PC for 3ds max what spec?

[chrisnb]

hi

I'm a an architecture student going into my final two years and I need a new PC

I will mainly use it for 3ds max and render with v-ray. I am unlikely to do animation but the computer will need to handle high end renders with many materials and maps and lighting.

I have a budget of about £1200-£1500 and there seems to be so many options and i have so many questions.

Graphics card- will this help me render or just help me in real time. should i get a quadro or a firgl or something else? I plan to run 2x mistubishi diamonotron 21 inch crts off it, does this effect what i need

Ram: which sort?

AMD or intel? duo, quad?

do things like cooling and motherboard make a big difference or can I use standard fans and motherboard?

Also should i get xp 64 bit and how does this help?

sorry there is so much:o , but if you could help that would be much appreciated

thanks

chrisnb