New computer - GOOD Spec

[Anonymous]

Good Evening all,

I know there has probably been lots of these kind of posts over the years, but as computers are bringing out better software all the time I wanted to make sure it was up to date.

I am looking to purchase a new computer, however I am not looking for one that will just about run CAD, I want it to really perform. Currently I have been using a laptop and had some serious issues.  A lot of "Fatal Errors" and even sometimes switching from model to paper spaces can be a problem. Non of the drawings I have been using are particularly large, and i'm fairly certain I have all the right updates needed to make it perform to the best of its capability.

I will be purchasing the AEC collection, which means I will have some extra software such as Civil 3D which i will be looking to use too.  I will be moving from a laptop to a desktop also.

Can anyone recommend a spec that will really help to this software to run as smooth as possible. I'm only really understand computers in terms of how to use them,not how to pick a good spec! I am currently using a Toshiba Z40 laptop spec as below:

Windows 8.1

Intel Core i5-6200U @ 2.3ghz

8gb RAM

Mobile Intel HD Graphics

Obvioulsy I'd like to spend as little as possible but if there is something that will really save me some time (and my sanity!) i'd be happy to spend a little more.

Any help with this is much appreciated.

[captcrayola]

I'm running AutoCAD C3d 2017 and the computer I use is a couple of years old, but still pretty good.

Dell precision M6700 Intel Core i7-3740QM CPU @ 2.70Ghz -16GB RAM Windows 10 Pro - 64Bit 

with a NVIDIA Quardro K4000 video card

I know you want to go with a cheaper laptop, but what you pay for better options you'll save in productivity. I would recommend that you stay away from both gaming computers and 'business' computers as neither are great for AutoCAD applications.

Although the Autodesk website gives recommendations, if you're using Civil 3D as a minimum, I would recommend;

Quad-Core  CPU  2 Ghz or better

16Gb DDR4 SDRAM, (but 32 would be better)

and I recommend using nVidia Quadro cards as they seem to work the best and 8GB is recommended

here's more regarding video

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-civil-3d-forum/graphics-card-requirements/td-p/7358782

Good luck

If this helps, please give a Kudo

[captcrayola]

I'm running AutoCAD C3d 2017 and the computer I use is a couple of years old, but still pretty good.

Dell precision M6700 Intel Core i7-3740QM CPU @ 2.70Ghz -16GB RAM Windows 10 Pro - 64Bit 

with a NVIDIA Quardro K4000 video card

I know you want to go with a cheaper laptop, but what you pay for better options you'll save in productivity. I would recommend that you stay away from both gaming computers and 'business' computers as neither are great for AutoCAD applications.

Although the Autodesk website gives recommendations, if you're using Civil 3D as a minimum, I would recommend;

Quad-Core  CPU  2 Ghz or better

16Gb DDR4 SDRAM, (but 32 would be better)

and I recommend using nVidia Quadro cards as they seem to work the best and 8GB is recommended

here's more regarding video

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-civil-3d-forum/graphics-card-requirements/td-p/7358782

Good luck

If this helps, please give a Kudo