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Maritime CAD/CAM Services

CAD/CAM/CNC/CMM specialist for the Maritimes

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FAQ

What are the hardware requirements for your various software packages?

Hardware requirements

(what computer specs are needed to use Mastercam or Verisurf)

The most important feature of a computer for using these CAD/CAM/CMM software is the video card. Typically, you need a professional grade card that supports OpenGL (a programming language that controls the video card). Mainstream video cards are typically designed for gaming applications and do not work well for CAD/CAM applications. From past experience, video cards with a Nvidia Quadro FX® video processor always work very well (not the NVS line).

  • Operating system: 64 bit operating system, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8
  • CPU: Intel I7-950 or better, 2.4+Ghz, or better, 1066 Mhz bus. It is better to get a higher speed CPU with less cores (4 core, 3.47 Ghz) than a slower multi-core (8 core, 2.4 Ghz) as these software do not benefit much from multi-core architecture. 4 core is plenty. Better to buy speed than more cores.
  • RAM: typically 8Gb 1066Mhz, or 12Gb + if doing 3D CAM. 64 bit requires double the RAM of a 32 bit OS. Try to get 1333 Mhz RAM with a CPU that also supports 1333 Mhz RAM.
  • Harddrive: 150 Gb or greater, 7200 rpm, SATA. Solid State Drive (SSD) even better.  Better to get a 250 Gb SSD than a 500 Gb 7200 rpm, SATA.
  • 3 button mouse
  • 17″ LCD screen real minimum, 1280×1024 resolution, 19″ preferred
  • Video card with Nvidia Quadro FX 2000 or higher chipset

Mastercam Mill Entry, Mill Level 1, Lathe, Wire and Verisurf , work well with the Nvidia Quadro FX 1800. Mastercam Mill Level 3, 5 axis surface machining, Verisurf and situations where there are a lot of surfaces of solid facets (complex solids) work better with a FX 2800 or higher. However, the high-end of the Nvidia GeForce line (nnnn GTX, nnnn GX) is acceptable only for Entry applications. Not having a recommended card will result in corrupt screen display, possibly crashes and poor graphic performance (Verify problems, display refresh speed, dynamic rotation, zoom)

3D work: 12 Gb of RAM or more, 1333 Mhz. 3.47 Ghz CPU

Mill Level 1, Lathe: 8 Gb RM

Verisurf with no laser scanning or small (< 1 million pts) point cloud work: 8-10 Gb RAM

Verisurf with laser scanning or large point cloud work: 12-24 Gb RAM, 3.47 GHz CPU

Definitely not recommended:

  • Anything with shared video memory
  • Low end gaming cards
  • Integrated video cards (built in the motherboard) as they are typically low end gaming

Simple rules: Buy one processor down from the top; clock speed is king with CAD/CAM! Use the savings from buying the second-fastest processor available to invest in RAM. Most CAD/CAM users really don’t need a high-end graphics card, but they probably need more than an entry-level card, so invest in a $300 midrange option. Take your savings from buying the right graphics card and invest in an SSD.

Why Work With Us?

  • Value-Added Reseller

    Full training and tech support for all products
  • Experienced

    21 years in CAD/CAM and 8 years using articulated CMMs
  • Reliable

    Fast, local support when you need it
  • Cost-effective

    Very competitive rates

    Call 902 482 1158

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  • © 2023 Ragot CAD/CAM
  • Ragot CAD/CAM Services has been supporting Atlantic Canada’s machine shops and manufacturers since 1998. As a value-added reseller of Mastercam and other advanced manufacturing software and hardware (Verisurf, Cimco, Romer, Universal Robots), manufacturers trust us to deliver reliable service and support. Additional services include: Contract Measuring, CNC Programming and Contract Design, and Software Training and Technical Support. Services offered throughout Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia (NS), New Brunswick (NB), Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland & Labrador (NF).