(CAD Computer Specifications lists last updated June 2020)
This has recently become the single most frequently asked question in the CAD courses here at Holts Academy. Given how quickly computer specifications and prices change, it’s a hard answer to keep up to date. While I can’t possibly hope to keep track of who’s offering the best deal on computer hardware, at least I can try to demystify some of the important terms to watch out for in a way everyone can understand, and in the process give people a guide of what they should be looking for in a CAD-ready PC.
What CAD Computer Specifications Should I be Shopping For?
As of this article’s last update, based on the system recommendations of the most popular CAD programs currently used for jewellery, I present two lists, one for PC and one for Mac. Each list has three columns: the first is the minimum computer specifications to run CAD, the second is the ideal computer specifications to run CAD, and the third is top of the line high performance specifications to run CAD. You will see performance differences between these various levels, but cost is also an issue. I would almost never recommend buying a top of the line computer unless you’re doing very heavy work and/or have money to burn.
The Minimum PC System Requirements for CAD Software
Here are the three recommended specification sets for CAD PCs. These should run any jewellery CAD program out there.
PC | Minimum CAD PC requirements | Ideal CAD PC Requirements | Best CAD PC Requirements |
Processor | Intel I5 Processor or AMD Quad | Intel I7 Processor | Intel Xeon Processor |
Operating System | Windows 7, 8, or 10 64-bit OS | Windows 7, 8, or 10 64-bit OS | Windows 10 64-bit OS |
RAM Memory | 6GB RAM | 8+GB RAM | 16+GB RAM |
Graphics Card | Any nVidia or Radeon graphics card | nVidia GeForce graphics card (or check software’s developer’s website) |
AMD FirePro series, nVidia Quadro series or nVidia GeForce GTX series graphics card |
Hard Drive | SATA 1 HDD (7200 RPM) hard drive, at least 500GB-1+TB of space |
SATA 1 HDD (7200 RPM) hard drive, at least 500GB-1+TB of space |
SSD hard drive, at least 256+GB of space |
Monitor | 17″ Monitor (1280 x 1024 or better) | 17″ Hi-Def Monitor (1920 x 1200) | 17″ Hi-Def Monitor (1920 x 1200), or 19″-24″ Hi-Def Monitor if desktop |
And now for Mac.
Mac Specifications, and Using CAD on a Mac
At the present time, most CAD software is designed to run on PC. That’s not to say you can’t run CAD on a Mac, it’s just for the moment you’ll have to run either choose one of the few Mac specific CAD software packages, or run PC CAD software on a Mac using either a parallel partition or a PC emulator like Bootcamp.
As of this article’s last update, the following programs come in their own versions specifically designed for Mac. Clicking on each one will take you to the respective link which holds the ideal Mac specifications:
But as a general guideline, the specifications for running CAD on a Mac are as follows:
MAC | Minimum CAD Mac requirements | Ideal CAD Mac Book Pro Retina Requirements | Ideal CAD iMac Requirements |
Processor | Intel I5 Processor | Intel I7 Processor | Intel I5 Quadcore Processor |
OsX Version | OsX 10.9 (Maveriks) or better | OsX 10.10 Yosemite | OsX 10.10 Yosemite |
RAM Memory | 8GB RAM | 16+GB RAM | 16+GB RAM |
Graphics Card | Any nVidia GeForce or AMD FirePro graphics card | AMD Radeon R9 | AMD Radeon R9 |
Hard Drive | HDD hard drive, at least 500GB |
HDD or SSD hard drive, at least 500GB |
HDD or SSD hard drive, at least 500GB |
Monitor | 1920 x 1280 minimum | 2880 x 1800 | 5120 x 2880 |
Mouse | 3 button mouse with scroll | 3 button mouse with scroll | 3 button mouse with scroll |
What Do These Terms Mean?
