For a PC expert. What is the optimum build to run Bambu Studio, Autodesk Meshmixer, 3D builder, etc? I’m looking to replace my HP Notebook and get what is best without spending $2,000.
What build aspects are most important?
Intel Core chip? Drive size? Memory? Video card?
It really comes down to how much time you want to spend waiting for rotating models in 3-space as you view them, etc. The system has to do lots of calculations as you rotate and translate models but most systems are able to reasonably do that - it’s just a question of how fast.
Graphics cards seem less important but CAD may use them for renders and such. Otherwise it’s mostly just a display device and not as important generally - but some apps do use the parallel processing of graphics cards so would be good to know if your lineup of software needs that and buy accordingly.
You don’t need the latest generation hardware but depending on finances I’d go for around 12th gen CPU (if Intel) and 32GB of pretty fast memory, NVMe drive. Maybe a lesser model 3000 series video card. You can go lower in specs but the trade is how snappy the programs will be. If your models are particularly complex, you’ll quickly see how the system can still bog down even on really fast hardware.
But this is just a stab in the dark. I’d check those softwares to see what they recommend and if they use GPU parallel processors. Hopefully others will have a say too. I tend to err on the side of faster hardware because I prefer snappy performance.
Anything in that price range will work fine. These are not particularly processor-intensive operations. A decent graphics chip is all that’s needed. And even crappy Intel graphics processing will be fast enough, though I’d go for NVidia graphics hardware given the option.
If it is advertised as being good for gaming, it’ll be good for CAD stuff, too.
Not sure if achievable for notebook, but i have desktop around 1300usd excluding monitors
and straggles a bit on more complex work, but works: 32GB RAM boosted, i7-11700KF boosted over 5Ghz, 1TB NVME PCIe4,Video GTX-1650 4G DDR6
The main issue on my system is with the Video card, but a bit more physical CPU cores would help too
Planning to upgrade the Video Card to GTX 4060 8Gb which is around 325usd here, but thinking if not bite the bullet and get better video card but gets to around 800usd
I think as a min GTX 1650 (probably a bit better) , 512GB NVME or 1T, 32GB RAM , and any I7/I9 CPU with at least 8 physical cores ( eg 16+ Logical) but more is better
Any of the laptops i have are no good including the latest from this year around 2300Usd mark zbook with good video card still entry level mobile work station, it works but very sluggish for a bit more comlex tasks , there are zbooks and other mobile workstations but also getting a bit expensive .
But Bambu studio is ok and most of the simple 3d rendering are working on the laptop with out too much haste
EDIT: One note as the others said the slicer works on pretty much every machine
until you get to a model with thousands of elements. But even then is ok . for Some thing like openSCAD need high frequency CPU cores does not matter and other open source as not very well optimized. for Solid works/ Fusion 360 or other more advanced software Good GPU and more cores . Best is to start using your HP with the software and measure as a minimum Performance analysis on the task manager - for memory and CPU and core utilization and GPU stats as well all now in the task manager for windows 11
I’ve been a system builder both professionally and as a passion. The one thing I learned over the last 40 years is that one should not get caught up in specs unless you have a specific app that is driving the need.
To answer your question, with respect to Bambu Studio, to be completely honest, you can get by with a 10 year old POS computer. There is nothing special and if you look at the source code, they don’t even utilize the GPU for anything so even a graphics card would be a waste of money.
Now if you’re going to be using advanced CAD like Fusion360 or SolidWorks, that will make a difference and spending more money on your GPU will be better than spending it on a faster CPU. Just don’t skip out on memory. Minimum Windows config for any performance is 16GB. I feel it’s a crime each time I see these “Cosco” specials with 8GB.
Having said that, if you aren’t already deep into a CAD system, consider getting a free OnShape account. It all runs in the cloud so all you need is a browser and an Internet connection.
If I misunderstood your question, please clarify. If you want a gaming rig, I can offer some thoughts on that but just know that there is a rapid point of diminishing returns when building a rig.
I run all that and more on a Mini-pc. It came with Windows 11 Pro preloaded. I bumped the memory up to 32Gb and added a second SSD. It mounts to the back of my display. It has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LAN. But you can read up on the specs if you’re interested.
What slows a PC down is all the useless junk and spyware Microsoft loads and runs without asking. When you do find a PC you like and get it running, spend a little time and clean the junk off or disable it. A few utilities from Nirsoft can help. Their utilities work so well, Microsoft bought the company. But from my experience, they haven’t messed with them yet. (It may have been a condition of sale.) At least get these:
- What’s in Startup
- Net Watcher
- Opened Files View
Recently did some slicing while travelling on my surface pro 7 (i5).
Didn’t have any issues, love starting a print job from 600km away from the printer.
Now if only I could automate build plate changes. At the moment the wife works well.