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It’s that time of year again, rollout! This is Derek Wielkopolski, Technical Support Manager and Application Specialist here at Ideate. As we’re getting all the latest info on the new Autodesk 2014 products I’ve been re-working our hardware recommendations. It’s one of those things – as software changes so does the hardware that’s required to run them.
When it comes to running Autodesk products what hardware components are key? I look at processor, memory (RAM), video card, storage (hard drive), and operating system.
Let’s start off with OS, because we get a lot of calls on this in support; especially with the release of Windows 8 a couple months back. 2014 products are now supported on Windows 8. But heads up, there are some Autodesk products that are supported only on certain versions of Windows 8. For example Revit 2014 isn’t supported on Windows 8 32-bit, just 64-bit. Want to know more about 2014 products and Windows 8? Take a look at the post by David Haynes. Personally, I’m still recommending Windows 7 64-bit, unless you absolutely must have those tiles!
Processor – Remember the days when faster was better? Well that still applies but you also have to factor in multi-processor and multi-core capable machines. Generally speaking, an Intel i5/ i7 or Xeon multi-core processor will suffice. If you’re an AMD fan take a look at their Athlon series
Memory – Always a hot topic especially with some of the more memory hungry applications like Revit. I’m recommending nothing lower than 8GB on production machines, 16GB preferable. Now here’s the important part – make sure you have available slots to add more memory down the road. For example our application specialists’ machines have 16GB installed but with 2 extra slots expandable to 32GB. Memory is cheap these days, no need to skimp.
Video Card – In the last few years or so we’ve been seeing a lot more importance in selecting the right graphics card. First things first, you need a dedicated card; not an integrated card that utilizes CPU resources to power the GPU output. Next make sure you’re looking at a workstation grade video card as opposed to a “gaming” card. In our experience gaming cards can be more problematic. The card also needs to have a good amount of dedicated memory. What’s good? No less than 512MB on the card, 1-2GB is preferred. I strongly encourage our customers to take a look at the Autodesk Certified Hardware page. This is where you can check whether or not your card has been tested and certified and where to download the recommended driver.
Storage – I have to tell you, since switching to a Solid State Drive (SSD) I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a spindle drive. They’re more expensive and typically come in smaller sizes but they are blazingly fast. Computer boot times and application launch is almost “instant on.” But if you are looking into a spindle drive shoot for 7200 RPM drives or faster if possible. For network storage typical server grade hard drives will be faster and usually will have some type of RAID redundancy fail over in place.
Well, I hope that helps. Be sure to take a look at our 2014 Migration Recommendations document for even more information.
Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2014 releases for Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD and more: ideateinc.com/2014
Derek Wielkopolski
Ideate Technical Support Manager/Application Specialist
Derek holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University, Rhode Island. He is experienced working within the AEC industry from concept design through construction administration for both small and large scale projects. As Ideate’s Support Manager he ensures a timely and quality response to support requests and questions. Follow Derek on Twitter: @dwielk
Get it. Know it. Use it.
UPDATE: In Ideate’s blog post Windows 8 and Autodesk Products posted on 10.24.12, Ideate said that Autodesk products were not supported on Windows 8 operating system.
GOOD NEWS – Autodesk 2014 Products are Supported on Windows 8
Please note that if you are using 2014 products and 2013 products on the same machine, you may run into a .NET 4.5 issue. For 2013 products, make sure you have all the Autodesk software updates installed. For 2012 Revit products, please refer to the following hotfix:
Hotfix – Autodesk Revit 2012 – Ribbon Behavior Due to .Net 4.5 Installation
David Haynes, NCARB, PMP, LEED AP
Ideate Director of Consulting
David is a Registered Architect, Project Management Certified Professional, who previously had his own architectural practice and was President of a commercial design-build construction company for 15 years. A graduate of University of Arizona, he has worked as an Architect, contractor, developer and as a national construction manager for a national retailer. David currently provides business process analysis, virtualization and change management solutions for AEC clients across the United States involved in the design and building industry. Follow David on Twitter: @dhaynestech
Get it. Know it. Use it.
My colleague, David Haynes, Director of Consulting, blogged recently regarding Ideate’s position on implementing Windows 8 with Autodesk software. I’d like to update that information to include Autodesk’s own position on Windows 8, posted in November 2012.
Ideate Software, including Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer for Revit are not yet supported for use with Windows 8. We are currently working to test and approve our products for use with this platform. It is Ideate’s recommendation that you hold off on migrating to Windows 8 until Autodesk has officially approved Revit for use on this platform.
Ideate is committed to approving our own software in tandem with any Autodesk approval for Revit products. In the meantime, our technical support team will continue to assist customers who have issues with products that are not currently supported. If you do decide to run Autodesk software on the Windows 8 platform know that this is an unsupported operating system and technical support whether from Autodesk or Ideate may not be able to address all issues.
Note: The Ideate Solutions blog and Autodesk’s AutoCAD Services and Support page will be updated as new Windows 8 compatibility information becomes available.
Glynnis Patterson is a registered architect and the Director of Software Development at Ideate, Inc. In a previous life Glynnis spent many hours looking at blueprints with a scale, highlighters, and a scratch pad to develop detailed cost estimates.
Each time a new operating system arrives, customers ask us at Ideate about compatibility. As some of you know, Microsoft is releasing Microsoft Windows 8 on October 26, 2012.
The new operating system has many changes, a new user interface, and a lot of features that will be geared toward customers using tablets. Also, new computers purchased will be able to be pre-loaded with Windows 8.
QUESTION: Will my Autodesk products be able to run on Windows 8?
ANSWER: An unqualified kinda/sorta! Officially, as of October 22, 2012, Autodesk does not support Windows 8 Operating System. What does that mean?
- It does not mean that you cannot load, or run certain Autodesk products.
- It means that any technical support questions, whether to Autodesk or Ideate, could not be answered due to an unsupported operating system.
Ideate has done some testing on the consumer preview beta of Windows 8 and found that Revit 2013 would load (after SP2 was installed), however, Navisworks Manage 2013 would only load as far as the splash screen – so definitely user beware. Ideate’s recommendation, for now, is to hold off any production implementation of Windows 8 and Autodesk products.
Stay tuned to this blog and Twitter for further late-breaking news.
David Haynes, NCARB, PMP, LEED AP
Ideate Director of Consulting
David is a Registered Architect, Project Management Certified Professional, who previously had his own architectural practice and was President of a commercial design-build construction company for 15 years. A graduate of University of Arizona, he has worked as an Architect, contractor, developer and as a national construction manager for a national retailer. David currently provides business process analysis, virtualization and change management solutions for AEC clients across the United States involved in the design and building industry. Follow David on Twitter: @dhaynestech
Get it. Know it. Use it.
