Picking the Perfect Workstation: A Buyers Guide for Maximum CAD/CAM Performance and Reliability

October 2011

Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel

Picking the Perfect Workstation: A Buyers Guide for Maximum CAD/CAM Performance and Reliability
Workstations are the engines that power design creativity and engineering precisionbut they arent always at the top of the IT agenda. IT managers need to understand that the hardware needs of the CAD/CAM team are different from those of other users who rely on desktop systems or laptop PCs. CAD/CAM managers and IT managers dont always agree on the type and frequency of workstation purchases, but often the hardware that meets end-user needs is the same solution that frees up IT to work on more strategic activities and focus on broader business goals. The cost of running modern CAD applications on inappropriate or outdated hardware costs industries billions of dollars each year. This buyers guide is designed to help decision-makers solve that problem. Use it to better understand what types of workstations provide end users with the power they need to work productively, while minimizing energy costs and the need for IT support.

Performance Considerations
For workstations to perform at their best, they need to provide ample computing power for the software theyre runningas well as the tasks that designers and engineers need to perform. Obviously, an engineer whos working with complex simulation tools needs a more powerful configuration than a designer working on a 2D blueprint. Always aim to buy a workstation for maximum productivity, not minimum requirements. If you only build a configuration to the minimum specifications, youll miss out on the full potential of your CAD/CAM software, and end users will likely miss deadlines, make more mistakes, and request more support from IT. Whats more, youll be more likely to have to purchase a new workstation sooner than expected, especially if the next version of your software raises the system requirements. Buying the least powerful workstation may seem like a good decision in the beginning, but the couple of hundred dollars you save on the purchase price will end up costing you much more in the long run. That being said, what are the components you should look for in specific workstation configurations?

1. CPU
As the brain of a workstation, the central processing unit (CPU) carries out the instructions of the CAD/CAM application your machines are running. CAD/CAM software is much more specialized than business applications like Microsoft Word, for example, so having a powerful CPU is important: Complex tasks and calculations require dual-core or quad-core processors at a minimum. (At the same time, six-core or eight-core processors are overkill for 2D.)

Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel | www.cadcamperformance.com

Picking the Perfect Workstation: A Buyers Guide for Maximum CAD/CAM Performance and Reliability
The Xeon family of Intel processors or the equivalent is recommended for all CAD/CAM use cases: Use Case CPU

Workstation TCO: Dont Sweat the Acquisition Price A workstations initial purchase price only represents 1020% of the total cost of ownership (TCO). Smart shoppers will buy new, energy-efficient machines with performance features and remote-management tools that minimize ongoing support and maintenance expenses.

2D design Intel Xeon E3-1245 3D Modeling; Part and simple assembly design Intensive modeling; Complex design in context and system assembly High-end modeling; Simultaneous use of multiple applications Simulation and rendering; Multiple motion simulations in complex assemblies Intel Xeon E3-1270 Intel Xeon W3690 Intel Xeon X5687 Dual Intel

Xeon X5687s

2. GPU
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized circuit that diverts memory so you can create and manipulate graphic images quickly and smoothly. As designers and engineers work with more complex 3D models, the need for a more powerful GPU increases. Discrete Quadro graphics cards from NVIDIA or the equivalent are recommended for all 3D CAD/CAM use cases, while Intel integrated graphics are suitable for 2D work. Use Case
2D design 3D Modeling; Part and simple assembly design Intensive modeling; Complex design in context and system assembly High-end modeling; Simultaneous use of multiple applications Simulation and rendering; Multiple motion simulations in complex assemblies

GPU
Integrated Intel HD Graphics P3000 NVIDIA Q2000 NVIDIA Q4000 NVIDIA Q5000 NVIDIA Q6000

3. RAM
The amount of RAM installed in a CAD/CAM workstation can dramatically impact performance. Without enough memory, a system starts caching data to its hard drive, which can lead to latency, system crashes, and other frustrations. The type of memory you install in a workstation is also important. Memory errors are the leading cause of system crashes, and have also been shown to make systems more vulnerable to security breaches. Workstations with Error Correction Code (ECC) memory provide a much more stable environment, resulting in fewer computer crashes and better data integrity. Several studies confirm that ECC memory reduces the likelihood of a system crash by 25 times.
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Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel | www.cadcamperformance.com

