CAD-CAM software provides manufacturing businesses with major productivity advantages. This is exactly why Machine shops around the world are entering 2022 and reviewing the performance capabilities they have for supporting the technology they use to stay on top. Whether you are new to CAD-CAM technology for CNC or an experienced CAD-CAM user you know that the computer system you are running your CAD-CAM on will have a big impact on the software’s performance and your productivity.
Often times we have users ask us, “will the software run on my computer?” , or “ I am getting a new computer, what do you recommend?”. Let’s face it, not everyone is a computer expert, so here is some insight on this so that you can achieve success in 2022.
Here are 6 key components of your computer system and what effect they have on your CAD-CAM software’s performance.
1. Operating System
BobCAD is a windows based application and requires your computer to have Windows 8 or greater to run properly. A 64 bit version of windows is required to run the current versions of BobCAD CAM.
2. Processors
This is your computer’s “engine” that affects the speed of loading and computing toolpaths. Multi-core processors offered by Intel or AMD with a minimum speed of at least 2 GHz will get you started. For faster computing times and overall performance consider faster multi-core processors.
3. Memory
For many computers systems adding RAM is an easy way to boost performance. Remember when processing, if your system runs out of RAM it starts writing to the hard drive which really slows things down. We recommend running as much RAM as will fit into your computer. Adding RAM is easy and affordable. We recommend between 8 GB – 16 GB, in this case, more is better!
4. Video Card
As a CAD Design package, your video card is very important! For most users, if there is a problem with performance it starts here. It’s best to have a dedicated graphics card, one that has its own memory. We don’t recommend “on board” graphics. Having a dedicated graphics card that is linked to BobCAD improves performance. An after-market graphics card with 1GB would be the minimum requirement, we recommend 2GB or higher if it fits your budget. There are many brands of graphics cards to choose from, in our experience, ATI or Nvidia have performed well with our CAD-CAM products.
5. Monitor
The size of your monitor isn’t as important as the resolution is. You need an optimum screen resolution of at least 1280 X768 in order to display all the windows and toolbars properly. We recommend a higher resolution for the best viewing experience and software usability.
6. Mouse
We recommend a 3 Button Microsoft compatible mouse. BobCAD uses both left and right clicks for selection and completing tasks. When it comes to zooming and panning the center mouse wheel is very helpful. For the best viewing experience we recommend and support 3D mice from 3DConnexion.
Now that you have a better understanding of each key component of your computer system and how it will affect performance, you should be able to tell if your computer system will run well or needs some upgrading.
Use this link to for BobCAD CAM software system requirements: Click HERE
If you have any questions about system requirements contact your BobCAD-CAM account manager for more information at 877-262-2231.
I do not yet own a unit and would like to familiarize myself with the entire hardware which has to fit into my 9-chair office. I would prefer if it is possible to use a laptop with the specifications listed.
Very clear and steady points.Congratuletions