@ jt411, I fully agree with you on the animation part. I most admit, I much more a "photograph" and I only make stills (I only have a dual xeon 5680). So, I must admit, when I talk I always think "still" rather than animation :) My remark about mental ray wasn't meant for you or anyone in this post, I just think it's a misconception to believe it's slow - actually, I think mental ray suffer from the fact it ships with max, if people had to pay for it as an add-on (preferably a lot of money :P) then it would suddenly become much more fashionable and good :)