--- title: "CADspeed: Optimize Your Hardware for CAD Applications | RAM (2)" description: RAM | Read the latest tips about optimizing hardware for CAD applications with experts from CADspeed. (2) --- [![Cadalyst](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Editorial%20-%20Misc/cadalyst_logo.gif?width=198&height=70&name=cadalyst_logo.gif "Cadalyst")](https://www.cadalyst.com) ![Cadalyst_logo-trans.png](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/hub/251891/file-25772071.png?width=270&name=file-25772071.png "Cadalyst_logo-trans.png") - [About Us](https://www.cadalyst.com) - [Contact Us](https://www.cadalyst.com) [![CADspeed -- Optimizing Hardware for CAD Software](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CADspeed_header_red.jpg?width=936&name=CADspeed_header_red.jpg "CADspeed -- Optimizing Hardware for CAD Software")](https://cadalyst-2.hs-sites.com/cadspeed) ## [How Much Should You Spend on a New CAD Workstation? Part 2: Mid-Range and High-End Systems](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/22/how-much-should-you-spend-on-a-new-cad-workstation-part-2-mid-range-and-high-end-systems) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Nov 22, 2011, 2:41:49 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2558646983-jpg/blog-files/price-ranges-for-cad-workstations.jpg)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/22/how-much-should-you-spend-on-a-new-cad-workstation-part-2-mid-range-and-high-end-systems) This series focuses on helping our readers understand what CAD workstations cost and how much they are going to have to spend to find a machine that meets their CAD production needs. [The first part focused on entry-level systems](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/how-much-should-you-spend-on-a-new-cad-workstation-part-1-entry-level-systems/). This post will discuss mid-range ($2,500 to $7,000) and high-end (more than $7,000) systems. ### Mid-Range and High-End [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/22/how-much-should-you-spend-on-a-new-cad-workstation-part-2-mid-range-and-high-end-systems) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Graphics Card](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-card), [Hard Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hard-drive), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Graphics Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-cards), [Video Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/video-cards), [Display](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/display), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [The Best Hardware Configuration for SolidWorks CAD Software](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/10/the-best-hardware-configuration-for-solidworks-cad-software) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Nov 10, 2011, 3:55:05 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2566393544-png/blog-files/solidworks.png)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/10/the-best-hardware-configuration-for-solidworks-cad-software) Optimizing hardware for SolidWorks is essential for getting the most out of this heavy-hitting CAD application, as [we've discussed on CAD*speed* previously](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/four-practical-approaches-to-improving-solidworks-performance/). So we were thrilled when the SolidWorks forum addressed this very issue recently on their [forums](https://forum.solidworks.com/community/administration/blog/2011/10/04/whats-important-for-a-solidworks-workstation). [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/10/the-best-hardware-configuration-for-solidworks-cad-software) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [SOLIDWORKS](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/solidworks), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Graphics Card](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-card), [Multi-Threading](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/multi-threading), [Hard Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hard-drive), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [SSD Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ssd-drive), [GPU](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/gpu), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Graphics Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-cards), [Backup System](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/backup-system), [Video Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/video-cards), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Installing Autodesk 2012 Software? Prep Your System First!](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/01/installing-autodesk-2012-software-prep-your-system-first) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Nov 1, 2011, 1:59:49 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/images/KBSolutionPrepareSystemforInstalltion_Image1Large.jpg)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/01/installing-autodesk-2012-software-prep-your-system-first) Autodesk has released it's juicy new [2012 software upgrades](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/select-the-right-system-configuration-for-autocad-2012/), and you finally have that software license in your hand. [Here's a few tips from the Autodesk folks on preparing your system before installing Autodesk software](http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=17955581&linkID=9242258&CMP=OTC-RSSSUP01). [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/11/01/installing-autodesk-2012-software-prep-your-system-first) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [Autodesk](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/autodesk), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Graphics Card](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-card), [Hard Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hard-drive), [AutoCAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/autocad), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [Operating Systems](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-systems), [GPU](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/gpu), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Graphics Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-cards), [Upgrade](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/upgrade), [Video Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/video-cards), [Operating System](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-system), [Windows](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/windows), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Hardware Considerations for Maximizing the Performance of Vectorworks 2012 Software](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/10/27/hardware-considerations-for-maximizing-the-performance-of-vectorworks-2012-software) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Oct 27, 2011, 1:10:21 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2558646503-jpg/blog-files/images.jpg)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/10/27/hardware-considerations-for-maximizing-the-performance-of-vectorworks-2012-software) In September we announced the release of the 2012 version of Vectorworks® software. The release contains more than 100 performance and usability improvements to help users save time and increase their productivity. If you’re thinking about trying one of the Vectorworks design series programs, or if you’re ready for an upgrade, you may have some questions about hardware selection. Here is a brief overview to get you started. [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/10/27/hardware-considerations-for-maximizing-the-performance-of-vectorworks-2012-software) Topics: [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Hard Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hard-drive), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [SSD Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ssd-drive), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Video Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/video-cards), [Vectorworks](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/vectorworks), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Speed Up Civil 3D with a 64-bit Operating System, Part 3: Selling to the Boss](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/08/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-3-selling-to-the-boss) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Sep 8, 2011, 1:07:10 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2558645323-png/blog-files/untitled.png)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/08/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-3-selling-to-the-boss) So far, we've covered the advantages of upgrading a 64-bit operating system for [Civil 3D and other CAD applications](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-1-the-benefits/) as well as the benefits in [non-CAD tasks](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-2-non-cad-tasks/)also. [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/08/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-3-selling-to-the-boss) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [Operating Systems](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-systems), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Upgrade](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/upgrade), [Operating