New Computer for Work

Kendo Nagasaki · 4 Jul 2006 at 14:32

Hi

I've been given the fortunate task of being able to spec my own computer to use at work, however it must be a pre-built system.
I work in an Architects office and do a lot of CAD, Photoshop, 3D visualisation work.
I have come up with 3 systems that may or may not be good - this is were i need some guidance. It obviously needs to be dual-core with 2mb RAM and half-decent graphics but from these options, which one would be the best:

1.
Intel Pentium D 920 Processor
(2 x 3ghz, 800mhz FSB, 2 x 2mb cache)
1024mb DDR2 RAM
256mb ATI Radeon x1300 Pro graphics

2.
Intel Pentium D 940 Dual Core Processor
(3.2ghz, 800mhz FSB, 2 x 2mb cache)
2048mb DDR2 RAM
256mb nVidia GeForce 6500 graphics

3.
AMD Athlon 64 x2 4200+ Processor
2gb DDR SDRAM
256mb ATI Radeon x1300 Pro graphics

I was thinking that the AMD (3rd) system would be best but would the SDRAM bring it down compared to the DDR2 in the other systems. I don't know too much about the Pentium D processors, hence the reason for the thread.

Thanks

hp7909 · 4 Jul 2006 at 14:49

Kendo Nagasaki said:
{snip}I was thinking that the AMD (3rd) system would be best but would the SDRAM bring it down compared to the DDR2 in the other systems. I don't know too much about the Pentium D processors, hence the reason for the thread. {snip}

All those use Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM)

Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM runs slower than the DDR2, but because the A64 has the memory control on the chip it really flies helping it outperform some DDR2 systems

Out of the 3, I'd go for 2 because the processor is much faster & better regarding what you will be using it for

This might be useful... THG's Interactive CPU Charts :cool:

Kendo Nagasaki · 4 Jul 2006 at 16:59

Thanks for the reply hp7909.

Just to clarify - the 2nd option with Intel Pentium D 940 would be better than the AMD option?

The two systems are available for the same price, so i just need to know which one would perform the best and be future proof as it'll be a very long time until i get the chance to upgrade again, not to mention make everyone else in the office jealous

Does anyone know what difference there is between an Intel D 920 and an Intel D 940, do the numbers relate to anything in particular? (Its just that the 1st option is the most expensive of the three)

Thanks

hp7909 · 4 Jul 2006 at 17:07

hp7909 said:
THG's Interactive CPU Charts

^^ clicky

Dureth · 4 Jul 2006 at 17:55

Option 2 is almost certainly your bets choice out of those for the work your doing.

The first option is very bad as it has half the RAM of the 2nd and the CPU runs 200Mhz slower.

The graphics in all 3 are more than capable for what you are doing.

Scythe · 4 Jul 2006 at 18:20

"Ultima Extreme Crossfire X1900 XT-X" AMD Athlon 64 FX60 Dual DDR Silent PhysX Enabled System (FS-021-OK)
Sorted.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Full_Systems.html#afs_2d004_2doc

Energize · 4 Jul 2006 at 18:47

The x2 cpus dont need ddr2 memory because of their fsb so it wouldnt decrease performance.

Kendo Nagasaki · 4 Jul 2006 at 19:03

Thanks for the input guys, appreciated.

Option 2 it is then, all i have to do now is convince my boss to spend the extra cash and i'm sorted.

Unfortunately i don't think i could justify getting a near £3k machine, would be nice though.

bitslice · 4 Jul 2006 at 20:14

as this is a CAD machine, not a games box
you might want to look at cards developed for CAD

like
nVidia Quadro FX3500
ATI Fire GL V7200

.

Kendo Nagasaki · 4 Jul 2006 at 21:00

I did ask if i could build my own machine but without any luck, this means that i have to go with a pre-built system.

Therefore i have based any new system solely on the 1.processor, 2.RAM and then graphics - if i get two out of three that will suit my needs it should be ok. I'll certainly keep an eye out for the cards you listed but i'd doubt whether any high street shop could tick all the boxes. Although this does highlight the lack of flexibility for business users.

Thanks anyway

bitslice · 4 Jul 2006 at 21:09

Kendo Nagasaki said:
I'll certainly keep an eye out for the cards you listed but i'd doubt whether any high street shop could tick all the boxes.

yes there is,
they do workstations for CAD, these cards are an option.

they sound like "BELL" but begin with a D.

.

