Thread: Powerful computer
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Unread 09-09-2011, 03:58 PM
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Re: Powerful computer
Are you looking for a laptop or a desktop? Is inventor the only program you'll be running on it or will you be using the C++ development environment on it as well (it makes a difference on the 32 vs 64-bit thing)?

In general, Inventor 2012 will run on Windows 7 home premium with either 32 or 64-bit processors. If you're planning on doing small models, then you'll need 2+ GBs RAM and a DirectX 9 or 10 enabled video card.

If you're doing large models, then they recommend 8+ GBs of RAM, a 64-bit processor, high resolution screen (I'd just go with 1920x1080 aka full HD) and a CAD class video card. This means one of the Nvidia Quadro or GeForce GT 525M or similar graphics chips. I believe that some of Autodesk's products understand Nvidia's CUDA GPU acceleration. That could give you 2-4X rendering acceleration which is nothing to sneeze at.

How much were you willing to spend on the platform? Do you have any biases against particular vendors? Some answers to these questions and I can point you to a particular machine that would fit your criteria as well as possible.
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