CAD graphics

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kevineugenius

[H]ard|Gawd
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My uncle-in-law is going to start doing CAD... long story short, he has no PC, nor does he know much about computers at all. So, I'm tasked with building this thing. Not a huge problem, but I don't know jack about openGL-based cards. AutoCAD 2008 system reqs say to get 128mb OpenGL card or better, and that's really the only info it gives. We don't want this system to just scrape the bottom of the barrel, we want it to actually perform at a pace good enough to make a living on. Budget is around $1000 TOTAL. When I priced it out the first time around (when I was trying to stay as cheap as possible) I think I picked the FireGL 3550 or something like that.
 
i am no expert as far as autocad performance, but $1000 is not enough for a decent cad system (for professional use). good cad cards alone are in that price range.

If you can't spend any more than you are better off getting a good dual core and higher end gaming card. The problem is that it will only be good for a single monitor setup, which may be ok for your uncle.
 
Im at work in an architectural office right now doing some heavy cad work (2D)

Specs:
Pentium 4 3.2GHz
1GB of RAM
NVIDIA 6200 @ 1680x1050 256MB via DVI

I do average 3D models at home, and my 8800GTS eats it up. You dont need extensive power for CAD, unless you are doing some really complex 3D models/rendering, then that's a different story.

(I use AutoCAD 32-bit 2008 at work, and AutoCAD 2008 64-bit at home, works fine)

An average E8400/Q6600 machine with an 8800GT along with 2-4GB of RAM will suffice your needs very well.
 
I think it all depends on what sort of CAD work he's planning on doing. I've run AutoCAD in various packages on a HP P4 laptop without too many problems as well. Doing 3D may also be not that much of a problem until he starts doing work with packages like Mechanical Desktop or the like. I do mostly architectural and civil drafting (using Autodesk Land and Civil 3D) on some fairly basic desktops and laptops. I'd always suggest ample amounts of RAM but video card horsepower for the basic work isn't that much. Especially if he's just starting out, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Hell, just a year ago, I was working primarily on a basic Dell Dimension desktop until we got a Precision system. Don't sweat it!
 
Alright, well thanks for the replies but I'm gonna have to just log this info in the back of my head for future use. Apparently, he only needs 2D so I guess he's set to go with just a DVD drive to load the program.
 
If you're looking for specifics, you'll need to talk to some guys that use AutoCAD for a living. I'd suggest your Uncle do the talking since he can tell knowledgeable CAD users what he needs to do and they can suggest solutions tailored to those needs. I started using Autodesk products starting in the late 80s and still keep a copy on LT on my PC for piddling in my retirement years. The one thing I can guarantee is that you can use the base software at many levels, some requiring a simple desktop build and some requiring a very strong workstation build. All depends on what you need to do.

I'd suggest he pay a visit here....the people are usually glad to help with hardware requirements.

http://www.cadforum.cz/forum_en/
 
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