Architecture today has developed significantly in technology with increasing needs in computer performance. Following this, it is necessary to consider computers that meet the performance needs of the industry. This article focuses on key strategies for choosing a suitable laptop or workstation for architecture design and visualization, by addressing concerns for operating systems compatible withe th desired software, processing power, RAM memory, storage device, and screen size the in order of priority, as follows (Reinholdt, 2017):
#1 Operating System (OS): Although the Macintosh (Mac) is gradually increasing its library of architecture software in development (Keskeys, 2017), the Windows operating system undoubtedly, offers more exclusive architecture software, with Google Sketchup joining the list of Windows-only products this year (Reinholdt, 2017). This, however, is only but one reason the windows OS is preferred. Considering the option of customization, users are able to upgrade literally every component on desktops with some freedom to upgrade RAMs and storage devices on laptops; a common feature with computers that operate on windows, with none of these features available on the mac (Taylor, n.d.).
In defense, the mac is also known to be more stable in performance, however, the ability to customize computer parts provides you with improved performance and stability over time.
#2 Processing Power: Due to the high-tasking software required in the industry, one critical feature to be considered in computer specification is processor speed. Ideally, an Intel Core I7 or an AMD equivalent with at least 2.1GHz processing speed is required or higher (North Carolina State College of Design Information Technology, 2017).
Generally, Intel processors are more desirable than AMD processors, as the Intel cores work with both CPU (central processing unit) and a dedicated (discrete) GPU (graphics processing unit), whereas the AMD combines these functions in one single entity, the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit). The AMD processors are more affordable with lower levels of heat produced and lower battery usage. However, the dedicated cards in Intel processors are designed with increased performance in heavy-duty tasks (Smith, 2018).
In addition, newer models of Intel processors are released more frequently than its competitors, hence making it more attractive to desktop PC users, as they constantly desire to upgrade in order to meet the performance demand of architecture software released yearly, this, however, is of no relevance to a laptop owner (Smith, 2018).
#3 RAM Memory: As popularly known, more RAM means more speed; working with a low RAM memory is similar to waiting on a line with only one service desk. The RAM memory is made up of two entities, the system RAM and the video RAM, each with distinct purposes.
Increasing system RAM memory alone does not necessarily increase the computer speed, as its purpose is to store temporary information that the system needs to access instantly (for instance, running several programs or files simultaneously), however, when this memory is full, the system begins to store this information in the hard drive, hence slowing the computer performance. (Nield, n.d.).
Unlike the system RAM, the video RAM (VRAM) is not easily upgradeable, as to do this, the entire graphics card would have to be replaced. The VRAM, however, acts as the intermediary between the processor and the display, hence, an increase in video RAM size improves the visual response of computer tasks (Rouse, 2017).
It is also advisable to confirm the minimum RAM memory required for the software intended for use, most likely 4GB of system RAM memory, alongside 512MB of video RAM memory, or higher (North Carolina State College of Design Information Technology, 2017). One last thing to consider is the system RAM modules that come with your computer, as some laptops have a maximum RAM capacity of 16-64GB, depending on the product; in addition, a laptop that comes with DDR4 RAM modules, cannot be upgraded with any other module (DDR, DDR2, DDR3), and vice versa.
# 4 Storage Device: Despite the importance of having a large amount of storage space, the speed and durability of storage devices are even more crucial. There are two types: solid-state drives (SSD) and hard-disk drives (HDD). The SSD contains fixed parts (flash memory chips) while the HDD contains movable parts. Unlike the SSD, the HDD works with a disk-spinning technology during data transfer, thereby increasing your risks of data loss due to technical failure coupled with a significant drop in speed. This obviously confirms the SSD to be faster in data transfer and more durable, with low chances of technical failure (Domingo, 2017). Although the SSD is ten times more expensive than the regular HDD, the difference in speed and durability pays off (Amazon, 2018).
#5 Screen Size: The interface of architecture software usually involves multiple displayed windows with a lot of information and details to consider. As a result, large-size screens, and sometimes multiple monitors are required. Ideally, screen sizes should have a vivid display of colours with at least 15 inches in diagonal length in other to navigate easily within drawings that require a lot of zooming and large sheet sizes (Reinholdt, 2017), display detailed-multiple windows in fullscreen, speed up copying and pasting between drawings and provide extra views for emails, reference drawings and video tutorials (Kovalenko, 2017). Small-sized monitors, however, do not permit side-by-side synchronization of changes made on design drafting software with its display on rendering software, and as a matter of fact, some architecture softwares require up to four windows in display at a time in other to work efficiently.
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