Recommendation / Suggestions
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I need to purchase a new laptop for SketchUp and Twilight Render and would like to get your recommendation / suggestions. I think that I should let you know that my work with these products will now be at more of a hobby level than doing any type of professional work (which might alter your recommendations/suggestions,
I have been using these tools for several years. My laptop was about 8 years of when it “died”. I have enjoyed the work I did and participation in the related forums. So, I look forward to your recommendations/suggestions.
Oops, should have mentioned that I an a Windows based guy.
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ntxdave, you might include what version of SU you’ll be running. I think graphic card requirements and such have changed with some of the newer versions compared to older ones.
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2020 Pro and before.
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There are a couple of basics that you need to work to, even at a hobby level.
SU uses a single core per instance, so a higher speed less cores can be better than more slower cores.
But more cores can be better for rendering, so there is a balancing act involved. Just don't be fooled by something With many many cores but a very slow speed.A dedicated Graphic card, generally Nvidia have the least problems, the more expensive Quadro range isn't worth the bother.
Ram, more Ram, and some Ram. Not meaning to go overboard but Ram does make a difference, look for at the very least 16gig
The trick then is to find the best combination of these within your budget and with any other features you want.
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I highly recommend https://www.eluktronics.com/ if your in the US or https://www.xmg.gg/en/ in the EU
Their prices based on the hardware they build machines with is usually 50% - 60% cheaper than the equivalent device from say Razer or Dell.
Their refurbished range are more than adequate for CAD work and rendering.
17in screen, 512gb SSD, Ryzen 9 5900 cpu and 3070 gpu for $1k
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I recently had to replace my lappie. I found a mid-level Gaming laptop offered the best bang for my buck.
The reasoning being that if it can run modern graphically intensive games it can certainly handle SU and rendering. And it does.
Cheers.
(Acer Nitro AN515-57).
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