Does my computer have enough power to run AutoCAD?
Does my computer have enough power to run AutoCAD?
I am using a laptop called the ASUS X509jp. It has a Core i5 processor, 8 GB of memory, and a fast SSD drive. The graphics card is an Nvidia MX330 with 2GB of video memory. I want to use AutoCAD 2017 or newer, or AutoCAD Plant 3D 2015 if needed. This tool works well for light work where most drawings are 2D and only rarely do I need to make complex 3D pipes. How fast will this laptop run these programs? Should I buy an older model instead? Thanks a lot!
Check AutoCAD's suggested hardware requirements. Most programs list a "minimum," "recommended," or "best" standard. You shouldn't aim for just the minimum; you want the best possible one your budget allows. The laptop and software will only run at the speed of the weakest part. On your PC, use Task Manager and Resource Monitor (you can use both, but pick just one) to see exactly what is using up resources, how much percentage they are getting, and which specific thing is taking over. Find out if limiting apps helps by closing those you don't need. If something looks strange or unknown, look into it online to understand why it exists.
The PC needs to meet the basic requirements for Plant 3D software, which are listed below for the GPU only (VRAM). You can find those specs at this link: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/supp...m-...-2019.html. For version 2017, a laptop should work fine. You can check the requirements here: http://www.designmaster.biz/support/auto...remen.html
Check AutoCAD's suggested hardware and software specs. Usually, it tells you "minimum," "recommended," or "best." You need to get the "best" you can afford. The laptop and program only work at the speed of your weakest part. On your laptop, use Task Manager or Resource Monitor (use both but only one at a time) to see what resources are used by how much (%), and which things are using them. See if performance gets better when you stop starting some apps that aren't really needed. If something is unknown, find out its nature, purpose, and source. Maybe get a trial copy of AutoCAD to try it out yourself, or run other graphics-heavy programs to see how your laptop handles them. Most often, more RAM will help the most. Remember: before you do any testing or messing around, make sure all important data is saved somewhere safe first.
As people mentioned before, you should be closest to the recommended settings and furthest from the minimum possible. Adding more RAM can help, but each piece of equipment gets used differently depending on your settings and how your designer treats your project (for example, they might use different lights or textures). If this is 2D work, you are fine with what you have; however, for 3D renders, you will need higher specs or an older version of AutoCAD.