Best processor for CAD (Solidowrks 2011)

Definitely go with i7 870 over C2Q because Core 2 CPUs are EOL.But like dipankar2007ind mentioned,we have to know your budget

I'd avoid the C2Qs ... simply due to the lack of integrated memory controller and ECC RAMs support

Benchmark Reviews SPECviewperf 10 Tests










You should probably investigate how an entry-level Quadro card might benefit you --- otherwise, the more VRAM the better.

In dealing with large models and gazillions of vertices, the performance of your RAMs is critical (which is why workstations utilize ECC memory). Asus AM3 desktop motherboards support ECC --- as do the integrated memory controllers in AMD desktop processors. I would highly suggest you bite the financial bullet and step up to ECC RAMs but I understand how difficult that can be when a 4GB (2 x 2GB) kit of Crucial DDR3 1333 is $67 (or you can splurge on the 8GB (2 x 4GB) kit for $148 --- the 2x2GB kit of ECC roughly costs this amount. IIRC the 2x4GB ECC kit is around $250.

So beyond that, I believe the best place for you to start would be the PhII 955BE // Asus M4A89GTD PRO for $253. Good luck on that RAMs decision.