[SOLVED] Mobile Workstation that can run an AutoCAD-based software ?

[BaconMan2021]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on this forum. I'm looking for a PC (fixed workstation) that can run an AutoCAD-based construction software. The manufacturer recommended the one below (see "Recommended Specs") but I cannot find this model in Canada.

Ideally, I'd like to purchase a mobile workstation as it is more convenient for my work. I've looked at the Dell 55XX and 75XX lines (15'') as well as the HP ZBook line but I'm confused between the different models. For example, is an older model with a Xeon CPU still better than a newer model with an i7 processor? And I'm having a hard time comparing all the different processors and specs.

It seems that the Xeon processors and recommended for heavy engineering work, so I would probably go with that but they are much more expensive on mobile workstations. Ideally, I'd like something fairly recent (last 3 years max), with at least 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM with 15'' screen (don't need 4K).

I found those 2 models on Kijiji but I'm not sure if they would work:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1579010988

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www.kijiji.ca

I've also been looking at the Dell Precision 5550 and 7550 models. My budget is around $2K.

What would you recommend?

Thanks a lot in advance,

Recommended Specs
Dell Precision T3640 Workstation
Six Core Intel Xeon W-1250P (4.1GHz/4.8GHz Turbo)

• 256GB PCIe NVMe Boot Drive
• 2 x 1TB SATA HDD in RAID 1 for Storage
• 16GB 2933MHz DDR4 RAM
• 2GB nVidia Quadro P400 3 Monitor Graphics Card
• 8x DVD+/-RW Drive
• 1Gbps Ethernet Port
• Tower Chassis with 460W Power Supply
• Slots: 2 PCI-e x16 Gen3, 1 PCI-e x16 (Wired x8) half-length Gen3
• Slots cont.: 1 PCIe x4 Gen 2, 1 PCIe x1 Gen 2, 1 PCI 32bit/33MHz
• Front Ports: 1 x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1 x USB Type-C, Headphone
• Rear Ports: 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, RS-232, RJ45 , PS/2
• Tower Chassis with 460W PSU (80Plus Gold) with SD card reader
• Dell Standard Wired USB Keyboard and Mouse
• Windows 10 Pro for Workstation OS License
• 3-Year Dell Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Warranty

 

[Eximo]

1x16GB memory is not ideal, you could add another 16GB stick after you get it though to enable dual channel mode.

Mobile Xeon and i7/i9 are essentially the same chips. Just a few extra features enabled on the Xeons, that you aren't likely to need. I don't believe any of the mobile Xeons support ECC, which is the main reason to use them over the consumer counterparts.

P400 and P1000 are actually relatively weak GPUs, the Quadro line is valued for its drivers and isn't artificially hampered like the gaming cards. However, there is certainly way more bang for the buck in the gaming cards if you aren't going to be using an Quadro specific features, you would want to look into this.

All that said.

Dell Precisions are fine, as long as you avoid the base models they are decent enough.

Any 10th gen or 11th gen Intel CPU is about as good as it gets. If you are unsure what generation a processor is, take it over to ark.intel.com to get a detailed spec sheet.

Dual channel memory is important. Pretty much any NVMe storage solution is going to be good enough, certainly not going to be the fastest drives on the market, but better than SATA ssds for the most part.

Everything else is screen size/resolution, and the I/O that you get. Larger laptops tend to have larger batteries and better cooling, so keep that in mind.

 

[BaconMan2021]

1x16GB memory is not ideal, you could add another 16GB stick after you get it though to enable dual channel mode.

Mobile Xeon and i7/i9 are essentially the same chips. Just a few extra features enabled on the Xeons, that you aren't likely to need. I don't believe any of the mobile Xeons support ECC, which is the main reason to use them over the consumer counterparts.

P400 and P1000 are actually relatively weak GPUs, the Quadro line is valued for its drivers and isn't artificially hampered like the gaming cards. However, there is certainly way more bang for the buck in the gaming cards if you aren't going to be using an Quadro specific features, you would want to look into this.

All that said.

Dell Precisions are fine, as long as you avoid the base models they are decent enough.

Any 10th gen or 11th gen Intel CPU is about as good as it gets. If you are unsure what generation a processor is, take it over to ark.intel.com to get a detailed spec sheet.

Dual channel memory is important. Pretty much any NVMe storage solution is going to be good enough, certainly not going to be the fastest drives on the market, but better than SATA ssds for the most part.

Everything else is screen size/resolution, and the I/O that you get. Larger laptops tend to have larger batteries and better cooling, so keep that in mind.

Hey Eximo!

Thanks A LOT for your response. Would you have any particular model within the 2K price range that you would recommend? Feel free to share some links. I'm based in Canada but don't mind buying off eBay if necessary.

Thanks a lot in advance,

 

[Eximo]

A bit overkill, but nice:

https://www.newegg.com/black-lenovo-20sqs02300/p/1TS-000E-0PXN1

Trade the i9 in for an i7 and a 4K screen.

https://www.newegg.com/black-lenovo-20sqs27w00/p/1TS-000E-0PXM9

Newegg, does have the best hardware filtering when you browse by components.

Dell is looking stingy at the moment, nothing in your price range with a discrete Quadro GPU.

Lots of your late model laptops will have Ampere based gaming cards rather than Turing Quadros. Even the RTX3050 has double the processing cores of a T2000, so it really depends on if you really need some feature of the quadro.

 

[BaconMan2021]

A bit overkill, but nice:

https://www.newegg.com/black-lenovo-20sqs02300/p/1TS-000E-0PXN1

Trade the i9 in for an i7 and a 4K screen.

https://www.newegg.com/black-lenovo-20sqs27w00/p/1TS-000E-0PXM9

Newegg, does have the best hardware filtering when you browse by components.

Dell is looking stingy at the moment, nothing in your price range with a discrete Quadro GPU.

Lots of your late model laptops will have Ampere based gaming cards rather than Turing Quadros. Even the RTX3050 has double the processing cores of a T2000, so it really depends on if you really need some feature of the quadro.

Thanks a lot! Would you recommend the Lenovo over the HP ZBook and Dell Precision lines?

For example, I found this Dell Precision on NewEgg:
https://www.newegg.ca/dell-precisio...ell_precision 5550-_-9SIAC87F8N7731-_-Product

As well as this ZBook:
https://www.newegg.ca/aluminum-silv...ook&cm_re=hp_zbook-_-1TS-000D-0BBP2-_-Product

And there is also this Lenovo P73 on Kijiji near where I live - not sure how it compares to the P17 you proposed:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-portables/l...50h-16-gb-ram-512-gb-ssd-nvme-1080/1502167606

Let me know. Thanks a lot in advance again!

 

[Eximo]

Dell Precision is okay, nice i7 and the T2000 GPU. A taller aspect ratio screen, that might come in handy if you move your menus to the top/bottom.

HP Zbook uses an older P520 GPU, and has an ultrabook processor (U Class), rather than the H class (High Power) CPU. It does not compare that favorably to a desktop 6 core.

P73 is a generation older on the CPU, same T2000 GPU though.

 

[BaconMan2021]

Dell Precision is okay, nice i7 and the T2000 GPU. A taller aspect ratio screen, that might come in handy if you move your menus to the top/bottom.

HP Zbook uses an older P520 GPU, and has an ultrabook processor (U Class), rather than the H class (High Power) CPU. It does not compare that favorably to a desktop 6 core.

P73 is a generation older on the CPU, same T2000 GPU though.

Great. Thanks A LOT for your help!!