Hardware Recommendations for Revit 2019

[Anonymous]

the age old question, what is a recommendation for a "biggest bang of the money" computer? In the past there have been posts that have made good recommendations, but nothing is current that I've found. Looking to spend $1500 to $2,500 without monitors. All of my office computers use dual monitors, 500 MB SSD (Samsung Evo 850) and a 1 TB HD (WD black). I'm partial to ASUS and SuperMicro motherboards, Intel CPU's. I have 2x8 PC4-22400 DDR4-2800 Ripjaws memory unused in my desk and may add more if necessary. Graphics cards are still a big question, we have used gaming cards in the past but recently used Radeon Pro WX1500 8 GB (probably over kill here). I am interested in reliability and service life and not interested in over clocking and liquid coolers.

We're currently using Revit BDSP 2018 but have 2019 on the shelf. Mostly high end custom homes, file size <100MB, some rendering. What would you recommend?

Title renamed for clarity by @Viveka_CD for user request on hardware requirements

[Viveka_CD · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous

• As the first step, please check the system requirements and hardware tools for Revit and do a comparison on the specs of the laptop/ desktop you are interested in. (Do a cross-check for compatibility)
• See Workstation Recommendations
• Please take a look at this thread https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/lookin-for-a-new-pc/m-p/7778478#M182635
• Check this AU class on A Hardware Wonk's Guide to Specifying the Best BIM and 3D Workstations, 2017 Edition

Let me know if you have additional questions! Glad to help.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question. Likes welcome!

Regards,

[DarrenP]

what is wrong with your current system?

[Anonymous]

We get into a bit more depth on hardware specs over at RFO.  Might take a look see for CPU and Video card suggestions.

[Anonymous]

been there and done that. ADESK only specifies what they have tested, mostly older products

[Anonymous]

nothing wrong, I need another machine for a new employee. I'd copy it except there's a lot of new products, better, faster and cheaper

[Viveka_CD]

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@Anonymous wrote:

been there and done that. ADESK only specifies what they have tested, mostly older products

---

The specs for Revit 2019 is released, please check on the links and look for the versions.

Do you have a set of software/plugins you are looking to install? Then I would do a search for quad-core graphics cards, in addition to the RAM, display etc.

Regards,

[Anonymous]

The original title was "hardware recommendations". As I explained I'm looking to build a new computer and would like to know what others have used and and had good luck with, whats the best bang for the buck. For instance ADESK doesn't support gaming cards but many say the work great and at very low cost and I have used them for a couple of builds. Some motherboards require specific CPU's. Even though the pieces have great specifications it doesn't mean they will work together.

I have checked specific requirements of several components. Does Revit want / need / even use bigger GPU's, faster CPU's, more cores etc. Are the Xeon processors worth the extra money over I7 or I9? Most of the research I've found relates to older products and therefor out dated especially with wanting a longer life cycle.

In the past, ACAD and Revit forums, Tom's Hardware etc. have put together a hardware list that was very helpful, some even had explanations as to why they were selected. There doesn't seem to be one that is using current products.

[Viveka_CD]

No worries @Anonymous
I'll edit the title and see if I can fish out more hardware info for you!

[DarrenP]

you can use this guide for guidance: http://revit.downloads.autodesk.com/download/2017RVT_RTM/Docs/InProd/Autodesk_Revit_2017_Model_Perfo...

i have a geforce 1080 ti in my desktop and an i7 5th gen processor (older processor) with 32 gigs of ram 

also have laptop with a 1080 both work fine with revit 2018 & 2019

xeons are good if you plan to do a lot of rendering in revit but not really needed

[Viveka_CD]

Hi @Anonymous

Below are some resources*:

• Discussion on SSD and tips
• Explore PC build guides
• Computer for Revit
• Again if you are looking for seamless VR experiences (Revit Live etc go for a powerful RAM and graphics card)
• See System requirements for Revit Live
• Specs for Revit from Toms hardware
• A forum post on the computer for Revit

A suggestion would be to map out the software you are trying to install - match the hardware and RAM for each and level the specs with your budget. 

Hope that helps!

*I have provided a link to an application or add-in that MIGHT provide the extra functionality for which you are looking. Please note, however, this is not an Autodesk product or endorsement. You should take all precautions whenever you elect to download/install/utilize any application and do so at your own risk. Please review the developer’s documentation and disclaimers before proceeding to utilize their product(s).

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question. Likes welcome!

Regards,

[Anonymous]

The Geforce 1080 ti is probably a lot more card at 11GB than is necessary for our work. Good to know you're having good luck with a gaming card. Thank you

[Anonymous]

Lots of good information here but again its 2 years old. The Tom's hardware recommendation is what I used for the last Revit box but again its 2 years old. The SSD is a no brainer, 500 MB works on all the other computers here in the office. A 1 TB local HD is more than adequate as I have 16TB in my servers. Will use a MB capable of 64 MB but probably settle at 32 MB ram. I'll use an 850 watt or better PS with additional fans. Looking for function and ease of maintenance in the case, no LED's. Kind of down to CPU, MB and graphic card at this point but a lot of choices.

[Anonymous]

For CPU the i7 is usually suggested, the newest and one that still fits your budget.  I know some are building machines with the i9 in them, which wound up being $10k machines.  RAM, same as the i7, the fastest/budget friendly, 16GB minimum.  Video card...yeah, I have a 1080ti 8gb in my work computer and dual 1080's at home on one machine and a 980 in the other.  So I'd say a 900 series is still very capable if you can find them.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I did find a recommendation from remiscs that will likely be close to my final decision. Intel I7 8700K, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, Asus Prime Z370 (which version?). I have 2x8 DDR4 2800 G.Skill Ripjaws laying around and will likely add 2 more for 32GB. Been using Samsung Evo 850 SSD for years. Still need a simple, toolless case with front mounted switches and connections and 850 watt quiet PS.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

I will follow remiscs recommendations closely, these are my final choices:

Intel I7-8700K  300 series                                   
Asus Prime Z370-P 300 series
Samsung Ev0 860 500 MB     
G.Skill DDR4-2800 2x8 not the fastest but I have 2x8 on hand for 32 GB total 
Corsair Carbide series 200 case, simpIe, liked the look of this                             
Asus GTX 1060 Dual 6GB

Win 7 Pro, I hate 10

Asus or LG DVD R/W

WD black 1 TB 

Still need to make a decision on the power supply  

As I am not over clocking I'll forgo the cooler and opt for additional fans, I have several Zalman ultra quiet here on hand    

I'll post results after is up and running. Thanks for your responses.           

[aRcHiTeCt.JM]

... I have this PC and is pretty fast, getting something like this will be my recommendation

... ASUS Rampage V Extreme X99, i7 6950X  20-core 3.99GHz , Liquid Cooling, 64GB HyperX FURY DDR4- 3000, Dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GDDR5x G-SYNC, PCIe NVME SSD 1.2TB Intel® 750 Series 2,400MB/s 

[Anonymous]

That's almost what I've got...I have a couple of EVO's too.

[aRcHiTeCt.JM]

...... sweet

[Viveka_CD]

Hi there @Anonymous

I'm just checking back on this thread.

This thread has quite a few recommendations.

If you find posts have solved your problem, please click on 'Accept as solution' to help others with similar questions.

Thank you!