Updating RAM...quick question...

[gbelous]

We are upgrading a computer from 4GB ram to 24GB, is there anything we should configure so autocad uses that memory better or just once it's in the system it's there and we are all set?

[ReMark]

There is nothing in AutoCAD that needs to be configured.

[gbelous]

alright, that works. how about for a graphics card? he has the Quadro FX 3800. is there any way to know if it's configured best for autocad?

[gbelous]

I am assuming I should update the driver for the graphics card as well as install product update 3 if it's not already installed, is this correct?

[tzframpton]

alright, that works. how about for a graphics card? he has the Quadro FX 3800. is there any way to know if it's configured best for autocad?

In my opinion, AutoCAD doesn't harness the full power potential of a stout graphics card like the FX3800 when it comes to real time editing. But, just make sure your drivers are up to date and certified and turn Hardware Acceleration to ON, and it'll perform just fine.

[gbelous]

is the hardware accelleration in cad settings or in the graphics card's?

[tzframpton]

It's in AutoCAD. Just type 3DCONFIG at the command line to enable and configure.

[ReMark]

Click on the Manual Tune button. It's at the top of the next dialog box. Enable hardware acceleration.

[gbelous]

ok found that. the driver is dated back to 7/14/2009 so should i update that one or just leave it? i've read that sometimes the most current driver isn't always the best, but how do i know which is better?

[tzframpton]

Huh? Current is ALWAYS the best.

[gbelous]

is it better to get the most updated driver from the nvidia website or go into the device manager and click update driver?

[f700es]

Go to the website

[PotGuy]

Ensure you're runningan OS that handles Higher RAM. Wins. XP will only harness 3gb; 4 if you add an additional external hardrive and se it to aid the computer.

[ReMark]

Where did you read that?

[PotGuy]

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081124090905AAtaDUv

 

Windows 32 Bit.

 

Windows 64 Bit can handle 128 Gb.

[ReMark]

"...4 if you add an additional external hardrive and se it to aid the computer."

 

There was no mention of adding an external hard drive to boost the performance of the computer.

 

Maybe you read that somewhere else?

 

There is an article that has been linked to here in the past that purports to say a 32-bit OS line Vista can recognize more than 4GB of RAM but I have yet to meet anyone who actually tweaked their system in the manner described within. The only other options I am aware of are 1) using the 3GB switch in the boot.ini file or 2) using a flash drive and the Ready Boost feature.

 

Option 1 allows the user to max out their RAM at 4GB. Keep in mind WinXP or WinVista will not recognize the entire 4 gigs.

 

Option 2 is just a trick utilizing the flash drive as a page file instead of one's hard drive which is slower.

[PotGuy]

Option 1 allows the user to max out their RAM at 4GB. Keep in mind WinXP or WinVista will not recognize the entire 4 gigs.

 

Option 2 is just a trick utilizing the flash drive as a page file instead of one's hard drive which is slower.

 

Regarding XP 32 Bit, what you've said is correct, and the trick was what I was describing.

 

Alas, my knowledge of OS' are limited to XP 32 Bit and Windwos 64 Bit.

[ReMark]

Maybe you were thinking about putting the swap file (a.k.a. - virtual memory) on a second drive (either internal or external). That is something I have seen mentioned. Once can always change the settings for virtual memory too.

[Mike_Taylor]

The only other thing you may want to look at as if the mother board itesl supports 24GB of RAM, some of the cheaper boards, even if they are newer will only support 16GB of RAM.