Board logo

Computer advice needed
designer - 22/9/09 at 06:54 PM

As I am a computer numpty, who is going to buy a new computer base unit I need advice from the resident experts on here.

I draw with Autocad and Solidworks, surf, and crunch words and numbers. I do not play games.

I go to the stores and they always point me in the direction of the most expensive, probably for the commision.

What do I really need?

Ben_Copeland - 22/9/09 at 07:13 PM

Check minimum specs on Autocad, but if your doing a lot of rendering, etc. I'd say at least 2Gb more like 4Gb RAM. Most dual core ecu's will probably do you.


For couple hundred i could build one thats overkill.

I hate buying computers from highstreet shops. Overinflated crap

beagley - 22/9/09 at 07:55 PM

Ben hit it on the head with both comments.

The more RAM you throw in the better the machine will run, especially if you are doing any high load rendering through autocad.

I would also steer clear of the BBR (big box retailers) and build one to suit. It's a lot cheaper and more fun in my opinion.

Take Ben up on his offer and have him build you one, you won't be disappointed.

Beags

designer - 22/9/09 at 08:06 PM

Email sent to Ben

Thanks

yellow melos - 22/9/09 at 08:21 PM

it will be the video card that will make the most difference,

i would recomend going with one of Nvidia Quadro FX cards.. as these have features that will directly support solid works and autocad.

these are the cards and model numbers

Ultra-High-End Solutions
Shatters the performance limits and enables unmatched functionality for the most demanding applications.
Quadro FX 5800 (NEW) >
Quadro FX 4800 (NEW) >
Quadro FX 4800 for Mac (NEW) > Quadro FX 5600 >
Quadro FX 4600 >
High-End-Solutions
Power efficient, full featured, ultimate performance experience.
Quadro FX 3800 (NEW) > Quadro FX 3700 >


Mid-Range Products
Sets the standard for power efficiency while delivering a balanced price and performance combination.

Quadro FX 1800 (NEW) > Quadro FX 1700 >
Entry Products
The best value, professional-class graphics solution, delivering optimal performance for maximum productivity.
Quadro FX 580 (NEW) >
Quadro FX 380 (NEW) >
Quadro FX 570 > Quadro FX 470* >
Quadro FX 370 >
Quadro FX 370 Low Profile >

Ben_Copeland - 22/9/09 at 08:27 PM

Think it really depends how indepth your using these programs. Cad all day long for work? or just messing about on it?

Davey D - 23/9/09 at 09:25 AM

My computer at work for running solid works 2009 is an intel core2quad Q6700. i have 4Gb ram, and an Nvidia Quadro fx380.

i think the Quadro fx380 graphics card is a bargain at £100 ( relatively speaking for the inflated workstaion card prices) Performance wise it is the same as the previous generations FX570 (next model higher in the range) which costs around the £300 mark

[Edited on 23/9/09 by Davey D]

Ben_Copeland - 23/9/09 at 09:50 AM

Does it run it well with that spec?


quote:
Originally posted by Davey D
My computer at work for running solid works 2009 is an intel core2quad Q6700. i have 4Gb ram, and an Nvidia Quadro fx380.

i think the Quadro fx380 graphics card is a bargain at £100 ( relatively speaking for the inflated workstaion card prices) Performance wise it is the same as the previous generations FX570 (next model higher in the range) which costs around the £300 mark

[Edited on 23/9/09 by Davey D]

Davey D - 23/9/09 at 02:04 PM

it does indeed. i was a little worried about how the graphics card would handle it being the bottom of the current range, but after i found some reviews/specs showing it performing like the fx570 it reassured me that it would do what i needed with it