Since high performance, high scalability workstations can cost a bit more than traditional desktops or laptops, people should do some comparison shopping first. An entry-level desktop workstation can be both price competitive and still offer many features of traditionally higher priced workstations. So what should you look for when you are comparing hardware features?

Topics: Dell Business Workstation, Workstations, Solid Edge, RAM, Hardware, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Video Cards, Operating System, Laptops, Dell Workstations, Windows, CAD

So far in this series, we've talked about why you want OpenCL, how it works, and how it will affect your CAD workflow. The question remains: what should you do about OpenCL right now?

Topics: Workstations, Graphics Card, Multi-Threading, Processors, GPU, Graphics Cards, CAD

The first post in this series discussed why you want OpenCL. The second post described how it works. This post discusses how OpenCL will affect your workflow.

Topics: Workstations, Graphics Card, Multi-Threading, Processors, GPU, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Video Cards, CAD

Topics: Workstations, Graphics Card, Multi-Threading, Processors, GPU, Graphics Cards, CAD

Most CAD users don't have any reason to be familiar with how graphics languages like OpenGL 4 and DirectX 11 actually work. All that 99% of us care about is that our CAD applications and video cards support the latest versions so we can benefit from high-performance 2D/3D rendering and visualization.

Topics: Workstations, Graphics Card, Multi-Threading, Processors, GPU, Graphics Cards, OpenCL, CAD

The first part of this series about upgrading CAD software and hardware talked about using the Information Technology Lifecycle to help define how computer software and hardware can support your company’s business goals. The first three steps help you define the needs and measure your current productivity levels. Next we’ll discuss how to recommend solutions.

Step 4

Topics: Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Video Cards, Laptops, Display, CAD

The first part of this series about upgrading CAD software and hardware talked about using the Information Technology Lifecycle to help define how computer software and hardware can support your company's business goals. These first three steps help you define the needs and measure your current productivity levels.

Step 1

Topics: Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Video Cards, Operating System, Laptops, Windows, Display, CAD

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the buzz that surrounds all the announcements of new CAD software, workstations, and other hardware that burst onto the scene this time of year. As a CAD user or manager, you might be eyeing these new products and considering the benefits of upgrading. However, as is often the case, your IT department has different ideas about how your computer system should work. Here are some tips from the perspective of a systems integrator about how to speak the language of the IT professional and improve your chances of getting the hardware and software updates you need.

Topics: Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Upgrade, Video Cards, Operating System, Laptops, Windows, Display, CAD

Topics: Workstations, Autodesk, RAM, Hardware, Graphics Card, Multi-Threading, Hard Drive, Processors, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, 3ds Max Design, Video Cards, Operating System, 64-Bit, CAD

So far in this series, we’ve discussed system requirements, commonly used terms, processors, RAM, hard drives and connectivity. This installment of Hardware for the CAD Professional will continue our discussion about graphics cards.

Installation and Configuration

Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, GPU, Graphics Cards, Video Cards, Display, CAD