Workflow Details - The Framework for Choosing a System

Let’s revisit the Standard Workflow. It features Revit + AutoCAD + Rhino + SketchUp + 3DS Max + VRay + Adobe + Microsoft Project + Microsoft Office, with some variation here and there.

These programs fall into a few categories of time and importance and how they stress the computer. First, let’s review the components of a computer and then sort them into a few categories.

The Key Components are those that most directly affect the performance of applications. There are two, the CPU and the GPU, and improving them can affect different application, as shown below. The Key Considerations are components that you must have enough of, but as long as there is enough they won’t affect performance. The Quality and Longevity components can help the other components keep performing their best. For example, during a long render, if the CPU becomes too hot it will slow itself down. So, a good CPU cooler keeps the performance working throughout long tasks. In addition, running CPUs at the edge of their capabilities for years on end can lower their efficiency, so they will either slow down or required more power over time.

We can overlay some more information on the Standard Workflow and focus on two things - which programs are used the most and how to improve performance most in the relevant programs.

There are three types of performance boundaries, or bounds. Single Thread (ST) and Multi Thread (MT) CPU performance are two different (and conflicting) types of performance that CPUs offer. If a program is bound by the performance of ST, then the number of CPU cores makes no difference and will likely hinder performance by increasing the overall latency of the system and increasing the amount of heat generated. The highest performing processors for this type of application are the “desktop” or “gaming” CPUs, as well as those found on typical laptops. They are not terribly expensive comparatively. While Word and ProCore are technically ST-CPU bound, they are not very taxing, and really Revit will drive the hardware purchase.

Conversely, a MT bound program will benefit simply from having more and faster cores allocated to it. This is a good problem to have since more money will always make these workloads faster. If a single machine cannot hold more CPU cores, more machines can be used. The scaling does eventually run out, but it takes hundreds or thousands of machines, each running up to 128 cores.

The last category is the GPU. I have noted that 3D programs like Rhino and Revit are CPU-bound, which is counterintuitive. They do require a good GPU to run the 3D viewport, but a mid-range GPU is adequate, while a high-end CPU will still not deliver enough performance to run the program completely smoothly. As models gain size and complexity, the GPU must increase in power. The appeal of GPU rendering applications, even for production-level rendering (which is not yet popular but gaining momentum) is that a system can include many high performance GPUs, a CPU that excels at single-thread workflows, and the whole production workflow can be done on one machine.

This diagram reveals that the main optimization to make is Single-Threaded CPU performance, since most time is spent in Revit and communication tools. If your balance of tasks shifts more toward rendering, then follow the recommendations for the Type 4 and Type 5 rendering focused systems. If you spend a lot of time in Lumion and Enscape or in Unreal, and especially in VR, then you will want to allocate much more of your budget to GPUs and follow the recommendations for the Type 2 and Type 3 systems.

Since we are focusing on single threaded CPU performance, we are focusing on the high end of the so-called mainstream desktop PC market. These are the most common configurations available, although the high end is more scarce than the low end. We start by choosing the CPU, and at the moment, that means an AMD Ryzen. Availability remains poor in the beginning of 2021, which means you may end up choosing an Intel system. They are within 10% of each other in performance.

Dell XPS 8940

For value-for-money, there’s no way to beat a prebuilt from a large vendor. They also offer premium on-site support options to minimize downtime. The component choices and cooling limit your long-term upgrade, repair, and reconfiguration opportunities. A self-built or Boxx PC make a compelling upgrade for any office that wants to look for longevity or a different aesthetic. If you want to quickly produce high quality renderings from CPU or GPU based rendering software, you will want to step up to a better system or use a cloud service like V-Ray’s built-in cloud rendering.
*Configuration Guide*
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*10900 // 32GB RAM // 512GB SSD + 2 TB // 2070 Super*

*Recommended Model - $2,500*
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Dell XPS 17

Strong enough to work docked at a desk and light enough for a commute and to take to client presentations. You pay more for portability, but you gain quite a bit of flexibility. You will still want to pair this with at least one and preferably two external displays.
*YouTuber Technology Connections on Desktop-Based Laptop Setups*
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*Configuration Guide*
*Buy From Dell* *- $3,300*
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Buy This Display

Two displays is the ideal workspace for efficiency. I like 4K (aka UHD) screens at 125% or 150% scaling for the clear lines and details they show. With recent price drops, you can now have 4K for about the price that used to max at WQHD (2560x1440 pixels).