2011 Macbook Pro 13" i5 able to run CAD software?

[DRGN89]

I want to know if a 13" i5 Macbook Pro will be sufficient enough to run architectural type of software? I don't really care about screen estate since I will have an external monitor at home and only need the laptop during school. I just want to know about the 13" and I know many of you would suggest the 15". Please leave me details. Thanks.

 

[TrollToddington]

I thought all the contemporary computers were sufficient to run CAD software. Of course, it is always recommended to get a laptop with a faster processor but you might also consider to spend your extra money on a SSD.

 

[DRGN89]

I thought all the contemporary computers were sufficient to run CAD software. Of course, it is always recommended to get a laptop with a faster processor but you might also consider to spend your extra money on a SSD.

I wouldn't mind installing an SSD further down the road. I already have an i5 coming through the mail so that's what I'm going to use. I'm just afraid it would really cripple my productivity or CAD software would not run sufficient enough. I guess I mainly need to know if the 13" will run CAD software decently minus screen estate.

 

[RedRaven571]

Try it; if it doesn't work for you, you have 14 days to return with no restocking fee.

 

[Kyzelios]

The 13-inch MacBook Pro should be able to handle running CAD software without any issues.

 

[eaf7s]

Definitely but if I were you I'd go 13" i7. The processor will still be relevant several years down the road.

 

[DRGN89]

awesome. thanks for the tip guys

 

[wesbar]

I'm running Inventor 2010 & Solidworks with no issues on my MBP 2011 2.2. Even Ansys 12 flies on this thing! Running non linear FEA on a Mac never felt so good!

 

[toxic]

I wouldn't want to, not on an integrated chip.

 

[tasslehawf]

I wouldn't want to, not on an integrated chip.

Maybe on Revit, but this is CAD we're talking about. i.e. 2D.

 

[toxic]

Maybe on Revit, but this is CAD we're talking about. i.e. 2D.

the CAD I do is in 3D.

I just noticed the OP is doing architecture, so I suppose it doesn't matter.

 

[DRGN89]

the CAD I do is in 3D.

I just noticed the OP is doing architecture, so I suppose it doesn't matter.

is architectural type of work mainly in 2D or something?

 

[eaf7s]

Oh I should mention that if you do much 3D rendering etc. you might want to consider a 15" model with a dedicated GPU.

 

[toxic]

is architectural type of work mainly in 2D or something?

from what I gather, yes, but you should ask around and confirm that.

 

[Merkyworks]

Maybe on Revit, but this is CAD we're talking about. i.e. 2D.

just an fyi but computer aided desgin(CAD), also known as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) can be in 2D or 3D.

as to the OP question the integrated chip will be able to run any 2D design software and will be able to run most 3D design softwares just fine. however when doing complex 3D models or large 3D part assemblies you will definitely see the short comings of the iGPU,also you will see it fall short if you want to do larger high resolution rendering of parts.

on a side note i have run AutoCAD on my mac and i did not like it at all, the UI was very different from my work PC that I use AutoCAD and SolidWorkds on. I love working in OSX but when it comes to CAD programs i much prefer a windows environmental.

also there is the issue of running any CAD program in the tiny 13" screen, I would recommend that you invest in a larger external monitor if you go with the 13" MBP.

 

[DRGN89]

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Maybe on Revit, but this is CAD we're talking about. i.e. 2D.

just an fyi but computer aided desgin(CAD), also known as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) can be in 2D or 3D.

as to the OP question the integrated chip will be able to run any 2D design software and will be able to run most 3D design softwares just fine. however when doing complex 3D models or large 3D part assemblies you will definitely see the short comings of the iGPU,also you will see it fall short if you want to do larger high resolution rendering of parts.

on a side note i have run AutoCAD on my mac and i did not like it at all, the UI was very different from my work PC that I use AutoCAD and SolidWorkds on. I love working in OSX but when it comes to CAD programs i much prefer a windows environmental.

also there is the issue of running any CAD program in the tiny 13" screen, I would recommend that you invest in a larger external monitor if you go with the 13" MBP.

I would definitely be using an external monitor and would probably be using autocad using bootcamp on windows.