Question about GPUs and AutoCad

Hi,

I'm going off to university in the fall and looking to buy a notebook...maybe a lenovo t400/t500. I will have to do some occasional 3d modeling (AutoCAD, MATLAB type stuff i think). Because I won't be using it that much, do you think I could get away with using the ati3470 gpu?

other option is the 3650, but that would mean t500 (bigger and heavier and less battery life).

thanks

 

yes, you can definitely get away with any modern dedicated gpu. no problem.

 

You can use autocad, 3ds max an the lake even with and integrated graphics card. I'm using them at the moment with and intel i855 with no problems.

 

Any dedicated GPU will just do fine. The business cards are just a bit more optimised for those programs, but like how high end cards dont matter outside uber gamers on max, the business cards aren't critical unless your actually doing higher end, work-related rendering work in Auto CAD. It just renders faster, any decent laptop will work just fine, maybe slower a bit, but you'll be ok.

 

If you can afford it I would go for the dedicated card. I am running SOLIDWORKS on a T61 and it runs great. I have seen some systems with integrated graphics that will run CAD and SOLIDWORKS, but when it comes time to do any sort of assembly design they fall apart.

 

Thanks a lot guys...

Speed isn't going to be a huge factor when it comes to CAD stuff because I don't want to sacrifice on portability and battery life so...I'll probably go for the Lenovo T400 with the ATI 3470 when it comes out.

 

Good luck. Should be a solid machine that serves you well.

 

I've been using Solid Edge, MATLAB and Maple on my rig below. Everything works just fine.

 

I can't imagine you'll be doing any CAD work that's incredibly demanding while in school. I just graduated, and most of the CAD work I did in school wasn't so detailed that your average pc-build couldnt handle it. I ran matlab code and CAD files on my older AMD 2800+; it was a tad sluggish but could handle some detailed parts well enough. Even my P3 laptop (12" was great for tossing around and taking to class) ran labview alright. Also, something to consider, we had CAD labs with high-performance desktops available if we ever did get into complex assemblies (also was a great meeting place for group projects).

 

Most hardware should be able to run those programs, it's just a matter of processing and rendering speeds. As things get more complex, the longer the processes will take to complete on less powerful machines...

 

I think the key here is that depending on your other needs (media, gaming portability, budget etc...) there is no reason to get a buisiness class laptop just for school.

 

what school

 

senor mortage - the reason i'm looking at a higher-end laptop is mainly to make it last longer....also, thinkpads are super-durable and the new ones will have amazing battery life.

pkim - i'm going to university of waterloo for nanotech engineering.

 

I'm just saying. I was in engineering at USC (top 10 undergrad US) and it wasn't necessary there. Obviously if the lenovo fits your needs, go for it.