AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Blender all require substantial RAM and fast storage for complex assemblies and rendering. Large 3D models with thousands of parts can easily consume 16-32GB of RAM.
Priority Upgrades for CAD Users
| Upgrade | Impact | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| RAM: 16GB → 64GB DDR5 | Handle complex assemblies | ~£130 |
| SSD: 2TB NVMe Gen 4 | Fast file saves and scratch | ~£120 |
RAM by Software
AutoCAD: 16GB minimum, 32GB for large drawings. SolidWorks: 32GB minimum, 64GB for assemblies with 1,000+ parts. Blender: 32GB for modelling, 64GB for complex scenes with GPU rendering. Fusion 360: 16GB minimum, 32GB recommended for simulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 32GB enough for SolidWorks?
For most single-part modelling yes. Large assemblies with 500+ parts need 64GB.
Does SSD speed matter for CAD?
Yes — saving/opening large assemblies is significantly faster on NVMe Gen 4 vs SATA.
