With multiple options for workstation available these days, it can be difficult to find the best workstation for Autodesk Revit. The first step is to define the need for the pc as some factors will be unique to you, such as the model sizes, rendering and collaboration with multiple files.
The guide below will help to define your requirement for the best workstation for Revit.
Let’s start with the best configuration for Revit computers and you can reduce the specification based on your budget.
In your research, you need to choose the following items:
Desktop tower or a laptop
The best processor for Revit
The best graphic card for Revit
Enough memory (RAM) to support complex Revit projects.
Fast Hard Drive with enough space to install all softwares and data.
Desktop Tower or Mobile Workstation For Autodesk Revit
Depending on your requirement, you can choose a desktop tower or a mobile workstation. Both options can provide the same performance but the desktop tower will have more options to upgrade in the future.
In the desktop tower, you will have more connective options for multiple monitors and devices.
Laptops are great for mobility but the weight could increase depending on your specification.
Which Processor is best for Autodesk Revit?
Revit is mainly a single-threaded software that means a fast processor is better for Revit performance.
Some processes in Revit utilise multiple cores and threads such as vector printing but the multi-core functionality within Revit has a cap of 16 Cores, so you will not see benefits above 16 cores.
You have 3 options for processors type:
Intel Xeon
Intel (i) series i5, i7 and i9
AMD Ryzen
Let’s first select the processor type:
Intel Xeon: The IT teams from Architectural and Engineering companies prefer to use Xeon type based on the processor durability. The Intel Xeon is more expensive than the Intel (i) series type.
Intel (i) series i5, i7 and i9: The Intel (i) series i5, i7 and i9 are typically used for personal consumers or companies that are happy to use it instead of the Intel Zeon. The Intel (i) series can be faster and cheaper than the Intel Zeon.
AMD Ryzen: The AMD Ryzen processor could be a good option to reduce cost and provide good performance in Revit.
Overall, we would recommend the Intel processor for Revit.
Now, let’s select the fast processor for Revit which is based in the high-frequency.
You need to select the processor that has the highest frequency (GHz) for best performance in Revit.
There are 2 aspects that you need to consider.
Processor Base Frequency (GHz)
Processor Maximum Turbo Frequency (GHz). It is typically referred to as the Turbo Boost Technology.
Let’s analyse the Intel processor i9-10900X
Processor Base Frequency: 3.70 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency: 4.50 GHz
To select the best processor for Revit, you need to look the Max Turbo Frequency. More speed is the best!
Depending on the processor, the Base Frequency can be slower (3.50 GHz) but the Max Turbo Frequency is faster (4.60 GHz)
In this case, the processor with fast Max Turbo Frequency is the winner.
For the comparison above, I have used the i9-10920X which has the Max Turbo Frequency of (4.60 GHz).
To resume, you should always look at the Max Turbo Frequency to choose your processor speed for Revit. More processor speed per core is the best for Revit.
Tips and Tricks: Type on Google the processor code to find the full specifications and the Max Turbo Frequency.
Example: Intel-core-i9-10920x
Which Graphics Card is best for Autodesk Revit?
We can use Autodesk Revit to produce rendering images and videos with very good quality and most companies are using plugins to get better results quickly.
If you want to take advantage of GPU rendering technology and use third-party rendering plugins such as Enscape, then you should invest in a better graphic card.
You can buy graphic cards from NVIDIA and AMD but we advise to use NVIDIA graphics cards.
For Revit workstation, we will recommend 2 types of NVIDIA graphic card:
NVIDIA Quadro
NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX or RTX
NVIDIA GEFORCE Pros
Faster clock speeds
Versatility and value
Multi-monitor support
Best for: Gaming, all around computing, day trading (multi monitor support), budget CAD, amateur video
NVIDIA Quadro Pros
Specific Render tasks
Extreme Computer Power
Double precision computations
Durability/Warranty
Best for: Certain Scientific and data calculations, CAD rendering, Professional-grade video production, 3D creation
Which graphic card should I choose for Revit?
It depends on your specific use case but for a lower to mid-range budget I will recommend NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX series because of cost and good performance for rendering and VR.
Example: NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX1080
If you are planning to use Revit for high quality rendering, VR and gaming, I would recommend the new NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX. The RTX has a new technology from NVIDIA.
Example: NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2080
If you are planning to use Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Navisworks and multiple CAD applications, I would recommend the Nvidia Quadro which will give you the processing power and good rendering. Medium to large architectural and engineering companies prefer to use Nvidia Quadro graphic cards for Revit.
Example: NVIDIA Quadro P4000 or NVIDIA Quadro P5000
How much memory (RAM) do I need for Revit?
We would recommend 16GB system memory for very light users, 32GB for average users and 64GB for everyday users. Memory (RAM) is not very expensive, so I would recommend using 64GB if you can fit in your budget. For medium and large companies, I would say that the minimum is 64GB of memory for Revit to perform well.
Which Hard Drive should I use for Revit?
You should use a Solid State Drive (SSD) and the minimum storage capacity is 500GB.
By the time you install Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Navisworks and multiple plugins, you will need a large capacity for all softwares.
As recommended, Revit will need a minimum of 30GB free of space to cache models and data.
Where do I buy Revit Workstations?
You can find online many companies selling workstation for multiple budgets but if you increase the computer specification it becomes very expensive.
Medium and large architectural companies prefer to buy computers from well-known brands such as Dell, Lenovo and HP.
You can compare the price of these companies and choose the best option for your budget.
You may use the specification below for an initial comparison:
Processor: Intel i7, i9 or Xeon
Graphic card: NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX
Memory (RAM): 64GB
Hard Drive (SSD): 500GB
If you want a good price, I would recommend the strategy to search for bespoke computers. It is really fun to select the components.
The good point is that you can select the best components for you and the final cost will be a cheaper workstation for Revit.
You can find bespoke workstation for Revit from this company:
You can create a bespoke Desktop or Laptop!
See how you can select the computer components:
If you are looking for Revit courses after selecting the best Revit workstation, FirstScale can help you!
We offer live Revit courses online and in our office in London for 10 and 15 hours training.
The training is 1 to 1 and you can choose the standard Revit course or request a bespoke training for your needs.
Click on the Revit courses for further information.
Only £345 for 10 hours of Revit training!
If you need advice for Revit workstation or Revit courses, please contact us.