Best Computer for AutoCAD 2017: Top Hardware Picks for Optimal Performance

AutoCAD 2017 is a powerful design software that demands serious computing power to run smoothly. Finding the right computer for AutoCAD means balancing performance with budget, as the software requires substantial processing capability, memory, and graphics power.

Whether you’re creating detailed 2D drawings or complex 3D models, having the right machine can dramatically improve your workflow.

When shopping for an AutoCAD-ready computer, focus on four key components: CPU speed, RAM capacity, graphics card capabilities, and storage type.

We’ve found that Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors provide excellent performance for most AutoCAD tasks. At least 16GB of RAM is essential, while a dedicated graphics card with 4GB+ VRAM will prevent frustrating lags during rendering.

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have revolutionized AutoCAD performance, reducing load times and file operations significantly compared to traditional hard drives.

After testing dozens of configurations, we believe the Dell Precision 5520 workstation offers the best balance of power and value for most AutoCAD 2017 users, with its powerful processor, ample RAM, and professional-grade graphics.

We’ve spent weeks evaluating various desktops and laptops to identify which machines handle AutoCAD 2017’s demands most effectively. Our testing included real-world drafting tasks, 3D modeling exercises, and rendering projects to measure performance under typical workloads.

Best Computers for AutoCAD 2017

We’ve tested dozens of computers to find the best options for running AutoCAD 2017 smoothly. Our picks balance processing power, graphics capabilities, and value to help you work efficiently on your CAD projects. These computers have enough RAM and storage to handle complex designs without frustrating slowdowns.

AutoCAD Electrical Book

The AutoCAD Electrical 2017 Black Book delivers solid information for beginners and professionals alike, though its dense formatting makes it somewhat challenging to navigate.

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage of electrical design tools
• Includes practical examples for real-world application
• Good reference guide for both beginners and experienced users

Cons

• Dense text makes some concepts harder to grasp
• Limited visual aids to support learning
• Some explanations could be more straightforward

We recently spent time with the AutoCAD Electrical 2017 Black Book, and it’s quite the hefty guide at 540 pages. The weight and size make it substantial enough to keep on your desk as a reference, but not too bulky to carry in a laptop bag when needed.

The book dives into AutoCAD Electrical pretty thoroughly. We found that it covers both basic operations and more complex electrical design concepts. The writing style is technical but still accessible if you have some background in CAD software or electrical design.

What stood out to us was how the book breaks down the specific tools for electrical schematics and panel layouts. The examples helped us understand how to apply these concepts to actual projects we were working on. There’s a good balance between theory and practical application.

The formatting could use some improvement, though. We noticed the text is quite dense in places, and more diagrams would have made certain concepts clearer. Some sections took us a couple of read-throughs to fully grasp.

For anyone working with electrical design in AutoCAD 2017, this book serves as a solid desk reference. We’ve found ourselves returning to specific chapters when facing challenges in our projects. It’s not the most exciting read, but it’s certainly useful when you need answers.

Revit Architecture Guide

This comprehensive tutorial book offers beginners an accessible path to learning Revit 2017 without requiring previous CAD experience.

Pros

• Step-by-step instructions perfect for beginners
• Over 700 pages of detailed content
• No previous CAD experience needed

Cons

• Some images are too small to see details
• Required download files for certain exercises
• Minor outdated elements for newer versions

We found this Revit 2017 guide incredibly helpful when starting our architectural design journey. The author breaks down complex concepts into manageable chunks that even complete beginners can follow. Unlike other technical books that throw jargon at you, this one takes a friendlier approach.

Working through the exercises, we appreciated how each chapter builds on previous skills. The book doesn’t assume you know anything about CAD or architectural design. We completed about half the book in just a week of casual evening study sessions.

The physical quality is good with its 720 pages weighing about 2 pounds. While using it with Revit 2018, we noticed some slight differences, but nothing that prevented us from following along. For anyone serious about learning architectural design, this resource provides real value.

We did encounter a few frustrations. Some of the example images are printed too small to see important details. Also, certain exercises require downloading files from the publisher’s website, which isn’t mentioned until you’re already working on the project.

Despite these small issues, we’ve already recommended this book to several colleagues who purchased it themselves. It’s one of the most accessible Revit tutorials we’ve used, allowing almost anyone with basic computer skills to start creating professional architectural models.

Dell Inspiron Gaming Laptop

The Dell Inspiron Gaming Laptop offers solid performance for AutoCAD 2017 with its powerful Core i7 processor and dedicated graphics card at a reasonable price point.

Pros

• Fast i7 quad-core processor handles complex AutoCAD projects smoothly
• Dual-drive setup combines speed (SSD) with storage capacity (1TB HDD)
• Anti-glare FHD display reduces eye strain during long drafting sessions

Cons

• 8GB RAM is minimal for larger AutoCAD models (upgradeable though)
• Battery life isn’t great when running intensive applications
• Feels bulky compared to sleeker design-focused laptops

We’ve been using this Dell Inspiron for our AutoCAD 2017 projects, and it’s a reliable workhorse. The 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor doesn’t disappoint when rendering complex 3D models. Tasks that used to bog down our previous computer now complete in a fraction of the time.

The dual-drive setup is a game-changer for AutoCAD users. Windows and AutoCAD load quickly from the 128GB SSD, while the 1TB hard drive provides plenty of space for all our project files. We no longer need to constantly delete old projects to make room for new ones.

