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TunaMaxx · 01-12-2008, 05:09 AM

About to build a new workstation specifically centered around CAD / 3D apps with some general use thrown in. Not looking to build something NASA worthy, but I am willing to throw some bucks at the thing.

For now, it looks like I will be using software from Alibre and/or BobCad. Their system requirements seem pretty easy to meet/surpass (Intel 2.2GHz+, 2+ Gigs RAM, etc) but I am really looking for advice on the graphics card. One calls for OpenGL support, the other for DirectX.

Any CAD or 3/D folks have any suggestions?

BUBBA069 · 01-12-2008, 01:12 PM

Just about any gforce card 7k serries and up, or ATI 1k and up.

Good bang for buck card would be a 8600gts ~$190, you would have room to grow if you jump to something like Solid Works or Inventor.

You will need a power supply that has a PCIe power plug on it. Its a 6 pin plug with yellow and black wires running to it. If your PSU doesn't have this then you will need a new PSU, corsair 650TX or a 750TX will have this covered. Also make sure your mother board has a PCIe slot, if your buy new it will have this. If you're upgrading an old system your will need to check this.

If your upgrading an old box that has an AGP card that limits your upgrade options, and I would strongly suggest upgrading the whole system.

TunaMaxx · 01-12-2008, 05:13 PM

This is a whole new machine from the ground up, so any of your suggestions are possible!

binaryterror · 01-14-2008, 11:46 AM

Most cards support both DirectX 9 or 10 and OpenGL2.0 now.

01-12-2008, 05:09 AM	#1
TunaMaxx Pebble Pounder Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 177	CAD workstation suggestions? About to build a new workstation specifically centered around CAD / 3D apps with some general use thrown in. Not looking to build something NASA worthy, but I am willing to throw some bucks at the thing. For now, it looks like I will be using software from Alibre and/or BobCad. Their system requirements seem pretty easy to meet/surpass (Intel 2.2GHz+, 2+ Gigs RAM, etc) but I am really looking for advice on the graphics card. One calls for OpenGL support, the other for DirectX. Any CAD or 3/D folks have any suggestions?

01-12-2008, 01:12 PM	#2
BUBBA069 Pebble Pounder Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: st. louis Posts: 115	Just about any gforce card 7k serries and up, or ATI 1k and up. Good bang for buck card would be a 8600gts ~$190, you would have room to grow if you jump to something like Solid Works or Inventor. You will need a power supply that has a PCIe power plug on it. Its a 6 pin plug with yellow and black wires running to it. If your PSU doesn't have this then you will need a new PSU, corsair 650TX or a 750TX will have this covered. Also make sure your mother board has a PCIe slot, if your buy new it will have this. If you're upgrading an old system your will need to check this. If your upgrading an old box that has an AGP card that limits your upgrade options, and I would strongly suggest upgrading the whole system. Last edited by BUBBA069; 01-12-2008 at 01:15 PM.

01-12-2008, 05:13 PM	#3
TunaMaxx Pebble Pounder Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 177	This is a whole new machine from the ground up, so any of your suggestions are possible!

01-14-2008, 11:46 AM	#4
binaryterror I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Detroit Posts: 3,583	Most cards support both DirectX 9 or 10 and OpenGL2.0 now.

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Thread: CAD workstation suggestions?