Build Advice New build for architecture student

Helping my friend build a new computer for uni, and as it says he's doing architecture. Thinking about basing it on a i5 2500 but I'm not familiar with this kind of build. Not sure exactly what programs he'll be using but I know AutoCAD is one of them.

Budget: £600 - 800


Main uses of intended build: Architecture, ie AutoCAD etc


Parts required: Everything except monitor


Previous build information (list details of parts): Laptop, so nothing salvageable


Monitor resolution: 1920 x 1080


Storage requirements: Just 1TB hard drive should be fine


will you be overclocking: yes/no (delete as required) Probably not


Any motherboard requirements (no. of USB, Xfire/SLI, fan headers): n/a


TIA

 

I would suggest going for the enthusiast overclocker build fro the hardware building guide. Since he's doing CAD the CPU will be heavily taxed and overclocking it would speed up his renders.

 

When I specced out my laptop for school, I'm doing architecture as well. I went for processing power and RAM. So a CPU/board combo that is overclockable. Some good RAM, nice speed. A case that can easily be ventilated, since when rendering with Revit, or 3DS, your computer is going full tilt for a few hours. the current Quadros arent the lastest and greatest in architecture, so a 5XX Nvidia would get it along very nicely, but thats only if the program supports graphic card rendering to supplement the CPU.

Not sure on the pricing of things exactly, there or elsewhere for desktop components. So Im sorry for not recommending specific prices. If you really do desire a rendering graphics card, AMD Firepro is what Id go with currently.

 

Thanks guys, was thinking of using the overclocker build as a guide so I‘ll take it from there

 

Nothing to contribute, just that I'm an Architecture student Tell him he's lazy for not building it himself

 

Haha! No problem, he knows pretty much nothing about computer parts so I‘ve been tasked with building it :laugh: What programs do you use on the course?

 

He'll need to when Murphy's law goes into full effect right before the projects are due.

 

Definitely get the 2500k pair with a asus p8p67 pro, 8gb of 1.5v ddr3 plus a gelid cooler. Set the vcore to 1.3 and clock it upto 4.5ghz.

As for storage a £40 1tb hdd for media or possibly 2TB as they have been as low as £50. Then add either a vertex 3 60gb or a crucial m4 64gb ssd for windows and programs. Go to 120gb if your budget can stretch too it.

A decent 650w psu like and antec or corsair.

Graphics card wise you need to see if the software you use can utilise it or not. Probably recommend either a Gtx560Ti or a HD6950.

Case is more of a personal choice just make sure it has decent air cooling.

Ive probably missed something but its late and that the best excuse i can come up with.

 

Shhhiiiiitttt we are still using P4's with AutoCAD 2010 at work, it run pretty smooth if you don't have too many other things open


So I'd say stay within budget/don't go crazy unless you plan on rendering a lot

 

Oh but wait till the case is unveiled! He's spent 6 years refining the design for it!

 

If you dont need the card for gaming, drop down to a Nvidia 550. Autocad is more than enough for the card!

 

Put this together guys, what do you think?
http://www.scan.co.uk/savedbasket/b34e11c616d34fc49f9cbc86789d72ed

 

Looks decent to me, case looks to ventilate well, unlocked sandy bridge, fast ram in 4gb sticks, gigabyte motherboard. Seems good

 

Thanks Looking to buy it within the week, and then the fun of teaching him all about computers