Engineering Computer

M

meiscory

New Member
I am hoping to build a computer that will be optimized for engineering. Mostly CAD programs like Catia and Solidworks, and mathematical programs like matlab and mathematica.
Right now I have a computer with an intel core 2 duo 2.0 ghz processor and 2 gb of ram. Most large calulations take quite a bit of time and I was hoping to cut this down. My budget is around 1500-2500. Any advice/particular parts/whole builds you think would be beneficial to me would be appreciated.
Thanks
 
With 1500-2500 you can build a pretty awesome machine. I think a standard I7 build is about 1500 and should handle anything AutoCad, solidworks, mathcad, etc throws its way. Stock up on the fastest ram and cpu you can afford. 64 bit OS would be ideal as well.
 
Glliw said:
With 1500-2500 you can build a pretty awesome machine. I think a standard I7 build is about 1500 and should handle anything AutoCad, solidworks, mathcad, etc throws its way. Stock up on the fastest ram and cpu you can afford. 64 bit OS would be ideal as well.
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Also, you would want to look towards a workstation graphics card.
 
Glliw said:
With 1500-2500 you can build a pretty awesome machine. I think a standard I7 build is about 1500 and should handle anything AutoCad, solidworks, mathcad, etc throws its way. Stock up on the fastest ram and cpu you can afford. 64 bit OS would be ideal as well.
Click to expand...


Yeah I was looking at the I7's. You say get the fastest ram and cpu I can afford. It is hard to justify forking out the extra money for the 965 when the 920 is so close behind. My only issue is that the 920 can only take DDR3 1066 vs the DDR3 2000+ that the 965 can take. Since I will be needing fast ram, is the extra cost worth it?
 
^NOO, the 920 can take higher than 1066, ive seen its with 1600, right?

I would go for the 920, not worth the extra 800 bucks lol.
 
meiscory said:
Not according to intels website?
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-029913.htm
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Officially, no it doesnt support more than 1066mhz. But in reality, you want faster memory when overclocking. If you are just running on air and plan on overclocking, 1600mhz ddr3 is the sweet spot as far as price/overclockability. Just because it "officially" supports 1066mhz memory really means nothing, especially if you are using a non intel board.
 
bomberboysk said:
Officially, no it doesnt support more than 1066mhz. But in reality, you want faster memory when overclocking. If you are just running on air and plan on overclocking, 1600mhz ddr3 is the sweet spot as far as price/overclockability. Just because it "officially" supports 1066mhz memory really means nothing, especially if you are using a non intel board.
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I'm kind of new to building my own computer. I didn't plan on overclocking the processor. Is it difficult or risky? Would I need extra cooling?
 
meiscory said:
I'm kind of new to building my own computer. I didn't plan on overclocking the processor. Is it difficult or risky? Would I need extra cooling?
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i have never overclocked but i do know you will want a good cpu heat sink and cooler
 
bomberboysk said:
Also, you would want to look towards a workstation graphics card.
Click to expand...

If you have the budget I would recommend it, but from experience I can say it's not necessary at all. I did a lot of engineering projects on AutoCAD this past Spring on the rig in my sig, and only experienced minor stutters if any. If you go for an i7 build with 6GB of RAM and a GTX200 series card, you would most likely be perfectly fine. A rig like that would beat mine any day. Not to mention the fact that a good workstation card would probably run you half of your budget :P
 
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