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SURFCAM Tech Tip

Hardware Recommendations

Did you know that the latest Intel Core i-7 Processors are 150% - 250% faster than the older Pentium 4 Processors?

SURFCAM BenchMark Toolpath

We do not have a relationship with any Hardware Vendors and consider Hardware to be Hardware, it does not matter if you buy from DELL, Gateway, IBM, a Big Box Store, your local Computer store or even building your custom dream machine.  You can expect the same performance when using the same components - CPU, RAM, Graphics Card and OS.

CAMcad recommends DELL Computers, so we will list their options but you can use these same specs' when shopping for your next PC.

Which Processor should I choose?

Intel Core i7

The Intel Core i7 Processors have proven to be the fastest in our tests.
The Core i7 chips are superior due to:-

x64 Support
Multiple Cores
Turbo Mode
Integrated Memory Controller
Triple Channel Memory Support (DDR3)
Larger L2\L3 Cache
Hyper-Threading

Which Operating System should I choose?

Windows 7 x64

Windows 7 Professional x64

The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. A 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently

Which Video Graphics Card should I choose?

Nvidia Logo

Nvidia has their GeForce and Quadro series cards.  The hardware behind these two series is often the same but the Software Drivers are totally different.  The GeForce series cards are targeted towards DirectX Gaming market while the Quadro series cards are targeted towards the CAM\CAD market.  SURFCAM's Graphics utilize Microsoft DirectX 11 technology and will run both GeForce and Quadro series cards.

GeForce Card Comparison

2-Axis System Example
DirectX: 9 or greater (suggest DirectX 11, why buy a card that is outdated)
RAM: 512 MB
Suggest - GeForce GT440 or better

3,4,5-Axis Example
DirectX: 9 or greater (suggest DirectX 11, why buy a card that is outdated)
RAM: 1 GB
Suggest - GeForce GTX 470 or better

You also need to consider what other CAD\CAM software you may be using such as  SolidWorks as they recommend a Quadro series card. - SolidWorks Graphics Cards

Quadro Card Comparison

3,4,5-Axis & SolidWorks Example
DirectX: 9 or greater (suggest DirectX 11, why buy a card that is outdated)
RAM: 1 GB
Suggest - Quadro 2000 or better

Which Laptop should I choose?

Coming soon

 

Not sure which Processor to choose? Compare against our results.

SURFCAM BenchMark Toolpath

You can download our test file and compare your results against ours.

The SCPRT file already contains a Toolpath, use the "Regenerate with Original" and use the system clock, stopwatch or the processes tab in the task manager to calculate the processing time.

Question and Answers

Q: What is the difference between DELL's Home Line and Business line?

A: Businesses have different needs or capabilities than the Home user.

Q: Why is a Workstation more expensive than a Desktop and are they worth it?

A: Workstations, XPS and Alienware, Boxx units are better built with:-