{"id":65037,"date":"2026-06-15T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/?p=65037"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:40:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:40:18","slug":"building-a-pc-for-cad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/building-a-pc-for-cad\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a PC for CAD\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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We are taking a close\u00a0look at the specifications needed for a CAD PC.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Building<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

CAD programs require some high-performance hardware to run smoothly and efficiently. If you are\u00a0aiming\u00a0to double up your gaming PC\u2019s purpose, this article will take you through the components you need to optimise your\u00a0creative workflows.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Hardware Do You Need for CAD\u00a0Programs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CAD<\/strong> is short for Computer Aided Design<\/strong>. This is a broad term that covers a range of different creative applications, and it\u2019s used to describe programs where you\u2019d create 2D or 3D drawings, designs, and models. CAD programs are used by a variety of industry professionals, like engineers, architects, city planners, and even illustrators.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this broad scope, you can safely assume there are lots of different CAD applications out there, such as SolidWorks, MicroStation, and Vectorworks. For this article, we are using the very popular AutoCAD<\/strong> as our point of reference. The required specifications will serve as the basis for our hardware choices. In turn, this will provide a decent foundation for your own build, but we always recommend referring back to your chosen program\u2019s hardware requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"OcUK<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

AutoCAD Specifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are the official specifications for the 2027 edition of AutoCAD:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Component<\/th>Minimum Specs<\/th>Recommended Specs<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Operating System<\/td>Windows 11
64-bit<\/td>		Windows 11
64-bit<\/td><\/tr>
Processor<\/td>8 logical cores
2.5GHz – 2.9GHz base speed<\/td>		3GHz+ base speed
4GHz+ boost speed<\/td><\/tr>
Memory<\/td>16GB RAM<\/td>32GB RAM<\/td><\/tr>
Display Resolution<\/td>1920×1080
True Colour<\/td>		3840×2160<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Card<\/td>2GB VRAM with 29GB\/s bandwidth
DirectX 11 compliant<\/td>		8GB VRAM with 106GB\/s bandwidth
DirectX 12 compliant<\/td><\/tr>
Storage<\/td>10GB available space
SSD recommended<\/td>		10GB available space
SSD recommended<\/td><\/tr>
Pointing Device<\/td>MS-mouse compliant<\/td>MS-mouse compliant<\/td><\/tr>
.NET Framework<\/td>.NET 10<\/td>.NET 10<\/td><\/tr>
Microsoft Excel and Access Compatibility<\/td>Microsoft 365 Access Runtime (x64) or a supported version of Microsoft Office 2021 (x64) or higher with latest updates.<\/td>Microsoft 365 Access Runtime (x64) or a supported version of Microsoft Office 2021 (x64) or higher with latest updates.<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Notes<\/td><\/td>DirectX 12 with Feature Level 12_0 is required for “Fast” visual styles to be enabled. Please be sure to use the latest drivers from the video card manufacturer’s website.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
For further details and spec requirements for add ons, see here (external link)<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Already got your CAD PC built and ready to go?\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0time to make sure the rest of your set-up is up to the task!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Building a CAD PC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Requiring an eight-core CPU, 16GB-32GB\u00a0RAM, and a GPU with 8GB VRAM, AutoCAD\u2019s specifications are\u00a0relatively achievable. Similar specs are needed for most\u00a0modern\u00a0AAA games, so your gaming PC is\u00a0likely already\u00a0well on its way to supporting your creative workflows. For our build, we are going to focus on higher-end hardware\u00a0to ensure peak performance and optimised efficiency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Component<\/th>Specification<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Motherboard<\/td>ASRock X870 Pro RS ATX Motherboard<\/td><\/tr>
Processor<\/td>AMD\u00a0Ryzen\u00a07 9850X3D CPU<\/td><\/tr>
Memory<\/td>TeamGroup\u00a0Delta RGB 32GB DDR5 Dual-Channel RAM<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics<\/td>ASUS\u00a0GeForce RTX 5080 Prime OC GPU<\/td><\/tr>
Storage<\/td>KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO G2 1TB SSD
Optional additional drives<\/td><\/tr>
PSU<\/td>Phanteks\u00a0AMP GH 850W ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 Modular Power Supply<\/td><\/tr>
Cooling<\/td>TRYX STAGE 360 ARGB AIO Cooler
Optional additional fans<\/td><\/tr>
PC Case<\/td>APNX Creator C1\u00a0ChromaFlair\u00a0Mid Tower Case<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The Motherboard:\u00a0ASRock X870 Pro RS ATX Motherboard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0ASRock\u00a0X870 PRO RS Motherboard<\/strong>\u00a0is primed for creative workflows,\u00a0harnessing the latest industry standards to\u00a0facilitate\u00a0high-speed performance. Featuring an AM5 socket, this motherboard supports\u00a0AMD\u00a0Ryzen\u00a07000, 8000, and\u00a09000\u00a0Series\u00a0CPUs\u00a0and provides PCIe 5.0 for both graphics and storage.\u00a0Plus, the four DIMM DDR5 slots\u00a0facilitate\u00a0memory speeds up to 8000MHz, so all your\u00a0workflows\u00a0will stay highly efficient. The perfect foundation for your CAD PC!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Asrock<\/div>

