AutoCAD build opinions

[Eos]

GSkill value RAM is the same as the GSkill Ripjaws. Only difference is the 100% useless heatsinks.

But they're RED!

 

[Davidh373]

Again, it's done now Gotta be happy with what you got. GSkill makes good Memory!

 

[werepossum]

Ordered 20 May:

MSI P67A-GD65 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core i7-2600 Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core
2x G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
PNY VCQ600-PB Quadro 600 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW120G3K5 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX
Intel PWLA8391GT 10/ 100/ 1000Mbps PCI PRO/1000 GT
ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
Antec Three Hundred
LITE-ON SK-1788/BS 2-Tone PS/2 KB
RAZER DeathAdder
2x ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms monitor

and this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R9HQLI

I opted in for Shop Runner and their free 2 day shipping. Everything is due the 24th. I'll probably end up keeping the Shop Runner subscription as much as I shop there. We'll see. Amazon and Newegg generally have the same price. amzn orders have tax added, but I get 3% rebates and free 2 day shipping with Prime eligible orders. Without Shop Runner, NE has no tax, but has slower shipping and only 1% rebate using my Chase rewards card.

Like I stated, we'll see if I keep it after the 30 day trial.

Can't wait to get the anti-static wrist strap out and get to work!

I just noticed this thread today, but I think you'll be pleased. The only I'd have changed is the RAM - Autodesk recommends the fastest RAM you can get because it's highly computation intensive. The i7-2600 is perfect; as Autodesk's multi-threading is for shit, it's extremely sensitive to clock speed and memory bandwidth, and the second generation turbo boost will be great. Incidentally the AMD Phenom IIs run AutoCAD astoundingly well, although the Intel chips are still my preference. You spend a couple hundred more, but EVERYTHING runs fast, not just AutoCAD, and sooner or later, when Autodesk manages to really multi-thread, the Sandy Bridge will pay off.

I just switched to AutoCAD MEP 2011 on my i7-870, and I'll say one thing. Every version of AutoCAD runs better than the next. (Well, except for 9, 14, and 2000.)

 

[Eos]

I just noticed this thread today, but I think you'll be pleased. The only I'd have changed is the RAM - Autodesk recommends the fastest RAM you can get because it's highly computation intensive. The i7-2600 is perfect; as Autodesk's multi-threading is for shit, it's extremely sensitive to clock speed and memory bandwidth, and the second generation turbo boost will be great. Incidentally the AMD Phenom IIs run AutoCAD astoundingly well, although the Intel chips are still my preference. You spend a couple hundred more, but EVERYTHING runs fast, not just AutoCAD, and sooner or later, when Autodesk manages to really multi-thread, the Sandy Bridge will pay off.

I just switched to AutoCAD MEP 2011 on my i7-870, and I'll say one thing. Every version of AutoCAD runs better than the next. (Well, except for 9, 14, and 2000.)

I was a little afraid of the RAM listed as "OC" in the tested module .pdf from MSI, so I shied away from it. I'm sure I'll be happy nonetheless.

Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow!

 

[Eos]

Everything arrived, and I managed to stay at band rehearsal while the parts just sat there in the living room...

I followed the assembly order listed on the mobo's quick start guide, but was surprised by how shitty the cpu cooler attachment system is. Seriously, that thing is horrible. In fact, I did it wrong the first time so the system would start, then run for five seconds and shut down. Rinse, repeat. I disconnected it, then reconnected and all is good. Maybe it's the stock cooler, but I sure prefer AMD's mounting option.

Downloaded the new v4.2 of memtest+86 that supports SB. Test is running now. 42% complete after 21 minutes.

 

[mfenn]

Everything arrived, and I managed to stay at band rehearsal while the parts just sat there in the living room...

I followed the assembly order listed on the mobo's quick start guide, but was surprised by how shitty the cpu cooler attachment system is. Seriously, that thing is horrible. In fact, I did it wrong the first time so the system would start, then run for five seconds and shut down. Rinse, repeat. I disconnected it, then reconnected and all is good. Maybe it's the stock cooler, but I sure prefer AMD's mounting option.

Downloaded the new v4.2 of memtest+86 that supports SB. Test is running now. 42% complete after 21 minutes.

Pushpins do suck. I usually install the CPU and HSF first (mobo outside of the case) so that I can look at the bottom of the mobo and see whether not they're fully engaged.

 

[Eos]

Pushpins do suck. I usually install the CPU and HSF first (mobo outside of the case) so that I can look at the bottom of the mobo and see whether not they're fully engaged.

I noticed right away the Antec 300 had an opening behind where the CPU mounts on the mobo. I could have my hands on the inside making the connection while watching it from the back.

I ordered a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus to replace the stock unit. It's got a plate that attaches to the underside of the mobo, then the HSF attaches to that plate. Muy bueno.

 

[Davidh373]

So it must be running windows at this point?

 

[Eos]

So it must be running windows at this point?

Not quite. Ten hours into memtest. I'll install Windows 7 64bit tomorrow.

 

[Modelworks]

You're making an assumption there.

No assumption being made.

Please note: I have support contracts with Autodesk. One of the first questions they ask me is: Which Certified graphics card are you using and which certified driver version?

I am on Autodesk beta team and have been for years . The reason you are asked that question is it is still in the training material from years past when things like 3dlabs cards were the norm. It is an easy way for support to eliminate the graphics card as a problem. Next time you talk to support tell them that you don't have a certified card and they will still continue to provide support. Having a certified card is not a condition for support.

 

[Eos]

I let the memtest complete 11 passes. No errors. Installed Windows 7. Twice. For some reason, the Windows installer would not correctly format the SSD. New partition, delete it, format, etc. I installed to the HDD, booted up, formatted the SSD to NTFS using disk management. Shut down, disconnected the HDD and then formatted the SSD with no issues.

Windows 7, Firefox, Thunderchicken, Winamp, AutoCAD 2011, Office 97, iTunes, various tiny apps and utilities, \My Documents = 54gb. Whee.

I seriously HATE how the Intel stock CPU cooler attaches to the mobo. I promptly replaced it with a Cooler Master Hyper 212 that has proper mechanical connections to the mobo. CPU temps at ~30°C under no load in a 19°C room.

Everything runs great. The $8 keyboard is perfect. The DeathAdder mouse is HUGE, so it feels right under my hand. The dual monitors are great. I've got left as primary for browser and email, then the right side is a combination of manually sized windows for Total Commander, Winamp, Active Hard Disk, volume control, etc. Awesome.

I made a folder for dual monitor wallpaper images and those are cycling through. I'll need to add some more though.

Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions and help.

 

[Davidh373]

You are very welcome! You have been a very grateful and honoring guest here. You have no idea how many people come on here and just moan about how we aren't saying their build is all sugar-sprinkles and pancakes covered in cocaine... Stop by anytime!

 

[mfenn]

Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions and help.

You're welcome!