System requirements

[Edgar]

I am looking at purchasing a new computer to run my AutoCAD 2005 and I am not to sure what would be best. I checked with the local computer techs, but I am not sure they have it all together. I don't want to go overboard, but I want a system that will run AutoCAD 2005 without the gliches I now have and faster. If anyone has any helpful information it would be apperiated greatly. Also how is Dell's Optiplex 740 to start with?
Thanks, Edgar :wink:

[Noahma]

that optiplex 740 will get expensive really quick as you add stuff that will keep your computer competitive with computers being turned out at the moment. I would start with the inspiron 531. The initial price is not bad, you will need more memory than what it comes with, and a better graphics card.

lets see if my link works, I assumed that you have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. I took off alot of the extra software stuff that will save money, removed the monitor which lowered the price by 130.00

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/print_summary_details_popup.aspx?~lt=print&c=us&cs=19&fb=1&l=en&oc=DDCWEA2&s=dhs&leadtime=9/27/2007&showleadtime=True

there are several ways you can go with it. I would definatly get a dual core processor, 2 gigs of memory minimum. and anything but the bottom of the barrel graphics card, nothing that says integrated in terms of the video is good for a graphics intensive program such as AutoCAD.

good luck on your computer purchase, ask more questions if needed.

[Edgar]

Thanks for the help. I will take a look in that direction.
Edgar

[Edgar]

Noahma, I tired the link, but it didn't work.
Edgar

[Alan Cullen]

Edgar,

This is the basic requirements for AutoCAD. But bear in mind, computers change, as does AutoCAD. So please understand that this is not a recomendation, but more a suggestion, that may last a bit longer for you.

The following is the minimum requirements for a computer to run AutoCAD:



AutoCAD 2007:

For users that are focusing on 2D drawing creation:

Intel Pentium IV recommended
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2
512 MB RAM
750 MB free disk space for installation
1024x768 VGA with True Color
AutoCAD 2007:

For users that are taking advantage of the new conceptual design capabilities:

Intel 3.0 GHz or greater.
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2.
2 GB RAM or greater.
2 GB HD available not including installation.
1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter (True Color) 128 MB or greater, OpenGL-capable workstation class graphics card.
AutoCAD 2008:

System requirements for 32-bit AutoCAD:

Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, 2.2 GHz Recommended
Microsoft® Windows Vista™, Windows® XP Home and Professional (SP2), Windows® 2000 (SP4)
512 MB RAM
750 MB free disk space for installation
1024x768 VGA with True Color
Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 6.0 (SP1 or higher)
Available on CD (Worldwide) and DVD (select countries and languages)

64-bit AutoCAD:

Additional System Requirements:

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows Vista 64-bit
AMD64 or Intel EM64T processor
1GB RAM, 2GB for Windows Vista 64-bit
750 MB free disk space for installation
AutoCAD 64-bit cannot be installed on a 32-bit Windows Operating System.

Windows Vista or 3D modeling:

System requirements for 32 and 64 bit AutoCAD:

Intel® 3.0 GHz or greater
2 GB RAM or greater
2 GB free hard disk available not including installation
1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter (True Color) 128 MB or greater, OpenGL®, or Direct3D® capable workstation class graphics card.
For Windows Vista, a Direct3D capable workstation class graphics card with 128 MB or greater is required.


AutoCAD 2008LT:

Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, 2.2 GHz
Microsoft® Windows® Vista™, Windows XP Professional or Home Edition (SP2), Windows 2000 (SP4)
512 MB RAM
550 MB free disk space for Installation
1024x768 with VGA display with true color
Mouse, trackball, or compatible pointing device
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or higher)
CD-ROM drive

[Edgar]

Thanks Allen, I was looking at the Dells available and it seems hard to find a computer that is still using XP Pro. Do you know if Vista will run AutoCAD 2005 without any trouble?
Thanks, Edgar

[Alan Cullen]

Edgar,

Vista will definately run AutoCAD. Reported problems would suggest otherwise.
Do not get too involved with those problems.

As far as 2005 goes, I would stick to XP. But you have to look to the future.

That is your call.

[Edgar]

Thanks again for you help.
Edgar

[Noahma]

Well, lost the long post I made about Visa, Ill just post a little this time

Windows Vista is good. When XP was released, it pushed the envelope on systems, meaning you had to have a more powerfull system to run it. Same with Vista, you need a more powerfull system than what was common even last year to run it well.

Vista home basic, No bells and whistles. The goodies are all hidden in the background (the way the system runs)
Vista Home Premium, Bells and whistles apparent, same stuff running in the background. But you get Aero, Windows new desktop features.

Vista Ultimate, I found most of the stuff added with this one to be well... not worth the extra money.

[Edgar]

Thanks Noahma for the informaiton
Edgar

[Noahma]

your welcome :)

[riga]

About system requirements nothing more to add. And if you are Dell oriented then you have enough infos to costumize your new machine.
About OS I agree that you have to look to the future, but we all knows how Uncle Bill is always pressed to release his SO.... so no time to check all the package. The politic is: let the costumers found the bugs and then fixit with some service pack.... so I would at least wait until they release the SP1 (and they will do that soon i think) before to buy a PC that comes with Vista