The desktop PC is the workhorse of the modern office, and for good reason: it’s the first device that many of us set up and leave running around the clock. In today’s fast-paced world, the desktop PC is more important than ever, and choosing the right one for your needs is key to getting the most out of it.
The best desktop for a mechanical engineer is one that can be configured to meet all of their needs. This is especially true if they are not a heavy user, and don’t need to have a lot of software on their desktop. Therefore heavy users will need a computer that can handle multiple tasks, while the lighter users will be better served by a more spartan model that has a very slim interface.
Although many people enjoy designing and building electronics and mechanical devices, these are not the only things that engineers do. One of the more fascinating jobs out there is that of a mechanical engineer, which involves designing and building products that are used in various industries.
What are the finest mechanical engineering desktops? When someone chooses Engineering as a career, they must cope with a lifetime of programming, designing, and calculating.
Mechanical engineers, in particular, must deal with all of these issues since the topic encompasses a wide range of disciplines and applications.
As a result, the demand for a good computer system to work on is never-ending. There is a lot of demanding software to run, thus standard specifications on a standard PC aren’t adequate.
This is why we’ve gathered 5 of the finest desktops in one spot, which we believe are the ideal options if you work in this field.
From students to high-ranking executives, there are PCs suited for everyone in the industry.
All of them were hand-picked for their ability to run modeling, 3D rendering, and other design and coding applications smoothly.
However, not all of them have an ISV certification, but you wouldn’t need it anyhow.
So, without further ado, let’s see what we’ve got in store for you.
Mechanical Engineers’ Desktops – Cost
ASUS ProArt PA90 Mini PC Workstation with Intel Core i9-9900K, NVIDIA Quadro RTX4000, 512GB SSD, ASUS ProArt PA90 Mini PC Workstation with Intel Core i9-9900K, NVIDIA Quadro RTX4000, ASUS ProArt PA90 Mini PC Workstation with Intel
$3,299.00
3 brand new starting at $3,299.00
as at 8:12 a.m. on August 15, 2021
1 x Core i7 i7-10700K – 16 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD – Tower – Black – Windows… HP Z2 G5 Workstation – 1 x Core i7 i7-10700K – 16 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD – Tower – Black – Windows…
$1,599.00
From $1,299.00, 1 was utilized.
as at 8:12 a.m. on August 15, 2021
Intel Core i9 10900K Custom 10-Core 3D Modelling SolidWorks CAD Workstation Computer Adamant…
$4,299.99
as at 8:12 a.m. on August 15, 2021
The information on this page was last updated at 8:12 a.m. on August 15, 2021.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineering is divided into many levels, each with its own set of duties and applications. While some users need more dependable and professional gear, others are satisfied with consumer-grade hardware.
Now, applications like SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor, which are often used in this industry, all recommend specifications like a 3 GHz quad-core or higher CPU, 8-16 GB of RAM, SSD storage, and so on.
But, aren’t they of much use to someone who isn’t familiar with desktop hardware?
To keep things easy, here are the specifications you should look for if you’re searching for a new desktop that can handle rendering, designing, and simulations, all of which are important in this field.
Core i7-10700 CPU or higher; 16 GB or more RAM; NVIDIA Quadro P1000 or better GPU; 512 GB or larger SSD and extra storage
Core i7-10700K or better processor 32 GB RAM or more NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or similar or better professional GPU 1 TB or larger SSD and additional storage Recommended System Requirements: Core i7-10700K or better processor 32 GB RAM or more NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or similar or better professional GPU 1 TB or larger SSD and additional storage
Mechanical Engineers’ Top 5 Desktops:
Best Overall: Asus ProArt PA90 Mini PC
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i9-9900K processor
- NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 graphics
- Windows 10 Professional (OS)
- 32 GB RAM
- Storage: 1 TB HDD + 512 GB SSD
Pros
- Ingeniously created
- Good specifications
- Excellent performance
Cons
- Not all of the time
- There is no HDMI port available.
