#upgrade hardware
11 messages in this thread
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
Steven:
Well, first, my opinion is that for the $ you are fine with 128k of cache
instead of 256k… you won't see a proportionate increase in speed for the
$ you spend for that expensive memory… I would put that money, plus a
little bit more, into extra RAM if you work on large drawings.
I would buy a tape back-up system. You can get speed in a variety of ways
and not having to redo your work is one…<g>.
You might see if Jake Richter, from Panacea and here on this forum, has a
windows driver that will work on your setup… this should improve your
performance while in windows… maybe even enough for you to be able to
tolerate AutoCAD R11 Windows <g>.
You will find that if you are going to get into any type of Multi-media or
solid modeling stuff your hard disk is WAY too small, if you can believe
that!
Beyond that, I would say you are splitting hairs… graphics card
horsepower is one thing you can look at… but when you get fancy you can
get abandoned.
C#
Steven,
If you want to get good Windows and AutoCAD performance out of a SVGA, take
a look at Diamond's SpeedSTAR – it ships with our Panacea DLDs, and comes
with the "TurboWindows" driver for Windows (an OEM version of our popular
WinSpeed software). If the Windows stuff isn't that critical, or you want
other options, the following Super VGAs ship with Panacea display list
drivers:
Sigma Legend VGA
Focus VGA 4000
ATI VGA Wonder XL
Cardinal 7xx VGA
Of course, if you're happy with your GT Express w/Flexicon, you may just
want to stick with – if it works, don't fix it.
Jake
Jake,
I too like the SpeedSTAR card. Out of curiosity, what is your opinion of
their new Stealth VRAM card?
helps evaluate software for your company I can also put you directly in
contact with our major accounts person if you would like to personally
evaluate a copy of Generic CADD for use by your staff who are not using
AutoCAD.
If you would rather I leave you alone, and not pester you with this sort
of thing I appreciate that as well, you only need to say the word.
Thanks for your time in reading this unsolicited message, I look forward
to your reply.
C. Scott van der Linden
OnLine support coordinator
Autodesk Retail Products div.
Brian – Huh? Borland "or someone" dosn't make a LISP compiler. There are
many compilers available for Common LISP, most of them will cost you an arm
and a leg, because of the extensive work that goes into the development
environment that comes with the compiler (e.g., embedded interpreter and
debugger, and editor, and execution profiler).
I don't think he asked for a LISP compiler specifically, but in any event,
XLISP is free, and it can be invoked at the DOS prompt to execute a .LSP
program, making the fact that it is an INTERPRETER relatively unnoticable.
-TonyT.
Hiya Scott!
The Stealth board seems like a pretty nice product. It got PC Mag's
Editor's Choice in the current issue, a Best Buy award from PC World
(March), and the top pick in Computer Shopper…
Jake
Jake,
And to think that I just bought "If it ain't Broke, Break it!" this
weekend. Good reading!!
Thanks for the endorsement <g>
Tom
Seems rather Karmic, doesn't it? 🙂
Jake
Steven,
Call me biased, but I suggest that you keep your GT Express! In
fact, look for Release 3.0 next month. It will come packed with drivers
for SVGA, 8514, TIGA, and S3. It will also have a new release of AutoCLIC
that will include our GT Utilities, several ADS applications with a direct
interface to the graphics display.
If you have any questions, just call (800) 6-ARTIST or send e-mail!
Regards,
Tom
Actually, I have a question, Tom. When are you guys going to drop that
unprofitable hardware business and go full-time with the software? <g,d &r
rf>
Jake