Desktop Suggestions for Engineering 3D/CAD and a Bit of Fun - Budget $1700

Lbyjingobycrikey on 05/03/2023 - 23:36
Last edited 06/03/2023 - 10:25 by 1 other user

Hi all,

I am really out of the loop on desktops. Can I get some direction on what may be a good buy?

Needs:
* Part time study in civil engineering (Autodesk, Solidworks, Spacegass, Matlab). General MS Office. Lots of open programs.
* Young boys wanting to play PC Minecraft, Wobbly Life and Slime Rancher.
* Tinkering hobby dreaming: a PC capable of running a 3d printing, CNC milling and laser cutting.
* Quiet operation and well-cooled (I live in NQ, home office isn't a/c'd 24/7
* Wi-fi and ethernet capable, no dongles
* USB C ports

Lifespan:
* About 3yrs

Budget:
* $1700 ish

I have a NAS at home, so storage isn't a big issue. If I could throw in more M2 and/or HDD storage a later date that would be good. Dedicated graphics, lots of memory, reliable.

I was considering buying a Dell XPS tower, but thought better value might be found in gaming builds.

I've seen this recently here, would this do?

Monitor: ($550 ish budget)
I also work fullish time in project roles, commonly work from home using a work Dell workhorse laptop (USBC display capable). I'd like to upgrade my tres basic 28" AOC monitor to one that could switch between the desktop and work laptop, and act as a dock/ hub for both devices. The Dell U2722DE 27inch is one near my $550 budget, I would be open to other suggestions too. I will chain existing 28" to this.

Thanks!

• 

  Hybroid on 06/03/2023 - 00:11

  +3

  That linked desktop would do just fine. RTX 3070Ti will last you far far more than 3 years. A 32 GB RAM upgrade (either now or add 2x16 GB sticks in future) would be all you would need realistically.

  In terms of monitor, do yourself a huge favour and get a 32". You'll never go back. 27" is far too small for productivity and especially 3D modelling nowadays.

  • 

    byjingobycrikey on 06/03/2023 - 10:00

    Thanks for the insight. :)

    Budget is the key driver for the monitor, I reckon I can struggle on through until 32" gets refurb'd or the next Dell sale.

    • 

      Hybroid on 06/03/2023 - 10:04

      Strongly strongly suggest bite the bullet once and get a 32".

      You're going to be staring at it for thousands of hours.

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  Leho on 06/03/2023 - 01:15

  +1

  Are you down to build one? if so I can suggest a parts build

  • 

    byjingobycrikey on 06/03/2023 - 10:04

    I would consider it. Probably the CPU onto Mobo and PSU is what makes me hesitant. I've upgraded drives, RAM without issue. Most complex electronics I've done has been making an Arduino line following robot - my soldering leaves a lot to be desired.

    • 

      Leho on 08/03/2023 - 09:01

      Well you don't need to solder anything 😅, more like Lego it's pretty simple

      If you want a parts list pm, Il be happy to help