- At times, it may be very loud.
Without a doubt, for intense task like the one at hand, a powerful PC is required. However, not all workstations need to be big; in fact, a smaller frame may offer sufficient power.
This small-sized PC is on our list to demonstrate that larger doesn’t necessarily equal greater power.
The Asus ProArt Mini PC PA90 is a cylindrically shaped desktop that is available in two versions. One has a Core i7 CPU and the other has a Core i9 CPU, both of which can be overclocked.
However, the present version is not always accessible, so keep an eye out for it when it becomes available again.
The CPU has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a turbo-boosting speed of 5.0 GHz.
The single-core performance on the desktop is outstanding, so even the most demanding applications that relies on it will operate smoothly.
There are also 8 cores on the CPU, allowing multi-threaded programs to operate without any problems.
Then there’s 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and an NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 GPU, which can handle any typical job, even if it requires a lot of graphics.
Storage is provided via a 512 GB SSD and a hard disk. Its ability to operate several monitors at once is really impressive, and you can utilize multiple 4K screens among them.
Although there are many video connectors, none of them are HDMI compatible.
These specifications guarantee that the PC does not lag in any significant way, and the ISV certification is also beneficial to experts, particularly mechanical engineers. Check out our review of the Asus ProArt PA90 Mini PC.
Runner-up: 3650 Dell Precision Workstation
Dell Precision 3650
Bottom Line: As a mechanical engineer, the Dell Precision is a highly dependable workstation to select for the job at hand. While this is one of the more inexpensive options, there are others that are superior.
Characteristics:
Pros
- A good performance
- Storage that is enough
- Compact Dimensions
Cons
- A little pricey.
- Upgrading the power supply may be difficult.
- Some versions lack an SD card reader or a DVD player.
Mechanical engineering is more than simply designing and rendering; a growing number of engineers are learning to code in order to expand their career options.
In most cases, a desktop used for rendering should be able to do coding, although this is not always the case. This is a desktop that may be used for either function.
The Dell Precision 3650 is the one we’re talking about since it has all of the essential characteristics to make it a strong desktop that, if the GPU is updated, can also be used for heavy coding and rendering.
It features an Intel Core i7 CPU with 6 cores and a turbo speed of 4.8 GHz from the 11th generation.
A 32 GB DDR4 memory module is also included, as well as a 2 TB NvME SSD. This has a Quadro P1000 GPU for graphics, which is a workstation-grade video card that is very inexpensive.
As a result, designing, entry-level simulations, and other tasks may be performed efficiently by the desktop.
There is also a wide range of additional software that you may use for analysis. This covers programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and others.
The Precision 3650 is worth considering because of its upgradeability and performance.
3. Workstation HP Z8 G5 – Good Value
HP Z8 G5 Workstation
Bottom Line: For anybody working in mechanical engineering or a similar field that necessitates strong specifications and dependable hardware, the HP Z8 G5 may be a very productive computer.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i7-10700K processor
- Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics
- Windows 10 Professional (OS)
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD storage
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Generally dependable
- There are many growth possibilities.
Cons
- Not all of the time
- Pre-configured options may be costly.
- Low-end models have a limited power supply.
The specifications required on the desktop a mechanical engineer works with are determined by the kind of job he does.
These characteristics are critical since periodic updates and expansions are now commonplace.
The HP Z2 G5 does all of these things and more, and why shouldn’t it? It’s one of the finest workstation desktops on the market right now.
The model in question has modest specifications, including a Core i7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD storage.
You may need to add a separate GPU to this depending on your requirements, although integrated graphics are included for basic functionality.
You may also customize the desktop in a variety of ways, from low-end specifications to high-end ones with powerful Quadro RTX GPUs, Xeon CPUs, and up to 128 GB of RAM.
It also supports ECC memory, so the choice is yours, whether to configure the desktop on your own, or choose the most suitable variant directly.
