Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mac Mini For Autocad

Hi,


I’m thinking of buyibg a Mac Mini. Here are the specs https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i7-3.2-late-2018 -specs.html.


First of all, I’m planning on installing Windows and run Autodesk on Windows.


I have seen geek benchmark for mac mini and it is quite powerful. My only concern is VRAM is only 1.5Gb. Is it sufficient enough to run large dwg files without lag? Or should I go for an iMac?

Apple Watch

Posted on Nov 9, 2018 11:30 AM

Reply
8 replies
Sort By: 

Nov 9, 2018 11:39 AM in response to Alexsasha1

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/civil-3d-forum/intel-hd-graphics-630/td-p/7854857


It's really an autodesk question. If you need GPU speed you need a dedicated card over an intergraded one.

If you went iMac the entry level on also has an intergraded GPU, the other 5 have dedicated AMD cards.

another option would be running an external GPU, this will give you options to add a more sophisticated card but the chassis can be expensive and unless you are running Windows natively the card options are going to be limited to AMD by default.

Reply

Nov 12, 2018 6:28 AM in response to Alexsasha1

Your welcome. You may want to ask Autodesk if they offer more support of Nvida solutions like CUDA or support for AMD's ProRender or does it matter. Apple has literally has little or no support for Nvidia outside of 3rd party solutions. You may be happy with the mac but disappointed with CAD performance. Most, if not all my rendering is done in Windows for this reason.

Reply

Nov 22, 2018 12:52 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

I agree. I do need to run Windows because some of the AutoCAD modules I use in conjunction with Windows only based application. I do love Mac for all my other tasks. So i decided to go for Mac Mini after all but I will use Razor X eGPU together with Nvidia GeForce GPU. It does not matter that Nvidia does not work with Mac OS, it works fine with Windows.


Thanks again for the help.

Reply

Nov 27, 2018 1:53 AM in response to Alexsasha1

AutoCAD 2019 for Windows runs well on my $1099 core i5/8GB/256GB Mini using Boot Camp. The program is written to utilize the CPU for 3D rendering. Not the GPU.


Autodesk 3DS Max 2019 also runs well on this Mini. Like AutoCAD, 3DS Max employs CPU rendering with the included Arnold 3D render plug-in.

Reply

Mac Mini For Autocad

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.