New Computer hardware specs enclosed...questions

[meb58]

I am currently using 2014 AutoCAD LT, SketchUp and may begin to use Studio Structures. I work alone in my office...no server.  I use an HP T920 full format plotter.  I plan to upgrade to LT version 2017 and SketchUp Pro Shortly.

I included a few thoughts/questions in RED.  Any other thoughts are welcome...I am also looking at the Z440 Chassis as I wonder if this chassis will give me a better opportunity to upgrade 3-5 years in the future...

HP Z240 Tower Workstation

HP 3/3/3 Tower warranty

Windows 10 Pro 64

9.5 mm slim super multi DVDRW 1st optical Disc Drive - I assume this is fine

Operating system load to SATA

HP Z240 Country Kit

Intel ethernet 1210-T1 PCle network interface card - PCle

NVIDIA Quaudro M4000 8GB 4xDP 1st no cable included graphics - PCle - I asked for this graphics card specifically

HP Z240 TWR 400W 92 percent efficient chassis

500GB 7200 rpm SATA 1st Hard Drive - my current BOXX Laptop has a Intel SSD 530 Series 180 GB...I want to upgrade to a similar or better SSD

Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 (3.6 GHz, up to 4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 8 MB cache, 4 cores

16GB DDR4-2133 neCC (2x8GB) Unbuffered Ram - I want to change this to 32 GB (4x8GB

...Ive used both Dell and HP in the past and with warranties were basically quite reliable.  My current BOXX has been a rather disaster for the past 3 years.

 Much appreciated!

Michael

[pendean · Accepted solution]

No one here is going to validate a brand or a specific computer for you, but we can tell you that LT2014 is NOT supported in WIn10 so there is a problem right there. Read about it here http://autode.sk/1IY4C2X

Upgrade before you buy.

A few other things:
- non-SSD drives are not a thing anymore for CAD users.
- Xeon processors are pointless for LT and SketchupPro (if you use the free version, it's even less relevant). But you do want a processor that runs at well over 3GHZ speed, most non-mobile i7s are good replacements.
-16 Gig RAM is fine for LT and Sketchup, you only want to go to 32Gig RAM is your models are huge and massive ans you are truly suffering today.

[meb58]

Thank you Dean.   I did not intend to ask for a brand recommendations, apologies.  I was simply attempting to include as much information as possible.  But thank you for your response...I was hoping that you in particular would reply as I have a tendency to over build everything that I touch.  

The only other question that I have surrounds long term computer use.  Do you feel it is important to build a desk top that can be updated 3-5 years in the future or do you typically see this approach as a potential waste of money? I plan to continue using the same programs listed in my opening thread. Or, should I consider a new computer as part of my every three year business plan?

Michael

[meb58]

Thank you for the link regarding Windows 10...I have not had many problems using Version 2014 with windows 10 but I am upgrading to version 2017 this week.  

[meb58]

...hmmm...the link points to potential incompatibilities between version 2017 and Windows 10 Pro too.  I prefer 7 Pro...so perhaps that is a better direction.

[Emmsleys]

I think you had some great questions regarding anticipating changes with operating systems and applications. I think managing and planning 3 -4  years out is average. 

AutoCAD LT 2014 on Windows 10 is not supported as you already know. 

As a suggestion I would run numbers on how much a current up to date subscription would cost along with a new setup per year and the value it has for your everyday work. In almost all cases having a up to date operating systems/hardware and current application's pays itself off for businesses.  

Windows 7 with AutoCAD / LT 2015,2016,2017 is supported and for most user's I've come across find it reliable. That might be a good option to start with and have an intent to upgrade when ready. 

[meb58]

Thank you Sarah!  

I am configuring all potential new computers with Windows 7 Pro.  I may upgrade to AutoCAD version 2017 for a full 3 years for now...I receive a discount if I turn in my current license with the purchase of a three year license.  But I will run the numbers...great suggestion!

I am looking forward to working with a system that is up to date... but more importantly!!!  I am looking forward to working with other professionals who are also up to date.  ...some 15 year old programs out there...makes office life impossible.

Thank you again,

Michael

[meb58]

Sarah, Dean,

Quick question...I cannot entirely decipher AutoCAD's version 2017 compatibility with Windows 10 Pro.  The fastest i7 Core processor - 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-7700K (Quad Core 4.2GHz, 4.5Ghz Turbo, 8MB, w/ HD Graphics - is not compatible with Windows 7 Pro.   This one is - 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-6700 (Quad Core 3.40GHz, 4.0Ghz Turbo, 8MB, w/ HD Graphics 530)

Am I giving up much?

I have yet to confirm that this processor is compatible with Windows 7 Pro - 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700K (No Overclock, Quad Core  4.0GHz, 4.2Ghz Turbo, 8MB, w/HD Graphics 530)

Thank you,

Michael

[pendean · Accepted solution]

AutoCAd/LT2017 work just fine in WIn10Pro: it also works fine in Win7Pro.

[Emmsleys · Accepted solution]

There have been updates pushed from AutoCAD/LT 2017 since its release. Many users have had AutoCAD/LT 2017 on Windows 10 and are fully functional. 

The concern is for older Autodesk products. "The 2013–2014 versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD-based verticals will not be supported on Windows 10."

[meb58]

Thank you all!  I have a new computer coming in about a week.  I feel very comfortable with my purchase from a value and performance perspective and your contributions to this discussion were invaluable...considering the long term nature of computer-ship!

Michael

[Emmsleys]

If you do run into any future issues with you new system and AutoCAD feel free to create a new thread or post back in this one. 

[meb58]

...I will.  I'll post back regarding the new computer and LT version 2017 experience 

Michael