tremendous advice, thank you both.

I believe I won't need more than the 2 x 36 Gb because NOTHING else but specific Poser development will be on this machine. Poser, my slender Runtime, the current pz3s I am animating and recent raw output of frames in folders. As I generate folders of TIFF or PNG frames, they will be offloaded to another computer. I have a 250GB external firewire for that, and I could install a large HD yet, internal as well.

Now, I have heard about the heat issues with this Raptor, of course. I will completely adhere to both of your warnings about a strong case and adequate heat protection. Basically, I'm going to look my salesman in the eye and say "Don't let me burn out these drives. If I do, I'll be bringing them back in here with heat in my eyes." Dale, thanks for the description of your heat-monitoring devices...that will arm me.

I am nervous about the motherboard. I chose the Gigabyte over Asus or ABit because of other things you have written, Dale. Should I have them order a Tyan board? They don't normally stock/sell them. My guy suggested Gigabyte, and since you mentioned you have the board in some systems, I selected it. I don't know if it's even the right Gigabyte, for that matter. Is this the right board to make these other high-end components all scream and be happy?

If I don't hear back from you, I am going with that board because you are saying in general it is a good board.

I am going to check Crucial for their current prices, just so I know when negotiating the final prices on this sys. PC Club is 'flexible.' I DO want to buy there, becuase I can walk in with problems. They are excellent about that. I'll mosey over to newegg also.

I am officially surrendering the RAM Disk obsession. Thanks guys.

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