Picking the Perfect Workstation: A Buyers Guide for Maximum CAD/CAM Performance and Reliability
Use the chart below as a guide to determine memory amounts for specific CAD/CAM use cases:
Desktops or Workstations: A 2D Dilemma? Putting 2D users on a regular desktop is doing them a disservice. For as little as $650, an entrylevel workstation, certified to work with your preferred CAD/ CAM software, will give you and your 2D users a lot more bang for the buck. Follow these simple guidelines for a great ROI: Choose a workstation with an entry-level Xeon processor from Intel. This will give you much greater performance than an Intel Core processor Dont waste your money on a discrete graphics card. Integrated graphics are just fine for 2D use Make sure you get ECC memory to prevent system crashes and lockups Use a 64-bit OS to maximize memory use

Use Case
2D design 3D Modeling; Part and simple assembly design Intensive modeling; Complex design in context and system assembly High-end modeling; Simultaneous use of multiple applications Simulation and rendering; Multiple motion simulations in complex assemblies

RAM
4 GB ECC 6 GB ECC

12 GB ECC

16 GB ECC

16 GB ECC

4. OS
The operating system on your workstation has a big impact on memory. You can have all the RAM in the world installed in your system, but if you run a 32-bit OS youll only be able to access about 3 GB. Instead, go with 64-bit Windows 7. This will enable users to access more RAM more easily and with more stability, saving time and giving you other management and security benefits.

5. Hard Drive
CAD users need hardware with much faster hard-drive speeds and a larger cache than regular office PCs. CAD files may include hundreds, or even tens of thousands, of separate components. The hard drive is critical to reducing lag time. SATA drives of at least 250 GB are appropriate for all 2D and most light 3D use cases, while 500GB SATA drives are ideal for most other 3D applications. Move up to a 450 GB SAS drive for users running complex simulation tools. The most common of these server-class drives operate at 15K RPM and offer better reliability (about twice the mean-timebetween-failure spec) compared to popular SATA drives. The tradeoff is that they run louder and can be considerably more expensive, but in certain cases theyre worth it.

6. Monitors
Bigger is always better when it comes to monitors, as a larger work area improves speed and accuracy. For about $100 more than a 19-inch model, a 22-inch monitor offers 31% more work area. Using 24-inch monitors increases usable workspace by up to 57%. If at all possible, configure your CAD/CAM workstations with multiple monitors. Microsoft researchers have demonstrated that using a second monitor can improve productivity by about 10%and even up to 50% for specific tasks like cutting and pasting. Having CAD running on the primary displaywhile viewing specs, related drawings, and even email on a second displayeliminates the need to constantly switch among windows on a single monitor. You can also spread the CAD/CAM application across both monitors when working on very large drawings or complicated assemblies.
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Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel | www.cadcamperformance.com

Picking the Perfect Workstation: A Buyers Guide for Maximum CAD/CAM Performance and Reliability
Cost-Cutting Considerations
While better performance can lower costs and raise revenue through greater reliability and productivity, there are other considerations that have a more direct and measurable impact on your businesss bottom line.

Get More Value from Your Old Workstations You dont have to throw your old workstations away or pay to have them recycled. If you decide to keep your older machines, you can hand them down the design chain or even give them to office workers who could use a more powerful PC. This strategy helps employees perform at their best and gives you a better return on your hardware investment. If you prefer to discard or recycle your old workstations, ask your workstation vendor whether or not they have an Asset Recovery program. You might be surprised how much cash or credit you can get from your old machines.

7. Energy Efficiency
Todays workstations consume about half as much energy as machines built just a few years ago, so its important to look for models that are EPEAT Gold-rated and ENERGYSTAR 5.0-compliant. If you have several workstations in one room, youll also save on cooling costs. Green machines have other advantages, including reduced amounts of packaging and vendor-led recycling programs. These can add a great deal of value if youre buying tens, hundreds, or even thousands of workstations at a time.

8. Remote-Management Tools
One of the biggest costs of a workstation over its lifetime falls under the category of management and support. Many new workstations minimize these costs with remote-management tools, powered by Intel vPro Technology. Such tools enable remote security patch updates, system restorations, and troubleshooting, even if a workstation is turned off or cant boot. Desk-side visits are kept to a minimum, and IT staff is freed up to take on additional projects. According to a study conducted by TBR, remote-management technology reduced the time associated with management tasks from 50% to 80% over previous methods. Host-based configuration simplifies the provisioning process, and features like accelerated encryption offer even more peace of mind.

Conclusion
Buying new workstations can be an expensive undertaking, but the capabilities of powerful new machines can help you realize ROI more quickly. If you make smart purchasing decisions, you can minimize your total cost of ownership and satisfy the performance needs of your end users. Both of these goals contribute to a more efficient workplace and a stronger bottom line. For more resources and tools discussing how you can improve CAD/CAM performance, visit www.cadcamperformance.com.

Sponsored by Lenovo and Intel | www.cadcamperformance.com