What Is a Suitable CAD Workstation That an Architect Should Consider?

There is no doubt that there are some amazing computer-aided design (CAD) software solutions and toolkits available in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries today, including AutoCAD, Revit, and Symetri’s own solutions like Naviate.

Architects are now more than ever, able to present some impressively detailed models to succeed in winning businesses, advance their business, and set an excellent example.

When working with new prospects, there is often a key "proof of concept" stage that necessitates being able to effectively demonstrate the final results before any agreement is made with a new client, much alone before any construction is started.

This is especially true within the building design stage in architecture, as well as many similarly challenged design firms. A detailed model is a ‘must have’ for clients on almost every project of this nature, whether it be for obtaining planning permissions, meeting sustainability requirements, or simply showing the homeowner what will be a lovely and well-thought-out design on the project for which they are investing so heavily.

Therefore, it makes sense that the industry depends so heavily on companies like Symetri and Autodesk to create the software tools required to accomplish all of this and more.

But with all this powerful CAD software at our disposal, can we really use it on just any computer?

It's crucial to make sure your hardware matches the software requirements if you want to offer the results you really desire. At Symetri, we work hard to give our customers the greatest and most up-to-date hardware available, customised to all of the CAD programmes we support, as well as many others that make use of this technology. When showcasing 3D models in Revit, creating bespoke housing models in AutoCAD, or even creating client logos in other applications like Adobe Creative Suite, we want you to be at your very best.

In light of this, I've suggested one of our top sellers that is perfect for Architects and designers alike, in creating the greatest possible 3D models that render intricate textures and visuals to impress clients.

Are you an Architect or a designer seeking for a strong, portable, sturdy CAD workstation, with a lovely and high-quality finish that you can use to show clients your designs?

If this describes you, the HP ZBook Studio G9 16" Mobile Workstation might be the perfect fit for you.

HP ZBook Studio G9 16″ Mobile Workstation

Top specs:

• Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) 12900H / 2.5 GHz (5 GHz)
• 32 GB DDR4
• 1 TB SSD – NVMe
• NVIDIA RTX A3000 12 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
• 16" IPS 3840 x 2400 (WQUXGA) @ 120 Hz
• 6-cell - up to 9.5 hours

Why do we recommend this?

• Blindingly fast CPU performance, with options going right through the intel range to the latest i9 models that offer multiple cores for CPU-Rendering.
• Up to 32GB RAM which allows for a generous amount of multi-tasking without any of the performance lag.
• Multiple GPU options available to suite a budget or for best performance such as the latest nVidia RTX A3000 with more than enough GDDR memory to support an array of applications, as well as faster clock speeds for superior GPU-Rendering and precisely detailed textures.
• A beautiful display to complement the above with a configurable options for full HD WLED / OLED display options across a 15.6” or 16” display.
• 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD high speed storage as standard, with additional storage capacities also available.
• Impressive battery with on average up to 9.5hrs, with a fast-charging cable that can replenish the battery to 50% in as little as 30 minutes.
• HP Workstations use hardware that benefits from ISV approval (Independent Software Vendor) by Autodesk, giving you the peace of mind that this has been tested and approved at the highest level.
• All our CAD workstations are supplied with 3 years of on-site warranty, meaning that you can rest assured that unlikely issues should they occur will be resolved quickly by an engineer visit.

In addition to this, Symetri has produced a CAD workstation recommendation guide which offers more options based on your requirements: https://www.symetri.co.uk/campaigns/cad-workstation-recommendations-guide.

If you would like a personalised bespoke recommendation tailored to you, please contact SYMETRI by emailing us on info@symetri.co.uk or calling us on 0345 370 1444.