2 CAD students, 1 household. Build(s) ideas?

[inkovation]

Hello,
Turns out we're both going back to school this fall. me: adobe suite, maya, 3ds max usage, him:autodesk builder suite (architecture CAD)

I was already planning to do a new build for myself, but now with two of us...

Anyone have any ideas for 2 "lesser" builds that can work together during renders/intensive usage, but would allow both of us to work simultaneously on less intensive pursuits?

 

[kajabla]

No, I don't think that's really possible. I'd just do one serious build and one cheap one.

 

[becomecooler]

I know that if you use Vray you can add a small plugin on any computer in the network and create a render farm. That way during rendering you can utilize your lesser builds.

I hear CPU is the priority on these builds (more cores/threads), but things start to get confusing with GPU acceleration. I know some of the gaming GPUs can be flashed with Commercial firmware/software to run as the hugely more expensive quadro/firepro cards designed to do OpenGL and such. Infact I want to know that stuff too but I'll be using Solidworks and such

Please answer this first:
Approximate Purchase Date: (e.g.: this week (the closer the better))

Budget Range: (e.g.: 600-800) Before / After Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: (e.g.: Folding@Home, gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies)

Parts Not Required: (e.g.: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS) **Include Power Supply Make & Model If Re-using**

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (e.g.: newegg.com, ncix.com -- to show us selection & pricing)

Country: (e.g.: India) we need to know where these parts are being assembled

Parts Preferences: by brand or type (e.g.: I would like to use an AMD CPU & Biostar mobo with a 24" LCD and full tower case)

Overclocking: Yes / No / Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Yes / No / Maybe

Monitor Resolution: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200)

Additional Comments: (e.g.: Need to have a window and lots of bling, I would like a quiet PC)

 

[inkovation]

Best answer selected by inkovation.