New workstation graphics harware

[rlosh]

In evaluating the options for new workstations, I have run into a dilemma that I hope to get some helpful comments on.  (Hopefully some of those comments will be from someone at Autodesk.)  We are running Revit Architecture Suite 2011 and Artlantis.  In pricing workstations, the following specs have been agreed upon:

Windows 7 Pro 64-bit OS

Quad-core processor at 2.50Ghtz or above

12gigs of RAM

1gig graphics card or higher

350GB or higher hard drive

Two (2) questions arise from the search:

1.)  Is there an appreciable difference in performance between Quad-core i7 processors and Quad-core Xeon processors when running Revit or Artlantis?

2.)  How important is it that the exact video cards from the Revit Graphics Hardware List be used?  For instance, manufacturers may be offering newer cards that have not been officially tested.  The previous cards in the same "family" of cards have tested well.  How comfortable can I be that the new cards will work?  I would like to be comfortable with the choice before parting from the lettuce.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[ryan.duell · Accepted solution]

1.  You should experience similar results running Revit with either a quad-core Xeon or i7 Processor of similar clock speed.  Revit can take advantage of multithreading in the following areas mentioned in the post below:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Revit-Architecture/Rendering-processor-core-limit-for-Revit-2...

2.  Regarding graphics cards, the card you choose does not necessarily need to be on our list but it needs to support the following specifications from the technical solution:

http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS14636373

-DirectX® 9-capable graphics card

-Shader Model 3

Also we recommend a “1 GB (or more) DirectX® 9-capable graphics card with Shader Model 3" for optimal performance, which is mentioned in our system requirements page below:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=12431819

Thank you,

1.  You should experience similar results running Revit with either a quad-core Xeon or i7 Processor of similar clock speed.  Revit can take advantage of multithreading in the following areas mentioned in the post below:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Revit-Architecture/Rendering-processor-core-limit-for-Revit-2...

2.  Regarding graphics cards, the card you choose does not necessarily have to be on our list but it needs to support the following specifications from the technical solution:

http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS14636373

-DirectX® 9-capable graphics card

-Shader Model 3

Also we recommend a 1 GB (or more) card for optimal performance, which is mentioned in our system recc. page below:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=12431819

Thank you,

[rlosh]

Works for me.  Thanks for the help!