There are more CAD programs to use than Autocad ;)

it dopt need to be that expensive unless ureally want to shed out on money.

We are currently using two of these mesh computers as CAD machines:
http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?PAGE=PRODUCTVIEWPAGE&USG=PRODUCT&ENT=PRODUCT&KEY=125747

and they are running sweet

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?PAGE=PRODUCTVIEWPAGE&USG=PRODUCT&ENT=PRODUCT&KEY=116897

That PC

Genuine Windows® XP Media Center
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6600 Processor
(2.40GHz ,4MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz)
ASUS PCIe Mainboard - nForce 570 SLI
2048MB DDR2 533MHz Memory
300GB Serial ATA Hard Drive
256MB nVIDIA Geforce 7600GT Graphics
19" Sony LCD TFT Display(DVI, 8ms)
Sony 18x Super Format DVD Writer
5.1 Channel Surround Sound Audio
8 USB 2.0, GB LAN
Logitech Cordless KB & Optical Mouse

graphics card not necessary.

it also depends on Autocad version, as newer version are slightly more intense.

We have about 15 machines using CAD here.
Ideally you want a gig of ram, and not less. obviously the more the better, but RAM is the most important factor.
The CPU doesnt make too much odds, but nothing less than a 1ghz (sounds low i know, but we have a 1ghz machine running Autocad 2000 no probs with a gig of ram).

it honestly doesnt need to be dual core, or 64 bit (unless u can find a 64bit version of autocad and your going to install 64bit windows).

If its goign to be 3d modelling, than a graphics card would help. A good OpenGL card, not expensive.
hope that helps.

chars

2GB would be better.

So 1GB mem would be plenty really?

Dual core, basically if I got a gamer PC (high end) it would be plent fast nuf for anything?!

Dual core might help more than 64 bit.
Just get dual core 64 bit.

As much RAM as possible. graphics card doesn't need to be amazing. The processor doesn't need to be 64 bit unless the person who's computer it is wants it to be and is really going to be running a 64 bit o/s with a 64 bit CAD package.

RAM is the most important thing when doing CAD!

When I drew this I did it on my old P4 machine with only 512mb of RAM. It got to the stage where the computer pretty much ran out :lol:

What CAD? I use AutoCAD Architectural Desktop all day and don't have a particularly high-spec machine and it still flies along. All depends on what CAD your going to use I suppose....

I been asked to help spec a PC so it will run a CAD Package without problems, what sort spec do I need to look for?

I was going to suggest...

AMD 64 Processor (higher end)
1GB RAM
Obviosuly a PCI Express high end graphcs card

Who uses cad and what should I be suggesting?