Workstation Configurator by Intel

CAD Manager's Toolbox: This online tool can help you determine what you need in your next workstation.

There's a lot of misinformation out there about how to optimally configure a workstation for a given CAD task load, that's for sure. To get a good idea of what type of hardware you should be specifying for future purchases, a quick trip to the Intel Workstation Configurator tool is a painless way to get started.

Intel's Workstation Configurator walks you through your needs to help you determine what your ideal workstation might be. To begin, specify your typical CAD tasks.

Next, specify the complexity of the models and parts you typically design.

Finally, specify your system based on recommended parameters.

Of course, this tool is Intel-specific, but it gives great advice on balancing cores, memory, storage, and graphics components to achieve a harmonized system. And no matter what brand of hardware you eventually purchase, the component specifications you can get from the Workstation Configurator tool will help you navigate other vendors' specifications as well.

You may be surprised by what an optimal workstation configuration looks like! If you are involved with specifying or purchasing CAD hardware, a few minutes on this site is well worth your time.