Reference Architecture for AutoCAD

May 2011Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel

If you think your hardware is slowing you down—or if you’re in the market for a new workstation—here’s how to maximize your AutoCAD performance.

By Bill Martin-Otto, CAD/CAM Evangelist, Lenovo

Reference Architecture for AutoCAD

Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel | www.cadcamperformance.com1

Executive SummaryAutoCAD users can realize significant productivity gains with the right hardware configuration—usually well above the minimum system requirements. With prices so competitive against desktop systems, I recommend workstations for all types of AutoCAD users. To determine optimal configurations for entry- and mid-level users working in 2D, and for power users working in 2D and 3D, I considered processors, memory, graphics cards, monitors, and other factors.

Optimal AutoCAD workstation Configurations By User Type

2D Entry-Level User 2D Mid-Level User 2D/3D Power User

The Hardware-Performance ConnectionEvery AutoCAD user desires maximum performance from the software. But while many users take advantage of AutoCAD’s annual upgrades, they fail to realize the full potential of the new versions by running them on the wrong hardware configuration.

Blogger Curt Moreno recently wrote about the problems of running new versions of CAD software on underpowered machines, and suggested that companies with limited budgets were better off getting new hardware instead of the latest software version.

“I proffer that an application that is one or two years old will provide better efficiency and performance on new ‘overpowered’ hardware than the opposite scenario,” he posts. “Installing new software on old, underpowered or ‘minimum system requirements’ hardware is a disservice all around. The user is disappointed because there are frustrating slowdowns and crashes. The boss is disappointed because the invested dollars do not show the returns expected.”

Whether you’re running an older version of AutoCAD or have upgraded to the most recent version, the configurations recommended here will help you get the most out of your software. Use the chart to see what you need, based on how you use AutoCAD. .

CPU Intel Core i3-2100 (3.1 GHz, 3 MB Cache, 65 W), with integrated graphics

Intel Xeon E3-1245 (3.2 GHz, 8 MB Cache, 95 W), with integrated graphics

Intel Xeon E3-1270 (3.4 GHz, 8 MB Cache, 80 W), without integrated graphics

Memory 2 GB 4 GB 8 GB OS 64-bit Windows 7 64-bit Windows 7 64-bit Windows 7

Graphics Integrated Intel HD Graphics 2000

Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000

Discrete NVIDIA Quadro 2000

Optical DVD ROM DVD RW DVD RW HDD 250 GB SATA 250 GB SATA 500 GB SATA

Monitor Size 19-inch 22-inch 24-inch

Approximate System Cost

$1,050 (including monitor)

$1,475 (including monitor)

$2,700 (including monitor)

 

Reference Architecture for AutoCAD

Low Prices Make Workstations Affordable for All UsersI recommend workstations, even for entry-level AutoCAD users, to save time and frustration. You’ll achieve significantly better system reliability, thanks to durable components and Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory, for as little as $650.

Integrated Graphics Are Ideal for 2D UsersMost 2D AutoCAD users will achieve optimal performance using a Xeon E3-1245 processor with integrated Intel HD Graphics P3000. Power users who do a mix of 2D and 3D should choose from the Xeon E3-12x0 family, as well as upgrade to an Autodesk-certified graphics card like the NVIDIA Quadro 2000.

Maximize Your Memory with a 64-bit OSRunning 64-bit Windows 7 lets you access all your memory, so you can install 4 or more GB of RAM and actually use it. 32-bit operating systems are limited to about 3 GB of RAM, and not all of it will be available to you.

The Jury’s Still Out on SSD Hard DrivesRandall Young of Autodesk has seen some performance degradation in current solid state drives, and actually recommends “standard SATA drives (7,200 or 10,000 RPMs) because of their higher reliability and faster write times.”

Manufacturers of solid state drives are working hard to fix endurance problems, which seem to be caused by controller or chip failures that allow firmware bugs to affect I/O operations with an operating system. With standard benchmarking metrics on the way, AutoCAD users will have better information to make their hard drive decisions.

2

Video Driver Quick TipSet your NVIDIA card to AutoCAD with vertical sync disabled. Disabling vertical sync gives you better performance because it streamlines the way data is sent to the video card. For integrated Intel video, set your driver to 3D performance.

Most video card manufacturers offer downloadable performance driv-ers for AutoCAD, which can offer significant performance gains when doing 3D work. Improvements vary depending on the AutoCAD Visual Style you use to display your 3D models.

OS Quick TipIn Windows, disable Aero in Basic Mode to divert valuable resources to improve 3D video performance.

Set your OS to performance mode. This will impact visual quality but improve video performance. Go to “advanced system properties,” click the “advanced” tab, click the “performance settings” button and choose “adjust for best performance.”

Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel | www.cadcamperformance.com

Reference Architecture for AutoCAD

Adjust Your Monitors to Minimize MistakesThe screen you stare at all day can have a big impact on the amount of work you do and its quality. Some AutoCAD users lower their resolution to make their video card run faster, but the poorer usability could actually reduce your productivity. I recommend a 1920 x 1200 resolution on as large a monitor as possible. A larger monitor will give you more room to work on your model, so you can catch more mistakes and improve your overall comfort and productivity.

ConclusionAutoCAD peak performance is a delicate balance between your software, hardware, and you. Make sure your hardware configuration is powerful enough to meet your needs—and to take advantage of all the features in your preferred AutoCAD version.

3 Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel | www.cadcamperformance.com