Comments Invited - Hardware for Acad 2005/6

Hi all

Yes I know Autodesk issue minimum recommendations on this issue but:

Over the last 2-3 years we have been buying RM machines for CAD use and they
have been solidly built and reliable thus far.
RM are no longer selling into the CAD market, so I'm told, and intend to
concentrate solely on the education sector.
My Acad reseller is going down the Dell route. I am aware of the sort of
standard Dell supply, having recently purchased 16 PCs for general office
use. I would prefer something a bit more solid for the CAD users.

Can anyone recommend an alternative UK supplier for the CAD PC?
Spec for mid range I see as:

P4 3.2GHz
1Gb RAM
200Gb HD (not too important due to server storage of files)
256Mb Graphics card
100/1000 NIC

It will largely be running Acad2005 with upto 6 drawings open (say 6Mb total
max) with Outlook open constantly also.
All work is in model space.

What are the thoughts on display types?
Is anyone out there using flat screens for CAD?
If so any experiences good/bad? Recommendation for good flat screen and
spec please?

Thanks in anticipation

Phil

 

Thanks Roy it all makes sense.
I am in the fortunate position where I can spec a decent machine, but don't
want to spend for spendings sake.

Yes the machines bought so far have 800MHz FSB.

My main point of concern is the move to LCD screens.
Our CAD supplier is going down the Dell route and specifying a "value"
panel!
Usually, the term "value" suggests the cheap side of average quality.
I have enquired of Dell directly and they have put forward "Wide aspect
ultra sharp" version (more £s obviously).
Don't really have a clue what spec's what if truth be known!

The specs for flat panels are a bit of a minefield so I was looking also for
opinions on flat panels for CAD use.
I know they look all fine and dandy on the living room wall playing DVDs,
but what are they like up close?

Any further comments appreciated

Phil

 

:

snip

Thanks again Roy
Can't see them sending us trial screens, we only have 4 to buy at the
moment!
The link below made for interesting reading though:

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,110483,00.asp

Phil