I'm thinking about buying this desktop (help?)

[IVYBetty]

Hey guys, I posted earlier a laptop and decided it would be in my best interest to go with a desktop after reading the responses. I visited my local computer-tech store where they build computers and came across the computer linked below.

http://www.computersplus.com/store/pc/configurePrd.asp?idProduct=26475

I'd like to know if this is a good deal and what would my limitations be when using solidworks?

(They also stated that I could upgrade to 6GB DDR3)

Thanks for all the help

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Again it's the graphics card which is the weak link in that system. Radeons and GeForce cards do not support OpenGL and are not recommended for SW.

Although some people have some measure of success with Radeons and GeForce cards, the chances are that problems will arise.

The link posted in the other thread (

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/SystemRequirements.html)

also had a link to the recommended graphics cards and drivers.

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/SystemRequirements.html

 

[IVYBetty]

thanks again. I'll look into that aspect as long as everything else is good to go.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The only approved cards are the nVidia Quadro FX series, and the ATI FIreGL or ATI Fire Pro series.

 

[steinmini]

Whichever GPU you end up with, consider checking the driver version on Solidworks site and the most likely newer and updated driver on the GPU manufacturer's site. Do not expect the generic Microsoft drivers coming with the OS to do the job properly. From personal and recent experience I can tell that both nVidia and ATI have bundled software coming with the drivers including their specific control centers/panels where you can set up the performance of your GPU. I've set mine to be application controlled and set it to SolidWorks (I think all professional 3D apps are listed so you can pick the one you need/have/use)

The PC you picked isn't bad at all, but the shop doesn't seem to carry the approved cards... Your search isn't over yet. Don't dismiss AMD as a valid and in most cases less costly solution, as for the CPU itself and for matching MB.