In upFront.eZine this week: how workstations are different from desktop computers

In upFront.eZine #742, we have have for your reading pleasure... 

1. How Workstations Differ from Desktop Computers
     - CPUs and GPUs
     - Expansion
     - Quality
     - Workstation Body Styles
  
2. Readers react even more on cloud-vs.-desktop rendering

3. Out of the Inbox, and the other regular columns.

You can read all about the business of CAD at http://www.upfrontezine.com/2012/upf-742.htm

 

Comments

[Tony]

I'm still quite skeptical about Intel's GMA graphics; my (admittedly old) laptop's Intel graphics totally suck at any kind of 3-D MCAD. How close are Intel's SPEC benchmark results to Quadro and FireGL cards?

I think that for the vast majority of designers Xeons are a waste of money. My desktop has a Xeon; if I'd spec'd it, I'd rather have spend the extra money on a SSD.

[Ralph Grabowski]

This is a good point you make: an solid state drive (SSD) is probably a better investment than a Xeon CPU. I am guessing SSD gets us faster overall speed at a lower cost.

[Milton Thrasher]

A laptop with an SSD and a large screen with
a fast graphics card seems to be the most practical
way for doing TurboCAD and AutoCAD.

I have set that up on a card table and send my
drawings to a wireless printer.

I offer laser cut frames for any boat that plans
exist for or that good photos exist for that make it
possible to reverse engineer the lines.

Are there any USB connectable products I should consider to improve my configuration for this type of work?

Milton Thrasher
Sarasota, FL 34238
941 966-9172