System](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-system), [Windows](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/windows), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Speed Up Civil 3D with a 64-bit Operating System, Part 2: Non-CAD Tasks](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/07/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-2-non-cad-tasks) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Sep 6, 2011, 11:14:49 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2558645323-png/blog-files/untitled.png)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/07/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-2-non-cad-tasks) [We’ve been discussing Civil 3D and other CAD applications up to this point](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-1-the-benefits/). But the average CAD workstation has to do so much more than CAD. Well if you are running a 64-bit operating system you are going to see benefits in these non-CAD tasks also. [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/07/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-2-non-cad-tasks) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [Operating Systems](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-systems), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Upgrade](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/upgrade), [Operating System](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-system), [Windows](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/windows), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Speed Up Civil 3D with a 64-bit Operating System, Part 1: The Benefits](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/01/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-1-the-benefits) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Sep 1, 2011, 2:33:13 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2558645323-png/blog-files/untitled.png)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/01/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-1-the-benefits) I am going to make this THE shortest and easiest tech blog post you’ve ever read: Go install Windows 7 64-bit on your Civil 3D workstation. Now! [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/09/01/speed-up-civil-3d-with-a-64-bit-operating-system-part-1-the-benefits) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [Operating Systems](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-systems), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Upgrade](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/upgrade), [Operating System](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-system), [Windows](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/windows), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Cadalyst Systems Benchmark, Part 3: The Compare Option](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/30/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-3-the-compare-option) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Aug 30, 2011, 4:10:44 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2558645148-jpg/blog-files/fig_3-1_main-dialog_compare-option.jpg)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/30/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-3-the-compare-option) Previously, [we discussed the meaning behind the various index scores reported by the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-1-evaluate-and-compare-workstations-running-autocad/). Next, [we talked about operating the benchmark](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-2-download-install-and-operation/). In this, part 3 of our blog, we finish discussing the operation of the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark. [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/30/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-3-the-compare-option) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [Autodesk](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/autodesk), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Graphics Card](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-card), [Hard Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hard-drive), [AutoCAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/autocad), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [GPU](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/gpu), [Graphics Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-cards), [RAID](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/raid), [Benchmark](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/benchmark), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Cadalyst Systems Benchmark, Part 2: Download, Installation and Operation](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/25/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-2-download-install-and-operation) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Aug 25, 2011, 5:50:57 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/file-2566394564-jpg/blog-files/fig_2-1_main-dialog_record-current-system-configuration.jpg)](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/25/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-2-download-install-and-operation) [Previously, we discussed the meaning behind the various index scores reported by the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark](http://cadspeed.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-1-evaluate-and-compare-workstations-running-autocad/). Here, we will talk about operating the benchmark. For our discussion, we will use the latest version of the [Cadalyst Systems Benchmark, C2012 v5.4](http://cadalyst.com/benchmark-test), which was recently released. [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/25/cadalyst-systems-benchmark-part-2-download-install-and-operation) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [Autodesk](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/autodesk), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Graphics Card](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-card), [Hard Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hard-drive), [AutoCAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/autocad), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [GPU](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/gpu), [Graphics Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-cards), [RAID](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/raid), [Benchmark](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/benchmark), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) ## [Find the Optimal Hardware Configuration for ArchiCAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/23/find-the-optimal-hardware-configuration-for-archicad) Posted by [cadhardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/author/cadhardware) Aug 23, 2011, 4:52:40 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) One of the most common questions our tech staff gets from customers is “What is the best hardware config for ArchiCAD?” It’s easy to go overboard and buy the most expensive of everything, but many times less expensive components are almost just as good. The “optimal” configuration is almost as fast as the “best” configuration, with a more attractive price tag. [Read More](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/2011/08/23/find-the-optimal-hardware-configuration-for-archicad) Topics: [Workstations](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/workstations), [RAM](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram), [ArchiCAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/archicad), [Hardware](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hardware), [Displays](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/displays), [Graphics Card](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-card), [Multi-Threading](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/multi-threading), [Hard Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/hard-drive), [Processors](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/processors), [Operating Systems](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-systems), [SSD Drive](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ssd-drive), [GPU](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/gpu), [Memory](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/memory), [Graphics Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/graphics-cards), [Video Cards](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/video-cards), [Operating System](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/operating-system), [64-Bit](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/64-bit), [Display](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/display), [CAD](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/cad) [Previous](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram/page/1) [All posts](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/all) [Next](https://blog.cadalyst.com/cadspeed/topic/ram/page/3) # From the Editors of [![Cadalyst_logo_w_tagline](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cadalyst_logo_w_tagline.png?width=250&height=59&name=Cadalyst_logo_w_tagline.png "Cadalyst_logo_w_tagline")](https://www.cadalyst.com) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ![cadspeed_spacer.gif](https://blog.cadalyst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cadspeed_spacer.gif?width=278&name=cadspeed_spacer.gif "cadspeed_spacer.gif") Looking for something? 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