Key Considerations When Buying an Engineering Computer
When evaluating engineering computers, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
- Performance: Engineering software like CAD, FEA, and CFD can be very demanding. You’ll need a fast processor, ample RAM, and a good graphics card to ensure smooth performance.
- Reliability: As an engineering computer, your machine will likely be pushed to its limits on a regular basis. Build quality and cooling are critical for system stability and longevity. Opt for business-grade over consumer-grade where possible.
- Mobility: Consider how mobile you need your engineering computer to be. For maximum portability, look at Engineering Laptops and mobile workstations. For maximum performance, a desktop tower is still the way to go.
- Budget: High-end engineering computers can get very expensive. Set a budget upfront and try to balance cost vs. performance based on your individual needs. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of any peripherals and software licenses as well.
Processor (CPU)
The processor is the heart of any engineering computer. For engineering work, aim for a quad-core CPU or better. Clock speed matters, but core count is often more important for multi-threaded applications.
Here are some of the top CPU options for engineering in mid 2019:
| CPU Model | Cores / Threads | Base Clock | Turbo Clock | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i5-9600K | 6 / 6 | 3.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz | $262 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | 8 / 16 | 3.7 GHz | 4.3 GHz | $294 |
| Intel Core i7-9700K | 8 / 8 | 3.6 GHz | 4.9 GHz | $374 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 3900X | 12 / 24 | 3.8 GHz | 4.6 GHz | $499 |
Both Intel and AMD offer excellent choices at various price points. AMD tends to offer better multi-threaded performance for the price, while Intel maintains a slight edge in single-core performance.
RAM
The amount of RAM in your engineering computer will have a big impact on performance, especially when working with large assemblies and complex simulations. The more RAM you have, the less your system has to rely on slow virtual memory.
For engineering work, aim for a minimum of 16 GB of RAM. 32 GB is ideal for most users, and large assemblies may require 64 GB or more. Make sure to check the maximum supported RAM for the CPU and motherboard.
In terms of memory type, DDR4 is the current standard as of 2019. Opt for DDR4-2666 or faster if your budget allows.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Many engineering applications rely heavily on the graphics card, especially for 3D work. A dedicated GPU is a must for things like CAD modeling, FEA simulations, and photorealistic rendering.
For entry-level 3D work, a mid-range gaming GPU like the Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti or AMD RX Vega 56 will do the trick. For more demanding engineering workflows, you’ll want to step up to a professional-grade GPU:
| GPU Model | VRAM | CUDA Cores | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNY NVIDIA Quadro P2200 | 5GB GDDR5X | 1280 | $450 |
| AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 | 8GB GDDR5 | 2304 Stream Processors | $649 |
| NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 | 8GB GDDR6 | 2304 | $900 |
| AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 | 8GB HBC | 3584 Stream Processors | $999 |
While professional GPUs are pricey, they offer certified drivers for popular engineering applications, better performance in certain workloads, and ECC memory for increased stability and reliability. Consumer cards can work but may be less stable.
Storage
Storage is an often overlooked component of an engineering computer. But the speed and size of your drives will impact everything from boot times to how many projects you can keep on the machine.
In general, it’s best to have at least two drives:
– A fast SSD (NVMe if possible) for your operating system, applications, and current projects
– A larger hard drive for long-term project archival and storage
Aim for a minimum 256 GB SSD as your primary drive. 512 GB to 1 TB is even better if you work with large projects or datasets. For the secondary drive, 1-4 TB is generally sufficient for archival.
In terms of hard drive type, a 7200 RPM HDD is acceptable. But if noise and speed are a concern, opt for a larger SSD or a 10,000 RPM HDD instead.
Display
A high-quality, high-resolution display is crucial for engineering work. It will reduce eye strain during long hours and allow you to spot small details in complex models and drawings.
For engineering laptops, look for a 15-inch or 17-inch display with at least a 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution. A 4K panel is great if you can afford it.
On the desktop side, aim for a 24-inch to 32-inch monitor, again with at least a 1920 x 1080 resolution. 4K is ideal for engineering work if your budget and graphics card can support it. For color-critical workflows, invest in a high-quality IPS panel with good color accuracy.
Other Considerations
Beyond the core components, there are a few other things to keep in mind when buying an engineering computer:
- Ports: Make sure the machine has all the ports you need for your existing peripherals, like external storage, a drawing tablet, a 3D mouse, etc. Thunderbolt 3 can be particularly useful.
- Keyboard and touchpad: If you opt for a laptop, make sure the keyboard and touchpad are comfortable to use for long periods. A number pad can also be very handy for CAD work.
- Cooling: Proper cooling is critical for system stability and performance, especially if you plan to overclock. Look for systems with large heatsinks and multiple fans.
- Warranty and support: Since engineering computers are a significant investment, make sure to get a machine with a good warranty and support program. On-site service is ideal if you can get it.
Sample Engineering Computer Builds
To give you an idea of what a good engineering computer might look like, here are a few sample builds at different price points. Keep in mind that these are just examples – feel free to customize based on your specific needs and budget.
Entry-Level Engineering Desktop ($1000)
| Component | Model |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200 |
| SSD | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| HDD | 2TB 7200 RPM HDD |
| PSU | 550W 80+ Gold |
Mid-Range Engineering Laptop ($2000)
| Component | Model |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| GPU | NVIDIA Quadro T1000 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4-2666 |
| SSD | 1TB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ 4K IPS |
High-End Engineering Desktop ($5000)
| Component | Model |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9-9900K |
| GPU | NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 |
| RAM | 64GB DDR4-3200 |
| SSD | 2TB NVMe SSD |
| HDD | 4TB 10000 RPM HDD |
| PSU | 850W 80+ Platinum |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best engineering computer for a student?
For engineering students, a good laptop is probably the best all-around choice since it allows you to take your work to class and study groups. Aim for something with at least a quad-core i5 or Ryzen 5, 16 GB of RAM, and a mid-range graphics card like the Nvidia GTX 1650.
Do I need a Xeon or Threadripper for engineering?
For most engineering workflows, a standard Core i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9 will be more than sufficient. Xeons and Threadrippers are really only necessary for extremely complex simulations and renderings that can take advantage of the extra cores. They also add significant cost.
Is a gaming laptop good for engineering?
A gaming laptop can work for engineering, but there are some trade-offs. Gaming laptops often have better specs for the price, but they also tend to have worse battery life, portability, and build quality compared to business-class models. The graphics drivers may also be less stable with certain engineering applications.
What specs do I need for machine learning and AI engineering workloads?
For machine learning and AI tasks, the most important components are the CPU, GPU, and RAM. Opt for a Core i9 or Ryzen 9 CPU, at least 32 GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GPU with tensor cores (RTX 2060 and up). A large and fast SSD is also critical since data transfer speeds can bottleneck training performance.
Should I get a Mac for engineering?
MacOS is not ideal for most engineering workflows since many engineering applications only run on Windows. However, if you’re doing software engineering, a Mac can work. Just make sure to get a model with a quad-core processor and 16 GB of RAM or more. You may also need to run Windows in a virtual machine for certain applications.
Conclusion
Buying the right computer is one of the most important things you can do as an engineer. It will impact your workflow for years to come, so it’s worth taking the time to thoroughly research your options.
When evaluating engineering computers, make sure to consider:
– The types of applications you’ll be running
– The size and complexity of your projects
– How mobile you need the computer to be
– Your budget for the machine
By carefully evaluating your needs and choosing components that meet them, you’ll end up with an engineering computer that will serve you well for years to come. Just don’t forget the importance of good peripherals, a comfortable workspace, and a robust backup system to keep your data safe.
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