Help?
My IT dept does not believe me when I tell them my PC is locking up all the time. They send me old equipement and I am totally frustrated. I try to explain to them that I am running CAD 2007 (I know old version) but I also run photoshop and excel and other programs at the same time. The size of my projects sometimes makes CAD lock up totally or generate a "fatal error" half the time when I try to do things like print a PDF or even just doing basic CAD; which of course is frustrating to loose my work, although gave me a good habit of saving every 5 minutes now.
Some of my files are basic, while others are very large and have images, etc.
Basically, can anyone tell me, other than the basic requirements posted on the AutoDesk website, for what would be a standard PC these days that would be required to run what I am doing?
Anyone had this problem before trying to justify their needs with their IT dept?
 
Side note: non-realted since this just now started to happen, but I cannot even pull up my layer manager anymore, each time I click on the icon I get "fatal error" and CAD closes on me. This is new now, so maybe my CAD itself is now bad, dont understand why, I have been running on this fine prior. So if anyone knows how to solve that as well, that would be really great.
So frustrating!
 
Maybe I should add a little more detail:
I prefer to draw in a "master file" where I layout all my sheet tabs, make any global changes I need as I work on shop drawings. My problems happen mostly when I need to insert some images to create some custom details, or if I am working on a site plan with alot of xrefs containing topography and civil plans, these tend to take up alot of memory and start locking up my computer.
My question on basic requirements for a PC is based on the last PC that my IT sent me was a single core dinasour, they said was their "work horse" machine. They now say they are sending a dual core, but my concern is the type of processor, RAM and video card I need. Just to do basic stuff where I pull in images from photoshop or schedules from excel, with all the programs open at one time. I am not trying to ask for the best computer out there but I am also trying to justify to them the basic requirements for a computer that at least will not lock up and crash all the time.
 
So I guess if anyone has some experience in the type of stuff required for a decent CAD machine it would be most helpful.smithlayman2011-07-18 00:35:10

A single core processor is not going to work. If you're going to be running several different programs at the same time, you need a multi core processor. A duo core is good, but a quad core would be better.RAM is also very important. If you're on a 32 bit operating system then you should max out the RAM with 4GB. If you're on a 64 bit system, you should have 6 or 8GB.If you're having problems with Autocad freezing up, that could also be a result of a low end graphics card.When you get the new computer, come back and post the specs so we can see what you've got.

What are the full specs on the computer you have now?What is your budget going to be for purchasing a new computer?Do you plan on upgrading to AutoCAD 2012 when you get this new computer?

I wish they would upgrade the CAD for me, but they will not. They run CAD 2007 and that is all.
The only thing they said was they would send the same PC back to me, the one I had prior (the single core dinasour) as a dual core with a Intel Xeon Processor E5502.
They did not respond to me about any other specs I asked about.
Not much of a budget here, I understand that, however they still require that I produce the type of CAD, and quickly, so timelines can become very difficuly to meet when your computer keeps locking up and crashing.
I explain all of this to them but they do not believe me, even after I logged all my error codes from CAD.
So, my only option at this point is to consider buying my own  PC. That is part of why I am wondering what is best that is mid-grade and current.
I was looking at the Quad core on the Dell website that is very reasonable. Almost seems like the dual core is going away soon.
In any case, I am wondering if anyone found a good, mid-grade, decent set up that works ok for CAD withouth giving too much of a problem.
I do not have much in the way of 3d requiements, however, that is something I did prior and would like to have the option to produce later.
 

What I might consider as mid-range ($2500) you might think of as being overly expensive.  That's why I asked what your budget will be.If you are going to be stuck with AutoCAD 2007 then I guess there is no need for a 64-bit machine which is what I normally recommend to anyone considering a hardware upgrade.A 32-bit computer will cost less than a 64-bit computer.  For what you are doing a dual-core computer would suffice.  That will save you some money too.Whatever machine you purchase make sure it has a half-way decent graphics card.What OS will you be installing?

That all makes sense, helps me to at least have a starting point. Thank you.
Not sure on the OS, of course Windows 7 would be nice, but as long as it is not Vista (since I had trouble with CAD when on that) then I will be ok with it.
I suppose these days just lucky I have a job.
I will ask again just for the specs and more info, hopefully it will have enough Ram, video card and at least it will be using a dual core this time...
I will keep my fingers crossed...
Thanks for the help.

I would recommend Windows 7 Professional.  My personal feeling it is more stable than Home Edition but it will cost you more.The last work computer I just purchased in May came to $2716.My last home computer cost me $1000 but I bought it off a college student who needed to raise some quick cash for a car.  It was worth twice that.

When it comes to CAD software get the best video card designed for CAD and build your system around it.  CAD system needs to be built around the GPU, because that is how the software is designed. I am a Network Admin for a small company with no budget for CAD software or systems.  I have had similar crashing issues as you have described and I got rid of several of my problems by getting the proper video card for the software.  Nvidia Quadro or ATI Fire (series) cards of the best you can afford will make you system run better since they are designed for CAD software.  There are others out there but Nvidia and ATI have among the best bang for your buck CAD cards out there.

this is really helpful, thank you, I am sending that information over now, and hope they are installing on of those types, or see if I can request that.
That does make sense, sometimes my cursor gets sticky on the screen, then I know it will lock up on me next. I am sure if I can at least get the right Video Card, then Ram, etc hopefully this will all help solve my frustrations...a little. ;p)

I just got an email from Cadalyst and they tested a new Dell system the retails for arou $2100






 
 
First Look Review: Dell Precision T1600 Workstation 
 
 
This system is not a big budget busting Ooober workstation that will get shot down at the meer sight of the price sticker and it is as cheep or cheaper that you could have one built..just about.
 
