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New autocad/photoshop workstation vs upgrading existing

We currently have HP xw8400 workstations with Quad Core x5355 CPU's, Quadro FX 1500 and 3GB of DDR2. The owner wants to get new systems or possibly upgrade what they have. Does anyone have any input on upgrading the RAM to 16GB, the Xeon E5450 and getting Quadro NVS 420's vs getting new i7 series systems with PCI Express 2.0 quadro GPUs?

I've also heard they've been making GPUs that now handle most of the render processing rather than the CPUs. Anyone have recommendations?

Thanks in advance

richardcardin

Most important concerning the 3GB to 16GB is the OS. Must be 64bit OS before you can benefit from the memory. Your motherboard says it will take the Xeon cpu:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12522_na/12522_na.PDF

Can't say much about he video w/o doing more research. Others please post.

Thanks

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DracoDan

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Rob Knight

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Rob Knight

Hi,

I don't think you need to upgrade your current processors as they are Quad core anyway?

Regards,

RobMobility.

bbrunning

ASKER

It's looking like we will be going the upgrade route. I was looking at the Quadro FX 3800 but then came across the Quadro 2000, same amount of CUDA cores but 256Bit GDDR5 vs the Quadro fx 3800 128bit GDDR3. Seems almost like the fact that it's more energy efficient is what drove the price up.

Rob Knight

Hi,

Quadro 2000 looks a good card - looks like it's AutoCad and Adobe certified - PNY have certification for both applications:

http://www3.pny.com/MarketingPromotions/AutoCad.aspx

http://www3.pny.com/MarketingPromotions/BFP_CS5.aspx?Category_ID=445

Regards,.

RobMobility.

bbrunning

ASKER

Thanks everyone for their input. We're testing out the upgrade of 8GB of RAM and the Quadro 2000's with 64bit Win7 on one system for starters. We'll see the difference in render times and general usability and hopefully make a full decision after that.