New Computer and Plotter Recommendations

[Anonymous]

I am moving to a new company and will be required to get a new computer as well as a new seat of AutoCAD Map3D.

Do mostly 2-D design work with google earth images in the background or .pdf plans from contractors.

Looking for recommendations on computer specs that would be recommended (currently using i5 processor, 660 at 3.33 Ghz, 8.0 GB, 64-bit OS).  Would also like recommendations on types and specs of video cards for high quality work.

Finally, using a HP DesignJet 500 (yes, it is 20+ years old but still working).  Any recommendations on a newer HP plotter?

[WarrenGeissler · Accepted solution]

i7 processor - speed is more important than number as AutoCAD uses ONE processor unless you are rendering. Having said that - I (BELIEVE) your processors will handle 32GB RAM per processor and if you have the $$ I recommend 64GB RAM (mostly for aerial imagery). I also recommend a 4GB video card and it should be approved by Autodesk as they will disable it in their software if not approved (find recommended Graphics Hardware >>HERE<<)

As for plotters - maybe someone else can chime in but with aerial imagery you better get one with a dedicated HD and lots of RAM.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Appreciate the feedback.

Now if someone else has any input (especially regarding plotters) that would be appreciated as well.

Anyone using HP DesignJet T830?

[O_Eckmann · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Best processor for AutoCAD is i7 7700k (turbo 4.5Ghz), only 1 core used in 99% of usage.

in 2D graphic card isn't used, so I think it isn't necessary to take a dedicated card. I use CAD drawing (30mb) with orthophoto between 500Mb and 1.5Gb with only Intel graphic card (included with processor) and I've never seen any difference in 2D workflow with station equiped with GTX/Quadro card.

RAM : 16Go is minimum, 32 is enougth. 

SSD : if you have enougth $ (or €), use SSD (NVMe on PCI Express - for example Samsung 960Pro) for OS and DATA.

For plotters, I've an HP T1200 and an HP T1300PS, which works fine with AutoCAD and PDF.

HP T1500 don't seem to work fine with AutoCAD.

HP series 795 are not good solution because, they can't organise small plot to save paper.

I don't know T830 serie. 

Olivier

[braudpat · Accepted solution]

Hello

+1 with @O_Eckmann

A FAST 4 Cores/8 Threads is ENOUGH ! ...

For 2D Work, ZERO specific Graphic card is OK !

With large Models, you must have the fastest processor available : the Core i7 7700K is the BEST choice !

Core i7 7700K : 4 Cores/8 Threads - 4.20-4.50 Ghz - 8 Mo cache

Or if you want a XEON into your HP, Dell, Lenovo workstation :

XEON E3-1280 v6 - 4 Cores/8 Threads - 3.90-4.20 Ghz - 8 Mo cache

+ a "small" graphic card like the NVidia Quadro K1200 4 Gb Ram

32 Gb Ram with 2 x 16 Gb ... So you can add later 2 x 16 Gb (if necessary) !?

Regards, Patrice

[Anonymous]

Dell or lenovo desktop, which brand do you recommend?? Also, for AutoCAD LT 2017, will Window 10 operating system works? How do I re-load my software to new desktop?? Please advise, thanks.