4. Custom Workstation by Adamant — Expensive, but Customizable
Adamant Custom Workstation
Bottom Line: If you didn’t like for the ProArt, you may want to try this Adamant prebuilt for software, design, and simulation work on different mechanical engineering applications.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i9-10900K processor
- NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 64 GB RAM
- 500 GB SSD + 8 TB HDD storage
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Excellent specifications
- Upgrading is made simpler by using standard hardware.
Cons
- Expensive
- At times, there are hardware problems.
- WIFI 6 is not yet available.
The second workhorse on our list is an Adamant bespoke prebuilt designed to run mechanical CAD-related programs such as Inventor, Solidworks, and others.
The specifications and performance are satisfactory, and the desktop offers a wide range of uses.
The PC is housed in a big enough chassis to allow for adequate ventilation, and it also has a simple design.
A high-frequency Intel Core i9-10900K CPU is housed within the chassis, making it nearly a workstation-grade processor.
The graphics coprocessor in use is an RTX 4000, which is one of the segment’s most powerful GPUs.
This comes with 64 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512 SSD for main storage, as well as a huge 8 TB hard drive.
With specifications like these, software like AutoCAD, as well as activities connected to designing or simulations that mechanical engineers must do on their desktop, would function well.
While few companies provide high-end bespoke prebuilts like this one, Adamant’s desktops are a little on the pricey side.
Should you be interested in them, there is no lack of choices or high-end gear.
Even at such a premium price, however, certain aspects, such as outdated WIFI and Bluetooth standards and a lack of certification on the entire construction, are disappointing.
The Predator Orion 3000 by Acer is a good mainstream desktop computer.
Acer Predator Orion 3000
Bottom Line: Not every mechanical engineer need professional-grade gear, and for those that do, the Orion 3000 is an excellent choice. Although it is not a workstation, it is a capable desktop that can manage a hard task.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i7-10700 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 16 GB RAM
- 1 TB SSD Plus 2 TB HDD storage
Pros
- The cost is reasonable.
- Performance in the mid-range is adequate.
- It has an appealing appearance because to the one-of-a-kind casing utilized.
Cons
- ISV certification isn’t available.
- WIFI is not available.
- Overclocking is not possible with this CPU.
The list’s last recommendation is for the majority, with specifications and a price tag that should appeal to any mechanical engineer, or someone studying to become one.
The Acer Predator Orion ensures that you don’t suffer from a lack of performance, and you can choose from a variety of different models.
This model of the Orion comes with an Intel Octa-core i7 CPU, which is a decent mid-range choice but cannot be overclocked.
It can reach speeds of up to 4.7 GHz with turbo-boosting, which should enough for most single-core tasks.
The CPU is supported by an RTX 3060 Ti GPU with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, which, although not as powerful as other high-end RTX cards in terms of ray-tracing capabilities, is still a solid option.
This system comes with 16 GB of RAM and a total of 3 TB of storage over two hard drives, which should last you a long time before you need to update.
You may use this PC as a light workplace or to play games in your spare time.
The Acer Orion 5000 comes in a more powerful version with a superior setup, but it is also more costly.
This is why we decided to reserve it for another list when its prowess would be more appropriate. Check out our review of the Acer Predator Orion 3000.
Mechanical Engineers’ Best Desktops Buyer’s Guide
There are a variety of sub-fields within mechanics, such as cars, manufacturing, robots, and so on.
For each of them, you’ll need distinct skill sets for yourself and the desktop you utilize.
When money isn’t an issue, you can spend as much as you like on the most costly PC you can find. But, in reality, it isn’t a good plan.
For the greatest performance, applications like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and others need a lot of system resources.
While constructing a PC is still the best choice for this, not everyone is interested in the complexity and time commitment.
This tutorial is excellent for people who require assistance selecting a pre-built solution.
The following are some of the most essential considerations to make when purchasing a desktop for use in your mechanical engineering career.
