I would go off the software requirements and compatibility list. Usually the only thing that really makes a big difference is GPU type and driver versions. There are big differences between video cards and RAM isn't necessarily the deciding factor. You could spend $100 or $4000 on a 1 GB Video card if you wanted. After you figure out the specs required then upgrade the CPU and RAM beyond requirements if you have budget left over.
________________________________ From: Stefan Jafs [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 10:08 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: CAD Workstation Spec I need to upgrade a few PC's running AutoDesk Inventor to Workstations, question is how much horsepower is economically / practically needed? How do I compare i5, i7 or Xenon processors in CAD situations? RAM is pretty simple, Windows 7 64 bit probably 8 Gb should be ok. A video card with 1 Gb of DDR3 ram should be ok I Think. Any recommendations? -- SJ ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to [email protected] with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to [email protected] with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
