Expert: Bobbert - 6/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I'm planning on buying a desktop computer that would be used for engineering software (CAD and finite element analysis software), and possibly some gaming (Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty 4). I have this computer in mind (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10100051&catid=2021), but I'm not exactly sure if the specs and features are enough.

ANSWER: No, not at all, the processor is up to the task, but the HD 2400 video card is neither up to the task of games, or engineering software. You'll want to be looking at something sporting a very high end Radeon or GeForce, or entry to mid level Quadro FX or FireGL card in order to keep pace with the engineering software and gaming. Honestly I'd split the difference and go with something like a GeForce 8800GT 512MB, which will keep up reasonably well with the engineering software (realize it isn't designed for this, but the Quadro equivalent (meaning the same performance in games as 8800GT, but faster in professional applications) costs around $1700 US, the 8800GT is around $170 US) and handle all of the gaming tasks. I've seen Maya and XSI run quite nicely on 8800GTS 320 (which is a lower power part than 8800GT 512), it isn't quite to the level of something like Quadro FX 4600, but its still quite livable, and CAD will produce a similar load to XSI/Maya, so it should be suitable. If your work requires the engineering software (i.e: if this is for professional use, and not just educational use, so you have a paycheck riding on this machine's ability to perform) I'd suggest going for a Quadro FX or FireGL card, just to speed up the time required to render/manipulate objects (realize that the GeForce card will do just fine, it won't be at the same level as the Quadro boards though (and I am partial to nVidia products, namely because they offer more performance, however ATI is more price/energy efficient)).

-bob


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would it be cheaper if I went and bought a cheaper computer + the video card? Or if I bought the computer already with the card? The other computer I'm considering, with the card already installed, is http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10100504&logon=L

It's an extra $500 from the other one, but the specs are pretty good. Are the differences between the two computers worth the extra $500?

ANSWER: Honestly that HP isn't worth the extra $500, the 8600GT is barely an improvement over the HD 2400 (maybe 10-15%), I'd look for an 8800GT (different than an 8600, much faster), this system has an 8800GT:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000F

As does this one:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000F

I'd honestly look at Dell, as they'll offer you the ability to factory configure the system you want/need, instead of buying a $2000 package deal, or at least go with HP direct (www.hpshopping.com).

-bob


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the advice. I completely forgot about Dell.

So I customized my own computer and these are the specs that I have:

Processor: Intel® Core™2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.40GHz,1066FSB)
Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1
Memory: 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
MONITORS: 22 inch SP2208WFP widescreen Flat Panel Monitor
Video Card: nVidia® GeForce® 8800 GT 512MB
HARD DRIVES: 320GB - Seagate 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
OPTICAL DRIVES:   Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
Sound Cards: Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
2nd Hard Drive:   250GB - Seagate 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 8MB Cache
TV TUNERS AND REMOTE CONTROLS: Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1250 Hybrid Analog/Digital TV Tuner and Basic Remote

Is the 3GB memory enough? I had the option of going with 667MHz or 800MHz. Is there a big difference between the two?

Sorry to be a bother but it's just a huge investment ($1770.00 + tax = $2000.10!) and I really want to get it right.

Answer
3GB should be fine, can you go with Windows XP Professional? And 667 MHZ vs 800MHZ isn't going to be a massive difference, 800 is faster, but it isn't like you'll miss the entire experience without it (scale of 1 to 10, 10 being most important, I'd rate it about a 4).

-bob