Madmrcopper · 5 Jul 2006 at 09:11

I work for one of the UK largest Architects firms and I suggest option 2 but with a few alterations.

The processors fine.
The ram is ideal, worth checking for extra sockets for future upgrades when ram is cheaper.
The graphics card is something to look at. As bitslice said go for the nVidia Quadro FX3500 or something similar (we run quadro in all our machines, ati they use to have but wasn’t as good).
Something you haven’t mentioned is the hard disk. Are you going to build this your self? You need to look for at least 2 hard disks. Maybe the first being a raptor if you can afford it.

We get ours from the same place at bitslice suggested. One thing to note with warranty and the amount of hard required to do a decent job you are look at about £2.5k.

Out of interest what software are you going to be using?

Kendo Nagasaki · 5 Jul 2006 at 15:51

Based on the replies i've recieved so far it looks as though the new work computer will be a 'desktop' or 'workstation' - deciding which one to go for will have a big implication on the price.

This is something that i will have to flag up with my boss as the workstation is more flexible and can be easily upgraded in the future but all this comes at a huge price compared to a desktop which offers similar hardware at a fraction of the cost.

I would be looking to get the standard hard drive(s) that come with any system as we have a new server being installed soon and i would ideally be storing the data on it (for back-up).

The software i'll be using is Architectural Desktop, 3D Studio Viz and Adobe Photoshop - very often all at the same time.

So, in this scenario, which type of computer is best and what are the pros and cons? The graphic cards seem to be really expensive, are they really worth the extra?

Madmrcopper · 5 Jul 2006 at 17:32

Kendo Nagasaki you really need 2 hard disk in the workstation for adobe to work correctly as it requires a 2nd swap file on another seperate hard disk. A new server is not a option in this case.

If your going to use 3D studio with all those other apps you really need that type of graphics card.

Also you will need 2gig of mem min for running all them apps at the same time.

As we say to our CEO you need to spend this money to produce the quality of work. You will deffently get your money back from a system like that.

Kendo Nagasaki · 5 Jul 2006 at 18:43

Thanks for the reply Madmrcopper, you've been very helpful as you can obviously relate to the type of work that i'm doing.

I'll take those recommendations on board and see if i can pursuade my boss that this is the correct route if he wants maximum output. Its annoying when the practice goes out and spends thousands & thousands of pounds on software but don't back it up with decent hardware, plus this type of computer would pay it self back in no time.

I'll be discussing it tommorrow (thursday) so hopefully i can get them on board.

Madmrcopper · 5 Jul 2006 at 19:53

Thats ok Kendo Nagasaki anytime. One thing to also note is if you are doing 3D type thing you need a good spec pr you will be waiting forever for the files to render and u wont be able to do anything on the PC.

Please let us know the outcome, im sure the other guys who have posted would love to know too.

Also if you have any other question on anything like this PM me. It goes to my home address so i wont pick the mail up till i get in but i will try to help.

Kendo Nagasaki · 6 Jul 2006 at 16:16

Thanks for that Madmrcopper. It looks as though i'll probably be only able to use a specific retailer and its not the one that was mentioned earlier. They're choice is fairly limited but should be ok and they have a 'business' department

.

Have you had any previous experience using 2 x Intel Xeon systems - is this outdated or would an Intel Pentium D 940 be its equivilant or better? Looking at an HP workstation at the minute which has both options.

Also would any of the graphics cards listed above (in the options) do a half-decent job?

Out of interest, what type of monitors would your practice use in conjunction with your computers - are Eizo your best bet for this type of work?

p.s - the PM option doesn't work for me - not priviledged enough

Madmrcopper · 6 Jul 2006 at 17:57

Kendo Nagasaki, I think the 2 x Intel Xeon might be a bit too much over kill. I expect any manufacture would do including overclockers own brand

.

Not had any experience with any other makes of graphic cards. I know the Quadro are designed specifically for what you want to do so I can only really recommend them.

We buy our monitors in the same package as the computers. Usually the high end ones that are 19"+ (just makes sure the res and ms are good!).

I know me too. We both must not be privileged!

bitslice · 6 Jul 2006 at 20:33

check out

http://tomshardware.co.uk/2006/06/16/opengl_workstation_graphics_uk/

for workstation card reviews

hth

bigredshark · 7 Jul 2006 at 03:15

for what you're talkign about I'd look no further than the most expensive HP xw series workstation you cna get in your budget, they're superb and will suit businesses down to the ground