Doing CAD and Rendering for architecture designs.. need Vid card!

[kormaster]

Well my sister does really crazy graphic rendering and CAD for her work... what kind of profeesionla level vid card is good?? am i expecting to pay like 1000 bucks?? well then.. what is "DESCENT" enough?

 

[Mingon]

I have always used nvdia cards in apps like 3dsmax, autocad and pro-engineer and never been disapointed with the performance.

 

[Bozo Galora]

wildcat 5000

 

[Rand]

A few questions before I render any sort of suggestion.

#1. What kind of budget are you on?
#2. Specifically what programs is she going to be using?
#3. Is she going to be using the PC for anything besides graphics design/CAD?

Without knowing the above I wouldnt dare to render any sort of judgement as there is an extremely wide range of potential cards, with varying capabilities, and performance can vary drastically between individual programs even with a similar design aspect.

 

[rogue1979]

Well, it depends on what kind of speed your really need for the professional apps. The most expensive Wildcat will be the fastest if you have an extra $1000 to spend. If not, I would suggst getting a Geforce 2 Ti for about $80 and resistor modding it to a Quadro2 Pro. You will get 60-80% of the performance of the $1000 card at 1/12 of the cost.

 

[Mday]

tomshardware.com reviewed PROFESSIONAL level video cards (non gaming).. read them.

3dlabs pwnes... but cost a fortune.

 

[kormaster]

Thanks guys for the reply.. here is some more info

1) She will not be playing any kind of games
2) Other uses will be browsing Internet and checking email (how boring)
3) She uses Photoshop (other Abode programs), AutoCAD 2002, ummm i forget few more but those two are the main progs..

Im thinking that getting a MP system w/ 512 or 1024 DDR ram and a maybe a Nvidia GF 3 can do it for her... i realize that her field of business needs constant upgrade (just like our anandtechers... hahah)

It will serve her well for about 2 years....

Im thinking all that for about 1000? and maybe i can throw in a 120 gig HD
What do u thnk?

 

[Superwormy]

I don't know about AutoCAD stuff, does that use OpenGL to display CAD stuff, or is it just drafting 2d line stuff?

If it's just 2D, I would say go for something like a Matrox G550 and use the extra $$$ to get a second monitor, dual monitor for graphic design and CAD work is GREAT!

But if she needs OpenGL... go for a Geforce 3.