Recommended spec for CAD?

[prosk]

Could you spec me a system geared towards running CAD software? These programs are mostly cpu intensive, right? Would I see a big difference between quad and dual core in processing times and opening files? What about the graphics card? Should I use a regular card (8800GT/3870) or one of those quadro/fireGL/matrox cards?

Please spec me a full system, up to £800, including everything (19' tft, peripherals etc). No need for extravagant gaming grade peripherals, just good quality and functionality.

Thanx for the help!

 

[prosk]

It's for professional use. The system isn't for me so I'll have to ask my mate what CAD software he's running and get back to you guys.

All I know is that he's designing 3D stuff and the pc at work grinds to a halt when he opens a file.

If it was a pc for entertainment I could spec him out myself, but I know next to nothing about CAD.

Thanx for the help guys. I'm learning too

If the spec goes over £800 then so be it. I'm not gonna build my mate a pc that's not gonna do what he wants it to.