RAM per processor for Maya?

[imashination]

I understand maya prefers 768 MB per processor, at least last time I looked, several years ago. I'm interested in how that has changed over the years with Multicore procs.
The next machine an investment is being planned to be made in is a dual quad-core (2 procs, quad core each proc). Ideally how much memory should I get for this type of machine. Incase it matters, it will be a Mac Pro.

Also if anyone knows of a better Video card for Maya then the ATI 2600 HD for the Mac, below $1000, can you let me know? I'm aware that the GeForce 8800 is a great card, but from what I've read and heard, it is not recommended for Maya or is that limitation only for PCs?

Thanks a lot you guys.

Maya has never preferred 768 megs per processor, ive no idea where you would get such an idea from. Which render engine will you be using?

Most are currently limited to 32bit, so anything over 4 gigs wont be massively useful unless youre running photoshop and a few other apps at the same time.

[aglick]

I don't know of any applications that specify an amount of RAM per core or per CPU.

For 32bit Maya/mental ray, get 4GB of RAM. If you want to run under 64bit, then 8GB of RAM is a logical starting point.

[lots]

Indeed, any program will only allocate as much RAM as it needs to compute its tasks. Its never been a "per processor" thing....

[ThE_JacO]

Indeed, any program will only allocate as much RAM as it needs to compute its tasks. Its never been a "per processor" thing....

Well, before OS-X you had to pre-assign ram addressing spaces to an application before you started it :)
Maybe that's what the OP heard about, although I don't remember if there was a maya version for OS9.

[cTennant]

Anyways, thanks for the help

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