NX 8.5 PC configuration
NX 8.5 PC configuration
(OP)
We are planning to update to NX 8.5 win7 64 (currently nx6), and in the process upgrade/replace our old workstations. Since the budget is limited I was wondering whether should we concentrate more on cpu or gpu? There are few xeon's which are not more expensive then i5/i7. (As far as I know ECC memory is no longer necessarily more expensive then nonECC). Also which would be more suitable: nv quadro or ati firepro? Or should we just pick standard card (eg. geforce). There is a topic here about picking the right cpu considering dual/quad... core and I was wondering whether anything has changed since then. We usually don't work with some extremely resource hungry models/assemblies, so i'm trying to take cost/benefit into account. Thanks for any advice.





RE: NX 8.5 PC configuration
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RE: NX 8.5 PC configuration
If you are waiting around for models to update, FEA models to solve, or CAM to generate toolpaths; you may want to consider spending more on CPU / less on graphics.
If you deal with really large assemblies or create renderings, your money may be better spent on a better graphics card (trading off for a lesser CPU).
A previous CAD admin had a few macros that he used as benchmarks. He'd get two or three computer companies to send in a machine to test then buy the one with the best price/performance ratio. Perhaps you can do something similar.
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RE: NX 8.5 PC configuration
RE: NX 8.5 PC configuration
Saving pennies on your workstation will cost you hundreds of dollars in lost productivity over the 3 or more years you have the workstation. There is a point where current hardware is screaming fast today without being on the bleeding edge of newest technology. You need to identify that point and buy to it. In 3 years your workstation will seem slow as application and OS become more robust and require more power.
As a reference point, I find that the cost of a very good workstation to be in the $2600-3000 range, maybe a little more if you opt for the SSD. Laptops will run even more.
Remember you will be keeping that workstation for 2,3 or more years, so don't start with a low-budget, it will get by, bare bones, meets minimum spec machine. Your productivity will offset any difference in the cost of hardware in 3-6 months.
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