Source
r/Surface•
Furyxus

As far as specs are concerned, which make the biggest difference for CAD/ modeling/ 3D design work?

Hey all, I'm looking to buy a SP4 or and SB. I will be using the device for programs related modeling/ drafting/ simulation (autoCAD, solid works, ANSYS) and I'm torn on which device to get; cost being a factor.

I like that the SB has a dGPU option, but I'm curious as to how much of a factor that will play in performance. Would I be better off with an SB i5 + dGPU or an SP4 i7? I really don't wanna blow $1900 for the SB i7 + dGPU.

Thanks for your time!

Posted Aug 8, 2016, 7:08 PM UTC

16
APM-Pixel•

I'm and Architect and use the SP4 i7 just fine. I'm using 3ds max, revit, sketchup, and AutoCAD with no issues :) anything super intensive is done on my desktop such as rendering but 90% of my workflow is done on my SP4. hope that helps :)

2
FuryxusOP•

Your input helps a lot; thank you!! I have a sturdy desktop at home, so I can do some higher end tasks there. I essentially wanna get the bare minimum portable device I can that will still run some of those programs without much issue. Good to know that the i7 SP4 handles autoCAD well. Thanks again for your time!

1
sirAAVBB•

Architect here. I use an i5 8gb model with design software such as AutoCAD, Sketchup, Revit, Clip Paint Studio and Mishief. So far, I haven't encounter any kind of problem. Honestly, I love the Surface with the exceptions of firmware problems like the recent high-CPU usage without apparent reason.

2
FuryxusOP•

Thank you for your response!! Yea, I've read about some of those firmware issues. It just seems like something we'll have to deal with for the time being. Do you do much 3D rendering with autoCAD on your SP?

1
sirAAVBB•

I work a lot with 3d design and creation of houses, small buildings, stores, but honestly, the only thing for I haven't used the SP4 is for rendering since we use a heavy workstation to avoid problems. However, I used to render with a low spec laptop during school years, so probably my SP4 can do that aswell if it is a small or medium file.

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FuryxusOP•

Gotcha. Most, if not all, my files will be relatively small, so it sounds like I'll be alright with either. Thanks!!

1