Minimum system recommendations

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Well they're finally considering a new PC for their only PCB designer and I'd like to gather the opinions of my fellow PowerPCB users. I know to get the fastest processor, most RAM, best video card, etc... that they'll go for but I'd like to present them with some hard numbers. If there's anyone willing to take a few moments to specify things like:

Which processor and why.
How much RAM and why.
Best video card for this application.

Motherboard, HD, removeable storage, etc...

Thanks in advance,
Ben

[randychase]

Great question!

How large/complex are the boards you do?

Is there any mechanical design software or other significant apps you use?

[Colorado-PC-Dude]

Randy,

The only other app I use to any significant degree is AutoCAD, and that only in support of PowerPCB. PowerPCB is the defining app for the new system. I'd also like to (try to) talk them into a dual monitor setup but that's probably a pipe dream.

The boards are not terribly large, but they are becoming more and more complex. We build security devices (audio/video, cameras, multiplexers, etc...) and the smaller and less obtrusive we can make the equipment the happier our customers are. That means sometimes we produce two or three (or four or five...) small interconnected boards (ugh!) instead of one larger board.

Thanks,
Ben

[randychase]

Interesting. I used to lay out all the boards for a security company, Robot Research which became part of Sensormatic. Quad multiplexers, switchers and sequencers.

Anyway....

Here is my recommendation. I would push for a dual monitor and give up some other things, as that will help you to be productive. I always believe in spending the most in your keyboard, mouse, and monitors. The human interface things. And get Windows 2000 or XP of course.

Min 1.4-1.7ghz CPU. Athlon or Intel is fine. You can go a little faster, but it won't be a huge improvement.

512mb RAM. Truly, 256megs is all you would need if funds are tight. If you did larger boards eventually or solid modeling, I would get 512megs or even more.

Onboard sound.

Matrox dual head Video card.
Dual 21" monitors. I like my Viewsonic G810 for a cheap but good monitor. I have 3 of them and they have been great.

A fast hard drive. I went with dual driven SCSI Cheetah setup for the ultimate, but at a min any 7400rpm IDE drive should be fine. Capacity at least 20gigs for local stuff, assuming you work on a network. If you are not on a network, a min 80gigs.

Make sure it has USB, Serial, and a Parallel port.

CD-R/W of course.
3.5" floppy.
Add in you need a larger portable media. I just write to CD myself.

Maybe others have more to add.

I like Dell computers also.

[True]

Hi all,
What is the best Laptop could run well with Cadence Allegro ? Thinking about 10 layers to 20 layers. Any input would help please. Thanks