How-To Geek

Especially for CAD/CAM, where you are liable to move a lot of data around, I would highly recommend two (2) internal disks rather than 1 single big one. I see a large difference on my multi-disk system as compared to my single disk system when I do video editing (which is probably comparable to CAD/CAM in terms of amount of data). Alternatively you could go with an eSata port and an external eSata disk.

Since WHS mentioned that an external eSata disk, I wonder if that would speed things up a little for me. I have a HP A6600F desk top, Vista home premium, 64 bit, 3 gigs memory (room for 1 more gig) 320 hard drive. This set up is fairly fast, I don't play games or handle large files. I'd like to add the 4th gig of RAM, but I damaged my previous Dell PC attempting to do that, I'm afraid to open the case. The HP is 2 months old. The people at the HP forum said adding memory should not be a problem, but they are not sure I would get much benefit. What do you think about connecting an eSata disk? My C: drive is 70% free. Thanks in advance

whs, are you saying use a raid configuration? If so, what type would you suggest?

Also, do you have any suggestions for a video card? I'd like to stay around $250 for one.

I am not suggesting a Raid configuration. I personally don't think that buys you much. I prefer independent imaging that I do once per week (but you can do it as often as you like). On a USB attached disk, it can take 1 to 2 hours to write the image (depending on size - mine are 58GBs now) whilst it would be done in appr. 20 minutes with an eSata attached disk.
As far as video cards are concerned, I am really not an expert. My video card requirements are very modest since I do not do any gaming.
I think the Q9550 is a fine processor. Here is a comparison of processors. It's from a German Computer mag, but you'll be able to read the numbers. The i7's are a rip-off.
And here is a comparison of graphics cards from the same mag. Disregard the prices. They are higher in Germany than in the US and they are in Euros anyhow.

That looks better. I think you will be happier with the 2 disks. Too bad your program uses only 1 core, because for 3D graphic apps, the quad would be ideal. Maybe you can double check with the Autodesk people regarding the quad usage plans.

OK, Use the first disk for the OS partition (#1) - make that big enough to hold at least an additional 30GB of shadowstorage (you can set the size yourself), recovery partition (#2) and possibly a third partition for your data (#3) - seperating the user data from the OS has the advantage that you don't have to worry about data backups in case of a reinstall - highly recommended.
Use the second disk for Imaging (with Ghost, Acronis or whatever) - (#1). For that you need a good chunk 160 to 200GB). Then a data backup area (#2) where you backup your data from your data partition on disk1 and lastly a "Workarea" (#3) which I use to store temporary stuff and things I want to have out of the way. That second disk you can organize in 3 partitions (probably preferable) or just 1 partition with folders.

Note: If you need to know more about my point on the shadowstorage, come back and I explain. For starters you can watch this little video I made a few weeks ago.