Rendering Issues

I've been having issues lately with AutoCad crashing when rendering. It happens only with interiors that include high poly models. Could this be a hardware issue? Here are my specs off the top of my head (I'm not a computer guy so please bear with me):

XP 2002 SP2

Intel Core 2 Quad

2.40 GHz

3 GB RAM

Nvidia Graphics Card

I've already applied the 3GB switch, and from what I understand, AutoCad will only use 3GB. Is it a processor issue?

I'll be proposing a computer upgrade to my boss as my rendering work load has greatly increased and we are starting to do more interiors. I'll need something that will greatly increase rendering speed and can handle high res renders. Can anyone make some recommendations? Thanks in advance.

You have a core 2 quad? Really? If that's the case then I don't know why Autocad would be crashing while rendering, unless you're running out of RAM?

If you're going to get a new machine for rendering, make sure you get a 64 bit operating system, load up with at least 8GB RAM and go with the Intel Core i7 processor.

Thanks for the reply. Do you think if I upgraded the RAM that I would need to get a new computer? The one I have now works great until I start doing the aforementioned renderings.

You can't upgrade your RAM unless you're running a 64 bit operating system.

Does Autocad give you any error messages when it crashes?

You can't upgrade your RAM unless you're running a 64 bit operating system.

 

Does Autocad give you any error messages when it crashes?

he might be able to get another gig of memory on the machine, if his motherboard can support it. A 32bit machine running a min. of XP can support up to 4 gigs of memory barring that the motherboard can support it.

Most of the time it doesn't give me any messages. I usually have to shut it down because it won't respond. When I open the task manager, I'm pushing 1.6 million K in memory.

he might be able to get another gig of memory on the machine, if his motherboard can support it. A 32bit machine running a min. of XP can support up to 4 gigs of memory barring that the motherboard can support it.

Yes, but you're still limited. At best, you would be able to access maybe 3.5 GB of that RAM for rendering. If you want to upgrade significantly, you need to switch to a 64 bit OS.

it could be anything. i have to unplug my usb keyboard and use the laptop keyboard when using autocad09. i have no idea why but it might not be hardware but a confliction of drivers or software. for instance logitech/ea games/ nvidia have tons of problems running all three together. just a thought.