Need advice for daughter's new PC

E

epetrillo

New Member
Hi,

I am trying to help my daughter buy a new computer for college in the fall. She will be an engineering major and I understand she will need a fairly robust machine to run some of the apps she will eventually be using.

I would love to go out and buy her a full blown workstation but it's just not in the budget. We need to try and stay under $1800 including monitor, keyboard, operating system etc. I have never built a PC myself but have looked at some web pages that lay it out step by step and it seems fairly straight forward. The possible exception being checking the settings in the BIOS before loading the operating system (I am a little sketchy on that part). I do like the idea of a generic machine that can be easily upgraded. I am also looking a prebuilt machines from custom builders and the major manufacturers. I would appreciate any advise based on my daughter's need (engineering and some gaming) and our budget.

One computer that has caught my eye is the HP Pavilion Elite HPE-190t. The current price for the base config seems very reasonable for a computer sporting the i7-980X six-core Extreme. I know they cut some corners on the rest or the machine by using slow RAM and cheaping out on the video card etc. but I can't touch that processor for anywhere near that price anywhere else. Anyone have any experience with this machine? Would it be a good starting point? Would it be upgradable or does it have too many proprietary systems to upgrade easily?

The more I look the more confused I get so any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Emilio
 
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In my personal opinion, buying a generic machine like that isn't worth it, because they do skimp out on lots of things as you mentioned. Also, 980x is way overkill. She should do fine on a i7 930, overclocked if need be. I don't know the programs they use but I doubt it'll be that intensive. the 930 can handle basically anything.
 
The Core i7 908X Six-Core is way overkill for what she is going to be using this computer for. Computer-aided design programs would run fine with a Core i5 750 Quad-Core or a Phenom II 945 Quad-Core Processor. If you want to assemble the system yourself or buy a pre-built let us know. We can give you a good parts list if you want to assemble a custom system. If you know someone who has computer knowledge it would be worth it to pay them for their help.
 
Have a look at system requirement for Autodesk 3Ds MAX
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=13571366

May be get Phenom II x6/ Core i7 with good video card. Also with a large monitor (min. 22". working with CAD with small monitor really cause a headache)
Something like these -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227257
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227243
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229188
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227268
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147177
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113122

However, it would be best to build it yourself to save some money
 
I apparently overestimated her needs. Thanks for correcting me, this will save us some money. I could use some guidance on video cards at this level. I am thinking of building her something based on the i7 860 to 930.
 
Overclocking? Why would anyone bring that up? Makes no sense to tell this guy to overclock....

epetrillo-

It all depends on what sort of apps she is going to use. I assume that most of the software will be Autodesk, ie, AutoCAD, Inventor, Civ, Viz, and so forth. Some of those apps are full 3D apps and will take up a good chunk of CPU and memory. However, that doesn't mean you need the highest end processor. In fact, I would not be surprised if your daughter has access to campus computer labs for this exact thing? I would check that out as well. Then maybe a laptop would be a wiser investment.

Also, see if the school has recommended computers you can build into tuition costs. Most colleges these days have some sort of computer store with in the campus, and you can buy computers there. Many programs also can include a computer added to your tuition costs.

Now, also take into consideration that if anything breaks during her college career you will have to support it yourself. While, if you buy a computer from HP, or Dell, they have warranty providers all over the nation and a tech support line you can call. You can also purchase an extended warranty which would cover her whole time at college.

I am all for building computers, but in your situation, I don't think it would be wise unless you'd be able to repair it yourself, or if she could repair it herself if and when it breaks.
 
Hi, I'm doing engineering at uni, so I kinda know what I'm talking about here:

Multicore isn't important for CAD modelling as it is a linear process (e.g. everythings happens in series) so only one core can be used by the modeller. Rendering is a different matter, as this can be done concurrently and spread out over the cores. Rendering is done by the CPU not the graphics card!!!! Common misconception.

No major CAD programs will benefit from a consumer graphics card, only workstation cards which are very expensive. Photoshop CS4 and above does use video cards, but is not compulsary.

What to get the most that you can afford of is RAM. Complex CAD models eat this up, especially when rendering.

My computer has a Phenom II X4, 4GB RAM and integrated graphics, and will run SolidWorks 2009 and Unigraphics NX5 absolutely fine, and creates great renders. You can find example on my website, www.douglasrose.co.uk -> go to portfolio.

Daisy is definitely right about the big monitor though. I'd say 20" very minimum.

Check out thread on this forum, such as this one .

Hope that helps, Doug.
 
I work for the state and I've heard from the Department of Transportation that the monitors have to have certain specs or they will not work on CAD very well. Apparently some idiot bought 50 new flat screens only to find out they won't work now cause he didn't listen to the people who use it and know. I'm not sure what those specs are.
 
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