2D drafting and 3D modelling · Autodesk
Workstations for AutoCAD
Drafting and detailing that asks little of the hardware beyond a fast core and a quick drive.
Task by task
What AutoCAD actually needs
Drafting and editing
Needs: One fast core
AutoCAD runs predominantly on a single thread.
3D and Civil 3D surfaces
Needs: Memory, then graphics
Large 3D models, point clouds and Civil 3D surfaces need more memory and a capable card.
The same advice applies to AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D and BricsCAD.
Hardware at a glance
What to buy for AutoCAD
Our picks
Machines we recommend for AutoCAD
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our take | More than pure 2D drafting needs, and the right size if you also do 3D, Civil 3D or occasional rendering. | Only worth it if the same desk also runs Revit, rendering or real-time visualisation. AutoCAD alone will not use it. |
| Processor | AMD 12 Core Processor | AMD 16 Core Processor |
| Graphics | Palit 16 GB Vram graphics card | Palit 32 GB Vram graphics card |
| Memory | 32GB High speed memory | 64GB High speed memory |
| Storage | 2TB total | 4TB total |
| Form | Tower, desk-side | Tower, desk-side |
| Actions |
Questions
AutoCAD hardware questions
Is AutoCAD single-threaded?
Largely, yes. Autodesk's own guidance favours clock speed over core count. A 12-core processor with a high boost clock is the sweet spot.
Do I need an expensive graphics card for AutoCAD?
No. 2D drafting barely uses it. A card becomes important only for heavy 3D, point clouds or visualisation software on the same machine.
How much RAM for Civil 3D?
32GB is a sensible floor for Civil 3D, since corridors, surfaces and data shortcuts grow quickly. 16GB is fine for 2D-only AutoCAD.
Why buy from us
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