Processor
Also called a microprocessor or “the chip” (after the old word microchip). It’s the “brains” of the computer, which does all the calculations and code-crunching which makes computer programs run. Two things determine it’s efficiency: speed (measured in megahertz MHz or gigahertz GHz), and number of parallel processes. Normally something in the name will indicate how many parallel processes the chip can handle, such as I5 indicates that it has a core processor and can handle 4 additional processes, or the Quad which has 4 parallel processes.
RAM
Stands for Random Access Memory. This is the short term memory of the machine, and controls how large a program or how many programs can be held in memory at once while the processor chugs away. RAM capacity plays a big part in the speed of the machine.
Note that there is a cap on how much RAM a process can use under 32-bit operating systems. This can cause a perfectly functional program to crash when working with too large of a file (such as one with hundreds of pave stones). To avoid this, it might be good to get a 64-bit operating system
Operating System (OS)
This is the most basic program of all, containing all the information and instructions the computer needs to be able to run. Technically, Mac and Windows are the two main species of Operating System. Generally, you want a relatively recent operating system if you want to avoid issues with the OS supporting your particular choice of CAD software.
32 Versus 64 Bit Operating Systems
As mentioned under the RAM section above, there was always going to be a limit to how large a program could be under old 32 bit operating systems. This was down to the largest numbers which could be stored in memory at a given time.
In order to fix this, they had to come up with 64 bit operating systems to raise the limit on these, and subsequently raise the limit on the size of the files which could be held in RAM at a given time. For this reason, I would nearly always recommend using a 64 bit operating system now for CAD, regardless of machine performance.
HDD
Stands for Hard Disk Drive. This is the long term memory of your PC and your storage for all your files. It also plays a part in determining the speed of the PC. If you run out of this, you won’t be able to save anything, and your machine will also slow down a bit as well.
In all honesty, you don’t need an enormous amount of this to run things in the short term. You could even get by with 250GB of hard disk space. But I generally recommend going bigger if you’re working on large files or planning on doing a lot of work on the machine.
Another option to help on space is to get two hard disks, one to handle your operating system and one dedicated only to storage. Go for it if you can afford it and the machine can handle it (some don’t have the space).
There is also a relatively new type of hard disk drive called Solid State Drives, or SSD. These are based on an entirely different technology than traditional hard drives, and benefit from significantly greater speeds. This explains why they cost so much more for less space than their more traditional cousins. Get one if you like and can afford it, but bear in mind you don’t want too little an amount of storage.
Graphics Card
Graphics cards are kind of like the optical centre of the brain. It’s the part which handles all the visual calculations for what we see on screen, especially if we’re working in 3D. You may not realise it, but it takes an awful lot of mathematics to make the 3D objects visually accurate on screen, especially if they’re moving.
As for the best CAD Computer Specifications for a graphics card: shopping for these is potentially the most confusing part of buying any PC. The problem is graphics card developers keep changing their rules for what the specifications on the cards actually mean. Indeed, the whole field of graphics card labelling can get so hard to understand, most of the review sites have stopped trusting the graphics card specs entirely and resorted to simply running benchmark tests on the new cards to compare their performance to older ones.
How do we navigate this? Well, fortunately we don’t have to worry about it too much for what we do. Every dedicated card put out by nVidia or Radeon is specifically designed for handling 3D for games, which means if you choose one of these, you’ll do just fine. If you’re looking for high performance though, each software manufacturer will have it’s own ideal recommendations as to what would be the best graphics cards to choose.
What Else Should I Watch Out For?
For one, if it’s a laptop, make sure you can actually lift the machine.
For another, you will need a 3-button mouse. There’s no escaping that with CAD. Trying to use CAD with a trackpad is a recipe for madness.
You can go with a refurbished PC if you want, but unless the original manufacturer goes out of its way to certify that it’s working well, there’s no telling what you’ll be getting.
Any Other Helpful Advice?
Gemvision did a nice video a while ago about how to buy a PC.
Bear in mind that, given the way technology moves, it’s unusual to own a computer of any sort longer than 5 years. That’s not to say that it doesn’t happen, but it means that these tools are like cars in that they have a life cycle to them. It means no computer will last forever, but that’s not a bad thing though, as the technology takes leaps and bounds as it improves over time. Even if your version of the software is designed for your current machine, the next version may require an updated set of CAD computer specifications.
But don’t let that worry you. Whatever CAD computer you buy (whether PC or Mac), you have to start somewhere, and whatever you buy is going to get plenty of use.
(This article is one of my series of Frequently Asked Questions posts. See the rest of the FAQ pages.)
Hi, Thanks for posting this valuable advise. I just wanted to add a little about LapTops…1) As you mentioned, the dedicated graphics card is all important but for nearly all Win laptops this has become a dicey proposition. Since nearly all of them use some sort of “dual graphics” with switching between motherboard Intel graphics and NVIDIA or Radeon graphics, this scheme is known to cause all sorts of compatibility problems. The NVIDIA Optimus scheme seems to work a little more reliably, but really, it’s hit and miss between laptop brands. 2) For this reason we really encourage the use of desktop machines. For those who insist, Apple MacBook Pro seems to have it more together. The best thing you can do is to see if the retailer will let you install your CAD program to see if it will work or get a performance return guarantee.
Regards,
Bob Claborne
3DESIGN USA
Hi Bob. Nice to meet you. I’ve been working with your colleagues in Lyon and London for a few years now. 🙂
Thanks for the excellent technical insights. I forgot to mention the general issues with dual graphics switching. Indeed, the first release of Matrix 7.0 would actually not work on the nVidia Optimus chipset at all. And I’ve previously had some serious display problems on my laptop with 3Design versions 6 and 7, which is a Dell XPS running a GeForce GT 550M.
Fortunately, in both cases, from what I can see both you guys and Gemvision have been working hard to resolve these issues. While I can’t say the errors won’t come back, I haven’t seen a major display problem yet with current versions of 3Design, Matrix, or Rhino on any of my Windows 7 PC lab, or any Windows 8 machines purchased by students to date. If you like, I can give you the specs of what I’ve been finding to be error free so far, but I won’t list it all here for reasons it might get a bit tedious for others.
I didn’t know laptop retailers would give performance return guarantees. If you can find one who does that, they would definitely be a keeper by sheer virtue of customer service alone.
Regards,
Jack
Switching continues to be an issue but most systems can be configured to give good service. I have discovered that most larger box and online retailers (Best Buy & Dell to name just two) in N. America will cooperate if you let them know what you’re doing in advance. Then again, for us, MacBook Pro is an easy recommend.
People also get the idea that you have to spend the big-bucks on graphics but $150 to $250 for a 1GB-2GB card usually does it nicely.
Cheers,
Bob
Thanks again for the recommendations. I figured that graphics card didn’t have to be expensive to be effective.
While you’re here, a couple of questions:
1.) What behaviour would you consider to be a giveaway that the graphics card cannot handle the software?
2.) Are there any indicators on graphics card descriptions which shoppers should be looking for when they buy a graphics card?
Regards,
Jack
Hi Jack,
1) Screen refresh will be slow, object rotation and movement will be slow and jerky, Strange behavior will be observed such as parts of the UI disappearing or parts of the object deleted will still appear to be there.
2) Stick with the known labels NVIDIA and Radeon. Since these technologies are licensed to others, stick to manufacturers you’ve heard of (ASUS, MSI, Diamond, etc.) The plethora of models can be bewildering so I usually sort it out by price… Pay no more than $250 and get at least 1GB on the card. After that, it’s all about Gaming not CAD.
and…
3) The present crop of MacBook Pro includes only 1 model with dedicated (NVIDIA) graphics. Apple is transitioning to Intel Iris Graphics. Preliminary indication is that it will run CAD and is far superior to Intel 4000 but will be significantly inferior to dedicated graphics in just about every way except power consumption.
