Need Help!- How much computer is needed for cnc software

[Ranscon]

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

[Hamish911]

If you see the Intel machine crashing more often, that might be because it does not have a 'proper' 3d card, (google suggested your intel machine has not: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M). The AMD is better equiped to display 3D using OpenGL.

With regards to the CPU speed, you should be fine with both, but if you start using multiple applications at the same time, the Intel will feel a bit more snappy because of the multiple cores.

What OS are you running on the respective laptops? Practically speaking a 32bit Windows OS can address 2GB of program memory. (the OS itself can use the other 2GB for it's kernel). And depending on what the videocard does, there will be less available. (a videocard gets it's memory 'mapped' onto regular memory). Anyway, to avoid elaborate explanations here, you won't notice very much difference between 2GB and 3GB on a 32bit OS. On a 64bit OS both machine can addressed their memory in it's entirety, but frankly I don't think you will notice much difference in daily use & performance either. (note: both cpu's are 64bit so they can run a 64bit OS).

For me the deciding factor is the 3D card in this case. I'd use the AMD machine for 3D.
Make sure your video-drivers are up to date, and check your application for compatibity.
There might be a few display-settings in your CAD program that improve display quality/performance/stability (usually that's a trade-off).