Can this $500 laptop run Autocad 2008 well?

Question

HP dv6910us

Turion 64 X2 TL60

3GB memory

200GB HD

Nvidia Geforce Go 7150M graphics

I can get another comparable HP model with a better ATI Radeon HD 3200 for almost $100 more. Is this upgrade worth it? HD 3200 is DirectX 10 and scores higher on benchmarks, but I've heard that Autocad, even on 3D, doesn't strain most modern integrated graphics.

BTW, I'm starting college as a Mech or Electrical Eng. major, hence why I need Autocad.

Thanks!

Answer 1

System Requirements for AutoCAD 2008

The system requirements for 32-bit AutoCAD:

    * Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, 2.2 GHz Recommended

    * Microsoft® Windows Vista™, Windows® XP Home and Professional (SP2), Windows® 2000 (SP4)

    * 512 MB RAM

    * 750 MB free disk space for installation

    * 1024x768 VGA with True Color

    * Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 6.0 (SP1 or higher)

    * Available on CD (Worldwide) and DVD (select countries and languages)

Additional System Requirements for 64-bit AutoCAD

    * Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows Vista 64-bit

    * AMD64 or Intel EM64T processor

    * 1GB RAM, 2GB for Windows Vista 64-bit

    * 750 MB free disk space for installation

AutoCAD 64-bit cannot be installed on a 32-bit Windows Operating System.

The System requirements for Windows Vista or 3D modeling (32 and 64-bit AutoCAD)

    * Intel® 3.0 GHz or greater

    * 2 GB RAM or greater

    * 2 GB free hard disk available not including installation

    * 1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter (True Color) 128 MB or greater, OpenGL®, or Direct3D® capable workstation class graphics card.

    * For Windows Vista, a Direct3D capable workstation class graphics card with 128 MB or greater is required.  

Answer 2

I just wanted to let you know that it will run AutoCAD great. I'm an Applications Engineer for an Autodesk reseller which means I recommend computer systems on a regular basis for the software. The biggest problems companies have running AutoCAD are computers that are older and lack RAM and have very old (by computer standards) processors. The system you mentioned will NOT have a problem running AutoCAD.  The main thing I would look at is monitor size. I've not looked up this laptop, but I highly recommend at least a 17" screen on a laptop as anything else will simply feel to cramped. Even 17" will feel tight if you do a lot of work on it, but it will be quite functional and will likely be perfect for school.

Good luck in your studies!