Question about CPU and Autocad

[alin13]

I'm currently looking at building a new PC and this the primary purpose is to build one to run programs like 3dsmax and autocad. I'm thinking about either getting a P4 630 or a Athlon64 3200+ and not sure about which CPU to go with. On the Autodesk website, they seem to recommend P4 more, but i'm hoping that someone who uses those programs can tell me about the performance of the 2 CPUs mentioned, and which one i should go with. Thanks a lot guys

Alan

[chris000001]

to be honest i wouldnt go with either, considering they will both be legacy parts by the end of july, with intel releaseing conroe and AMD discontinuing all single core parts, your best be would be to wait a little while, AMD is goin to be reducing the price on all dual core parts anywhere from 25-50%, so it would be a great time to get a dual core AM2 processor because they will support "reverse hyperthreading"

to see more on this go here
http://forum.pcstats.com/showthread.php?t=36907

[3DGuy]

Depends what you will mainly be using those programs for. they differ quite alot. Max has more visual effect parts than auto cad. If your just modeling either would be fine.

But any professional grade programs like those are multi threaded so if you plan doing dynamics and simulations in max dual core or multi cpu systems fair much better.

also rendering time is drastically reduced using multiple cpus. When do you need a sytem by? chris is right. if you wait and get a multi core X2 you will be loving those programs more.

[alin13]

I'm hoping to get the system before the end of July, because that's when the new semester starts for university here in Australia.
I understand that it's probably best to wait, but i don't think i will have the luxury to do so.

Just for comparison, i can get:
P4 3.0GHz for 250AUD (182.5USD)
P4 Dual Core 3.0GHz for 260AUD (190USD)
Athlon64 3200+ for 149AUD (109USD)
A64 3500+ for 175AUD (128USD)
A64 3700+ for 255AUD (186USD)

These are the ones i'm considering really, as AMD dual core is bit too expensive. What do you guys think? Given the price to performance ratio, which one would you recommend? As for how i'll be using the programs, i won't be using it for dynamics and simulations too much, mostly modelling as it's for interior design, not mechanical.
Thanks a lot guys,

Alan

[3DGuy]

if your doing simulations, it loathes me to say it as i dont like intel but the dual core would help there.but otherwise if its just modeling go for amd then you can also use it to game :) so 3700+ and over clock it