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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
I use one wide screen 22" and one regular 20". I would see no problem using 2 widescreens. I don't use hotkeys much. I have a 8 button mouse setup with commands for the "F" keys. makes life easy.
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United States, NJ, Dunellen
Joined Feb 2006
20 Posts
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
I found this http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32992 might help.
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
Quote:
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Joined Jun 2008
164 Posts
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
Hi Guys,
Steven, unless you are using other software that can take advantage of the 4-core processor chip you mention (3DS Max for instance) you will be wasting your money. A faster dual core is preferred. Take Inventor for instance, which is typical of the modern breed of CAD software. It currently cannot hyperthread whilst modelling. The only time it can take advantage of an i7 is when rendering within Inventor Studio. Then and only then will all 4 cores come into play and they will work in conjunction with the graphics card processors. In Inventor a lot of the graphics processing is actually done by the main CPU, that is why it can take advantage of some of the cheaper graphics cards and still provide an excellent performance. You will see more benefit with a high speed dual core CPU than going for a quad core processor and low end graphics card. Quite often in professional CAD tests the dual core CPU has outperformed much more expensive quad cores - but as I said above the decision should be based on whether you can take advantages of the 4 core processor in other directions. Gaming graphics cards may seem like a cheap option, and their specifications may prompt you to buy one. However, you will not get the all important drivers. You should run Partner Certified Drivers or you might well run into unexplained problems. As far as graphics cards go, if your budget will run to it, I would recommend the mid range Nvidia FX1800. A small caveat - be wary of higher numbers in the FX series that you might find on Ebay, they do not necessarily go in numerical sequence. If you decide to go with Nvidia check their web site first to make sure you are getting the latest card. ATI's are fine cards too, liked by many, but I personally cannot recommend them as I have never used one. My system currently has a high end Nvidia FX3700 (recently superceded by the FX3800) in it, but I have also used the FX1800 and was quite impressed by it. A good bang for the bucks card! Hope this helps. Regards. Dave |
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
I work with Quadro FX3500. Mid/high end card.
I have Quadro FX1500 at home. Midrange card. They are basically just older versions of the cards mentioned in the post above. Just to put numbers, the 1500 was less than 1/2 the price of the 3500 and it performs flawlessly. I strongly recommend midrange cards if you can afford them. I also used Quadro FX550s at work. Not satisfied by their performance... |
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Joined Jun 2008
164 Posts
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
Hi Guys,
3D Joy, you should be aware that Nvidia will only continue to support their graphics cards for a period of 3 years after they have been superceded. I got this information straight from the "horses mouth" when I purchased my FX3700. At the time I purchased my card I knew it was on the cusp of being replaced, but knowing I had three years grace and that I was getting a brand new card at a very advantageous price made excellent financial sense. Regards, Dave |
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
Good point ESC.
Its a non issue for me since I don't plan to run these cards on other computers or change the OS of the current computers, etc... So no major changes incoming for me unless I change the whole setup. Just get a midrange Quadro FX series card if you can afford them. Dual core is plenty for CAD. 4 to 8 Go of RAM good hdd I use a 24 inch screen since generally 22 inch screens are lower resolution. My 24 inch is 1900 x 1080. Prices of 24 inch screens have dramatically lowered so if you can, get it. |
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
I'm sitting at an older Dell with a Xeon 3.2ghz dual-core CPU and a Quadro FX4000 graphics card. 3GB RAM right now, but will be upgrading to Windows 7 64bit soon and 6GB of RAM. This setup works great for me for Solidworks and CATIA V5. Only time I have a problem is with 500MB+ CATIA assemblies (some of ours are around 1GB), hence the planned upgrade to 64bit/6GB.
I'm just using a single monitor, an old IBM CRT from an AIX CATIA scope running at 1280x960. I have a 24" widescreen at home, but I almost prefer this one for extended CAD work. RJ |
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
Like this poster asks: it all depends on "what you plan on running". If you are going to run 2D or 3D "vector type" such as AutoCad type products then any "stock" PC can just about handle that. IF you plan on doing full rendering or stress analysis in 3D "Parametric solid modeling" types in 3D programs like SolidEdge, SolidWorks, Catia, ProE or the like then you will want to be relatively fast on the main CPU and pretty darned fast with plenty of video memory on the video card itself. I use three monitors with only one of the monitors driven by a fast card (NV G-Force) for SolidEdge screen, the other two monitors are used for AutoCad 2D stuff with the other one for "researching" (web, email etc) This saves a lot of minimizing or closing of windows. All "color schemes" and graphix" are done an iMac 24.
Just my 2.334 cents (after taxes and fees) |
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Joined Sep 2010
3 Posts
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
At Work: itel quad, gtx 260 video, XP Pro 64 Bit, 8 gig ram, 2- 22" monitors.
At Home: I7-940, 2-4870 video, Windows 7-64 bit, 12 gig ram, 52" LCD TV. I do autocad 2009 almost always in 3d, inventor, solidworks and some video programs. This is a good running , stead machine for work. At home the I7 puts the work machine to shame. It is overkill for cad but for rendering it has done one job in 5 seconds that the work computer took 30 seconds to do. This was just 1 component of a model. Bu there is a major difference in the 2 machines. $$$ My machine at work probably will run around 900 to 1000 where, when I built my machine at home, I used the best at the time. About 5000. You will need a decent processor, 64 bit OS, Good ram to start. The 64 bit is so you can install more then the 3.25 gig that a 32 bit machine sees. this is a major thing. next will be a video card. the more pipelines, when running 3d , the better. You do not need "The Best" to get the job done. Just a good one. Rick |
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Re: Computer to run 3d cad?
Hi, Just my two cents,
don't forget about the " Main Board MEMORY " .... In older Systems It can make a BIG Boost in speed A Clean System will also run Faster......... If building, Try to purchase the best CPU for the $$$.$$ If possible . the same goes for the " on- Board memory . The Vid cards are High $$$$$ Because of the Extreme High Refresh Frame Rates needed for Gaming . Extra Large Hard Drives For those LARGE Files , Check out the mags - Maximum Pc - ( Nov 2010 issue ) , MacWorld , ect. Hope this helps , Later, Mark K. |
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