<p>I'm a mechanical engineering student and I'm trying to decide what type of computer to purchase. I need to be able to run Matlab, Solidworks/Autodesk/Pro E, EES and similar software quickly. I rarely plays computer games. I was hoping to get a laptop but since performance is key...I've considered a desktop as well. Any suggestions? My price range is <=$1000..</p>
<p>I would check with your school to see what they recommend for specs. Your school will probably have a computer lab for the CAD work.</p>
<p>The programs you mention (CAD) need dedicated graphic cards to run well. To get them to run quickly (depends on your definition of quickly), you will need a high end work station graphics card. </p>
<p>A $1000 laptop might run a CAD program but it will not be quick. For a student, it might be okay. A $1000 desktop with carefully chosen components would give far better performance with speed that should be adequate for a student. A large part of the budget will be needed for the graphics card and memory.</p>
<p>The above is partly false; you don’t need a great video card for CAD work…lots and lots of RAM (memory) and good CPU like an i7 that has hyperthreading is much more important; an i7 plus the max amount of ram you’re mobo will support plus a 2 tb raid 0 consisting of two - 1 tb WD blacks @ enterprise level for faster read of writes of work is perfect. If you want faster boot times on applications and operating system you can even throw in an SSD and save ONLY executable files and operating system on it; throw everything else on your HDD raid array.</p>
<p>If you want help building a good desktop on a budget PM me. You should build you’re own desktop, you’'l get the best price/performance available and its a great learning experience for in the future.</p>
<p>I admitted I might be out of touch but I would still not recommend CAD on a laptop that does not have a discrete graphic card. I could not find the requirements for PROE on the PTC site but I found this on the journeyed site:</p>
<p>“The following specifications are the minimum requirements to successfully run this edition.
•Main Memory: 1024 MB or higher
•Available Disk Space: 2.0GB
•Swap Space: - 1 GB or higher
•CPU Speed: - 1 GHz (2.4GHz recommended)
•Graphics: OpenGL supported card* For supported graphics cards, click here
•Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, 6.0 SP1, or later
•Network: Microsoft TCP/IP, Ethernet network adapter
•Monitor: 1024 X 768 or higher resolution with 24-bit or higher color
•File Systems: NTFS
•Mouse: Microsoft approved 3 button mouse
•Distribution Media: Downloadable installation executable or DVD”</p>
<p>I agree with the specs from the post above but you will not find that on a laptop for $1000. I agree a desktop would give the OP a lot more options and power. I also recommend building your own system.</p>
<p>You don’t need a GREAT graphics card, but not at least having a discrete one will bootleg your computer, especially if you’re going to be running Matlab programs.</p>
<p>I agree a discrete won’t cut it, and I wasn’t trying at poster number 2 incase It sounded like I was,</p>
<p>honestly I don’t know why they have this section on this forum; if you need advice on computer/laptop go to a computer site like tomshardware they will tell you everything you need, so long as you give them your budget , and what you’ll be using/running on your computer</p>