What kind of computer do I need?

[Oneique]

I am about to purchase a computer that will primarily be used for Autocad 2006, Photoshop and SketchUp. But I don't know what kind of processor, graphics card, how much memory, etc. I need. I am also on a tight budget. (Student:) I really don't want to go over the top, but also I don't want to sit all frustrated in front of it. Help! Anyone ...:?

[Designer]

You should go for a Core 2 Duo and the many RAM you can ;)

[ReMark]

I agree with Designer...max out the RAM as you can never have too much. Other than that, go with a good quality (mid-range) graphics card (nVidia or ATI) with as much onboard vidRAM as you can afford and one that supports OpenGL. A 10,000 rpm hard drive is a nice touch although 7200 rpm drives appear to be the norm (up from the slower 5400 rpm drives of yesteryear).

Budget minded? Try www.ibuypower.com (http://www.ibuypower.com). They primarily aim at gamers but don't let this stop you. CAD users and gamers really know how to work a computer to the max.

Good luck and happy hunting.

[f700es]

Well, to be honest a dual-core CPU will be over kill with AutoCAD 2006 and SketchUp since neither one of these are multi-threaded applications. Now that's not to say that it will not help in some regards if you you like to multitask a lot. Just be aware of where a multi-core system will and won't help. Yes, 2 gb of ram is a good number to start with.
Video cards..stay away from ATI if you are going to use SketchUP. ATI's OpenGL drivers are not up to snuff as compared to nVidia's at the moment. I have a 256 mb GeForce 6600 at the moment and it handles SU with ease and it was only $100.
Good luck :)

Oh, get a 20" LCD as well. Makes it easier on the eyes ;)

[dbroada]

For AutoCAD 2006 (2D only) I am using a

Dell Optiplex 170L
Celeron 2,4GHz
512Mb ram
on board chip set.

For the work I do its fine. It would be nice to have something better but it waits for me more often than I wait for it.

[Oneique]

Thank you all so much! This is a great web site and HUGE help for us beginners! :unsure: Thank you once again :)