Computer for 3D CAD and other stuff.

[MagikDragon]

Alright guys I am starting my search for a new computer.

Just so you know a little about my tastes, I purchased my first Apple 4 years ago, a powerbook G4, and I love it. I have no complaints, I am planning on running OS X on whatever system i get.

Back to my needs, I've been back and forth with getting a new laptop/desktop build or buy.

So I think I want to build a computer that has a fairly good video card and fast processor speeds so it doesn't lag when I have a large model open. So i want something top end but don't want to spend alot of money. give me some recommendations. The last time I spec'd out a computer the options were P4 or AMD Athlon, really quite simple, now I know nothing.

Help!

[Beancooker]

Go with an intel Q6600 or the new line of procs that came out this/last month. the 9300, 9450 etc...

As far as a video card, if you're doing CAD and 3D, get an Nvidia Quadro card. They cost a small fortune, but are designed for that type of application.

64 bit OS, and 8 gigs of 800+mhz memory, and you should be good. Get a hard drive that is 10,000rpm or faster.

[240Knightrider]

Whats your budget?? What parts do you want to transfer to the new computer? IE..dvd drives??

[MagikDragon]

I am just looking into it, all I have now is a Powerbook laptop, no parts are being transfered over, and I would love to spend less than $1500 if at all possible.

[xekushnr]

You're going to be hard-pressed to piece together a system for that price that wont lag much. Workstations usually cost a lot of money to build if you want it to work and run well. You cant skimp on the video cards, and one of those for what you want can cost anywhere from $300 to $1500. Ken could probably help you out better on prices though.

[240Knightrider]

If you find a video card you like we can build around it....

MIS 975X platinum motherboard $109CPU. Quad core 2.4 Q6600 for about $259Memory 4GB memory 105.56Cooling Fan 26.99Case Tower with PS $59-$89..dependingDVD burner $36500GB HD $99.99Windows XP Pro $85 unless you want vista.Nico Discount told later on.

Total about $800 with shipping. So that leaves you with a lot of room for a graphics card, plus the board is dual PCI-e for SLI or crossfire mode.

[240Knightrider]

also.. 8GB=Vista

[danielekfuj]

Go with an intel Q6600 or the new line of procs that came out this/last month. the 9300, 9450 etc...

I have one, and I'm happy with it. Ken hooked it up btw.

[240Knightrider]

I have one, and I'm happy with it. Ken hooked it up btw.

Thanks man .

[MagikDragon]

Hey thanks for all your help guys, Ken, when I'm ready, and it will be a few months, I will let you know man.

thanks again!

[MaxFNPower]

Oddly enough i was looking into this recently to run SolidWorks, I have many points to make bare with me.

1. 10,000 RPM Raptors are nice I've had one for years, bought it simply for reliability(had bad luck with hard drives for a year), but they are fast. I want to buy 3 more to run RAID 0+1.

2. I have something to report. My computer at home runs SolidWorks better than the schools which are, well lets face it about 3 time more expensive. This is the kicker SolidWorks does not support my video card (8800 OCT) so it runs in software OpenGL. I have less crashes and less lag than the school, which is odd because all I have is a dinky little AMD duel core 3800+, I'll admit they do floating point way better than Intel but thats the only thing, and unless all your doing is using it for a Render server thats not that impressive. Any way I guess what I'm saying is don't go cheap on that Quatro, I'm sure Ken will give you the hook up.

3. Hey ken where are you getting XP Pro so cheap?

4. This is all MHO, thanks guys for under standing, and not flaming me for being a Dumb ***.

Sincerely, MFNP

[danielekfuj]

3. Hey ken where are you getting XP Pro so cheap?

the pirate bay..

[240Knightrider]

Oddly enough i was looking into this recently to run SolidWorks, I have many points to make bare with me.

1. 10,000 RPM Raptors are nice I've had one for years, bought it simply for reliability(had bad luck with hard drives for a year), but they are fast. I want to buy 3 more to run RAID 0+1.

2. I have something to report. My computer at home runs SolidWorks better than the schools which are, well lets face it about 3 time more expensive. This is the kicker SolidWorks does not support my video card (8800 OCT) so it runs in software OpenGL. I have less crashes and less lag than the school, which is odd because all I have is a dinky little AMD duel core 3800+, I'll admit they do floating point way better than Intel but thats the only thing, and unless all your doing is using it for a Render server thats not that impressive. Any way I guess what I'm saying is don't go cheap on that Quatro, I'm sure Ken will give you the hook up.

3. Hey ken where are you getting XP Pro so cheap?

4. This is all MHO, thanks guys for under standing, and not flaming me for being a Dumb ***.

Sincerely, MFNP

I have my people .

Which I found a couple of days before that post. Want the hook up? you got it! but you get no name from me

[MaxFNPower]

Lol, Ya I might need one or two later, if I do I'll hit you up.