CAD Workstation recommendations

Hardware recommendations for a CAD Workstation that will utilize 3D Modeling in CADWorx Plant.

First off… if you plan on utilizing CADWorx in 3D, you need a system that won’t limit your creativity. Also, I recommend using dual screens.  You will need to get comfortable in using dual screens, preferably 19, or 20 inch LCD screens. (no widescreens)

That said...

If you run AutoCAD 2007, or 2008, you will notice the enormous amount of resources that AutoCAD demands of your system.  Here is my recommended list of the individual components that will meet or surpass the minimum requirements for AutoCAD and CADWorx.  I will list first, a system for a good budget, then one with no limit. (Dated: January, 2008)

• Processor – Dual Core 2 dou (E6850) 3.0ghz (supports 1333mhz FSB)
• Ram - 4gb (ddr3-1333)
• HDD – WD Raptor 150gb 10,000 rpm (SATA)
• Graphics Card – Nvidia Quadro FX1700
• CD/DVD – Liteon DVD/CD writer (SATA)
• MB – A motherboard that supports FSB of 1333mhz (ex.ASUS P5K64 WS)
• OS – Windows XP Pro (don’t trust Vista)
• Monitors - 19” or 20” that support DVI
• (Price range: $3,000 -$3,500)

• Processor – Xeon Quad Core 3.0ghz (supports 1333 FSB)
• Ram – 4gb (ddr3-1333)
• HDD -  WD Raptor 150gb 10,000 rpm (SATA)
• Graphics Card – Nvidia Quadro FX5600
• CD/DVD – Liteon DVD/CD writer (SATA)
• MB – A motherboard that supports FSB of 1333mhz and Quad Xeon (ex. SuperMicro X7DVL-L)
• OS – Windows XP Pro (again, don’t trust Vista)
• Monitors – 19” or 20” that support DVI
• (Price range: $5,000 - $8,000)

Steve Lozano

Sr. Piping Designer/Systems Administrator

Nicholas Consulting Group, Inc.

Microsoft Certified Professional

CompTIA A+ Certified IT Technician