Integrated Graphics with Cad?

[RonnieS]

Hey guys, I am looking for a super portable ultrabook to use as a mild CAD machine. Something that has enough power but not going to cost me a ton. I already have a powerful CAD machine for my everyday use, just want a machine to use on the go. Will probably be used to mainly pull up individual parts or small assemblies (100-200 parts). A ton of ultrabooks have integrated graphics, whats your take on it? Will it work? What machine do you like best? Thanks.

[z_beeblebrox]

Originally Posted by Ronnie314

Hey guys, I am looking for a super portable ultrabook to use as a mild CAD machine. Something that has enough power but not going to cost me a ton. I already have a powerful CAD machine for my everyday use, just want a machine to use on the go. Will probably be used to mainly pull up individual parts or small assemblies (100-200 parts). A ton of ultrabooks have integrated graphics, whats your take on it? Will it work? What machine do you like best? Thanks.

SolidWorks works OK on my 13" MacBook Pro running Windows. It's a little slow when rendering or with very large models, but is fine for general use.

[Chris_Ely]

Will it work? Yes. Will it be optimal? No. (But you knew that).
I would recommend getting the most powerful processor and the most RAM as you can afford. Integrated graphics uses part of the system memory as the graphics memory. Also be sure that whatever you pick has good cooling as it could get hot.

[RonnieS]

Originally Posted by luckof13

Will it work? Yes. Will it be optimal? No. (But you knew that).
I would recommend getting the most powerful processor and the most RAM as you can afford. Integrated graphics uses part of the system memory as the graphics memory. Also be sure that whatever you pick has good cooling as it could get hot.

I know its not perfect but I need something that's more portable, its just going to really suck going from 4gb of GPU and 24gb of ram to this but I will mostly be doing 2D sketches anyway so I am not too worried, thanks guys! Any recommendations on which machine?

[Chris_Ely]

Originally Posted by Ronnie314

I know its not perfect but I need something that's more portable, its just going to really suck going from 4gb of GPU and 24gb of ram to this but I will mostly be doing 2D sketches anyway so I am not too worried, thanks guys! Any recommendations on which machine?

Unfortunately, I can't recommended any specific machines as I haven't used any Ultrabooks. However, I have noticed that CAD prefers a faster CPU with fewer threads over a slower CPU with more threads for editing (photo rendering is the opposite). Check out Intel's site for the specific details on their mobile processors. They give more info than the Ultrabook manufacturers generally give. Also check any reviews of the product to see if their is any problems with thermal throttling.

[Bryce Paputa]

Originally Posted by luckof13

However, I have noticed that CAD prefers a faster CPU with fewer threads over a slower CPU with more threads for editing

I've noticed this too with Inventor, especially with opening large STEP files.

[fb39ca4]

Another option is to use your workstation through remote desktop. The new protocol introduced with Windows 8 is quite usable over the internet.

[mman1506]

I occasionally use SW on a Lenovo Yoga 13" ultrabook (i5, 4gb). It works fine for small assemblies but with only 4gb of ram it has trouble opening large assemblies. Lenovo also offers a 8gb i7 model that would probably be better suited for your application.

Another ultrabook I'd take a look at is the Acer S7.