Cheers,
Bob
Hi Bob,
I’m looking to Run Matrix Gold on a Mac book pro and I’d love any advice you have as far as graphics card, parallel programs, anything on getting started.
Thanks!
Natalie
Hi Natalie:
I’m not Bob, but I can answer your question.
Officially, MatrixGold is not supported on Mac. That being said, if you are able to install Windows 10 on a Mac (see the link above for more on how to do this), then you should be able to run MatrixGold.
Check the Mac specs above in this updated article for more on Mac requirements for running CAD. The specs given above are the same for any CAD program out there. I saw to that.
I hope that helps.
Regards,
Jack
Hello Jack.
My friend recently bought 3Design CAD and want from me help with workstation for him. The main issue is for sure the graphic card. SW requirements for 3Design mentions FirePro W5100 – profi GK locally priced for 390€ thats the option nr.1
Option nr.2 is no-profi GK GeForce GTX970 wich is similar price (gaming card indeed) but in case of brute power has far more performance for 380€.
What would you pick ? Is the Firepro mandatory or the GeForce can do the render trick at least at the same level ?
Thank You for respond. (sorry for my english)
Peter
Hi Peter.
Don’t worry. Your English is fine.
Nowadays, when most computer software developers mention a specific graphics card, it’s meant more as a suggestion than a requirement. It’s rare for a piece of software to strictly require a graphics card anymore for most types of 3D software. The few that do are normally extremely high power systems (like CATIA).
The reason why they still provide suggestions is because that’s the cards they found to give the best performance with the software.
I think you’d be fine with either graphics card. I’m running neither of the cards you mentioned, and 3Design works fine on all the machines in my PC lab.
The worst that can happen is that it won’t run as smoothly as it might have done on some configurations.
Regards,
Jack
Hi , so happy to have found this page
I work on matrix 6 ( rhino 4 sr9 and t-splines plug in ) .
I have an old Dell . Matrix is ok but tsplines very slow .
I can’t afford matrix 8 for now , i want to keep what i have and buy a new laptop . What operating system should i choose ? my Dell is a windows xp ( May God have his soul , haha )
Thank you
Hi Silva:
Interesting question. It’s not every day I get asked about older Matrix versions.
From what I’ve been able to check here: http://gemvision.com/global/support/matrix/system_requirements.php
I’ve found that you’ll need Windows XP or Windows 7.
You’ll also want a good nVidia or Radeon Graphics Card, and at least 4GB of RAM.
Besides that, I recommend a computer monitor at least 17″ so you don’t go blind staring at small text.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Jack
Hi Jack
Thank you so much for replying . Matrix 6 is great . I have upgraded Rhino4 to sr9 , so now i can run T splines .
I bought a laptop 6 gb ram ( can add more ), nvidia geforce 930 and i am sooooooooo happy with it .
Thank you
Best regards
Silva
I’m new to CAD. I’ve watched some tutorials, and seems to me more than one software is being used. What are the combinations that are most popular or absolutely necessary to do jewelry designs.
I have come across these names, what are the pros and cons? Rhino, RhinoGold, Matrix and 3Design(?), Brazil, Clayoo, Arion, Relief Studio, Orca, Flamengo nXT, did I miss any 🙂 .
I appreciate any help you can provide by email if you find it necessary or posting on this forum.
John
Hi John:
I’m happy to answer your questions. Indeed, I’ve already answered them both elsewhere in this same blog. Check the Frequently Asked Questions pages. FAQ 1 answers the differences and relative advantages of each of the software packages, and FAQ 4 answers which combinations of software work well together for specific tasks.
https://www.cadjewelleryskills.com/frequently-asked-questions-relating-to-jewellery-cadcam/
There are a couple of software choices you mentioned (Orca and Arion for two) which I haven’t heard of before, at least in the realms of jewellery product design. But I do know there are several smaller companies currently jockeying for position in the low cost software market as we speak. As and when I get time to test them all, I’ll introduce an article comparing them.
Regards,
Jack