160
submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by just_ducky_in_NH@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

I have an eight-year-old laptop that needs replacing and I’m paralyzed. What are the most reliable ones now? Do I need a desktop for CAD? Pros and cons of operating systems (and where do I find them?) Browsers ditto? Where do I find answers that aren’t just product marketing?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] testfactor@lemmy.world 48 points 10 months ago

Desktop vs laptop doesn't matter much for any given CAD software. Just make sure you hit the recommend specs of whatever software you're looking to use.

The bigger thing will be if whatever CAD software that is is Windows exclusive or not. I'd check that before deciding to go the Linux route (which most people on here are going to try to steer you towards.)

[-] just_ducky_in_NH@lemmy.world 10 points 10 months ago
[-] SpeakinTelnet@sh.itjust.works 22 points 10 months ago

I'll say as a cad professional, the linux space was abandoned by the largest companies a while ago. Unless you go browser based (onshape) your software will either be less mature (Freecad, solvespace) or straightup script based (openscad).

Or you will have to use a dedicated VM but IMHO it's not worth it when you can just dual-boot.

[-] GreenAppleTree@lemmy.world 12 points 10 months ago

Desktop vs laptop doesn't matter much for any given CAD software. Just make sure you hit the recommended specs.

There's truth in this, but also caveats. I work with a bunch of mechanical engineers. In the warmer months, while working on really complex drawings, they need to take frequent breaks.

It's because laptops are designed to be compact, by sacrificing airflow. So when they run anything heavy, the CPU would heat up and start throttling itself.

On a desktop, easily solved by slapping on a semi-decent cheap cooler. On laptops, well, you take frequent breaks.

[-] PrettyFlyForAFatGuy@lemmy.ml 9 points 10 months ago

you could get round this a bit by going for laptops that are designed to be used under load for extended periods of time... like gaming laptops.

Despite the good specs i wouldn't want to be doing much heavy computing on a thin and light

[-] Lemjukes@lemm.ee 3 points 10 months ago

Nah nah nah nah just make em all draw in the walk in.

[-] Fermion@mander.xyz 3 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

If the CAD package can leverage GPU computing, then an eGPU is a good compromise. That way you can have plenty of power and airflow at the desk for intensive tasks, but you don't need to lug all the hardware to the floor for interfacing with plc's or to meetings. Although systems with good eGPU support are often expensive enough that keeping a separate desktop workstation and a lightweight laptop is competitive.

High single core cpu clock speeds and lots of ram should be the first priority for cad. Solidworks, for example, does not handle running out of ram gracefully at all.

this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2024
160 points (95.5% liked)

Ask Lemmy

26875 readers
908 users here now

A Fediverse community for open-ended, thought provoking questions

Please don't post about US Politics. If you need to do this, try !politicaldiscussion@lemmy.world


Rules: (interactive)


1) Be nice and; have funDoxxing, trolling, sealioning, racism, and toxicity are not welcomed in AskLemmy. Remember what your mother said: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. In addition, the site-wide Lemmy.world terms of service also apply here. Please familiarize yourself with them


2) All posts must end with a '?'This is sort of like Jeopardy. Please phrase all post titles in the form of a proper question ending with ?


3) No spamPlease do not flood the community with nonsense. Actual suspected spammers will be banned on site. No astroturfing.


4) NSFW is okay, within reasonJust remember to tag posts with either a content warning or a [NSFW] tag. Overtly sexual posts are not allowed, please direct them to either !asklemmyafterdark@lemmy.world or !asklemmynsfw@lemmynsfw.com. NSFW comments should be restricted to posts tagged [NSFW].


5) This is not a support community.
It is not a place for 'how do I?', type questions. If you have any questions regarding the site itself or would like to report a community, please direct them to Lemmy.world Support or email info@lemmy.world. For other questions check our partnered communities list, or use the search function.


Reminder: The terms of service apply here too.

Partnered Communities:

Tech Support

No Stupid Questions

You Should Know

Reddit

Jokes

Ask Ouija


Logo design credit goes to: tubbadu


founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS