the rendering inhouse as well due to the unreliable nature of the rendering firm and i fear to miss deadlines.

I was thinking of using 3 quad cores as rendering machines, but i was suggested by a person to go in for an SLI based Xeon would be the best and would render as much as the 3 of them combined.

I want serious help with the configuration here.
What should i do ?

If i go for a quad core systems would it be good and cheap or else should i go for the sli based xeon.

Please help.

GPUs have NO huge impact on rendering time. All that will change is you will have smoother rotations,zoom,etc.

Get a 2P Nehalem or a 2P Xeon if you are serious about this.

This, how ever would change if 3DS can take advantage of nVidia Galleto (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelato_(software))

IIRC there is/was a plug in for 3DS for this.