New Computer Ram & Video Card?
New Computer Ram & Video Card?
(OP)
It's time for me to get a new computer for work. I would like some recommendations on the amount of RAM and a video card; speed and memory? AutoCAD Light, Enercalc, and Bentley's Ram Advanse software are my most used software packages.





RE: New Computer Ram & Video Card?
If you're limited on Operating system because of older software, check out whether or not your program will run in Win-7/64 "Compatibility Mode". If not, you may be limited to an -XP/32 system. If so, just go with 4Gb RAM for either option below, but otherwise, everything else works as mentioned:
Storage these days is pretty much established- larger (500Gb to 1Tb or more) and faster (7200 to 10,000 RPM)and you're all set. You can get fancy (RAID, etc.), but its not necessary on a budget; either of these 2 options is good.
On the System Unit, seems to me you have 2 ways to go-
You can go high-end- Intel I7 or I9 Processor, LOTS of RAM, Win-7/64 Pro or Ultimate, Crossfire Video. Great option but Pricey !
2nd option- Good I5 or I7 Processor or AMD equivalent, 6-8Gb RAM, Win-7/64 in any flavor but I recommend springing for as much here as the budget will tolerate, and a good NVIDEA or ATI current-gen 1Gb video. I'm using an NVIDEA GT-240 in my work computer right now, even tho I'd requested a GTX-260- what at the time was the upper-mid range.
Point is, you gan go modest right-off-the-shelf and still get nice performance out of the software suite you mentioned, can spec out something solidly upper mid-range for not alot more, or can push the envelope in one area or another or all of them, and come out with a killer machine ! Its really up to you and what you feel is important. If you decide to go budget off the shelf, I'd still go with Win-7/64 if possible, and some extra RAM. Then when you opt for a little more processor, it'll take you lots farther, whatever you do.
Good luck ! I look forward to others' opinions, and to how you finally decided to go ! Post back here with results?
Good Luck-
C.F.
RE: New Computer Ram & Video Card?
Our corporate IT policy dictates that we are restricted to Windows XP Pro SP3. This has exposed a bug in NVIDIA graphics drivers which dramatically slows down the production of graphics - so beware....
So much for splashing out on a top flight "CAD spec" mobile workstation.
RE: New Computer Ram & Video Card?
RE: New Computer Ram & Video Card?
I got mine through the Dell business Outlet for a good discount. It is built really sleek for a 17 inch machine.
RE: New Computer Ram & Video Card?
Are there other screen attributes I should consider?
RE: New Computer Ram & Video Card?
RE: New Computer Ram & Video Card?
I'm currently running ACAD-2011 & RHINO 4.0 in WIN-VISTA/32 and I'm ABSOLUTELY frustrated. Go with 64-bit IF AT ALL possible. If you're looking for a mobile platform, the Dell Precision M6500 Laptop mentioned sounds like a good performer. Its numbers look GREAT ! In a desktop unit you're spec'ing from scratch, get professional advice from someone experienced selling and supporting CAD hardware, & software experience too if possible. Otherwise, if you're tasked with recommending something on your own to I-T, I return to my original recommendations. The note on the NVIDEA sounds about right if your brand new machine is going to have -XP-Pro/32, so yes I'd avoid that if possible.
Good LUCK !