Core i7 or i5 for Autocad 2015?

[fprico]

Hi,

I would like to know if there will be much differences between a core i5 and an i7 with the same clock speed for 3d modeling and documentation in Autocad, not for rendering. 

Thanks.

Fernando.

[HashimMohammed1]

It will be used for a mixture of 2D,3D and large A1 data sheets for detailing. Typical files size would be 40MB.

[HashimMohammed1]

Would this one be better that than the other three mentioned ;
Processor : intel pentium N3530/ 2.58 GHz/ 2MB
Memory: 8GB DDR3L
Storage : 1TB/ 5400 rpm

What is the best for my interest out of all 4 laptops. It would really be helpfully if you could tell me.

Kind Regards

[nrz13]

If I had to choose between those three, I'd probably go with the first one due to the higher base clock speed and dedicated graphics.  I'd check with HP before ordering to make sure they include an option to disable the onboard graphics, though.  If the onboard graphics can't be disabled, AutoCAD 2015 will only be using the onboard graphics despite having a dedicated card installed.  If you have the option, using AutoCAD 2014 instead of 2015 will give you the biggest performance boost.

Otherwise, you might as well get the one that looks the prettiest so you can admire it while you wait on the program(s) to respond.

[nrz13]

I doubt that one would be any better.  The N3530 has a base clock speed of 2.16GHz and that system has no dedicated graphics card.

[HashimMohammed1]

Thanks for your advice I will ask HP if I can disable the dedicated on board graphics card just in case AutoCad can't read the graphics card.

I have the option of using AutoCad2014 but wouldn't that be a set back and be old ..

If I install AutoCad2014 would I need to disable the dedicated graphics card?

[nrz13]

I'd still check to make sure the onboard card can be disabled, but I haven't seen anyone having issues with 2014 recognizing the dedicated card.  Autodesk overhauled the graphics system with 2015 and I haven't encountered a single person that the new system has been better for performance-wise.  It seems to be universally disliked.  Maybe they'll be able to make improvements in the new system for AutoCAD 2016, but for now I think you're better sticking with AutoCAD 2014 unless there's some feature you need in 2015, or you have to collaborate with people running 2015.  Even though 2013-2015 use the same drawing format, there may be some inconsistencies working between 2013/2014 and 2015, particularly with hatches and drawing views.

[HashimMohammed1]

So just to finalise, will AutoCad2014 recognise;

Graphics card AMD Radeon HD 8610G / 8670M Dual GPU (2 GB DDR3) Storage
1 TB HDD, 5400 rpm ??

Once I go in to the store later on today I will ask if the dedicated graphics card can be disabled.

[HashimMohammed1]

I have just realised a set back which is that:
RAM 8 GB DDR3 (8 GB maximum installable RAM) meaning I can't install a higher Ram.. Right ?

[nrz13]

The AMD 8670M is not a certified card, so I couldn't say for sure, but I'd guess that it would be recognized by AutoCAD 2014 and probably work okay.

To answer your question about the memory, 8GB is the maximum you will ever have with that system; there is no ability to add more physical memory.  What will happen on all of the systems you are looking at is that when the operating system gets near the 8GB usage mark, it will start writing to virtual memory on your very slow hard disk, at which point the system will slow to a crawl (if it isn't crawling already) while the memory is written, accessed, and re-written from your hard drive instead of physical memory.

As I mentioned previously, I wouldn't recommend any of these systems for the work you intend to do.  You will likely be waiting a lot.

[clayscott]

Pat, you seem to be the guy to talk to about this. I have a rig almost Identical to the setup you speak of. I am still experiencing (imho) dismal performance on certain tasks/commands as compared to my laptop with a 2.4GHZ i7. I have my cpu overclocked a tad but not getting the speed I'm looking for. Any advice? 4790k, z97, quadro k620, 32G ddr3 1600.

[braudpat]

Hello Clayscott

I sent you a private message to get more Infos ...

A PC with a Core i7 4790K (4.0-4.4 Ghz) and 32 Gb Ram and a NVidia K620 (2 Gb)

must NOT have any problem to load and use large 2D/3D DWG !

Especially compared to a Notebook based on a 2.4 Ghz processor !!

Regards, Patrice (I am not an Autodesk Advisor)

[robgoss]

Great thread with lots of good info.  I've got a case study, have the opportunity to "food chain" my computer but not sure if I'll end up with a better running system for Civil 3D design.

What I have: Core i7-3630QM, 8 GB RAM, 750 GB HDD.

What I'm looking at: Core i7-6500U, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD, 4GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M with NVIDIA Optimus Technology.

Would my current quad core outweigh the benefits of the RAM, SSD, and graphics upgrade?

TIA

[braudpat]

Hello

1) For CIVIL 201X, you must have 16 Gb !

2) Processors :

i7-3630QM : 2.4-3.4 Ghz

i7-6500U : 2.5-3.1 Ghz

So there is a problem !?

The NEW processor is SLOWER !!

Regards, Patrice (I am not an Autodesk Advisor)

[fprico]

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies. I am still in the process of buying a new machine. I am in the doubt of buying a 4790k 4 - 4.4 ghz  or a 4790 3.6 - 4 ghz + SSD. Will there be noticeable difference between this processors in cad?. will there be much more impact of having an SSD?. What would you buy?.

I will also paired with 16gb ram.

Regards,

Fernando.

[nrz13]

You probably won't notice a difference between the 4790 and the 4790K unless you're doing a long rendering and you're timing the renderings.

The SSD you will almost certainly notice because it impacts the overall peppiness of your whole system, from startup, to loading programs, to saving and copying files.

[braudpat]

Hello from France

+1 with nrz13

A normal Core i7 4790 (3.6-4.0 Ghz - 4C/8T - 8 Mb cache) based PC is enough !

A PC based on a 4790K (4.0-4.4 Ghz) is interesting when it is overclocked by a factor of about 10-15%

with high quality ventirad like the Noctua NH-U12 or equivalent and a good cabinet ...

These very special PCs are used MAINLY by Gamers and some CAD users !

I have a chance to test this kind of PC (+ a very fast NVidia GTX 980) with ACAD, Infraworks, REVIT, etc : superb / fantastic !

It was faster than ANY workstation ... and cheaper !

Regards, Patrice (I am not not an Autodesk Advisor)

[NeutronStar13]

Remember guys, running AutoCAD is a lot like gaming!

Very video card intensive, uses a lot of RAM to run properly, and needs a fast hard drive for access to data!

I have been building computers for gamers for many years, and what I found is when I try the systems out after they are complete, if I download the latest version of AutoCAD as a demo and run it, it tells me if the system is performing properly.

I also run a program called SiSoftware Sandra to determine if the system is performing up to my (and the customer's) expectations and standards.

I have the Personal Edition, which costs money, but there is a lite version available for free that will do some basic testing.

Watch what happens when you plug more RAM into it, or install a faster hard drive, or bigger/better video card and you will see what I am talking about. Yeah, processor power is important, but you have to look at price and bang for your buck, and often new video hardware or RAM is a lot less expensive than rebuilding your whole system, which is usually required when you upgrade to a new processor.

[Anonymous]

that depends on your system. you can check your system by visiting crucial.com and check if you have upgradable system.

[Anonymous]

Does a cherry trail 8300 processor would run smoothly and affordable a 2D auto ad 2016??