request for info about video cards

hi there. new to the forums. i am a 3d animation student at CSUN and am interested in building a computer for home use. i am interested in any opinions anyone may have about different video cards. (ie: favorites, cards to stay away from, etc.) or if there is already a thread about this topic, if someone would be so kind to direct me there.

any resources would be of much help. i have reviewed the minimum requirements for certain programs like lightwave 8 and maya. i am looking for rendering efficiency and quality.

thanks again. :)

--Ray, the next time someone asks you if you're a god, you say 'yes!'