I am a product illustrator working in industrial design and packaging. I want to build a PC with an emphasis on performance and longevity (i.e. expandable, flexible, modular, upgradeable, won't be an antique in 3 months). I am currently using an OSX Mavericks box that I acquired some time back.
Cost per performance is also a very compelling consideration for purchasing components. This is a work beast that and considerations would default to workstation performance vs. gaming.
Primary functions are (in order of importance):
3d product rendering (high quality and resolution) for print, including realism, reflection, refraction, HDRI lighting, caustics, etc.
Simple 3d animation,
Architectural viz,-usually interiors
Simple physics sim.--(Not a structural engineer)
Simple fluid sim.( not remaking the perfect storm either) usually for still frames.
Lots of Digital and vector illustration ,
some video editing and composition--just enough to prep the pipeline and test alpha effects, etc.
Product running on it will be Modo 3d, Blender 3d, Rhino 3d, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere, maybe some parametric CAD (like SolidWorks).
Willing to drop some coin if I have to but I just want a system that won't let me feel bad about not getting the 12 core Mac professional recycle bin.