First time build for CAD-use

[mikolo]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for advice on a build that I plan to use for regular home use, maybe some gaming and for using in CAD-course I'm taking (Solid Works). I've picked out the components (no graphics card yet) and would like to hear your thoughts! Since the CPU has integrated graphics, would it be enough for CAD??

Approximate Purchase Date: soon as possible

Budget Range: 720-1000 $

System Usage from Most to Least Important: surfing, office, CAD, movies, some gaming

CPU: INTEL CORE I5 3450 3.1GHZ 6MB S-1155 IVY

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z77-D3H Z77 S-1155 ATX IVY (maybe DS3H)

RAM: CORSAIR 8GB DDR3 XMS3 VENGEANCE PC3-12800 1600MHZ CL9 (2X4GB)

PSU: OCZ MODXSTREAM PRO 500 WATT PSU

SSD: KINGSTON SSDNOW V+200 120GB SSD 7MM SATA/600 MLC

Case: NZXT MIDITOWER SOURCE 210 ELITE ATX BLACK

OS: Win 7 Professional OEM

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1280x1024

 

[oneeye_72]

If you intend to use the internal graphics, the i5-3450 has HD2500. Look at the i5-3475S and i5-3570K they have HD Graphics 4000, which is a lot faster.

I don't know too much about CAD, so I can't say for sure if your build is enough, but the above might help.

 

[mikolo]

I have considered the 3570K, but it's a bit more expensive... How much faster is the graphics? I might buy a PCIe GPU instead of going for integrated.

As a first time-builder I'm a bit worried that I will mess something up... If I install an OEM win 7 with a motherboard that has been damaged and have to get a new one do I also need a new license?

 

[oneeye_72]

Theoretically the HD4000 is twice as fast as the Hd2500, but in real terms its more like 50-60% faster. About the equivalent of a 3Dmark11 of 2000.

Watch a few build videos on YouTube, read a few how-to- build blogs, make sure you understand all the terminology, work slowly and double check everything and you should have no problems.

Yes I think greedy Microsoft are likely to hit you with that one, you could test it with Linux, that will cost you just the time of a free download.

 

[mikolo]

Ok!

Theoretically the HD4000 is twice as fast as the Hd2500, but in real terms its more like 50-60% faster. About the equivalent of a 3Dmark11 of 2000.

What does "3Dmark11 of 2000" mean?

Yes I think greedy Microsoft are likely to hit you with that one, you could test it with Linux, that will cost you just the time of a free download.

I suspected that. Hm, Linux - didn't think of that! I have no experience with Linux, could the transition from Linux to Windows cause any problems for the hardware?

 

[oneeye_72]

3Dmark11 is a general test of GPU's, (Graphics Processor Units or 'Graphics cards'), look here:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2012-vga-gpgpu/01-3DMark11-A-Entry,2931.html

You don't have to install Linux, you can make an 'ISO' disk and boot from that to test the system. Linux is like that, "useful".

 

[mikolo]

Ok! I looked around for info about Linux and came across Ubuntu. I suppose you mean I should make a "live-CD" or whatever they call it, and boot from that?

If there's anyone else that has experience with CAD I would appreciate your comment on the build I plan to do! (specs. are in the top-post)