If you’re going with a cheap PC, the specifications should be carefully chosen, and there should be some room for improvements.
Budget
In this scenario, the budget you must stick to when looking for a desktop must be high, at least as much as an upper mid-range gaming PC costs.
The required high-end specifications in a packaging at a price determined by any company will not be inexpensive.
The finest PCs may cost upwards of $4000, but they will provide outstanding performance.
When you have severe requirements, these are the machines to go with, with features like Core i9 or Xeon CPUs, Quadro or Radeon Pro GPUs, and 32 GB of RAM on average.
A budget of about $2500 would buy you a PC that can still handle 3D rendering and complicated designs in the mid-segment, but not as well as the high-end ones.
These are the finest options, appropriate for the majority of purchasers while also assisting those on a tight budget.
Desktops in the lowest category cost about $1500-2000 dollars on average. The requirements for the aforementioned applications and games are quite similar, with both requiring improved single-core performance.
However, since the former has higher graphics needs, an RTX GPU is the most cost-effective choice.
And they aren’t only good for ray-tracing; their huge amounts of VRAM and CUDA cores will be very useful in mechanical CAD applications.
You may also settle for a less expensive choice if your requirements are modest and the specifications are enough.
If you question what specifications are deemed “decent,” we’ll go through them in depth below.
Which is better, a Mac or a PC?
We’ve stated in several of our articles that iMacs and the Mac OS are excellent for editing and professional work.
Why haven’t we included a single Mac on our list, given that mechanical engineering is one of those professions that need both?
There’s no denying that Macs are capable computers with many more capabilities and features than the typical Windows desktop.
However, in this instance, certain applications isn’t compatible with the Mac OS, making it less useful.
SolidWorks is a good illustration of this, although it’s not an insurmountable issue.
This is because, with the right virtualization software, any Mac desktop can run Windows on the same system, thus expanding program support.
Other issues include limited internal storage, limited hardware support, and a premium price for improved versions.
Overall, although Windows OS has an advantage in this area, you may still choose a Mac if you are familiar with such things.
You can still get things done using specialized Mac OS applications like Fusion 360 or virtualization software on your iMac or Mac Mini.
You’ll need a lot of money for intense work, and it’s ideal if you do it at the correct area.
Processor
A desktop computer that will be used to design and render mechanical constructions must have a lot of computing capability.
The CPU you choose is mainly determined by your budget, since a set budget will only allow you to choose from a limited set of choices.
The bare minimum for AutoCAD 2019 is a CPU with a clock speed of 3 GHz and SSE2 compatibility, but this is just the beginning.
Single-core speed is particularly important in 3D modeling and design applications.
As a result, the greater the frequency you can get for intense labor, the better.
However, this does not imply that you should completely disregard the core count.
Even while single core performance may aid in the design or execution of certain applications, virtually all simulations and rendering need several cores.
More cores are advantageous, but it doesn’t imply you have to purchase an 18-core Xeon CPU with a slower clock speed. If you want to move beyond a quad-core processor, you should aim for 6 or 8 cores.
Because CPU clock rate is so important, Intel CPUs do somewhat better than AMD in this area.
Now, there may be times when AMD outperforms the other brand in direct performance, but in general, the other brand provides faster clock speeds.
AMD is also less expensive than Intel, however performance may not always be optimal for the needs.
Things like these would be distributed across all available cores and threads using parallelization, decreasing the time needed significantly.
Xeon vs. Core vs. Xeon vs. Core
While it’s an uncommon occurrence, suppose you had a choice between a Core i7 option and an Intel Xeon with comparable specifications at a certain price. Which should you choose?
See Xeon CPUs are server-grade processors that provide benefits such as ECC RAM compatibility and increased dependability.
Some Xeon processors feature a larger core count, which helps with all the multi-core and multi-threaded activities you need to do.
However, they continue to lag behind popular Core alternatives, at least in terms of affordability.
