Hello, all. Long time reader, first time poster - thanks in advance. I will be building a workstation, and wanted some input on my component choices:
Uses: SolidWorks 2010 primarily, running AutoCAD, web browsers (firefox), Outlook, OpenOffice spreadsheets, etc. in the background. I work at a small company that builds custom industrial equipment, and I design all the machines. My designs include hundreds to thousands of components, and I animate designs as a sales tool. Limited FEA - we typically just build very heavy as appearance is everything. Web browsing for downloads (i.e. using vendor bearing models, etc.), spreadsheets for build/cost tracking.
Current system: Dell Precision 470 running dual Xeon 3.6GHz, 3GB RAM (32-bit), nVidia fx1300, and whatever came in it for hard drives. Nothing impressive - this machine is a few years old. Running XP.
Budget: I have been given a $1500 build budget for this, though I probably have some wiggle room. Original budget was $1k, but reason has won out. I will be using existing monitors, keyboard, mouse, etc., so this build is case and internals only.
Build: 64-bit, Win 7, needs to be capable of future editions of SolidWorks without additional cost. I am planning on using: Cooler Master HAF 922 Case, MSI 870A-G54 Mobo, AMD Phenom II X6 3.2GHz processor, OCZ 750FTY psu, dual OCZ Vertex 2 SSDs in 40 or 60 GB running Raid0 for OS and software, dual WD Caviar Green 1TB 5400 rpm 3.0Gb/s 64mb cache running Raid1 for file storage and backup, LG GH22NS40 optical drive, 2 additional Cooler Master 120mm fans for cooling, 2 x 4GB OCZ or G.Skill DDR3 1333 RAM, AeroCool CoolPanel III for fan control/card reading, and ATI FirePro V4800 1GB PCIe Video. I would love to go to a V7800 or V8700, but I don't think the performance vs. cost is there.
I am in the US, and will be using newegg etc. for my purchases, and estimate my build at about $1300 as it sits. I would like to know what everyone thinks about my components, system as a whole, and where I am overkill and underkill. If you think I really need to spend the extra $500-650 on the higher FirePros, and can help me justify the price difference, fine. If there is anything I don't have that you think I should, let me know that as well. I have about $200 left in the budget, which will be eaten up with a copy of Windows 7 64-bit, miscellaneous cables, etc.
I am aware the SW2010 won't make much use of the hex core, but I believe that a near future edition will support up to 4 as that is becoming a standard. I plan to let the remaining cores run my background stuff. I have lots of issues now: SW crashes, computer locks up, etc. I think heat may be a problem, but am certain I do not have enough processor, RAM, or video card. Thoughts?
Thanks for any advice!
GMCMG
Uses: SolidWorks 2010 primarily, running AutoCAD, web browsers (firefox), Outlook, OpenOffice spreadsheets, etc. in the background. I work at a small company that builds custom industrial equipment, and I design all the machines. My designs include hundreds to thousands of components, and I animate designs as a sales tool. Limited FEA - we typically just build very heavy as appearance is everything. Web browsing for downloads (i.e. using vendor bearing models, etc.), spreadsheets for build/cost tracking.
Current system: Dell Precision 470 running dual Xeon 3.6GHz, 3GB RAM (32-bit), nVidia fx1300, and whatever came in it for hard drives. Nothing impressive - this machine is a few years old. Running XP.
Budget: I have been given a $1500 build budget for this, though I probably have some wiggle room. Original budget was $1k, but reason has won out. I will be using existing monitors, keyboard, mouse, etc., so this build is case and internals only.
Build: 64-bit, Win 7, needs to be capable of future editions of SolidWorks without additional cost. I am planning on using: Cooler Master HAF 922 Case, MSI 870A-G54 Mobo, AMD Phenom II X6 3.2GHz processor, OCZ 750FTY psu, dual OCZ Vertex 2 SSDs in 40 or 60 GB running Raid0 for OS and software, dual WD Caviar Green 1TB 5400 rpm 3.0Gb/s 64mb cache running Raid1 for file storage and backup, LG GH22NS40 optical drive, 2 additional Cooler Master 120mm fans for cooling, 2 x 4GB OCZ or G.Skill DDR3 1333 RAM, AeroCool CoolPanel III for fan control/card reading, and ATI FirePro V4800 1GB PCIe Video. I would love to go to a V7800 or V8700, but I don't think the performance vs. cost is there.
I am in the US, and will be using newegg etc. for my purchases, and estimate my build at about $1300 as it sits. I would like to know what everyone thinks about my components, system as a whole, and where I am overkill and underkill. If you think I really need to spend the extra $500-650 on the higher FirePros, and can help me justify the price difference, fine. If there is anything I don't have that you think I should, let me know that as well. I have about $200 left in the budget, which will be eaten up with a copy of Windows 7 64-bit, miscellaneous cables, etc.
I am aware the SW2010 won't make much use of the hex core, but I believe that a near future edition will support up to 4 as that is becoming a standard. I plan to let the remaining cores run my background stuff. I have lots of issues now: SW crashes, computer locks up, etc. I think heat may be a problem, but am certain I do not have enough processor, RAM, or video card. Thoughts?
Thanks for any advice!
GMCMG
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