IT guy says I don't need a new PC, can you comment on my computer specs?

[chucas11]

I think I do. My machine is 7 years old. I am currently running AuoCAD Civil 3D 2011. I use my machine a lot for preliminary designs, so I import many images from ArcGIS or from aerial fly overs to use as a base. The image sizes are fairly large, some aerial tiles can be 200+mb. I believe we will be updating to 2013 or 2014 soon. Here are my specs:

From "My computer":

System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version 2002, Service Pack 3

Manufactored and supported by: Gateway E-4500S

Intel ® Pentium ® 4CPU, 3.00GHz

1.99GB of Ram

From system information in help & Support:

Specifications Gateway System Model: E-4500S BIOS Version: Intel Corp. PB94510J.15A.0205.2006.0113.1314 Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows XP Professional- Not Activated (Expires in 30 Days) Version: 5.1.2600 Service Pack: 3.0 Location: C:\WINDOWS PID: 76487-OEM-0011903-00103 Hot Fix: XpsEPSC

Memory (RAM) Capacity: 2 GB

Processor Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz Version: x86 Family 15 Model 6 Stepping 2 Speed: 2999 MHz

Local Disk Total Capacity: 37.25 GB Sum of Hard Disks: (C: 😧 )

Used: 33.38 GBFree: 3.87 GB 

Thanks for the help!!!!!!

-Luca

[bcsurvey]

Slow down there Bouz, I don't want to get a "ticket" from my IT department.

[neilyj666]

Whatever you have, Civil 3D can sometimes feel like trundling down a dirt track in a Model T Ford

[Joe-Bouza]

You piked up on the abreviation of my name correctly, almost as if we grew up together 🙂

[bf]

If you don't upgrade to above the minimum requirements set by Autodesk, you might as well use your machine for a boat anchor.

[MATRIX3DSURVEYS]

First IT guy I've heard of that does not want the newest and fastest.

I process large area 3-D Geophysical Surveys so the Autocad products are just one of many tools I use. I usually replace workstations every 3 years. Seems to be about the curent design life of the hardware / software.

Cadalyst magazine has a test and evaluation of workstations every year. The products I prefer are Xi Computer, and Supermicro Computer both for quality and expandability.

www.cadalyst.com

xicomputer.com

www.supermicro.com

Jim

Matrix3DSurveys