Norman - here is the link to the render benchmark tests between the HP z800 and its stablemate, the HPxw8600 that was featured in the recent Ocotber issue of Event DV magazine -
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/Editorial/In-the-Studio/In-the-Studio-HP-z8.... The author goes to great lengths to explain why the latest dual proc system can save a substantial amount of time. We work on multiple HD projects for clients on a weekly basis over 4 different workstations. In addition to all of the editing, we are rendering constantly. Machines like the z800 can help a busy studio meet their deadlines much easier. Since I can't afford one of these workstations, I will have to build something similar myself. I repeat this upgrade cycle periodically. Time is money!
John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.
Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore