Finally got a new machine, seems like a good deal

[BodyBagger]

I finally went ahead and dropped the cash on a new machine. I hope it was a good deal. If you think I should make any changes once it arrives, let me know. I will be rendering with Bunkspeed and not PS. Specs as follows:



Processor----------------------------------------------------------------------
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 (3.16Ghz Dual Core)1333 FSB
Memory ------------------------------------------------------------------------
8GB DDR2 800mhz Dual Channel
Video Card --------------------------------------------------------------------
512MB Nvidia Quadro FX 1700
Sound ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intel High Definition 7.1 Channel Audio
Hard Drive --------------------------------------------------------------------
250GB SATA II w/ 16MB Cache
Optical Drive #1 -------------------------------------------------------------
16X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
Media Card Reader ---------------------------------------------------------
Dell 19 in 1 Media Card Reader
Firewire ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three 1394 Firewire Ports (1-Front / 2-Rear)
Operating System ----------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Windows XP Pro 64bit

3-Year Dell warranty

$1580 shipped

 

[Eltron]

I was just on Dell's website the other day pricing out machines. What I found is that for a nice CAD machine I'd be spending about $2500, and for a machine that is based on SW's minimum specifications it was around $500 with the graphics card. So your $1580 doesn't seem too bad.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

 

[rockguy]

I'd opt for a quad core if your going to be doing a lot of rendering (no matter what rendering software you're using).

Rob Rodriguez CSWP

http://www.axiscadsolutions.com

http://www.robrodriguez.com

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/rob_rodriguez/

Eastern Region SWUGN Representative

http://www.swugn.org

http://www.nvtswug.com

SW 2007 SP 2.0

 

[Eltron]

I thought about the quads as well, but it was my understanding that SW doesn't leverage multiple processors to its benefit very well yet. Am I misinformed?

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

 

[StefanHamminga]

for around $200 more I wouldn't say no to a Quad core, but only if it is the 2x6MB cache version with a 400MHz FSB (eg you want the QX9770) if you leave it at stock settings.

Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer
Searching Eng-Tips forums

 

[rockguy]

SW itself will not utilize multiple cores all that much (only in some areas like drawing regens and things like that) but the rendering software will definately greatly benefit from the 2 additional cores. Bunkspeed is CPU based rendering software. More cores, more power, faster renders. If you're going to be rendering a lot then the extra cores will be worth the expense. If you only render occasionally then yes stick with the dual core.

Rob Rodriguez CSWP

http://www.axiscadsolutions.com

http://www.robrodriguez.com

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/rob_rodriguez/

Eastern Region SWUGN Representative

http://www.swugn.org

http://www.nvtswug.com

SW 2007 SP 2.0

 

[kd1959]

Wow, you got a deal. I just ran these spec.s on the Dell site and a system like the one you describe comes close to 3K. Where are you buying from?

kd1959
SolidWorks 2008 SP3.0, PDMWorks
4GB Ram,3GB switch
2x AMD Opteron 254,2x 19" Viewsonic
Quadro FX 3500

 

[BodyBagger]

I got it from a Dell reseller on Ebay. Dell refurb with 3-year Dell warranty.

 

[DesignerGuy16]

Just FYI using specAPC 10.0 for benchmarking:

Old work PC:
Athlon 3500+, 1.5gb ram, Quadro FX 560 Video Card
Benchmark at 6.9

New work PC:
Intel Quad Core Q6600, 4GB ram, 2x Quadro FX 1700 512MB in SLi
Benchmark at 44.0

New Home PC:
Intel Core2Duo E8500, 4GB ram (DDR2 800mhz), GeForce 8800GT 512MB
Benchmark at 24.5

=D Pretty amazing, but the difference in the quad core is astounding. I actually benchmarked the work PC with the /3GB windows switch on (which turns SLi off, which makes the 2nd card worthless) and it benchmarked a couple points higher than I put above. So most of that gain is CPU side.

James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP

 

[StefanHamminga]

IS that SpecViewPerf? In that case, rip one of those FX-1700s out of your work PC and test it in your home PC, you might be in for a surprise...

Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer
Searching Eng-Tips forums