Building a new Computer for AutoCAD

[BCrouse]

I am starting to think about building my new computer. Can anyone tell me what I may buy for a good price along with performance? All suggestions would be helpful.



Thank you,

Brad

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

For starters...

Upgrade PC for AutoCAD 2006 use

New Workstation for AutoCAD 2007 and Raster Design 2007

Looking to buy a new system for running AutoCAD and watching movies

Have a good one, Mike

[tc3dcad]

I am starting to think about building my new computer. Can anyone tell me what I may buy for a good price along with performance? All suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you,

Brad

It is not that hard and you can get what you want inside of it. Start with www.frys.com, pricewatch.com and the hp refurb center. I found a kick*$^ machine there that you could add memory to and make it even better and it was like half of the original workstation price. I can help you beyond that if needed but it is a start.

[Ogre]

The best advice I can give you is to get a lot better than the recommended specs...The machine will last you a lot longer because of that...Dual Core helps a lot with saving and not that much else with AutoCAD and get a mid-level graphics card (Quadro FX series)...Keep the components mid-level to high-end...Do not settle for cheap components...You will be comepletely sorry at the end...You really get what you pay for...

[jpostlewait]

Without knowing use and budget, I'll offer some suggestions.
2G ram with open slots is a near absolute requirement.
I agree with Ogre about Quadro FX video cards.
If you don't do a lot of visual stuff a low end model, 540, 550, is fine.
Dual displays required.
I like the boost from 10K RPM hard drives.
AMD dual core processors or Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

John Postlewait
IS Department
George Butler Associates, Inc.

Semper Fi

[madcadder]

I just went through what you are going through...

I spec'd an Intellistation Z pro
Dual 3.4's
2 Gb ram
nVidia Quadro FX 3500 video card
Dual 160 Gb HD in a Raid 0 setting

$3.5K

[Ogre]

I just went through what you are going through...

I spec'd an Intellistation Z pro
Dual 3.4's
2 Gb ram
nVidia Quadro FX 3500 video card
Dual 160 Gb HD in a Raid 0 setting

$3.5K

Sweet setup...Unfortunately where I am they think that 1200 is enough, which I can make it work buy buying unknown brands of computers, but I think I am going to build the next one that I order...I think it will come out cheaper with better parts...

[madcadder]

Make the statement that you are using a $3000.00/plus program.
You know that a 3000 dollar computer is not always necessary to to the job, but you do know that a $600.00 budget-pc is not the answer to "efficient" daily activities. Being a graphics oriented program a mid ranged video card that is great at 2D and an entry-level for any 3d that arises is a definite must.

[Ogre]

Make the statement that you are using a $3000.00/plus program.
You know that a 3000 dollar computer is not always necessary to to the job, but you do know that a $600.00 budget-pc is not the answer to "efficient" daily activities. Being a graphics oriented program a mid ranged video card that is great at 2D and an entry-level for any 3d that arises is a definite must.

Sometimes reminding "the powers that be" that they spent 3k on a program on a person in a department that does not generate revenue is not a good thing...Sometimes it just makes them clench their [wallet] tighter...Truthfully, I am fortunate that I got 1200 a system...My boss really went out on a limb for my group...She is really awesome...

[tc3dcad]

At another company my boss told me to get quotes on top of the line pcs for all in engineering. When I printed the specs for what was recommended and got quotes for slightly better than that he still slashed things on the list. Our back up was to be (3) super great pcs for the 3 power users and 5 mid range for the low end users. Quit buying new pcs for the secretaries and pms and shuffle like hand me downs. That way every other year someone got a kickbutte pc (new) and everyone else recieved one that was considerably better than their old pc. This idea was jumped on for everyone that was not in management. They bought whatever they wanted EACH year!