More cores or speed of processor for AutoCAD?

If you are wondering what affects the performance of AutoCAD, more cores, or higher clock speed then this video will answer your questions.

Here are some great processors for AutoCAD:
Intel® Core™ i5-13600K Processor
Intel® Core™ i7-13700K Processor
Intel® Core™ i9-13900K Processor
AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X
AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900X
AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X
AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600X

 

 
AutoCAD is a primarily single-threaded application, and therefore, its performance depends more on the processor’s clock speed than the number of cores. However, as per user experiences and observations, it does use multiple cores, but the performance boost may not always be significant. In line with your query, here are some more sources with further insights on the topic.

One source that provides detailed insights on the ideal system design for AutoCAD and Revit workstations notes that the clock speed of the processor has a direct bearing on the performance of these applications, and a higher frequency rating translates to faster computing. This source also provides guidelines for the ideal processor and core specifications. [[1](https://360smartnetworks.com/ideal-system-design-autocad-and-revit/)]

A thread on Autodesk forums explains that clock speeds do not add up in a linear fashion, implying that there is no clear answer to whether more cores or higher speeds are better for AutoCAD processing. It further discusses a scenario in which a six-core processor operating at 5 GHz may perform the same as a 12-core processor operating at 3.8 GHz. Factors like the architecture of the chip, power consumption, and program design play a role in this. [[2](https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/installation-licensing/aggregate-cpu-clock-speed-vs-cores/td-p/5878146)]

A Quora article discusses whether Autodesk AutoCAD uses threaded optimization and whether it requires a higher clock speed or more logical cores. The author points out that AutoCAD is primarily single-threaded and that higher clock speeds are more significant than multiple cores. However, more cores can still provide an advantage in specific situations, such as rendering, simulations, or running several programs simultaneously. [[3](https://www.quora.com/Does-Autocad-use-threaded-optimisation-Does-it-require-a-higher-clock-speed-or-a-higher-number-of-logical-cores)]

In summary, the sources provide different perspectives on the question, but a higher clock speed is generally recommended for AutoCAD processing, and additional cores may provide assistance in specialized scenarios. It is important to consider various factors, such as the system requirements of AutoCAD, the other applications that will be running and the budget before deciding on the ideal processor for your AutoCAD workstation.