Best PC For Industrial Engineers To Run CAD Software

Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a technology that allows industrial engineers to design and draft virtual models of proposed projects.

It is a concept that has been used since the early 1990s, but it has recently become a standard tool for drawing and designing tools, products, and production devices.

It facilitates the fast conceptualization of prototypes while helping engineers avoid costly mistakes associated with creating faulty products.

Another advantage is that CAD allows engineers to modify a design many times with utmost ease.

There are many different types of CAD software, including AutoCAD and Revit, and most of them require minimum computer specs to run the software.

CAD work is highly demanding as it involves hardware-intensive tasks.

Thus, there are certain factors you must consider when selecting a PC for this kind of work.

The best PC for engineers ultimately depends on the type of CAD software you want to run.

What Is The Best PC For Industrial Engineers To Run CAD Software?

A Windows PC is the best PC for industrial engineers who use CAD software regularly since it is compatible with most CAD software available on the market.

It also offers high speeds and enough memory capacity for active work.

A good Windows PC able to run CAD software can also handle the latest games and other software.

Generally, a workstation is better than a stand-alone desktop or laptop since CAD requirements are hardware-intensive and a lot like gaming requirements.

A workstation will give you powerful microprocessing abilities, advanced graphics, and ample storage capacity.

Desktop Vs. Laptop Workstations for CAD Software

A desktop computer is a better alternative as you get to select between different components, including your preferred video card.

It can also accommodate multiple hardware upgrades, such as a new RAM or graphics card.

Additionally, you can assemble a more powerful desktop workstation for a lower price than you will get an equally powerful laptop.

Although laptops give your portability, they will limit resolution capacity and result in lots of heating issues.

Not to forget, laptops are pretty rigid when it comes to upgrading.

You should only go for a laptop for CAD work if your job requires you to travel a lot.

In this case, ensure you go for a laptop with at least 16GB ram, a core i7 processor, a 1 GB graphics card, and intel-generated graphics.

Criteria For Choosing The Best PC To Run CAD Software

Processor

Please go for a PC with a relatively new processor that meets workstation requirements.

That’s preferably an 8th Gen processor with a good clock speed and memory.

If your work mainly consists of 2D projects, a dual-core machine will suffice.

However, for 3D CAD projects, you need extra space and speed on a quad-core device to complete your projects in a shorter time.

Intel Core i7 or i9 and Ryzen 7 or 9 processors provide outstanding performance and value for money.

Operating System

You should not compromise on the OS for any reason.

Get the best you can afford, and this should not be anything less than Windows 7.

Also, ensure you get an OS that supports the latest browsers and office software.

Hard Drive Capacity

CAD software requires a significant amount (1GB to 7GB) of memory.

Moreover, project data and files generated by the software take up quite a bit of space over time.

Therefore, the best way to install the software is using a Solid State Disk (SSD) with at least 520GB available space capacity.

This gives you shock resistance, improved boot times, and high-level performance.

For a hard drive, aiming for anything above 320GB will provide adequate storage space and allow fast file access.

You should also consider investing in backup servers and hard drives to enhance the safety and security of your data.

RAM

The ideal RAM for running CAD software is 32 GB RAM.

However, 16GB RAM will also allow you to run several programs and applications simultaneously.

You may also get by with as little as 4GB or 8GB RAM, but you will have to be prepared for system delays and recurring downtimes.

Graphics Memory

Higher-end graphics cards are the best for intense CAD work and will give you fewer hardware acceleration problems.

A card specifically designed for professional use, such as NVIDIA Quadro, is the best pick.

Thus, a 2GB VRAM NVIDIA Quadro graphics card works for 2D designs, but the best CAD graphics card is a 5GB+ NVIDIA Quadro graphics card for 3D designs.

Other alternatives include Radeon Pro, AMD FirePro, and gaming-grade graphic cards with not less than 4GB VRAM.

Screen Size and Resolution

CAD software is graphic intensive.

Thus, a sizable screen at least 15 inches and 1920×1080 HD resolution or 4k (3840×2160) resolution will go a long way in making you comfortable and boosting your productivity.

Our Top Picks For The Ideal PC For CAD Software

Here is a brief list of the best PC for CAD software with all the above factors in mind.

• CUK Continuum Liquid-cooled Desktop: Has a genuine Windows 10 OS, Intel i9 ten-core 10900F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, 512 GB SSD, 2 TB HDD, and 32 GB DDR4 2933MHz RAM.
• OMEN 25L Desktop: Comes with 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, pre-installed Windows 10 Home 64bit, and 512 GB SSD.
• Dell Inspiron i568O: Features Windows 10, Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card, 3.2GHz core_i7, and 16GB 2400MHz RAM.
• iBUYPOWER Gaming PC: You get Windows 10 Home 64-bit, AMD Radeon RX5700XT 8GB graphics card, 480GB SSD, 1TB HDD, and 16GB DDR4-2666 RAM.

Our Top Monitors For CAD

You need a large monitor with sufficient screen area to be able to run simultaneous tabs. Some of the best for this include

• HP Pavilion, 27-inch IPS, LED monitor
• Samsung 27-inch curved monitor
• Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX 27-Inch

Conclusion

Having the best PC to run CAD software will help you make the most out of this powerful tool.

Additionally, it will help you boost your productivity and consistency by allowing you a seamless workflow.

Reach out to us to schedule a time to discuss onboarding the top AEC IT firm in Atlanta and Charlotte to take care of your firm’s ideal system design for CAD software.