New Computer for Work

Kendo Nagasaki

Kendo Nagasaki

Kendo Nagasaki

Associate
Joined
11 Aug 2005
Posts
376
Location
UK
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
 
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 :p

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
 
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.
 
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
 
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?
 
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.
 
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
 
Sorry for not getting back sooner, our whole office is closed this week (12th) but before i left i was able to have a meeting with my boss to discuss which option is best.

Having put forward my suggestions we came to the conclusion that a workstation would be better as its more business orientated. So its split between a Precision 380 (customised) and a HP Xw4300 setup - it has now been left to me to further examine these two options and pick whichever one is best but mainly the 'cheaper' option as we may end up getting 2 for the office.

I have no real preference but the HP is cheaper but with no mention of a graphics card so i'll have to see what the story is there (on-board or not included in the price). The HP also gives me the option of being able to hand-pick a suitable monitor also (i know this is available with the Precision but would be easier to get it as a package). The EIZO FlexScan S1910K or Viewsonic VP930 are looking like good options at the minute.

Also, it was agreed that the spec recommended in previous posts is the line that we'll be taken but may not be able to get a really high-end graphics card.

Its good to be off for a week but its come at the wrong time for a new computer although i shouldn't complain......too much :p
 
Just a quick update:

I have decided to go for an HP Workstation Xw4300 with the following specs:



Cache Memory: 4 MB L2 Cache

Networking: Network adapter - PCI Express - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

Storage Controller: RAID ( Serial ATA-300 ) ; IDE

Cache Per Processor: 4 MB ( 2 x 2 MB )

Audio Output: Sound card

Form Factor: Convertible mini tower

Processor Main Features: Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology, Intel Execute Disable Bit, Intel Virtualization Technology

RAM: 2 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - ECC - 667 MHz - PC2-5300

Hard Drive: 1 x 160 GB - standard - Serial ATA-300

Optical Storage: CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo

Processor: 1 x Intel Pentium D 940 3.2 GHz ( Dual-Core )




Plus upgrading the following components:

Graphics card: NVIDIA Quadro FX 550

2nd Hard drive: WD Caviar WD1600JB Special Edition - Hard drive - 160 GB - internal - 3.5" - ATA-100 - 40 PIN IDC - 7200 rpm - buffer: 8 MB

DVD±RW Drive: NEC ND-4570GNB

Monitor: Still deciding

What do you think? Anything glaringly wrong? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Thanks for your help Madmrcopper.

It turned out much cheaper going this route (compared to the 380) plus i had the flexibility of upgrading components with no constraints (apart from money).

I went with the NVIDIA Quadro FX 540 (seems better than the 550!!??) as it was the best i could afford within my budget and seems pretty good as an entry-level card for this type of worK.

Hopefully ordering it this week.

Thanks again
 
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