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Video Cards for SW 2007?

Video Cards for SW 2007?

Video Cards for SW 2007?

(OP)
Hi there, does anyone have experience with using a games video card for CAD activities?

I'm looking for an affordable notebook with video card that works well with SW 2007. I know Solidworks recommends the ATI Fire GL or nVidia Quadro cards, but this would also take a big bite out of my budget.

I've heard that a good video card for games (GeForce) does not necessarily has a similar performance in CAD programs. But what does this mean? Is it only a matter of speed or does it really affect the quality of the visualisations or stability of the system?

Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks

RE: Video Cards for SW 2007?

I know from personel trial and error that Game video cards do not do well for CAD or visa versa, I believe that it has to do with how the cards process the image. That however does NOT mean that it won't work, it just wont work as well as a CAD specific card.

Guy G.
Mechanical Designer/Drafter
Tucson AZ.

RE: Video Cards for SW 2007?

My experience with laptops and game cards has been poor.  Essentially, they work OK if you only have one part at a time open.  Once you step into an assembly or open more than one part (and switch between windows while editing) you'll get lock-ups, crashes, hanging for a long time, and other irritations that truly cost more than a decent card.

I recommend that nobody use a laptop with SW, since they're such a pain (most have no number pad) with their other limitations--but if you do, make sure it has an approved graphics card.  Performance per dollar is probably something like 1/4 what a powerful workstation with a huge monitor will give you.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe transcends reason.

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