Dell Precision T1500 & AutoCAD

We (at work) are looking at buying a Dell Precision T1500, entry level.

Dell state that it is good for AutoCAD, but I am a bit worried about the Graphics Card - 258MB ATI FirePro 2260. It's probably better than my current ATI which is a FireGL V3100.

However, at £499 it is at the top of our budget so the next model up is £699.

Any thoughts?

I have posted this on the AMD forum, but need an answer quick as my boss is keen to buy (and I am always happy to get a new pc!!)

For 2D work it should be sufficient.

A review:

http://ixbtlabs.com/news.html?10/17/17

It is primarily aimed at financial institutions. For CAD it is marketed as a 2D workstation graphics solution. Big whoop.

I found 3 versions of the T1500 the lowest still looks good enough for 2D work. And 3D graphic card for 2D is always good enough, only when your doing massive cad projects, but I even think most graphics stuff is done by the processor. Since your graphic card mostly is used for shaders and other 3D calculations. (pls correct me if i am wrong)

I would build the pc myself and get the highest for the lowest price

Stay away from ATI, see if you can get a nVidia Quadro instead. I posted a link about workstation comparison late last year and ATI did not fare well.

Thanks for all your views...I think we are going to proceed with it - my boss has the final say!

The limiting factor with the T1500 is the 350 Watt PSU.. this will limit your options to install more powerful graphics card in the future. If it's 2d you should be fine though (Quadro or not).

Most people have no idea what the wattage on their power supply is until it finally goes 'kaput' and they have to find a replacement.