I just thought I would post this as I have seen a lot of discussion about what laptop / processor / video card will run Softplan efficiently.
Keep in mind that this information pertains to a LAPTOP, as that is my preferred computer of choice.
My old laptop:
I had a Toshiba Satellite with a Intel core i7 processor, with built-in Intel HD graphics. It ran Softplan 2014 just fine, even working with 3D projects.
When Softplan 2016 came out and I started using it on that same laptop, I experience a lot of crashes while working in 3D mode.
Basically I could not edit anything in 3D mode because it would cause my graphics display adapter to stop working and I would have to ctrl-alt-delete to run task manager to end Softplan.
Obviously this was VERY frustrating, so I set out to get a new laptop.
I spent many hours researching the top mobile processors and video cards and wanted the best one available, because I did not want any issues running Softplan, especially in 3D mode.
I was looking at investing around $3,000 for a laptop with the best processor and graphics card available. This was killing me since I have never spent that much on a desktop or laptop and I just could not make myself do it. Technology advances so fast that this new computer would soon be obsolete, but my payment would remain.
I started researching mobile processors and video cards that were not the top rated, but a few down the list and came up with a few options to save a few dollars.
I was leery about purchasing a lower processor and video card, because once you make that purchase (around $1,500 now), it is a done deal and what if it did not run Softplan efficiently and still crashed etc.
Well....I was looking on the Best Buy website a few weeks ago and they had a sale on ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) laptops. I was already considering an ASUS ROG laptop, so that was a plus.
What I came across was a Best Buy "blue label" (only available at Best Buy) ASUS ROG laptop that met my now lower criteria and the price was right.
My new laptop:
I bought an ASUS ROG G751J laptop that has an Intel core i7 4720HQ processor and a Nvidia GTX 965M dedicated graphics card with 2Gig of dedicated graphics memory. It came with 8Gigs of ram, but I added two additional sticks of memory (2 x 8G) for a total of 24Gigs of RAM. The laptop came with a 1TB 5400rmp SATA drive. I purchased an Intel 240Gig SSD drive and cloned it to be my main boot drive. I then installed the 1TB drive as a secondary drive for storage of files. All in all I spent about $1,600.
This new machine is a beast and runs Softplan perfectly for my use. I have a 3D Connexion mouse that I use along with my regular mouse and when I am in 3D rendered mode, I can navigate the 3D model with my 3D Connexion mouse and it turns around very fluidly and precisely without any hesitation.
I am writing this so anyone considering purchasing a new laptop, can have peace of mind in knowing that the above specs will run Softplan just fine.
The above is my opinion and worked for me in my situation and you could have different results than I did, so take it as an opinion and evaluate your equipment purchase just as I did.
I am not guaranteeing that the above specs will work for your requirements, but they did for mine, and I save about $1,400 over what I thought I was going to have to spend.
