Autocad Workstation? - Recommended Hardware

Hi all

Is there such a thing as a preferred supplier for AutoCad hardware?
I am looking for 4 PCs for running AutoCad - most work is 2D upto 3Mb files.
Some modelling (piping models mainly) where file size can increase!

I have recently been offered RM PCs by a local Autodesk reseller, but
wondered if there was a supplier with a good reputation among users.

Also what sort of spec should I be looking for in PCs for the above duty.

Thanks in anticipation

Phil

 

Just about any reputable PC will run AutoCAD these days, provided it's
spec'd correctly (RAM, OS, processor speed, etc.). We used Gateways for
years, then switched to Dell.
___

 

Not really, unless you are getting into really high end usage (ie.
lots of complicated 3d assemblies).

You're requirements are really pretty minimal, and nearly any new
computer would handle the task.

I'd recommend getting a machine with at least 512MB ram, a separate
video card (not the cheap on the motherboard type).

In our company are requirements are a bit higher, nearly all 2D, up to
10Mb files typically and often large aerial photographs. Our typical
CAD machine is 3.0Ghz P4 HT, 1Gb Ram, FX5200 video card with dual
monitors. Nothing fancy, and the computer (less monitors) can be had
for under 1000 with more hard drive and other options than we really
need. I do like the hyperthreaded processorseven though Autocad
doesn't really take full advantage of them because the system seems
much more responsive and unaffected by background tasks.

-Tim

 

Thanks, Tim

Just the level of detail/advice I was looking for.
This confirms the offerings received from vendors recently.
It's always reassuring to have a second opinion from a user rather than rely
on salesmen whose priorities may be at odds to your own!

Phil

 

It was not very long ago that CAD workstations were right up with the (then)
current level of high-end games and video applications in resource demand. At
that time it was important to chose carefully, and CAD magazines were full of
hardware reviews with benchmark tests etc, that many users and managers read
very carefully.

Today, the gaming, picture and video applications have far outstripped most
CAD applications in their resource demands, and as a result the memory,
processing and storage capacity that you'll find on just about any decent new
computer are more than adequate for AutoCad and the like.

Now that most everyone is using digital cameras, with 5MPixel resolution being
pretty much standard, and storing thousands of pictures on their hard
drives, and many people are also using small digicams, and also storing their
MPEG files on their hard drives, your 3-10MB "complex" dwg files are just too
puny to worry about in comparison. Similarly, streaming and editing MPEG video
and 5.1 audio requires much more memory and processing power than panning
through even a fully-shaded, textured 3D CAD model.

Of course, you should still pay attention to what you buy - all machines are
not created equal, and you probably will get some improved productivity from
those machines advertised for high-end graphics - but fortunately we are no
longer required to shell out thousands to pay the R&D costs for the high-end,
blood&guts video gamers' OPENGL cards, just to get our workstations to open
and run our applications with a reasonable throughput.

G Faris

 

Thanks to Steve and G Faris for their considered responses

Phil