The 15.6-inch anti-glare display is a blessing during long drafting sessions. We can work for hours without eye fatigue, and the 1920×1080 resolution gives us plenty of screen real estate for the AutoCAD interface. The NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card handles the visual demands of AutoCAD 2017 without breaking a sweat.

Heat management is decent but not perfect. During intensive rendering, the laptop gets warm but never uncomfortably hot. The metal chassis feels sturdy and well-built, giving us confidence it will hold up to daily use in the office or on job sites.

The keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions, though we wish the backlight was standard rather than optional. Port selection is generous with three USB 3.0 ports, making it easy to connect external drives and peripherals we need for our workflow.

While 8GB of RAM works for basic AutoCAD tasks, we recommend upgrading to 16GB or more for serious users working with complex models. Thankfully, this is easily done and Dell made the upgrade path straightforward.

Dell Inspiron Gaming Laptop

The Dell Inspiron gaming laptop offers excellent performance for AutoCAD 2017 with its powerful processor and dedicated graphics card at a reasonable price point.

Pros

• Solid GTX 1050 Ti graphics card handles AutoCAD rendering well
• Fast 256GB SSD speeds up file loading and program startup
• FHD display provides clear visuals for detailed design work

Cons

• 8GB RAM may need upgrading for complex projects
• Battery life decreases quickly during intensive tasks
• Fairly heavy at 6.6 pounds for portable use

We’ve been testing this Dell Inspiron for AutoCAD 2017 projects over the past month, and it’s proven to be a reliable workhorse.

The quad-core i5 processor paired with the NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti graphics card handles most AutoCAD tasks without breaking a sweat. Even when working with moderately complex 3D models, we didn’t experience frustrating lag or slowdowns.

The 15.6-inch FHD display deserves special mention. Its crisp 1920×1080 resolution makes drafting and detail work much easier on the eyes during long design sessions. Colors appear accurate enough for most CAD work, though it’s not quite at the level professional graphic designers might need.

Storage speed matters a lot when working with AutoCAD, and the 256GB SSD in this laptop delivers. Programs load quickly and file operations feel snappy. While we’d prefer more storage space for large project libraries, the performance tradeoff is worth it. You can always connect an external drive for additional storage needs.

Heat management is surprisingly good for a gaming-capable laptop. During our extended AutoCAD sessions, the system stayed reasonably cool and the fans didn’t become distractingly loud.

The keyboard layout is comfortable for long-term use, with good key travel that prevented finger fatigue during marathon drafting sessions.

We found the 8GB of RAM adequate for typical AutoCAD projects, but when working with larger assemblies or running multiple programs, we noticed some performance dips. If you regularly work on complex projects, budgeting for a RAM upgrade would be wise.

The Windows 10 experience is smooth on this hardware. We didn’t encounter any compatibility issues with AutoCAD 2017, and the system boots quickly thanks to the SSD. Port selection is generous with USB 3.0 options for connecting peripherals like drawing tablets or external drives.

AutoCAD 2017 Software

AutoCAD 2017 delivers powerful design tools but disappoints with registration issues and customer support challenges.

Pros

• Customizable interface with easy migration of settings
• PDF import capability for converting documents to editable objects
• Cloud sharing features for better team collaboration

Cons

• Difficult registration process causes frustration
• Limited customer support for troubleshooting
• High price point compared to similar CAD solutions

We recently tried AutoCAD 2017 for a few design projects and had mixed feelings about it.

The software itself offers some impressive capabilities for 3D design work. When drafting building plans, we appreciated how smoothly we could customize the interface to match our workflow preferences.

The PDF import feature saved us hours of work. Instead of redrawing elements from client documents, we simply imported the PDFs and converted them to editable AutoCAD objects. This feature alone made complex revisions much faster.

Cloud sharing capabilities made collaboration with our remote team members seamless. We published drawing views directly to the cloud, allowing stakeholders to view them instantly without needing AutoCAD installed. The ability to view BIM 360 Glue models directly inside AutoCAD also streamlined our workflows.

Unfortunately, we faced significant frustrations with the registration process. Despite purchasing the legitimate product key, activating the software proved extremely challenging. We spent hours attempting to register it without success, which matches complaints we’ve seen from other users.

The Autodesk desktop app promises easy software updates, but we found it occasionally glitchy when trying to manage our installation. For the premium price of this software, we expected a more polished experience from start to finish.

While the design tools themselves are powerful, potential buyers should be aware of these registration headaches before purchase. At $158, we expected smoother implementation and better customer support for troubleshooting activation issues.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right computer for AutoCAD 2017 can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best machine for your design needs without breaking the bank.

Key Specs to Consider

When shopping for an AutoCAD-ready computer, focus on these important components:

Graphics Cards Matter

Don’t skimp on the graphics card! AutoCAD 2017 relies heavily on GPU performance. We recommend a dedicated graphics card rather than integrated graphics for smooth 3D modeling.

Form Factor Considerations

Think about where you’ll use AutoCAD. Desktop computers typically offer better performance for your money, but laptops provide mobility if you need to work in different locations.

Future-Proofing Your Purchase

We suggest buying a computer that exceeds the minimum requirements if your budget allows. This ensures your system will handle future AutoCAD updates and increasingly complex designs.

Remember to check cooling features too. AutoCAD puts significant stress on your system, so good cooling helps maintain performance during long design sessions.