Computer Specs for 3D Cadd Work

[Packin31]

All,

One of our designers in another office is working with IT and needs to come up with some basic specs for computers that are doing 3D work. Can you all please provide some input.

"This started because, for some reason, they built our new Win 7 computers with only 3 GB of RAM. I think I mentioned to you that I’m getting memory errors often – and that’s with just one drawing open."

She suggested that they upgrade our computers to Win7 64 bit, and upgrade the RAM to 8 GB. She did this because she knows I am having problems with the memory errors, and she believes I have 4 GB of RAM (which I do) (that is supposed to be the minimum). Win7 32 bit cannot handle more than 4 GB of RAM, that’s why we are suggesting the upgrade.

Any thoughts?

Quick reply needed THANK YOU as we are trying to resolved this quickly here..........

[grinch2000cs]

You need to make sure they CAD software package is 64bit compliant. If it is not it can be installed but it will be 32bit based. Have you told the person to check their virtual memory, it may need to be adjusted? You can get there by right clicking my computer and selecting properties or control panel and click system. On the advance tab you should see a performance section.

[Packin31]

Grinch,

Thanks for feed back.

We have tried the virtual memory and still have the issues.

[dave]

All,

Win7 32 bit cannot handle more than 4 GB of RAM, that’s why we are suggesting the upgrade.


3.25 actually, and I believe that is shared with video memory. Someone correct me if I am wrong. :)

[grinch2000cs]

I believe it is 3.5, but who is counting.

[dave]

I believe it is 3.5, but who is counting.

It's weaksauce, that much is true.

[Packin31]

My machine states 3.25 GB usable

So consensus is go to WIN 64bit with 8 GB ?????

[dave]

I believe it is 3.5, but who is counting.

I win


My machine states 3.25 GB usable

So consensus is go to WIN 64bit with 8 GB ?????

Think of it this way, Tom. Your machine, no matter how high the specs go, will eat up everything you throw at it. 8GB is a decent start, though.

[Packin31]

Dave,

Thanks will start with that.

[grinch2000cs]

I win

All I can say is :p

[Plant Salad]

Tomm, I'm with the others, 64-bit and minimum 8G ram

[Patrick_Aps]

Win7 32bit can only adress 4GB of memory.
this includes RAM, but also video memeory, cache on hard disks, 1st and 2nd level cache of the processor and so on.
So if you put in a video card with 1GB and 4GB of RAM, win7 32bit will display LESS pysical memory than when you leave out the video card and use the onboard card and 256 MB shared RAM for video.

The 4GB limit is fully wanted by Microsoft, because Win2003 server is also a 32bit OS that is capable of handling more memory.
so apart of the obvious switching forward to Win7 64-bits, there is also the possibiity to switch back to Win2003 Server.

[Patrick_Aps]

As for the specs, this is what I ordered:
(I went for a prosessor that is high in Ghz, because or CAD programs are not as multi-treaded as we wanted, 4x$GB=16GB, a solid state drive to boost windows and the applications, a 2nd Drive to host large laserscans and an Quadro 2000, because higher card are not supported in the E30. But the specs of the 2000 matches up with the old FX 3800...)

ThinkStation E30 Series- On-site Warranty 1 Year Parts / 1 Year Labor
Processor: Intel Xeon E3-1270 Processor (3.40GHz 8MB 1333MHz) - 95w
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 Lenovo Enhanced Experience Preload - English
Form factor: Tower 4x5 Mechanical with Intel C206 Motherboard
Memory: 4x 4GB ECC DDR3 PC3-10600 SDRAM (1333MHz UDIMM)
Video adapter: NVIDIA Quadro 2000 (1GB Dual link DVI+DP+DP)
Audio adapter: Integrated Audio
First hard drive bay: 160GB SATA 2.5 MLC Solid State Drive
Second hard drive bay: 1TB SATA 3.5 Hard Drive - 7200 rpm
3.5 inch bay: 25 in 1 Media Card Reader
First optical device bay: Lenovo 16x DVD +/- RW Dual Layer (Windows 7)
Ethernet adapter: Intergrated Ethernet Single 10/100/1000
Keyboard: Lenovo USB Preferred Pro Full Size Keyboard - US English
Pointing device: Lenovo Enhanced Optical USB Mouse
Power cord: Line Cord - US
Language pack: Language Pack - English
Price: $3,918.00
Sale price: $3,567.00

[Packin31]

All,

Thanks for your input. We will put forward what you all suggest to IT and we will see what they will allow us to order.

[odin1985]

hello everyone, sorry to bother by bring this thread back, but i need to know what are the recommended requirements for using autoplant Piping, i being tasked into looking for new computers for our company and all i can find is the system req, which for me is minimum.