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New computer concerns...

Printed From: CAD Forum
Category: EN
Forum Name: CAD - general
Forum Description: General discussion about CAD, formats, standards, management, licensing, networking, harware, other CAD applications
URL: https://www.cadforum.cz/forum_en/forum_posts.asp?TID=10881
Printed Date: 28.Sep.2026 at 16:46


Topic: New computer concerns...
Posted By: EnvisionMan
Subject: New computer concerns...
Date Posted: 27.Dec.2014 at 02:46
Two major questions surrounding one subject... buying a new computer.

I draw about 50 hours a week, primarily on AutoCAD 2012.  I am learning Revit as well, as one of my primary clients is requesting future work.

I use Google Earth extensively.  I also use Sketchup on a pretty regular basis.

I often have all these programs open at once.  My current system is a Dell XPS from 2011 with the following specs:
Model XPS L702X
Processor: IntelCore i7-2620M CPU @ 2.7 GHz dual
RAM: 8.00 GB
1 TB hard drive (not solid state)
64-bit
Windows 7 Pro
Video:
 - Intel HD Graphics 3000
 - Total Avail. memory: 1696 MB
 - Dedicated Video memory: 64 MB
 - System Video memory: 0 MB
 - Shared system memory: 1632 MB

Needless to say, this system is not handling my work load.  However, I don't know which items to focus on... a better processor?  A better video card?

So I am looking for advice on what sort of laptop to buy (not a desktop).  I plan on having a large solid-state drive as well.

The second question is about installing AutoCAD to a second laptop.  I purchased my AutoCAD license 2 years ago, but did not pay to continue getting the updates.  So I am wondering if anyone anticipates any trouble with installing AutoCAD on the new computer.  I have an authorized copy (my own serial number and fancy USB flash drive), so it is not pirated or anything.  My Autodesk sales guy told me I don't have to keep paying the annual fees (they were about $1000/year) but I would not get the software updates anymore.  He did not mention anything about problems loading the software down the road.

Thank you all for your advice.  I appreciate it.

EnvisionMan


Replies:
Posted By: Vladimir Michl
Date Posted: 06.Jan.2015 at 07:39
A SSD drive and a better graphics card will definitely help for the performance level of your PC system. More RAM would help only if you are processing larger 3D models in AutoCAD or Revit.
 
Maintenance Subscription (or Desktop Subscription - rental) is really the only way how to get updates of your Autodesk software. Moving an older license from an old PC to a new system is not a problem - see the License Transfer tool in Windows Start menu.


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Vladimir Michl (moderator)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmichl/" rel="nofollow - LinkedIn , Autodesk Expert Elite

Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 06.Jan.2015 at 13:52
I'd get a laptop with 12GB of RAM.  Then I would look for a system with a SSD drive for loading all my programs and a platter drive for storing all my data files (drawings included).  And get a system with a dedicated graphics card (2GB vidRAM minimum).  Onboard graphics chips are not the way to go when it comes to serious CAD work.


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"Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance."

<<AutoCAD 2015>>


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