Layout update slow

[beau-tech]

I built a new desktop machine (3.2 chip, 1 G ram, 7500 rpm hard, 128mb Nvidia Quadro video) and it performs half as fast as my laptop (2.6 chip, 1 G ram, 5400 rpm hard, 128 mb ATI video) in layout update. I benched marked both machines and it also confirms that my desktop is slower. The tech help at Asus told me that it may be the video card.

How much does the video card affect the layout update? The other aspects of the computer seem to be faster than the laptop.

Thanks for your help.


Pete

[jaberwok]

Hi Pete

Is it possible that you have layout caching turned on for the laptop but not for the desktop?
Tools\Options\System\Layout Regen Options.

[RobertAitken]

I built a new desktop machine (3.2 chip, 1 G ram, 7500 rpm hard, 128mb Nvidia Quadro video) and it performs half as fast as my laptop (2.6 chip, 1 G ram, 5400 rpm hard, 128 mb ATI video) in layout update. I benched marked both machines and it also confirms that my desktop is slower. The tech help at Asus told me that it may be the video card.

How much does the video card affect the layout update? The other aspects of the computer seem to be faster than the laptop.

Thanks for your help.


Pete
Did you make sure that there were not conflicts between all the components?

Had to build a new PC in a hurry. The local computer shop only had 1 motherboard and processor combo in stock. AMD 3000+ and a ASROCK thing. I swear it slower that my old 1.4GHz athlon.

Robert

[beau-tech]

After reading all the replies and discussing this matter with the MB manufacture, Asus, I decided to try a 256mb ATI card. It is a 700 pro model and ranks above mid level. Price was a factor in selecting the card because I didn't want to just throw money and parts at the problem.

My over all benchmark went from 273 to 2310. The affect in MDT was none. In fact, going to shade modes may be a hair slower. Might be 10 minutes faster in updating the layouts which still takes 3.6 minutes.

I must get some work done but I will get back into this soon.

[beau-tech]

I got another motherboard from Asus and that seems to be the problem. The computer benchmarks much better and is FASTER than my laptop. Layout update times are over twice as fast. Also, MDT 2004DX & 2006 started crashing more and was getting more errors in files just before the motherboard change.

Also, I have noticed a improvement by just loading the drivers for the ATI video card instead of loading all of the software on the install CD. I couldn't use the 'hardware' setting in the display properties area of MDT with all of the ATI software loaded. After uninstalling all of the ATI software and installing just the drivers I can use the 'hardware' setting and it appears faster. The benchmark software also shows that it is slightly faster.