Did you know that the latest Intel Core i-7 Processors are 150% - 250% faster than the older Pentium 4 Processors?

I consider Hardware to be Hardware, it does not matter if you buy from DELL, Gateway, IBM, a Big Box Store, your local Computer store or even build your custom dream machine.  You can expect the same performance when using the same components - CPU, RAM, Graphics Card and OS.

CAMcad recommends DELL Computers, so I will list their options but you can use these same specs' when shopping for your next PC.

You can download our test file and compare your results against ours.

The SCPRT file already contains a Toolpath, use the "Regenerate with Original" and use the system clock, stopwatch or the processes tab in the task manager to calculate the processing time.

DELL's Computer Lineup

DELL Home Options

• Inspiron Series
  • 530 Mini Tower with Intel CPUs
  • 531 Mini Tower with AMD CPUs
  • 530s Slim Tower with Intel CPUs (not recommended)
  • 531s Slim Tower with AMD CPUs (not recommended)
• XPS Series
  • 210 Slim Tower (not recommended)
  • 420 Tower
  • 720 Tower

DELL Small Business Options

• Vostro Series
  • 200 Mini Tower
  • 400 Mini Tower
  • 200 Slim Tower (Not recommended)
• Optiplex Series
  • 330 Mini Tower with Intel CPUs
  • 330 Desktop (similar to Slim Tower - not recommended)
  • 740 Mini Tower with AMD CPUs
  • 740 Desktop (similar to Slim Tower - not recommended)
  • 740 Small Form Factor (not recommended)
  • 755 Mini Tower
  • 755 Desktop (not recommended)
  • 755 Small Form Factor (not recommended)
  • 755 Ultra Small Form Factor (not recommended)
• Precision Series
  • M2300
  • M4300
  • M6300
  • T3400
  • T5400
  • T7400
  • 490
  • 690

Question and Answers

Q: What is the difference between DELL's Home Line and Business line?

A: Businesses have different needs or capabilities than the Home user.

• Home - these are geared towards the casual user or gamers so the Hardware, Options and Warranties offered often change monthly to reflect the latest in technology.
• Business - these are geared toward Production CAD\CAM software, Small or Medium Businesses that require a longer life cycle. 

Q: What is the difference between the Inspiron Series and Vostro Series? 

A: Not much, they share the same Intel G33 Chipset, so they are basically the same PC.  Other slight differences are:-

• Case color (Inspiron is Silver and Vostro is Black)
• Warranty Options
• Upgrades or components

Q: What is the difference between the Inspiron Series and XPS Series?

A: There is a big difference, the XPS Series is comparable to the Precision Workstation Series.  Other XPS Series difference are:-

• More Processor Options, Faster CPUs, More L2 Cache
• Supports up to 8GB RAM vs 4GB, depending upon OS
• Supports Larger Hard Drives or RAID
• More Powerful Power Supply
• Supports CAD series Graphics Cards

Q: What is the difference between the XPS Series and Precision Series? 

A: The XPS is geared towards the Gamer and the Precision is geared towards the CAD\CAM professional.  The Precision Series has increased recently and the differences

Q: Why am I not recommending the units with a Slim Tower, Small Form Factor or AMD Processors?

A: I have found the Slim Tower and Small Form Factor units to have these limitations

• AMD Processors are currently slower than Intel Processors.
• Weak Power Supply
• Inadequate Ventilation
• Uses Low Profile PCI and PCIe cards, limiting available cards or upgrade path.

Operating Systems

• Windows XP - Home or Professional
  • Still available on New PCs until June 2008.
  • More compatible with other CAD\CAM software.
  • Stable workhorse OS, has been through two service packs and waiting on third.
  • RAM is limited to 4 GB, due to 32 bit OS instruction set.
• Windows XP x64 Professional
  • Supports up to 8 GB RAM.
  • Requires compatible Processor.
  • Limited hardware drivers for peripherals.
• Windows Vista
  • Standard on new computers
  • Requires more RAM than XP.
  • Not recommend if running Legacy applications.
• Windows 7 (all versions)
  • No issues so far