We've done weekend renders and 3 day renders in my studio.  The best thing I've done is to buy a intel i7 2700k.  It's the lowest price computer I've ever built (under $1500) and it's overclocked by 30%.  A render farm with these 2700k would rule the roost in terms of power and money efficiency.  The OC ability on these chips is FANTASTIC!

 

BTW a render measured in minutes is not  a long time, so it I deduce you have a fast computer.  Surrender to the render and have a cup of coffee you're doing fine.