Design software punishes the wrong hardware. A workstation that looks powerful on paper can still leave your team waiting for models to open. These are the principles we use when specifying machines for architecture and engineering firms.
Processor: clock speed matters
Much of the everyday modelling work in Revit and Archicad relies heavily on a single processor core, so high clock speed often matters more than a large core count. Extra cores help with rendering and some analysis tasks. Match the processor to what your team actually spends the day doing.
Graphics: size it to visualisation
Modelling views need a capable, professionally supported graphics card, but real-time visualisation tools such as Enscape and Lumion are far more demanding and benefit from more graphics memory. Check each vendor’s current recommendations before buying.
Memory and storage
Large models and linked files use a lot of memory, and running short slows everything down. Fast NVMe storage speeds up opening, saving and local caching. Your file server and network also need to keep up, or a fast workstation will still wait on shared files.
Plan the lifecycle
- Standardise on a small number of configurations so support is simpler.
- Replace machines on a schedule rather than when they fail.
- Check software vendors’ system requirements each year, as they change with new releases.
Want a sized plan for your team? Call 04 282 0045 or read about IT for design and engineering firms.