It all depends on what area of 3d you are working in. Movies, animation and the gaming industry are only a portion of it. 3D and digital art is actually involved in any of the areas that traditional art is found in.

A game like Crysis (which I'm also playing) only is daunting if you're a hobbyist trying to get into the high paced world of gaming production. Then it could seem hopeless.

But for any of the other avenues for our craft.....I don't think we have to worry and a desktop will still do the trick.