Asrock X870 Pro RS (Socket AM5) DDR5 ATX Motherboard<\/h3>

MOT-ASR-03309<\/p>

\u00a3189.95 GBP<\/span><\/p>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Processor:\u00a0AMD\u00a0Ryzen\u00a07 9850X3D CPU<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0minimum\u00a0AutoCAD specs\u00a0require\u00a0an eight-core CPU\u00a0operating\u00a0at ~2.9GHz. The\u00a0AMD\u00a0Ryzen\u00a07 9850X3D\u00a0<\/strong>does that, and a whole lot more. With boost speeds up to 5.6GHz, eight\u00a0Zen 5\u00a0cores, and sixteen\u00a0threads, this processor packs the performance you need for seamless CAD\u00a0work. To optimise this further,\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0picked a model with\u00a0second-generation\u00a0AMD 3D V-Cache<\/a>,\u00a0an\u00a0improved\u00a0intelligent stacked architecture that allows for boosted capacities.\u00a0A larger cache\u00a0means better efficiency, thanks to increased simultaneous access to vital information.\u00a0Your workflows\u00a0have never been so smooth.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\"AMD<\/div>

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D Eight Core 5.60GHz (Socket AM5) Processor – Retail<\/h3>

PRO-AMD-06938<\/p>

\u00a3449.99 GBP<\/span> \u00a3 389.99 GBP<\/span><\/p>-13.33%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Memory:\u00a0TeamGroup\u00a0Delta RGB 32GB DDR5 Dual-Channel RAM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the\u00a0minimum\u00a0spec says 16GB, it is always better to opt for more memory when doing creative work. As such,\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0picked the\u00a0TeamGroup\u00a0Delta RGB 32GB DDR5 RAM Kit<\/strong>.\u00a0Using the dual-channel configuration with two 16GB modules, this memory solution provides incredible access to temporarily stored data,\u00a0at great speed! Reaching frequencies up to 7600MHz, you can work with near-zero latency. No laggy programs\u00a0slowing you down.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\"TeamGroup<\/div>

TeamGroup Delta RGB EXPO\/XMP 32GB (2X16GB) DDR5 PC5-60800C36 7600MHz Dual Channel Kit – Black (FF3D532G7600HC36DDC01)<\/h3>

MY-0BD-TG<\/p>

\u00a3499.99 GBP<\/span><\/p>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The\u00a0Graphics:\u00a0ASUS\u00a0GeForce RTX 5080 Prime OC GPU<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0ASUS GeForce RTX 5080 Prime OC GPU<\/strong>\u00a0is powered by AI-enhanced Blackwell architecture, 10,745 CUDA cores, and all the latest NVIDIA innovations, making it more\u00a0than equipped for your CAD work. The 16GB GDDR7 VRAM\u00a0with a 256-bit bandwidth\u00a0is double what you need, ensuring all your graphically intensive workflows will be effortlessly handled. Plus, this graphics card can support 4K resolutions and is DirectX 12 compliant, so you can create stunning designs in\u00a0great detail.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Asus<\/div>

Asus GeForce RTX 5080 Prime OC 16GB GDDR7 PCI-Express Graphics Card<\/h3>

GRA-ASU-03931<\/p>

\u00a31529.99 GBP<\/span><\/p>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Storage: KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO G2 1TB SSD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With demanding software like AutoCAD, it is always best to run\u00a0them\u00a0from an SSD. The lack of moving parts\u00a0facilitates\u00a0faster performance, which is then boosted by PCIe 5.0 and\u00a0NVMe\u00a0technology.\u00a0The\u00a0KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO G2 SSD\u00a0<\/strong>boasts 14,400MB\/s read and 12,700MB\/s write speeds, which means your work\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0be plagued by slow loading times. The\u00a0model\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0selected has a 1TB capacity and 600TBW lifespan, providing plenty of room for your applications and current projects.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\"KIOXIA<\/div>

KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO G2 1TB SSD NVME M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 Solid State Drive<\/h3>

STO-KIO-07746<\/p>

\u00a3179.99 GBP<\/span><\/p>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

Pre order<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For serious creative work, we do\u00a0advise\u00a0investing\u00a0in\u00a0extra\u00a0drives for complete projects and long-term storage.\u00a0When drives get full, their performance is affected, so you will want to transfer unused files to keep processes efficient.\u00a0External storage drives,\u00a02.5\u201d SSDs, and 3.5\u201d HDDs\u00a0are all great solutions for increasing capacity. Plus, our chosen case can even support up to three 2.5\u201d or 3.5\u201d drives!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop External Storage<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop HDDs<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop SSDs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Power:\u00a0Phanteks\u00a0AMP GH 850W ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 Modular Power Supply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your CAD PC is going to require power. With high-performance hardware, it will need a lot. The current suggestion is to opt for a PSU with double the wattage your PC uses. This provides headroom for upgrades, overclocking, and spikes. Now, you can do the maths yourself and, frankly, I applaud the effort. Alternatively, you can use a PSU calculator<\/a>. The one linked is Overclockers UK\u2019s very own, where you simply put in your chosen hardware, and it recommends a suitable wattage. Even points you in the direction of some products, too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These specs suggested the Phanteks AMP GH 850W Modular PSU<\/strong>. ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compliant, this PSU provides the power you need for all your intensive CAD workflows. The 80 PLUS Gold rating signals that this unit is 89% efficient at half load, meaning there is little wasted power. Better yet, the integrated thermal solution has a 0RPM mode to reduce noise when active cooling is not required. You can concentrate on the task at hand with no noisy distractions. <\/p>\n\n\n

\"Phanteks<\/div>

Phanteks AMP GH 850W ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 80 Plus Gold Modular Power Supply<\/h3>

POW-PHK-02519<\/p>

\u00a3104.99 GBP<\/span> \u00a3 100.00 GBP<\/span><\/p>-4.75%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Cooling:\u00a0TRYX STAGE 360 ARGB AIO Cooler<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

High performance hardware is going to need dedicated cooling. Our chosen PC case has four pre-installed fans, and mounts for up to seven more, but our chosen CPU is going to need some targeted thermal management. The TRYX STAGE 360 ARGB AIO Cooler<\/strong> is more than up for the job. This AIO easily handles TDPs up to 280W. For context, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D has a 120W TDP. You could push your CPU to its limits, with thermal headroom to spare! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than this, the TRYX STAGE 360 AIO Cooler features a stylish dual screen display on the pump cap, driven by its own dual-core processor. You can showcase your designs, system metrics, or animations, without pulling resources from your already hard-working CPU. This premium AIO cooler is available in black or white, and frankly we could not pick between the two! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"TRYX<\/div>

TRYX STAGE 360 ARGB Black All In One CPU Cooler – 360mm<\/h3>

COO-TRX-06526<\/p>

\u00a3169.99 GBP<\/span><\/p>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"TRYX<\/div>

TRYX STAGE 360 ARGB White All In One CPU Cooler – 360mm<\/h3>

COO-TRX-06527<\/p>

\u00a3199.99 GBP<\/span> \u00a3 169.99 GBP<\/span><\/p>-15%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cooling is\u00a0a very important\u00a0part of your CAD PC. As previously mentioned, there is more support on our chosen case for\u00a0additional\u00a0fans. Should you feel\u00a0that your\u00a0airflow needs a boost,\u00a0you can\u00a0browse our complete range.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop Fans<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The PC Case:\u00a0APNX Creator C1\u00a0ChromaFlair\u00a0Mid Tower Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To house our CAD PC,\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0chosen the\u00a0APNX Creator C1 PC Case<\/strong>\u00a0in the super sleek\u00a0ChromaFlair<\/strong>\u00a0design. Feel inspired by the iridescent colouring! Equipped with mesh panelling and four pre-installed FP1 fans,\u00a0this chassis provides excellent cooling right out of the box. This\u00a0is then paired with incredible hardware support, including 395mm GPU clearance, ATX motherboard support, and\u00a0ATX PSUs. Which you can freely admire thanks to the tempered glass side panel.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\"APNX<\/div>

APNX Creator C1 ChromaFlair Mid Tower Case<\/h3>

CAS-AER-00612<\/p>

\u00a3109.99 GBP<\/span> \u00a3 49.99 GBP<\/span><\/p>-54.55%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Paired\u00a0With\u00a0Peripherals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, no CAD PC is complete without a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. The MS-Mouse compliant specification refers to needing a mouse that can be used with\u00a0the\u00a0standard Microsoft protocol, so\u00a0literally any\u00a0mouse. For your keyboard,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0want something that is comfortable to work with, but really there are no wrong answers here. As for the monitor, our spec can easily output 4K resolutions, so\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0best to use\u00a0a\u00a0display that can\u00a0match. Plus, the high pixel-density will keep details crisp and clear for an optimised working experience.\u00a0We\u2019ve\u00a0picked out some ideal peripherals below, or you can browse our collections for that perfect pairing!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop Gaming Mice<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop Gaming Keyboards<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop 4K Monitors<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Endgame Gear OP1w 4K V2 Wireless Mouse<\/h4>\n\n\n\n