Mike,

     If you are only going to be using AutoCAD for 2d aplications video is a non issue.  Even if you are going to be doing a lot of 3D solid modeling with vanilla AutoCAD 2004 the video on your monitor only comes into play if you need to see accurate renderings of materials on your display.  Vanilla AutoCAD does not hold the render in 3D rotation.  If you are going to be using some dedicated 3D software such as Inventor, Solid Works, or Pro Engineer, I would say do not go below 64mb on your video card.  128 would be better... but you could get away with the 64 if you did not need for presentations and such.

AutoCad 2004 System Requirements

• Intel® Pentium® III or later, with 800 MHz or faster processor, or compatible
• Microsoft® Windows® XP (Professional, Home Edition, or Tablet PC Edition), Windows 2000, or Windows NT® 4.0 (SP6a or later)
• 256 MB RAM (recommended)
• 300 MB free disk space for installation
• 1024x768 VGA with true color (minimum)
• Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0
• CD-ROM drive
• Mouse, trackball, or compatible pointing device

 

Message Edited by mentor00 on 12-23-2003 08:58 PM

Thanks!! But Oops! I mis-spoke a tiny bit:

I will be running ADT 2004. Someone in the know told me to add memory (ADT asks for 512mb) and try it out and see how the resolution is before buying a card. Seems I am learning that the card has little to do with actual functions of zooming and shading and such, just in how well they are displayed. I don't think I will be too anxious to see dead accurate stuff on screen.

As a landscape architect, I will not be doing many complicated buildings and such in 3d, but will be doing some perspectives which involve terrain, walls, curbs, plants and so on. I also plan to use Form Z, either on the Mac or on the Dell.

More as things develop. Thanks!

Michael M.