It seems that Cadalyst doesn't have it up on thier site yet; but here is the link so you can check it out.  You want article #299
 
http://www.cadalyst.com/listing/63/aec-tech-news
 
 
 
Also, to prove your point about the crashing in stall and run this program
 
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html
 
 Blue screen view allows you to determin what caused the BSOD errors.
Read thru the page to find out what it can do and hopefully it will help you prove your point.Breeze1042011-07-19 20:17:34

If your using AutoCAD 2007 any decent 32 bit system will do. Because the limitations off a 32 bit system it suffice to have 4GB RAMM. The rest will not be used anyway on a 32 bit system. I would recommend a dual core 3.2GHZ, a quad core doesn't improve your overall AutoCAD performance. (a quad core only improves the rendering capabilities)AutoCAD 2007 will only run on a Windows 7 machine if the XP compatibility modes is on. (PRO or Higher). Make sure you have a graphic card that is based on a OpenGL standard, don't use a cheap gamers card (DirectX). The Nvidia Quadro FX series are an affordable option. 
markst2011-07-19 21:09:28

Thank you, I really appreciate the info.
 
They have been running me on only 2gig of RAM, so even the dual core with that is not much help. This explains alot of my problem off the bat.
 
I am currently running CAD 2007 on windows 7, maybe that is what is causing my new problem, since that is a recent change.
My personal computer (which is what I run on right now until they get me back the work computer) is a dual core, with 4gig RAM and all the other good stuff you mentioned.
This is my personal laptop though and they want me on a work computer. But they keep sending me these with only 2gig RAM, and 1.8GHz processor. So I guess I am just going to convince them I need to keep using my personal stuff unless they can get me a comparible machine. ?
 
So frustrating.
 
Thanks for all the help!

Question:
Is there any easy way for me to check if the:
XP compatibility modes is on. (PRO or Higher).
Where would I locate that setting to see?

Before you begin

In order to use Windows XP Mode, you need to make sure your computer meets certain system requirements. If your computer doesn't meet the requirements, Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode won't work correctly, even though you might be able to download and install them.Check Microsoft for more details: Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7:http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7

I can't remember how to do a photo shoot of the style dialogue box. The box won't help you.

I can't get the file to down load.

seniyajw: This thread is about computer requirements.  Would you like to tell us what you are responding to?  Your post doesn't seem to make much sense.Are you trying to do a screen capture of something?What file are you trying to download?

[QUOTE=markst]I would recommend a dual core 3.2GHZ, a quad core doesn't improve your overall AutoCAD performance. (a quad core only improves the rendering capabilities)
[/QUOTE]It was stated that the OP is running several different applications at the same time. That is why I suggested a quad core processor.

[QUOTE=Cad64]
[QUOTE=markst]I would recommend a dual core 3.2GHZ, a quad core doesn't improve your overall AutoCAD performance. (a quad core only improves the rendering capabilities)
[/QUOTE]It was stated that the OP is running several different applications at the same time. That is why I suggested a quad core processor.[/QUOTE]
A quad core is better for many reasons, but if you have a small budget, I would go for a dual-core with a higher Clock speed. The higher the better, this is also true for the cache of the CPU. This because AutoCAD 2007 and for that matter 2012 is still only uses one core.  I guess it al depends on the budget. HP and other are now offering a refurbished models with warranty, maybe that's an option. 

[QUOTE=John Connor]seniyajw: This thread is about computer requirements.  Would you like to tell us what you are responding to?  Your post doesn't seem to make much sense.Are you trying to do a screen capture of something?What file are you trying to download?

[/QUOTE]He's just a spammer. Look at the links in his signature. He's probably trying to do screen captures so he can spam us with more useless nonsense. It's unbelievable how much spam gets into this forum.

[QUOTE=markst]
A quad core is better for many reasons, but if you have a small budget, I would go for a dual-core with a higher Clock speed.[/QUOTE]I think the small budget is what got them into this mess. It's time for them to make an investment in their hardware. They spend thousands of dollars on high end CAD software but they try to run it on old, outdated and underpowered machines? I'm sorry but a single core machine with 2GB RAM and a cheap video card is NOT a workhorse. Maybe 15 years ago, but not today. Tell IT to go down to the local Best Buy and just grab something off the shelf. Pretty much any modern computer will run Autocad 2007 with no problems.

Exactly...thank you, this is my battle for the last 2 years.
I think the main problem is if they look at the Autodesk.com system requirements page for CAD 2007 which lists some pretty minimal requirements.
I think IT is taking that out of context and maybe Autodesk should update the system requirments in my opinion, but oh well.

AutoDesk lists the MINIMUM system requirements for running a particular piece of their software.  That does not include running anything else in the background such as an antivirus program, Microsoft Office, a browser, or your company email program just to name a handful.  Minimum requirements are the STARTING point for configuring a good system.AutoDesk does not need to update their MINIMUM specs.Whoever is in charge of your IT department is probably choosing your CAD computer based on the same criteria he/she uses to select computers for secretaries and bean-counters.


John Connor2011-07-20 23:56:43