Please help spec a new computer

[Anonymous]

I've been following all the threads about computer hardware, but I need some
specific advice.
I need to purchase a computer fast enough to handle the following types of
Inventor assemblies:

I design check fixtures and gages for the automotive industry. I rarely use
adaptivity, but often use skeletal modeling: a "root" file with critical
work planes, points, and axis is derived into most of the other parts.

# parts: 100-300
Size of parts: average 300kb
Complexity of parts: all solids, simple geometry, 10-20 features each
including extrusions, holes, sometimes revolutions.
I create detail drawings of all made components and of the assembly, often
with extensive dimensioning, GDT symbols, etc.

My current system is a PIII 600 with 512MB Ram and Quadro 2 MXR 64MB card.
In assembly and part mode it's decent, but slow in IDW mode especially when
making assembly drawings (1-2 MB).

Questions:
Will a standard new IDE 7200RPM hard drive give me fast saves (5 seconds or
less)?
What speed and type of processor will give me the best bang for my buck? I
am leaning towards duel processors because of multitasking.
What speed and type of RAM......I will likely get 1GB.
Based on opinions in the NG I will get a 128MB Quadro Card

Bottom line is budget and performance. Under 3k would be good.
Thanks for any tips.
-Brad

[Anonymous]

thats exactly what i have. dual 866's on a
supermicro board.

i used to have the abit vp6 which was supposed to
be a good board. i allways had crases in acad (*before we had IV) while doing
any kind of 3d orbit or shading command. i swore it was my video card. the mobo
was the last thing i sawpped out and everything runs perfect now. if i
do upgrade it will be to dual 1.4gig p3's 🙂

[Anonymous]

I couple years ago I went from a dual PII 400 to a just released single 1.5 gig. It
wasn't my choice and I have missed the dual ever since. I just hope the boss doesn't go
out and get me a new one next time, without consulting me first.

--
Kent
Member of the Autodesk Discussion Forum Moderator Program


"Brian McElyea" wrote in message
news:D0EBC193796ACB3ACD3293E45374D64D@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> This is so true...I went from dual P3-866's to a single Athlon XP 2100+ (same HDD's &
video, same amount of RAM - 1GB). There's not hardly a day goes by that I wish I had my
duals back...especially when I'm working with a complex part/assy or trying to open/create
drawings.
>
> -Brian