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    X1400 run CAD?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by blackmagic911, Aug 3, 2006.

  1. blackmagic911

    blackmagic911 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I built a Dell Inspiron system with Radeon x1400. I'll be in Aerospace engineering in college so i'm guessing that some CAD will be used. I was wondering how well x1400 will hold up? I know the x1400 is OpenGL compatible, but the NVIDIA quatro 120M is too expensive and on a different system. The inspiron i built is $945 with tax. the similar built Latitude D820 with 512MB 120 M turbo goes from around $1400 without tax and without student discount. If i still wanted to stick with x1400 will i be in trouble with CAD programs? What kinda trouble?

    Is it possible to update drivers so teh x1400 will work better with CAD? Or if i wanted to, can i replace the x1400 with a Quatro in the future?
     
    blackmagic911, Aug 3, 2006
    #1
  2. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    No you cant upgrade it, but it should be a good card for CAD.

    Just get 2gb of RAM.

    :)
     
    usapatriot, Aug 3, 2006
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  3. blackmagic911

    blackmagic911 Notebook Enthusiast

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    AHAHAH well...... too late for that i guess. I got a 1GB 533Mhz. Good enuff? If i need more i'll probably buy 2 new 1GB chips. How much do those go for now a days?
     
    blackmagic911, Aug 3, 2006
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  4. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    You should be fine with 1GB for a while. Upgrade it if you need to. What are the rest of your specifications?
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 3, 2006
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  5. Lil Mayz

    Lil Mayz Notebook Deity

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    well I assume it should be no problem at all black magic, as my brother uses CAD all the time. He has a Dell Inspiron 8200, with only a nVidia GeForce 440 Go, and 512MB of RAM. You need not be concerned about anything in my opinion.
     
    Lil Mayz, Aug 3, 2006
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  6. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    You should be fine. You'll want to upgrade your RAM when you start working with larger models, though. CAD is notoriously memory intensive. I've seen CAD workstations with 4GB of RAM, and their operators wanting more. Anyway, just make sure you use the absolute latest ATI drivers (use the link from these forums for the ATI mobility catalysts). They just put in a raft of OpenGL fixes that solved some deep-seated issues with real OpenGL programs.
     
    Pitabred, Aug 3, 2006
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  7. the1

    the1 Notebook Consultant

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    this is going off track but will the x1400 have any problems with vista?

    edit: i'm thinking of getting the x1400 with 128mb dedicated
     
    the1, Aug 3, 2006
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  8. blackmagic911

    blackmagic911 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i wouldn't think so. all the lappy's i saw with x1400 had "vista capable"

    rest of my specs:
    Intel Core Duoprocessor T2400 (2MB/1.83GHz/667MHz)
    15.4 Inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WSXGA+
    1GB, DDR2, 533MHz 2 Dimm
    256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1400 HyperMemory
    120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
    Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
    8X DVD+/-RW Drive for Inspiron 6400/E1505 w/CyberLink PowerDVD v5.7 Decoding Sofware
    Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card
    53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
    Free Promotion for 15 in. skin

    I should get it by Monday or tuesday next week!

    Maybe here's an interesting to put it...... How sucky will the x1400 be to the 110M or 120M in 3D redering performance?
     
    blackmagic911, Aug 3, 2006
    #8