I'm looking to build a PC that meets specific requirements for my work. I need it to run 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and support 64 GB of Dual-Channel RAM at 1063 MHz DDR4-2666 MHz ECC RDIMM. The processor should be an Intel Xeon W-2223 (3.6GHz, 3.9GHz) or an Intel Core i7 9th Generation or higher, with 6 cores and hyper-threading enabled. For the graphics card, I need one that meets the following minimums: at least 2 GB DDR3 of GPU memory, a memory bandwidth of 29.0 GB/s, 384 CUDA Cores, and support for OpenGL 3.0, like the NVIDIA Quadro P5000 (4 GB). I'll also need an AC or AX type Wi-Fi card, 2 GB of free hard drive space, plus virtual memory allocation that's eight times the largest CAD file I'll be using. For storage, I'm thinking of an SSD, RAID 0 setup, or a 10K HDD (with 128 SSDs being ideal). It's also important that the display has a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080. Can anyone help me figure out what parts I should buy?
2 Answers
It sounds like you're looking for a workstation with serious capabilities! You could definitely build something great for less than a pre-built option. Have you considered starting with a solid base like the Lenovo P5, even if it's pricier? You might find comparable components that are cheaper when doing it yourself, like an AMD CPU for better performance-per-dollar, and there's a lot of options for high memory capacity RAM out there. Just make sure that whatever GPU you pick meets those OpenGL specs and has the CUDA cores you need.
Before you buy anything, think about your budget. If cost isn’t a big issue, focus on high-quality parts. You might want to check out some community reviews for specific components too. Since you want to ensure everything runs smoothly with CAD software, look for GPU benchmarks related to design work specifically!
Exactly! Investing in high-quality RAM and a robust CPU will make a significant difference. And if budget allows, consider SSDs for faster boot and loading times, which are essential for your workflow.
That's a good point about the Lenovo – sometimes you pay extra for reliability. Also, if you're using it for CAD, definitely prioritize a strong GPU that meets your needs. Maybe look into a GTX 1660 or an RTX model since they have good support for CAD software.