[AFR]

In getting ready for the new version of mastercam we decided to look into new computers vs. upgrading. Here are the current system specs of our Dell Precision Workstations:

2.33Ghz Intel Xeon Dual core
Quadro NVS 285
2GB DDR2

If I were to upgrade just the GPU I still feel that the CPU/RAM would bottleneck these machines and the upgrade wouldn't really be worth it. In addition I really do not know enough about how mastercam utilizes each piece of hardware to say if the GPU is even the piece I want to upgrade. With the dual core, 2GB RAM, and NVS 285 will my old workstations be sluggish on X5? Am I correct in thinking the CPU will bottleneck any upgrades to RAM/GPU?

Hopefully you guys can help me out with these questions...I have more but I don't want to overwhelm anyone. Also, if anyone has suggestions for a good GPU please let me know. Right now i'm looking at using the Quadro 3700 or 3800, anything more almost seems like overkill. Price isn't an issue, but I obviously want to keep the price to performance level reasonable (I don't want to spend an extra $400 for 2% gains)

[Mike Mattera]

I have a quad core Intel with 8GB of Ram and 1GB ram on my video card running 2 monitors (500mb / screen). I'm running XP64, but plan to upgrade to Win7 / 64 for the next machine.

Mike Mattera

[foxsquirrel]

In getting ready for the new version of mastercam we decided to look into new computers vs. upgrading. Here are the current system specs of our Dell Precision Workstations:

2.33Ghz Intel Xeon Dual core
Quadro NVS 285
2GB DDR2

If I were to upgrade just the GPU I still feel that the CPU/RAM would bottleneck these machines and the upgrade wouldn't really be worth it. In addition I really do not know enough about how mastercam utilizes each piece of hardware to say if the GPU is even the piece I want to upgrade. With the dual core, 2GB RAM, and NVS 285 will my old workstations be sluggish on X5? Am I correct in thinking the CPU will bottleneck any upgrades to RAM/GPU?

Hopefully you guys can help me out with these questions...I have more but I don't want to overwhelm anyone. Also, if anyone has suggestions for a good GPU please let me know. Right now i'm looking at using the Quadro 3700 or 3800, anything more almost seems like overkill. Price isn't an issue, but I obviously want to keep the price to performance level reasonable (I don't want to spend an extra $400 for 2% gains)

It seems like you are installing a $3000 dollar stereo in a $200 car. Why worry about the hardware cost, just buy the best and be done with it for at least 5 years. If X5 is legal its about 9 times the cost of a NEW dell workstation.

[Rally]

It seems like you are installing a $3000 dollar stereo in a $200 car. Why worry about the hardware cost, just buy the best and be done with it for at least 5 years. If X5 is legal its about 9 times the cost of a NEW dell workstation.

I second that! The cost of a new workstation is minimal compared to the the cost of X5. Why take that chance?

[mikedebutts]

Wow! SPAM - Sorry for trying to share good information!

[cadcam]

Guys as this topic was about buying the right computer.you should really look at Solidboxs site.
That is what Mike was trying to do. yes as a Mastercam dealer and this dealer has a partnership with them, these box's are good and the prices are to.they are for Solid works or MC.

So I am posting the link as this to help not to spam as this is an option for computers on what this topic is about.

Hey Guys check out SOLIDBOX - GROUND BREAKING PERFORMANCE for Mastercam Computers.

[cadcam]

All good Mike.have a good day..

[cadcam]

I have a quad core Intel with 8GB of Ram and 1GB ram on my video card running 2 monitors (500mb / screen). I'm running XP64, but plan to upgrade to Win7 / 64 for the next machine.

Mike Mattera

Mike when you can take the leap to Win7 I found all around a smother and faster system.
I run two of my work stations on Win7 64 bit one Laptop. A must for me now.

[TheBigJW]

Mike when you can take the leap to Win7 I found all around a smother and faster system.
I run two of my work stations on Win7 64 bit one Laptop. A must for me now.

Is X5 a 64 bit application? Is there an X5 that will run in Solidworks 64 bit?

John

[cadcam]

John to answer you No and Yes as I run both.

[Mike Mattera]

Hi Jay,

Win 7/64 is the plan for the next box. I just don't have the time to get and install all the apps I use, into a new box right now. They have Win 7 at the school where I'm working. I want to get my learning curve on their system/time, before I spend the $ for a new box. One of the nice things about being at the school is the MSoft Educational discount. I can get Win 7 for about $65.

Mike Mattera

[TheBigJW]

John to answer you No and Yes as I run both.

So you can run a 32 bit application like Mastercam inside Solidworks 64 bit version. How well could that work?

John

[foxsquirrel]

Hi Jay,

Win 7/64 is the plan for the next box. I just don't have the time to get and install all the apps I use, into a new box right now. They have Win 7 at the school where I'm working. I want to get my learning curve on their system/time, before I spend the $ for a new box. One of the nice things about being at the school is the MSoft Educational discount. I can get Win 7 for about $65.

Mike Mattera

Mike, are you using educational versions of Solidworks, Mastercam and others to produce the videos your are selling? I did watch the SW surface demo and it looked really good.