Justify new workstations 1

[GhostTX]

So I started at a new company and they have some pretty pathetic computers. So I went to SPECapc and downloaded their benchmarking software for what we use (Solidworks in this case) and had all our engineers run it.

In short, the conclusion, on average, our PCs are 52% slower than Dell's Precision 390 (cost about $3K).

What's a good way to show the cost of us running slower? Or what's a good way to justify the new computers. I have a burden rate, but I can't just arbitrarily say we'll save 1/2 that rate.

Any tips would be great!

 

[ewh]

The fact that they have switched to a much less expensive CAD package may be indicative of new budgetary restraints (or they may just have realized that they didn't need such powerful software to accomplish what is required). This may be a consideration in the decision of purchasing new hardware.

 

[cvg]

just be glad you have what you do. I still remember teaching myself Cad on an IBM PC with 640K ram, no mouse, 20 MB disk drive, version 2.0 DOS, AutoCad version 2.x. and an RGB monitor. You get really good with the arrow keys... Still, it beat the pants off tracing on a drafting table with a red pencil and hand drafting with ink on mylar or heaven forbid - Sepia

 

[bvanhiel]

An IT guy bought these computers 1.5 years ago for the engineers, and he bought desktops with the low end graphics card (Quadro 1400). Apparently, there was no engineering input on the purchase.

SW doesn't need a "workstation" to run well. It doesn't use multithreading much, so dual chips don't help. It will do just as well on a consumer chip as it will on a Xeon. Clock speed matters most. Past that you need to make sure you have enough RAM to not tap the HDD. The graphics card just doesn't matter as much as it did, so unless you see a lot of dragging when spinning a large assy it's not a problem.

The machine you are describing sounds adequate to the task. At least your IT guy didn't stick you with a gaming card.

SWX, for all its perks, does crap file size management. Models and drawings easily exceed several meg, where as the previous CAD system, Unigraphics, had smaller file size and was more efficient. The machines did fine on Unigraphics, but not anymore with SWX.

I agree with this entirely. I've got both SWX and Pro. I'm not starting another surface intensive project with SWX. I love the interface, but SWX is a dog.

I'm in the same boat as you, but the fast machines arn't that much faster. You'll spend your time and use up your credibility for nothing, because you'll have the same complaints a week after getting the new machines.

-b

 

[GhostTX]

You'll spend your time and use up your credibility for nothing, because you'll have the same complaints a week after getting the new machines.

I'm the new guy, I don't have much credit anyway. If I can get the new box AND the networked overhauled, I'm pretty sure I won't complain at least for another year or two.

 

[TDAA]

Well, you are up to 3 gig of ram, and you have a decent processor. If you feel that it is more of just the gfx card, ask for an upgrade to the Quadro FX 4600. These can be had for around $1700 – about ½ the price of the whole new system. I would check what your systems have for power. Nvidia recommends a 750W supply. Per their acknowledgement (or was it PNY?), this is a conservative estimate.