SGI: Computer Graphics

Hey guys, so I need some help with this one. I am mainly interested in SGI computers for their legendary 3D software. However, I want to render using a more modern farm running UNIX, Linix, or even Windows (probably nt or xp). These systems will probably use Intel Xenons. I want super speed on my renderings! Can anyone tell me if any of these are capable of that:

Power Animator 9 (or any Alias software)

Wavefront Advanced Visualizer (or any Wavefront software)

Houdini

Maya 1-6

Softimage

Any other software you guys can think of?

Furthermore, how would I do it? I have seen things like Dr. Queue, but I don't know much about them.

Thanks!

If you want to model on sgi and render on Intel a good choice would be Renderman. The non-commercial version is free: http://renderman.pixar.com/view/non-commercial-renderman

Disclaimer: I have not used it, I do my renders with Mental Ray on IRIX.

rulp wrote: Power Animator 9 (or any Alias software)

yes, dispatcher. however alias was 95% irix except for standalone renderers for 8.5 fot nt and i don't think you wanna fiddle with aix machines from the 90s in this case

Wavefront Advanced Visualizer (or any Wavefront software)

yes, mental ray. not included

Houdini

yes, mantra. regular houdini installation is enough for the slaves

Maya 1-6

yes, dispatcher for the native renderer and mental ray if you have the extra standalone mental ray for maya

Softimage

yes, mental ray. regular softimage installation is enough for the slaves

Any other software you guys can think of?

renderman flavors. see each one for details

Furthermore, how would I do it?

that's different for each one

+1 on Renderman and Mental Ray...depending on what you decide to run it on. You'll get more speed on Renderman.