Which computer will run inventor better?

[SteveJoynson9171]

I am looking at the possiblity of two computers with the following spec

1	KK683ET	Z400 Workstation - Intel Xeon Dual Core W3503 (2.40GHz, 4Mb Cache, 1066 MHz) Processor, 2Gb (2x 1GB) 1333MHz DDR3 ECC Unbuffered DIMMS, 250Gb HDD, SATA 16x DVD+/-RW SuperMulti with Lightscribe, Internal High Definition Realtek ALC262 Audio Speakers, No Integrated Graphics Card
	FX699AA	Upgrade to 4Gb RAM - HP 2Gb DDR3 1333 ECC Memory Module
	FY949AA	NVIDIA Quadro FX3800 1Gb Graphics Card (provides dual screen functionality)

　

　

2

LG623ES

Elitebook 8740W Workstation - Intel i7-720QM Processor, 4Gb 1333MHz DDR3 1DM Memory, 320Gb 7,200rpm HDD, DVDRW LS US Drive, 8 Cell 73WHr Battery, NVIDIA Quadro FX3800M 1GB Graphics Card, 17" WUXGA Display, 56K v.92 MDC Modem, Intel 802.11 Bluetooth Card

Can someone with PC knowledge please advise me what would be the better option

Thanks

[SBix26]

What operating system?

[SteveJoynson9171]

windows 7

[AdiStratulat]

Choose the 2nd, but with following changes:

1) THIS IS A MUST!!! Add more 4 GB RAM (you will see GREAT performance with Windows 7 -64 bits).

2) If you can afford, change the hard disk with a SSD (solid state disk) at a high capacity as you can spend money.

The acces time to the file wil increase by 400 % (yes, 4-5 times!).

3) Highly recomended: a 3D mouse! Since I bought one the working speed is much increased.  See www.3dconnexion.com for this. It is used together with your ordinary mouse.

All the best,

Adrian Stratulat

IT Specialist & CAD designer,

Barlad, ROMANIA

[SteveJoynson9171]

It is one of the above im afraid, i cant alter it has to be one of those without any other add ons, would you still suggest the second one?

[SBix26 · Accepted solution]

How will this computer be used?  If you don't need to be portable, there's no benefit to buying the laptop mobile workstation.  Mobile computers make compromises in order to limit power consumption.  How complex are the assemblies that will be modeled in Inventor?  The number and complexity of parts makes a difference in what is needed.  I also agree that more memory is needed unless you are doing very small and simple models, and more memory requires the 64-bit version of Windows.

Edit: I see in your reply that you can't change the stock specs, but you must demand more memory, unless you're also being forced to use 32-bit Windows.  4 GB (and 32-bit Windows) is simply inadequate to run Inventor.  I should know, that's what I'm currently using!

[whunter]

My experience: Desktop Workstation is always a better performer than an equivalent Mobile Workstation, better longevity too.

As per other posters here: Get more RAM (at least 8 GB), W7 64-bit, Quadro graphics (I'm using a 'cheap' FX 570 in a 'cheap' Vostro and it works fine). Solid state HDD is also fantastic if you can afford it.

[AdiStratulat]

Yes, I'm still with the 2ns one.

First of all the CPU: i7 is better than that Xeon. Check Google for comparison charts, they are a lot.

The graphics card is good, the display is OK....

BUT: BUY more 4 GB RAM - it's critical, crucial, IT'S A MUST!!!

Otherwise it is a pity the video card and CPU.

[Ray_Feiler]

No.2

[WorkstationsHP]

Hello:

I represent HP Workstations. In our extensive experience with Autodesk, we’ve found that Inventor performance is dependent on processing power, so you will benefit the most from high speed processors. The HP Z400 with a 2.4 GHz dual core processor, would be your best option, as the HP EliteBook 8740w has an Intel i7-720QM 1.6 GHz processor. I would also recommend running Windows 7 64-bit. You can visit www.hp.com/go/hpautodesk for more information. Please let me know if you have any other questions – I’m happy to help.

