”ultimate” CAD computer

[Anonymous]

We are getting ready to do a complete system upgrade on our computers and server.  We are going to order new workstations for 7 people and was wondering what your ultimate cad setup would be?  We have to be cost aware but we don't want to skimp on performance.  Someone mentioned Dell but I wanted to get some input before I meet with the owners to see which path we go down.  If you know the rough cost of your system, could you put it in the reply.

Thanks in advance.

Ren

[neilyj666]

I'm happy with my set up but no idea how much it cost - I think the IT dept got a decent deal.

There are many threads dealing with this if you search,,,,

[Neilw_05]

I have to say my machine is a horrible dog when it comes to working in C3D, and the specs are certainly not bad so I don't blame it on the PC. It makes me want to change careers.

[Anonymous]

I work a lot with geophysical imaging using Mesa and Rock Works as well as Civil 3D. For the past 20 years I used either Xi Computer or SuperMicro Work Stations.  Xi custom builds CAD work stations.  I find them to be reliable and scalable. Normally I set them up as multi-boot with different operating systems on different drives. Currently they are using a SuperMicro  multiprocessor mother board that can address over 1TB of ram.  Check out the reviews in Cadalist Magazine 

http://www.cadalyst.com/hardware/workstations/how-configure-a-workstation-cad-14058

http://xicomputer.com/

http://www.supermicro.com/products/nfo/superworkstation.cfm

Jim

Matrix3DSurveys

[neilyj666]

...and of course no computer, no matter how high end, can cope with Civil 3D's quirks i.e. Not Responding, Random Crashes, endless grading rebuilds, grading crashes etc etc.....

[dgorsman]

Don't forget about the meatware... nothing works without that.

Dell and HP are OK if you need to reliably source dozens of boxes on a regular basis, experience large staffing surges, etc.  With large corporate orders you usually get extra benefits (MS support credits were mentioned by our IT at one point).  With only 7 boxes you *might* get away with hand-building them, but you are probably best served with one of the mid-range suppliers like Xi or Boxx.