Updated 10/04/2018
My Custom Computer Specifications
It seems that there is growing interest in the exact specifications/components for my custom built computer that I use for all of my architectural work. I've been raving about how incredible it is, so I don't blame you for being curious!
I want everyone to be able to have the advantage of this knowing this custom build configuration, and utilizing its capabilities if you have similar performance needs to mine.
Architectural programs I use on this computer:
Revit
AutoCAD
Sketchup
Design programs I use:
Photoshop
Indesign
Illustrator
Premiere Pro
After Effects
It is also designed to accommodate additional, intensive programs such as Maya, Vectorworks, and Rhino if my needs change in the future.
Many times, I will be using these programs in tandem so it can be very taxing on most computers. My computer has been able to handle my working habits flawlessly.
If your working habits are similar to mine, keep reading.
Productivity is essential for success. You can't be productive if it takes 30 seconds to draw a wall in Revit, or if using the tracking function in AutoCAD freezes your computer, or if it takes 10 minutes to process a simple animation. In the time that it might take you to draw 1 wall in Revit on one computer, you might have 15 walls drawn on another. Or the time you spend waiting for programs to unfreeze you could have figured out an important design detail. And don't even get me started on the dreadful "FATAL ERROR" kiss of death. I have lost an unfathomable amount of work due to Revit's fatal errors, precious time and effort I will never get back.
It's important to invest your money into things that will save you time and make you more productive. When studying/practicing architecture, you have enough stress inducers, you don't need another one coming from the tool that should make you most productive!
Here are the exact components used to build my computer:
Full disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you purchase something using one of my links. By using my links you’re helping to support The Student Architect’s free content at no extra cost to you so thank you in advance.
I have the Intel i7 processor but there’s a newer i9 processor you may want to try instead.
Continue reading below
16GB DDR4 Memory (2 x 8GB)
I have 16GB RAM but I recommend upgrading to 32GB so you don’t have to worry about going over.
That's everything!
Go out there and be more productive than you've ever been!
Hey Friends! If you recently switched over to Revit 2024 or 2025 like I did, you probably have a lot of questions about some of the latest changes. For one, Toposurfaces are now called Toposolids, and they work very differently. One of the questions I keep getting asked is now to change the depth of the topography in the latest Revit versions. In this video, I'll show you how to do it.