Tom Salomone

HP Workstation Representative

[mcgyvr]

---

@WorkstationsHP wrote:

Hello:

I represent HP Workstations. In our extensive experience with Autodesk, we’ve found that Inventor performance is dependent on processing power, so you will benefit the most from high speed processors. The HP Z400 with a 2.4 GHz dual core processor, would be your best option, as the HP EliteBook 8740w has an Intel i7-720QM 1.6 GHz processor. I would also recommend running Windows 7 64-bit. You can visit www.hp.com/go/hpautodesk for more information. Please let me know if you have any other questions – I’m happy to help.

Tom Salomone

HP Workstation Representative

---

Tom,

Has any benchmarking been performed by HP to backup your inclusion of a $1500 quadro 5000 graphics cards in some of your systems versus a simlar 1/4th the price gamer type graphics card.

I'll take 1% of HP's increased revenue when you are able to drop 1K+ out of the price of your "autodesk" targeted systems and still keep the exact same (or possibly better) performance.

Oh and by the way thanks for joining the forum. Its good to see other companys offering support/assistance,etc... to other programs besides Solidworks 🙂

[mas828]

I have an Elitebook 8740w - i7 720 with 8 gig memory and a Quadro fx3800m video (1gig mem) I can tell you that it is horrible for Autocad and Inventor. My laptop overheats with the smallest of Inventor files. BSOD if it stays open too long. SIMPLY HORRIBLE.  2-D works fine. I am a Novice with Inventor.

Can anyone send me a sample inventor file to test? I can see how long it takes this laptop to open and do some tasks and see if it overheats? Kind of a way to test or compare it?

I have the 2012 Factory Design Suite demo installed.

[SBix26]

Something is not right with your 8740w.  I have the 8730w (see signature) and it handles Inventor very well, at least until it runs out of memory (not its fault!).  It's not as fast as a desktop, but no complaints such as you're describing.

[mas828]

yea, I already returned it to service they said there was liquid spilled on the keyboard and topcase and that voids the warranty and made me pay to replace that.  I had wiped it down before sending it in. But sometimes I spit when I talk... I don't know what they found. I DO know that the keyboard is water resitant and has mylar to help protect the inside. Plus it has drain holes. When they called to tell me what was wrong with it, they just asked me to pay for the new keyboard and topcase. I had to argue for hours it seemed like to get any kind of answers, they were like robots.

Me: What was wrong, did you find anything?

Them: the topcase and keybaord need to be replaced due to liquid spillage.How would you like to pay?

Me: Oh,.. they video card wasn't damaged?

Them: The report says the topcase and keybaord need to be replaced due to liquid spillage.

ME: I know, you said that but why was it overheating? did they even open it up?

Them: I am not sure sir, your laptop is on hold until you pay for these parts.

ME: arent they coverd by the warranty??

Them: NO. Anytype of liquid spillage voids the warranty.

Me: WTFWTFWTF?!?!?!?!? are you talking about?? The laptop is advertised with a spill-resitant keyboard with mylar and drains... That is part of the reason I purchased it!! blah blah blah. OMG I Efing hate HP but I am sure there are horror stories with every brand. Anyways I am back with same problem (with new keyboard)

I wonder if v2011 products run better on this laptop then the 2012 versions?

[SBix26]

I have 2012 installed, but not in production yet.  No difference in performance in my limited experience.

[mas828]

I know its just an i7-1.6gHz Quad cpu but has 8 gig memory and 1gig fx3800m video card and it should still kick "some" butt doing basic tasks. (basic tasks is about the only place it does any butt kicking)

I have Win7 Pro installed but set it up to look like plain XP Pro, with minimal visual effects and afresh install of Win7.

[mas828]

here is a simple 2-d cad drawing, I was in PS but working in the viewport, adding the circle for a callout. The dwg is 756 KB in size, 2 similar layouts, this one with 3 viewports the other with 2. Basic layers and no blocks, it is a very basic 2-d drawing.

I know this should not be happening.

http://s1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb387/xdigitalxmike/?action=view&current=2011-09-16_09-47-38_527...