What OS is best for CAD work?

Hey guys
I'm going to be an architecture student this fall. Can you tell me if Vista or XP would be better for 3D modeling and CAD apps (mainly microstation and sketchup, as those are my school's standard apps). I need to get a laptop before school starts, that's why I'm asking.
I'm pretty much set on a Dell Inspiron 1720 for architecture next year because you get alot of power for a smaller price. I looked at workstation PCs like the precisions but they are sooo expensive. I am on a budget.
Thanks

 

Why not just check the system requirements for the applications? If they are compatible with both then choose the OS that you prefer otherwise choose what you need... Very simple isn't it?

 

Windows.

(filler)

 

So the version of Windows will not affect performance?

I didn't think this was an unreasonable question. If CAD performs better on one OS as opposed to another on the same hardware, I thought it would be worth looking into. Obviously I'd look at the requirements, there's no need to be condescending.

 

Then you asked a horribly incomplete question... The answer you get depends on how you phrase the question...

In order for a proper comparison, as you stated, you'll need to give the hardware specs of the machine and then ask if one piece of hardware would perform better. Then you'd have to extend it to ask if there are any compatibility issues with either OS.

So, if you want a better answer you should rephrase your question and see if one comes.

 

The specs of the machine I am looking at:
core 2 duo T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/3MB cache)
256mb GeForce 8600GT
3gb ram@667mhz
5400rpm hdd

There wouldn't be any compatability problems with Vista because Vista ships on it. My question is: assuming the specs above, would vista or XP provide better cad/3d performance?

 

I'd look at the apps and visit some sites that provide vista vs. xp side by side... track down the apps and then decide. You could also hang out on the vendors website (forum) or email them to see if they recommend one or the other. Chat with users of the program... ask them....

You really need to do some research... I don't think your question can be answered without research.... but I'm not going to do it. lol... depends on the apps...

And that machine doing cad work? Good luck with that... it can work, I'd look for better options.... though it depending on what you are doing...

Overall, I'd say just go with vista... it is the new OS, any future updates will be built around vista, etc, etc.... Vista is the future. Plus, vista is not that much slower than xp in the tests I've seen... in many cases it is faster.

 

Thanks for the reply
I'll look into it myself...however in what ways would you say that the specs I posted are weak for CAD? If you are suggesting something much more powerful, I am on a budget. If you have a machine in mind for around $1500 I'd love to get some ideas.

 

Xp. Vista gave me headaches in AutoCad 2007 ... and man did the incompatibilities and errors ever piss me off...

 

i run the 2008 versions of solidworks, autocad, artcam, and surfcam on xp and vista. my experience has been they run the same on both...not great, but adequate. as the programs are updated they're stressing the gpu's regardless of the os. the trick is to find the best video drivers for the app your going to use.

you didn't say what app you intend to use but the specs you posted should be okay. as others have recommended...do the research (especially on video drivers)

 

I never tried Autocad in Vista, but if I were you I'll look at the graphics, CPU and memory. I know AutoCAD very well, It is my source of income while in the University , Also, I can write codes inside but Intermediate level only.

3D rendering needs a lot of resources. Also, If you will use the amazing PDS
software.

anyway, I hope this helps.