#upgrade hardware
Help! Help! Help!
I'm trading my 386-33 for a 486-33 for the purpose of increasing speed
in my work, and I want to know what extras I should buy in order to
optimize money and speed.
Here is what I have:
386-33Mhz, 8Meg RAM, 64k Cache, Intel 387, 120Meg IDE.
STB SVGA card (Tsang Labs ET-4000 with 1 Meg Ram)
Taxan 1000 20" color monitor (1024×768) mode
ACAD-11, GT-Express w/Flexicon, Windows 3.0,
WordPerfect windows, Excel Windows.
Here is what I am getting:
486-33Mhz, 8Meg RAM, 256kb Cache, 120Meg IDE.
This is a portable with built in (9in., 1024×768)
display and a second SVGA board (unknown type)
for simultaneous external display.
Here is what I do:
Electrical and Architectural Engineering Services.
I spend 50% of my time in ACAD and 50% in Windows.
I have $1,000.00 to spend on extras to the new configuration, and
perhaps more in the future in smaller increments. I 'm keeping the 20in.
monitor and have the option to keep or pass on the old STB SVGA card
(keeping the old one may mean a cost savings on the new computer, which
could free up more extras dollars).
Please advise me on how to spend the extra $1000.00 to reap the best
performance for my money.
Here are some specific questions.
1. Should I buy a Cyrix floating point processor for my 486 to speed
up ACAD, or is this a waste of money.
2. Should I keep my STB SVGA board or buy a new one? I heard nothing
beats Nth engine for AutoCAD, and nothing beats Panacea for everything in
general and ease of use, but is it worth buying something better than STB
(Tsang Labs ET4000 w/1Meg).
3. Should I keep my Artist Flexicon Display List Processor, or should
I upgrade to Nth engine or Panacea? (I don't normally use 3D or
autoshade.)
Remember, I want 1024×768 resolution ( but I only operate with 8 or
less colors typically), but I need speed, speed, speed. I tired od wait
foe ACAD to open files and regen, and I'm tired of Windows taking so long
to regen too.
I'm in a hurry, if you call me at (703) 349-6928, I'll immediately
call r