SURFCAM Hardware Recommendations

Did you know that the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Processors are 50% - 132% faster than the older Pentium 4 Processors?

I 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 build 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 I will list their options but you can use these same specs' when shopping for your next PC.

SURFCAM Design or 2-Axis Level Systems
Models:   Inspiron 530   Vostro 400 Processors:   Core 2 Duo E4500 or better RAM:   1 GB minimum Graphics Cards:   Nvidia Chipset with 128 MB or greater Prices Start at: $678

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SURFCAM 3-Axis to 5-Axis Level Systems
Models:   Inspiron 530   Vostro 400   Optiplex 755   Precision T3400 Processors:   Core 2 Duo E6500 or better RAM:   2 GB minimum Graphics Cards:   Nvidia Quadro FX with 128 MB or greater Prices Start at: $ 1120

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SURFCAM and CAD Systems
Models:   Precision - ANY   Optiplex 755 Processors:   Core 2 Duo E6550 or better RAM:   3GB minimum Graphics Card:   Nvidia Quadro FX with 256 MB or greater Prices Start at: $ 1600

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.

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DELL's Computer Lineup

DELL Home Options

• Inspiron Series
  • 530 Mini Tower with Intel CPUs
  • 531 Mini Tower with AMD CPUs
  • 530s Slim Tower with Intel CPUs (not recommended)
  • 531s Slim Tower with AMD CPUs (not recommended)
• XPS Series
  • 210 Slim Tower (not recommended)
  • 420 Tower
  • 720 Tower

DELL Small Business Options

• Vostro Series
  • 200 Mini Tower
  • 400 Mini Tower
  • 200 Slim Tower (Not recommended)
• Optiplex Series
  • 330 Mini Tower with Intel CPUs
  • 330 Desktop (similar to Slim Tower - not recommended)
  • 740 Mini Tower with AMD CPUs
  • 740 Desktop (similar to Slim Tower - not recommended)
  • 740 Small Form Factor (not recommended)
  • 755 Mini Tower
  • 755 Desktop (not recommended)
  • 755 Small Form Factor (not recommended)
  • 755 Ultra Small Form Factor (not recommended)
• Precision Series
  • M2300
  • M4300
  • M6300
  • T3400
  • T5400
  • T7400
  • 490
  • 690

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.

• Home - these are geared towards the casual user or gamers so the Hardware, Options and Warranties offered often change monthly to reflect the latest in technology.
• Business - these are geared toward Production CAD\CAM software, Small or Medium Businesses that require a longer life cycle. 

Q: What is the difference between the Inspiron Series and Vostro Series? 

A: Not much, they share the same Intel G33 Chipset, so they are basically the same PC.  Other slight differences are:-

• Case color (Inspiron is Silver and Vostro is Black)
• Warranty Options
• Upgrades or components

Q: What is the difference between the Inspiron Series and XPS Series?

A: There is a big difference, the XPS Series is comparable to the Precision Workstation Series.  Other XPS Series difference are:-

• More Processor Options, Faster CPUs, More L2 Cache
• Supports up to 8GB RAM vs 4GB, depending upon OS
• Supports Larger Hard Drives or RAID
• More Powerful Power Supply
• Supports CAD series Graphics Cards

Q: What is the difference between the XPS Series and Precision Series? 

A: The XPS is geared towards the Gamer and the Precision is geared towards the CAD\CAM professional.  The Precision Series has increased recently and the differences

Q: Why am I not recommending the units with a Slim Tower, Small Form Factor or AMD Processors?

A: I have found the Slim Tower and Small Form Factor units to have these limitations

• AMD Processors are currently slower than Intel Processors.
• Weak Power Supply
• Inadequate Ventilation
• Uses Low Profile PCI and PCIe cards, limiting available cards or upgrade path.

Operating Systems

• XP - Home or Professional
  • Still available on New PCs until June 2008.
  • More compatible with other CAD\CAM software.
  • Stable workhorse OS, has been through two service packs and waiting on third.
  • RAM is limited to 4 GB, due to 32 bit OS instruction set.
• XP x64 Professional
  • Supports up to 8 GB RAM.
  • Requires compatible Processor.
  • Limited hardware drivers for peripherals.
• Vista
  • Standard on new computers
  • Requires more RAM than XP.
  • Not recommend if running Legacy applications.