Is the Intel Core i3 8th Gen with Intel HD 620 Suitable for Civil Engineering Software?

The Intel Core i3 8th generation processor paired with Intel HD 620 integrated graphics can handle basic tasks in civil engineering software but may struggle with more demanding operations. This article breaks down the performance of this hardware combination when used with popular civil engineering software such as AutoCAD 3D, 3D Max, Revit, and STAAD Pro.

Performance Breakdown of the Intel Core i3 8th Gen Intel HD 620 Combo

AutoCAD 3D

Performance: Basic 2D and some 3D tasks should work, but complex 3D models may cause slowdowns.

Recommendation: For smoother performance, especially with larger projects, consider a more powerful CPU like i5 or i7 and a dedicated graphics card.

3D Max

Performance: This software is resource-intensive. You'll likely experience significant lag when rendering or working with complex scenes.

Recommendation: A dedicated GPU and a higher-end CPU would be ideal for 3D Max.

Revit

Performance: Revit can run on this setup for simpler projects but performance may degrade with larger or more complex models.

Recommendation: Upgrading to a better CPU and graphics card would enhance usability.

STAAD Pro

Performance: STAAD Pro is less demanding compared to the others, and you might find it usable for basic structural analysis.

Recommendation: It should work, but for larger models or more advanced features, a better setup is advisable.

In conclusion, while the Intel Core i3 8th generation with Intel HD 620 can handle some tasks in these applications, it is not ideal for intensive work. If you plan to work extensively with civil engineering software, investing in a more powerful CPU and a dedicated GPU would significantly improve your experience and productivity.

Additional Considerations for Students and Non-Heavy Users

If you're a student or not a heavy user, the Intel Core i3 8th Gen with Intel HD 620 may still suffice for basic tasks. However, if you're rendering in something like Lumion 3D, a slightly more powerful setup is recommended. A minimum of an Intel i5 9400F with a graphics card like the RX 570 4GB would be ideal if your software supports GPU acceleration. For non-rendering tasks, an Intel i5 9400 with Intel UHD 630 and 16GB of RAM will be more than sufficient.

Minimum System Requirements for Civil Engineering Software

A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended. For a processor with faster single-core performance, consider the Intel i5 9500, available in workstations from Lenovo, Dell, or HP. A DirectX 11 compatible graphics card, which is compatible with Intel UHD 630, is essential. Additionally, for optimal performance, consider 2GB of VRAM. A cheaper and better alternative to the GTX 1050 Ti is the RX 570 4GB.

Note: If an 'F' is present at the end of any CPU, you will need to buy a dedicated graphics card; otherwise, the system won't display properly.