Furthermore, Xeon CPUs are already very costly, so the total cost of the PC will rise. As a result, they aren’t the greatest options for the typical individual.
Only a few Xeon CPUs are reasonably priced and have a reasonable clock frequency, but they must be selected when additional functions are required.
Another reason to buy a Xeon CPU is if you need to conduct a simulation or anything similar in mechanical engineering that requires more cores.
It has been shown that no matter how excellent the clock rate is, things like this always function quicker with more cores, and by a significant amount.
If you’re willing to spend a lot of money and want the best specifications, the Intel Xeon W and Xeon 5000 series processors should be considered.
When it comes to choosing between AMD’s standard Ryzen and Threadripper processors, you may feel similarly perplexed.
However, the Ryzens would be preferable in this case, since the Threadrippers’ single-core performance does not seem to be promising.
They are, nevertheless, less expensive than similar Intel Xeons.
Also, you may have contemplated utilizing more than one CPU, but this isn’t essential unless you’re dealing with very demanding workloads.
Graphics
Your PC would also need a powerful dedicated GPU in addition to a strong CPU.
It will not be able to handle the complexity that will be thrown at it unless it is given a powerful video card. The minimum visual memory need is 1 GB, although this is just a starting point.
While each software’s graphics needs are different, we can safely state that a 4 GB GPU will enough for most renderings.
If you’re a student or a mechanical engineer with light workloads, or if you’re working on an FHD display, this is the situation.
The program you’ll be utilizing most likely has its own set of prerequisites, but most of them will function well with this.
However, as the size and complexity of your projects grow in any mechanics-oriented program, the graphics needs will grow as well. As the visual quality of the designs improves, more processing power is required to render them.
This is when you’ll need more than 4 GB of graphics RAM, at least until mainstream GPUs become available.
This ensures that the CPU may continue to execute the instructions given to it while graphics performance remains unaffected.
However, standard GTX or RTX cards are not the greatest options here, since things are somewhat different when it comes to professional 3D modeling.
It’s not that a GTX 1660 Ti or an RTX 3080 won’t function, but most applications benefits from the capabilities provided by professional GPUs.
Premium GPUs, such as NVIDIA’s Quadro or AMD’s Radeon Pro series, are required. More video memory is preferable here as well, but video cards are expensive.
The best choices, such as the Quadro RTX 6000 and 8000, are very costly, and the odds of obtaining one in a prebuilt PC are little to none.
RAM
You’ve probably noticed that the system requirements in this case are very high, and the same can be said for the Random Access Memory, or RAM.
Your PC’s performance will be hampered no matter how strong the CPU is if it doesn’t have enough memory.
There is no way you should go below the minimum requirement of 8 GB. The best performance within a reasonable budget is 16 GB, although it may not be enough at times.
Those that do mechanical project studies or simulations will need additional memory, which is available in sizes ranging from 32 to 64 GB.
Most current systems also offer memory much beyond that, so this isn’t a major issue.
Even on a mid-range machine, there should be enough of RAM. Things will get extremely tough for both you and your PC if you don’t have enough free RAM.
Storage
As a mechanical engineer, the software you’ll be utilizing the most is rather big in contrast to that used by others, requiring a lot of free space.
This is just for the basic file and installation; additional tools and features would need extra space. The scale of the projects must also be taken into account individually.
Keeping this in mind, we must also ensure that you choose the appropriate quantity of storage.
A PC on which you are spending so much money should at the very least allow you to add additional storage, and in that case, we recommend that you have at least 1 TB of free storage space at all times.
By both official and non-official criteria, an SSD is preferable. It would be a mistake to have sluggish storage on the desktop with such high-end capabilities.
A hard drive is excellent for keeping prices down, but it has noticeable sluggishness when compared to an SSD, regardless of how severe the use is.
Connectivity
Along with significant hardware and software selections, every mechanical engineer must also choose the best connection choices for his desktop.
