Recent content by pmeadow

I've gleaned some really good info from all your posts, thanks guys. I do feel by trying to build a 3-4 year machine I am overextending myself. So, I am going to build a 2 year box for now, then if I earn enough cash I can build a super rig later. On that basis, I like mfenn's setup in the...

Thanks for all your suggestions guys. It seems I either have to come to terms with the purchase of a $5-800 GPU, or take the risk that these speciality CAD drivers that Nvidia supplies aren't going to solve much if AutoDesk isn't using OpenGL. Is anyone out there using a (for example)...

Interesting, maybe I'll (vacillating here) wait a little. I'll do some research, thanks. 386's, must have been thinking 286 or earlier, can't quite remember, due to insufficient and seriously aging memory. Or was I thinking about Gates' infamous quote!

Good points, and yes I have decided to step back somewhat. I can't justify $600 for a 3930 CPU, so I will go with the 2600k or 2600 with 16 Gb of ram and the Z68 mobo. I had thought that 32 Gb of ram would be 2x the cost of 16, i.e. $180 and not the $325 for the 8 Gb modules. So, I will go with...

Thanks for the heads-up. Seems like I will have to bite the bullet if I want the ram. Would it then be better to go with an X79 mobo with 8x4Gb modules? Seems like with later (better?) technology and similar pricing (mobo + ram) it would be better to go that route?

Thanks for the quick response. Here is a link to a previous post in this category which outlines the fact that Open GL is not used for AutoCAD or Inventor any more. Perhaps for Maya, but that does not concern me. http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?p=32542982&highlight=#post32542982...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing. AutoCAD 2D, AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoDesk Inventor, some rendering. The usual office programs and mail, Web surfing, no 3D gaming at this point, maybe later. 2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is...