Hello all,

I am currently using Bobcad v23 /Bobart v23. I have just purchased 2 laptops. One for me and one for the wife. I am trying to decide which one I want. This is not the shop computer that runs my machine, just a laptop for me to design things on when I,m not in the shop.

Laptop #1 is an Acer 5515 with an AMD single core processor(1.6 ghz)with 3gb of ram,

Laptop #2 is a Compaq cq60-214dx with an intel dual core processor (2.16 ghz) with 2 gb of ram

Both have graphics cards that support open GL.

Which would be better for this cad software?

Personally, from past experience, I prefer AMD over Intel, (intel processors should come with a helmet due to the frequent crashes) but will the extra gig of ram make up for the slower single core processor, or does the single core to dual core difference not matter in this case? I don't know if Bobcad is a multithreaded application or not.

Thanks very much for any advice, Jeff

Keep the one with the dual core...I have done a few 3d files and have seen it spike at 75% on my dual core for CPU Useage

You did state that you prefer the AMD chips, and the graphics card can make more of a difference than "Supports OpenGL".

Put the specs of the two cards up also. There may be enough of a difference that you'de give your wife the cpu's to get the card, (Your definitely giving up processing power) but may settle for better display power to work off your AMD you prefer.

I personally would go with the dual core because you can always buy a new card. (I guess that depends on the laptop) but then I'm an Intel guy. Trying to figure what I would do if I had to pick a single Intel cpu vs. the amd dual processor. A tough sell for me because I have your same aversion to the amd's!

The card may make your decision.

The AMD's card is the ati radeon 1200x. The intel just has the intel graphics accelerator. I don't know much about either but the Bobcad support guy just told me to make sure it supports open GL.

Any preference here?
I think I'm leaning towards the intel.

Does a 2.16ghz dual core mean it has 2 chips running at 1.08 each for a total of 2.16 or do they each run at 2.16 for a total of 4.32?

Thanks again, Jeff

Does a 2.16ghz dual core mean it has 2 chips running at 1.08 each for a total of 2.16 or do they each run at 2.16 for a total of 4.32?

Thanks again, Jeff

Its the later. And theres nothing so special of the amd card that would overide the processor benefit!

except the wifes appreciation!!! :)

Intel choice would benefit bobcad more.

PS.
I appreciate being able to participate!

Burr

Laptop #2 is a Compaq cq60-214dx with an intel dual core processor (2.16 ghz) with 2 gb of ram

Always Intel vs AMD:)

Just keep in mind that you can have the fastest Processor but if the Front Side Bus is too low in MHz it will be slow.

Look for something with 800MHz to 1600MHz
As far as RAM go with the Max 4 GB for a 32 bit OS
6 mb Level 2 Cache

These ratings below are for a Dell Precision M4400 and Validated by CPUID.

This thing SCREEMS through tough projects.

Does a 2.16ghz dual core mean it has 2 chips running at 1.08 each for a total of 2.16 or do they each run at 2.16 for a total of 4.32?

Thanks again, Jeff

Two Cores running 2.16 Ghz each.

Also keep in mind that CAD/CAM software will only use 1 core, but that also means there is more room for processing.

Dual Core means Two Cores in One Stamp like one on top of another.


Think about the Intel Xeon Quad Core, 4 cores in one stamp.

it will use both cores for process that the big advanged....Processing time for a complex 3d path will be greatly reduced...

Here is a little insight on Milti-Core Processors. This is the present BENCH TEST for X3

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posted 01-28-2009 12:00 PM01-28-2009 12:00 PM In X3 only one core is working but in task manager under the performance tab, in the CPU usage all cores appear that they are being used when in reality it's the cache that is shared showing up on the graph. On a quad core typically one core shows very high use, 2 show medium use and one low use. The high use is the tool path, medium is shared cache and low is video card use. If you move the part you will see the low use cpu get real high use.

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Hi Toby,
That looks like a handy utility. Am I right it does not yet support Xeon Quad Cores?

Bookmarked for use.

Burr