Expert: Bobbert - 6/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am thinking about buying a slightly used computer and need to know if it up to the task; Mainly for AutoCAD 2008 on large drawings (over 2 meg), some with images ref'd in (tiff photo backgrounds etc) The computer is as follows: HP Pavilion a1230n, w/ 3700+ AMD Athion 64 processor, 1.0 gb RAM, 200 gb HD, Integrated ATI Radeon xpress 200 graphics (HP says I can add a better graphics. card for $90?), CD ROM, CD Write, etc It is listed as a Media center PC which will come in handy at the house with cameras, videos, etc.  Thank You very much!

Ed.

ANSWER: No, that system will not suffice for AutoCAD 2008, especially for large projects, and no, even with the graphics upgrade it will not be sufficient. It's based on hardware from ~2005, which is vastly outdated by modern standards, especially in terms of multi-threading and OpenGL rendering (two of the biggest things CAD really needs).

I'd honestly suggest talking to Autodesk or or your instructor (just guessing that you're a student) to find an appropriate system, if neither of those is an option, take a gander at Dell's workstation offerings, such as the Precision T7400, you'll want to upgrade from the default graphics to something Quadro FX based that'll handle the resolutions you need (and the number of displays you need), and yes I do realize that I'm talking about a $5000+ machine, CAD is a professional level application (that easily retails for around $1000) and requires professional level equipment to run as intended by the designer.

-bob


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

QUESTION: How about if I stick to Autocad LT (same as acad, but no 3d) I do not do any rendering, or even 3d wire frame. I am an electrical designer, and use cad for wiring diagrams, etc. most of the time. (sorry, I guess I thru you with the Ref'd in photo backgrounds, etc. in my first question, not necessary for this computer. I guess I was trying to find the limits of the machine). Thanks for the prompt response on my first question, you guys are so helpful!

Ed.

Answer
Even still, the available memory on the specs you've listed, paired with the relatively outdated processor, and fairly dinky graphics processor will cause a lot of performance hits, running LT would improve performance, but its still going to be kind of dinky. Personally I'd just get a new computer with a middle of the road gaming graphics card (something like a GeForce 8600GT) which will handle LT without much problem. The advantages of a new box is a dual or quad core processing (much more power) and 2-4GB of RAM.

-bob