• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

New build - autocad/solidworks

At newegg you can get a 1TB WD Black HD for $10 more than that 750GB Blue drive.

Can you get a better deal on the OS through your school's bookstore or computer department? Is the $30 Windows 7 for MSDN AA schools still available?

As you probably know, you should not expect thrilling gaming performance out of the video card. Most pro cards do support Solidworks / Autocad type programs better than gaming cards, though, so that's what you need. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the specific model of card you've chosen.
 
Looks fine to me apart from the HDD which should be either the WD black or Samsung F3 7200rpm 1tb drive. I have no idea if that video card is what you need, you probably know better yourself.

I wouldn't hurt to buy a front fan for that case, it only comes with a rear intake fan. (If you dislike the front panel design, consider the NZXT Source 210 for $5 more.)

The board is cheap for a Z68 but since you have the CPU isn't overclockable, you'd be fine with a H61 or H67 microATX board. You also have no SSD to take advantage of SRT (caching) but if you want to keep that as a future option then that's fine too.
 
The build looks good to me, though I will +1 on the HDD changes.

As for the GPU i looked at AutoCAD and it seems as though that card will more than suffice even for 3D Modeling.
 
I think people here can give you legitimate suggestions on all your chosen parts except for the video card. Most Anandtech users purchase consumer/gamer cards, so the level of first-hand experience with pro cards working in those CAD apps is very green.

Since the video card could potentially be mission-critical to your needs, you should seek advice on a CAD forum or ask your classmates (if they know anything about video cards) on that purchase.
 
lehtv said:
Looks fine to me apart from the HDD which should be either the WD black or Samsung F3 7200rpm 1tb drive. I have no idea if that video card is what you need, you probably know better yourself.

I wouldn't hurt to buy a front fan for that case, it only comes with a rear intake fan. (If you dislike the front panel design, consider the NZXT Source 210 for $5 more.)

The board is cheap for a Z68 but since you have the CPU isn't overclockable, you'd be fine with a H61 or H67 microATX board. You also have no SSD to take advantage of SRT (caching) but if you want to keep that as a future option then that's fine too.
Click to expand...

Agree with the above, especially the part about the Gamma being butt ugly. :awe: As for the HDD, the F3 be the way to go IMHO.

heynow85 said:
I think people here can give you legitimate suggestions on all your chosen parts except for the video card. Most Anandtech users purchase consumer/gamer cards, so the level of first-hand experience with pro cards working in those CAD apps is very green.

Since the video card could potentially be mission-critical to your needs, you should seek advice on a CAD forum or ask your classmates (if they know anything about video cards) on that purchase.
Click to expand...

Engineering students knowing anything about GPUs? Tell me another good one. :awe:

Seriously though, most students use consumer level card with Solidworks and don't have the first clue about what is good or not.
 
If you're really just learning cad at the beginner level, you could seriously just try the integrated graphics. When it gets too slow, then buy a card. I'm sure the beginner tutorials will run on very low end graphics cards. Large assemblies and very detailed parts will require a real graphics card.

...maybe you will need one by the end of the semester, though!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top