I've been thinking about considering contemplating the option of maybe acquiring a new desktop computer. But the truth is, I don't keep up with the industry. I have no idea what's current or what I need or what I can afford.
Right now I have a five years old laptop that serves me well. But being a laptop with integrated graphics, some mildly intensive things like 3D rendering are a pain. The current version* of AutoCAD is also pretty sluggish despite it staying pretty much unchanged in the last decade. Basically what I want is something that can handle AutoCAD and 3D rendering (and some gaming if I ever have time for that).
*ACAD 2016, the oldest Autodesk gives me a student license for. I really liked how 2014 handled but it's no longer up for download.
I'd also really like it to be quiet. Are there quiet fans out there? The constant whine in my last desktops drove me mad. I know there are fanless computers out there but they're crazy expensive. Not going to shell out $3k for a fanless computer.
My current laptop's specs:
- Core i3 2.3GHz
- 8GB DDR3 RAM
- Intel HD Graphics 3000
So I ask the community: Is there a reliable source where I can catch up on current technology? A respectable publication perhaps? Do you have any advice for such endeavour? Is there anything I could easily miss and I should bear in mind before making a decision?
I strongly dislike W10 so whatever I buy is getting Linux'd.
That might not be an issue for Linux, it's been too long since I've used Ubuntu to recall how installation works on Linux systems.
Previous plan was a single monitor setup with either a 16gb ram and 960gtx 2 gb(the graphic card would get upgraded at a later time), or 8gb ram and 970gtx 4gb (where the ram would get upgraded 1st at a later time).
They stretched their budget a bit to get 16gb ram and a 970gtx 4gb for a dual monitor setup.
I think nowadays you should first take a look at the Ryzen cpus, they're the best bang for the buck (in most cases) according to reviews.
It's been about 16 years since i've last touched Autocad, so no comment on that, but as a casual user almost everything i used lately has been cpu intensive when it comes to 3d rendering. Off the top of my head, a couple of times i've seen Maya and Substance stress my gpu, but not much else.
Of course, Unreal 4 will give the gpu a run for your money. Pick your poison