This implies that the appropriate connectors, such as USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, USB Type-C, microphone and speaker ports, and so on, should be available.
Video connections, such as HDMI, DisplayPorts, VGA, and anything else that allows you to add additional displays, are also required.
As we’ll see in the next section, a multi-monitor arrangement may be a great tool for increasing productivity.
Most significantly, there must be facilities for Internet connection, and most mechanical software must be operated on a PC that has this capability.
It is necessary to do research, download newer software, updates, and plug-ins for those that are already installed, and so on.
Ethernet is required for this, although WIFI and Bluetooth are also essential.
The most recent version of these would ensure that you get the greatest experience possible while downloading large files or surfing the web.
Accessories
The most essential piece of equipment you’ll need is a decent monitor, and working with several monitors is preferable.
It is a requirement that the minimum resolution be 1920*1080p.
You might consider upgrading to a higher-resolution display, such as a 2K or 4K monitor, since the experience will be much better.
Working with designs and graphics would be much more pleasant with better screens.
You’d be able to work more clearly, and the complex mechanical design would be easier to complete.
In any case, the computer’s underlying hardware must match the display quality.
With an entry-level setup, don’t expect your PC to render at 4K seamlessly.
Next, there’s the screen size, which you may choose depending on your needs and tastes.
A bigger display would be preferable for a single monitor, but for several monitors, a reasonable size of 26-30 inches would provide the greatest productivity in the given area.
As you probably know, accessories such as a keyboard and mouse are required.
Other items that you may need include a printer, a scanner, and other items that are required for printing and uploading data.
FAQs:
What is the best computer for mechanical engineering?
It differs from one user to the next, as well as the jobs they do. Mechanical engineering often requires PCs with ISV certification and professional hardware, although this isn’t always the case.
Here are some possibilities for you to consider:
PA90 Asus ProArt Mini PC Acer Predator Orion 3000 Acer Precision 3650 Workstation HP Z8 G5 Workstation Desktop Adamant Custom Workstation
Is a 512GB solid-state drive sufficient for mechanical engineering?
If you’re a novice or student in the profession, a 512 GB SSD may be a smart choice, since the software in mechanical engineering benefits from having an SSD in the system. You’d have to update at some time, and it’d most likely be sooner rather than later.
What is the greatest graphics card for mechanical engineering?
A professional GPU, such as NVIDIA’s Quadro or one of AMD’s Pro line-up, would be preferable for mechanical engineering and the applications that must be run for designing or simulation reasons. However, if such dependability is not required, mainstream alternatives may be explored.
Putting the finishing touches on
The scope of mechanical engineering is such that it is present in everything that we have today. Like pumps for collecting water, engines to run vehicles, factories to make food items, and the machinery used in each of these, and more, all of it is connected to the subject one way or the other.
In order to get the greatest outcomes in your profession, you must choose the appropriate desktop.
Since mechanical engineers are generally heavily involved with computer modeling and simulation, they’d certainly benefit from a stellar desktop to work on. Of course, depending on what kind of work you’re doing, some might prefer a bigger screen and better keyboard, while others might opt for a smaller screen and dedicated workstation.. Read more about mechanical engineering laptop requirements and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best computer for mechanical engineering?
The best computer for mechanical engineering are computers that are built to handle CAD software. These computers are high end and usually utilize Intel Core i7 processors. They also have a lot of RAM to handle multiple programs running at once. Q: I wonder if I can get a refund on my PC?
What is the best PC for engineering?
The best PC for engineering is a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor. This will ensure that you have the power you need for your engineering software. Q: Can you get into college without a high school diploma? Yes, you can get into college without a high school diploma
Which graphic card is best for mechanical engineering?
The graphic card is one of the most critical parts of a gaming computer. The better the graphics card, the more realistic the game. The best graphic card for mechanical engineering is the GTX 1080 Ti. Q: How do you play guitar hero 3 on mac? The first step is
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