LCrosno

Thank you! I was hoping it was something easy like this. Thanks again!

I'm trying to create a roof similar to the photo. I can do the barrel alone, but can't figure out how to flatten the overhangs as show. Thanks!

Using Chief Architect Premier X10

1 hour ago, solver said:

 

Multiple ways. This is a wall, some solids and a molding.

I have searched through several discussions and cannot find any info on creating a wall similar to these. Please help- thank you!!

I appreciate all the help you guys have given, and guess I should give an update now that I have a NEW computer! 

I went with: HIDevolution MSI GP73 Leopard 8RF 17.3" FHD 120Hz Gaming Laptop | 2.2 GHz i7-8750H, GTX 1070, 32GB DDR4/2666MHz RAM, PCIe 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD. It just came in on Tuesday, so I'm still getting used to it. So far, it seems like a great choice for my needs. 

Again, thanks for all the input!

@kMoquin I wish I could say the same, but both my first and second ASUS have had several problems. Glad you have not had the same experience.

@MarkMc thanks for this- I was assuming I would need to spend around $3k for what I want. I did see the top of the line Razer 17 has a lot of overheating problems, so staying away from that. I've also read 4K is not always compatible with drafting software- not sure if that's applicable to Chief Architect or not. 

@Kbird1 I saw that thread, but didn't see anything about the Razer (not a misspelling, ha), so I started a new thread.

My husband has a Surface Pro, and it's alright, but not really what I'm looking for. My current computer is my second ASUS, and I have not been overly impressed with anything, from multiple problems I've had to the customer service (or lack thereof). 

Just curious if anyone had experience with either of these specifically. Definitely will not get another ASUS.

Hi robdyck,

I am back and forth from my office to home, so a laptop is my only option. We also have a showroom where I go in and connect my laptop to the tv so customers can see the plan easier, so I have to have something that's mobile. Maybe in the future I can get some kind of permanent desktop setup, but a laptop is a necessity for now. I appreciate your advice!!

Does anyone currently own a Razer Blade 15 or 17, or any of the higher powered MSI laptops that are marketed specifically for 3D renderings/CAD? I am looking to upgrade my ASUS, and these two options seem to be the front runners. I use Chief Premier X10, and am really looking for something that I can have smooth renderings in, do walk-throughs easily, and save a few files to my computer instead of constantly having to save to an external storage source. 

My current laptop is nearing three years old, and it has been fine, but never as good as I wanted. I am willing to spend the money now to get what I really need. 

(Current computer: ASUS ROG GL752VW-DH74 17-Inch Gaming Laptop, Discrete GPU GeForce GTX 960M 4 GB VRAM, 16GB DDR4, 1 TB, 128 GB SSD)

Here's a good to very good laptop for Chief, for the money. Great rendering but will be slowish for RayTracing.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015ZG9964?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

 

https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?/topic/8044-bought-a-new-lap-top-very-impressed/

I was looking at this exact one yesterday, but was worried about the 128 GB SSD.

I love the passion Mac users have. I just have an irrational fear of switching, ha!

From what I've gathered from you guys and others, I would do well with the following specs:

-17 inch screen (I prefer the larger size)

-4 GB VRAM (2 or 3 GB would probably work as well)

-16 GB DDR3 (more would be better, but this is adequate- possibly even 8 GB?)

-256 GB SSD (512 GB if possible)

Does this list look good? Is there anything else I should be looking at?

2GB would be my minimum. There are cases were 4GB may be of benefit. A lot of testing has demonstrated that the performance difference between 2GB & 4GB video cards would not likely be user noticeable. Really only comes into play on certain video games or you are running a very high resolution monitor or multiple screens.

 

As you can see in Joe' specs he is running three monitors, one being hires, here the 4GB would pay-off.

 

Graham

I rarely use my external monitor, so I'm thinking this is extremely helpful- and saved me money most likely!

A little off subject (sort of), but if you custom build a desktop (which I personally think is the best way to go), consider putting one of these on the front. 

 

http://www.amazon.com/EXCELVAN-Dashboard-Multi-In-1-Internal-Connector/dp/B00OBA6JFU

 

I absolutely love it. 

I have someone trustworthy that could build one for me, but I'm seriously afraid my computer will die before he can get it done! It has really started slowing down over the last month.

For Chief, 8GB Ram should be fine - but I have 16 GB.  For the GPU I prefer 4 GB (3GB minimum).

Thank you! That was my next question!

I myself have never encountered a situation that required more than 8GB of Ram. There are only a few programs out there such as video editors or a situation where you may have a large number of programs running simultaneously (multi-tasking). I run Chief, Browser, Photoshop, MS Office, PDF and a few other minor programs all the time, my Ram usage has never been over 6.5GB. Even if there is a need then Windows will use a swap file to take care of things, many users would never detect the difference. If you are buying a desktop then you can always add more Ram if needed. If it's a laptop and you really think you need more RAM then order it that way; many laptops can't be upgraded later on.

 

Graham

Those are exactly what I use as well.

What about the size of the graphics card?

You guys are awesome, thank you so much. I don't want to go to Best Buy or somewhere like that because they might just sell me something without really caring what I need it for. I thought talking to people who do what I need to do would be my best bet. Thanks for all the help! If anyone else has any other info to add, it is more than welcome!

To the ASUS owners, do you have the one with 8GB of RAM, or do I need higher?

I'd like to stay under $2,000.

I have a 17" screen currently, and also have a second external screen I hook up occasionally.

I was wondering if gaming computers would be a good choice.

Thank you both! I am open to all opinions and advice. I would love to hear what works for others. I also need a laptop because I am always back and forth from home to office.

My HP Pavillion g series from 2010 is not getting the job done anymore. Does anyone have a recommendation for a specific computer that would have what I need to run Chief Architect, efficiently and quickly? I'm so tired of waiting around for renderings to load, and sometimes 3D won't load at all.  

I also would really like a PC and not a Mac. I just like PC better.

THANK YOU in advance!