Buying a computer system/Computer Hardware / Autocad

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Expert: - 7/31/2010


Question
We are in the market for a new computer.  My wife is currently using Autocad 5 on our old machine.  She will likely upgrade to more current Autocad software in near future.  Best Buy has an emachines desk top computer on sale that seems to be a good value, but I don't know if it has what is required to run Autocad...

emachines Model:  EL1352-01e
AMD Athlon II X2   2.7 GHz  64 bit
4 GB Memory
500 GB Hard Drive
Windows 7 Home Premium

We would appreciate your opinion.

Thank you,

Art

Answer
No, that system would not be appropriate for AutoCAD or similar pro-level applications, you not only want a better version of Windows, but you would also benefit from a more powerful processor, and professionally geared graphics adapter (I would suggest a Quadro FX for AutoCAD usage). Look at workstations from Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Boxx, or Oracle, an appropriate starting budget should be somewhere around $3500 US before taxes.

If you need further assistance or more details, feel free to ask.

-bob

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Bobbert

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I have nearly two decades of experience in IT, computer repair, and related fields and will attempt to provide the most solid, brand-agnostic advice when it comes time to purchase a new computer, or upgrade an existing machine. I can answer anything from the seemingly basic to the downright complicated - and will do my best to provide this information in a clear and concise manner.

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I have been an enthusiast of PC's for many years, and can answer questions about the purchase/use of a new computer or the purchase, installation, and use of upgrades for existing computers. There probably isn't a whole lot related to the home computer that I haven't seen over the years.

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15+ years of experience

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