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Tip

New Laptop for Architecture

Mar 12, 2017 1:19PM PDT

Hello!
I’m looking for a new laptop to run Revit (principally), Autocad 2D/3D, Sketchup, V-Ray, Infraworks and Civil 3D. I’m looking at Dell Precision 15 5000 with the following specs, with one would you suggest? Thanks in advance! Appreciate any advice.

Option 1
Precision 15 5000 Series (5510)
Intel® Core™ i7-6820HQ (Quad Core 2.70GHz, 3.60GHz Turbo, 8MB 45W, w/Intel HD Graphics 530)
32GB, DDR4-2133MHz SDRAM, 2 DIMMS, Non-ECC
1TB 2.5 inch 5400 rpm SATA Hard Drive

Nvidia® Quadro® M1000M w/2GB GDDR5

Option 2
Precision 15 5000 Series (5510)
Intel® Core™ i7-6820HQ (Quad Core 2.70GHz, 3.60GHz Turbo, 8MB 45W, w/Intel HD Graphics 530)
16GB (2x8GB) 2133MHz DDR4 Non-ECC
256GB 2.5 inch SATA Class 20 Solid State Drive

Nvidia® Quadro® M1000M w/2GB GDDR5

Discussion is locked

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Option 1. Why?
Mar 12, 2017 1:23PM PDT

Because later at your choosing, you can clone the HDD to SSD and not deal with RAM selection headache,

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Option 1
Mar 12, 2017 7:01PM PDT

I have to agree but for different reasons. I can run AutoCad, Revit and SolidWorks which has an HDD 16GRAM and GTX 940M graphics card with no issues.

RAM is far more important than an SSD. an SSD is a bonus but not required. Depending on what kind of projects we are talkign about a 32GB may be more ideal

In fact, I made a post on my blog about it but its aimed for architecture students but its a helpful reference for professionals as well: