Optimizing AutoCAD Performance on Your Intel i5 8250U Laptop

To enhance the performance of AutoCAD on your Intel i5 8250U laptop with an MX150 GPU, 8GB RAM, and a 1TB HDD, here are the steps you can take:

Upgrade to an SSD

Speed Improvement: Replacing your current HDD with an SSD will significantly boost the load times for the operating system and applications, including AutoCAD. This will make the overall experience much snappier.

File Access: SSDs offer faster read/write speeds, which can help in opening and saving large AutoCAD files more quickly. This is particularly useful if you frequently work with large-scale projects.

Upgrade RAM

Enhanced Multitasking: Although 8GB of RAM is adequate for basic AutoCAD tasks, if you often work with large drawings or run multiple applications simultaneously, upgrading to 16GB would provide a more seamless experience.

Performance in Large Projects: Additional RAM allows AutoCAD to handle larger datasets, reducing lag and enhancing overall performance when working with complex models.

Recommendation

First Priority: Upgrade to an SSD. This will provide the most noticeable improvement in performance.

Second Priority: If you still experience slowdowns, consider upgrading your RAM to 16GB.

Additional Tips for Enhanced Performance

Consider the following practices to further optimize AutoCAD performance:

1. Reboot Your Computer Every Day

A daily reboot can help clear out temporary files and free up system resources, allowing AutoCAD to perform optimally.

2. Check for Common Internet Explorer Error

Ensure that your web browser is up to date and free of any common errors, as this can affect overall system performance.

3. Disable the AutoCAD InfoCenter

Disabling the AutoCAD InfoCenter during work sessions can reduce unnecessary resource usage, improving performance.

4. Install the Latest Update from Autodesk

Updating AutoCAD to the latest version ensures that you have the most recent bug fixes and performance improvements.

5. Update Your Graphics Card Drivers

Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date as this can significantly impact AutoCAD's performance.

6. Clear Out Your Temporary Files

Periodically clearing out your temporary files can help improve system performance and reduce lag.

7. Toggle Your Graphic Acceleration Setting

Using hardware acceleration when set to the correct level can enhance AutoCAD's graphics performance without sacrificing system resources.

Conclusion

By starting with an SSD upgrade and considering a RAM upgrade if needed, you should see a significant improvement in AutoCAD performance. These steps, combined with regular maintenance and updates, will help ensure that your AutoCAD experience is as smooth and efficient as possible.