PC Minimum*

  • Windows 7 / Vista / XP**
  • 2.4 GHz processor
  • 2 GB of Memory (32 bit)
  • 4 GB of Memory (64 bit)
  • 5 GB of available hard disk space
  • 256 MB dedicated video card
  • Monitor resolution 1024 x 768
  • OpenGL: 2.1 or higher
  • Internet: High speed for Registration, Video access, and Library downloads

**Chief Architect Premier X4 (64-bit) is not supported on Windows XP

PC Recommended

Tips on Buying a New Computer
  • Windows 7 64 bit
  • Multi-Core CPU (e.g., Intel i5, i7)
  • 6 GB of Memory
  • 50 GB of available hard disk space
  • 1 GB high performance video card (e.g., NVIDIA or ATI)

Mac Minimum*

  • Requires Boot Camp
  • Mac Book Pro or Mac Pro running Leopard OS or newer with Windows 7/Vista/XP Service Pack 3 running on Boot Camp
  • NVIDIA Graphics with 256 MB dedicated Video RAM
  • 2.4 GHz processor
  • 5 GB of available hard disk space
  • 2 GB of Memory
  • Mouse, 2 Button
  • Internet: High speed for Registration, Video access, and Library downloads

Mac Recommended

  • An Intel Mac meeting or exceeding the PC requirements above running Leopard OS or newer with Windows 7 64 under Boot Camp

How can I tell what Operating System I have?

Chief Architect

* Keep in mind that your needs may vary. A system that doesn’t meet these requirements may be more than sufficient depending on the complexity of models you produce, or it may not be sufficient if you produce complex models – the Artistic Rendering techniques can be demanding on the system.

Tips on Buying a New Computer.

If you are considering a new computer system to run Chief Architect, here are some tips to consider:

More memory is better... up to a point

64-bit operating systems are able to access more memory than 32-bit operating systems so with Chief Architect Premier X4 64-bit version and a 64-bit operating system, you are able to work with larger, more complex models. It will also allow more applications to run at the same time as Chief Architect. 32-bit operating systems only make 3 GB of memory available to applications. 4-6 GB is probably a good minimum memory size for a 64-bit operating system.

Most rendering is performed by the Video Card

A higher end video card from NVIDIA or ATI with more than 512 MB of dedicated onboard memory can improve your 3D rendering and response times. Ray Traces and Artistic Rendering Techniques are performed by the CPU and not the Video Card (see below).

Ray Traces and Artistic Rendering Techniques are performed by the CPU and not the Video Card

Ray Trace Rendering and Artistic Rendering Techniques (watercolor, line drawing) are highly parallel tasks that are performed by your system CPU not your video card. The number of processor cores available is the most important factor in improving the speed of ray tracing and artistic rendering. Memory and CPU speed are also factors that can contribute to improved performance.

Multiple and/or larger displays can improve productivity

Think about adding a second monitor to expand your desktop and work space. If you opt for a second monitor, make sure you go beyond the minimum recommended video memory.

For more information on hardware you can access benchmark sites like Tom’s Hardware. There are also frequent discussions of hardware on ChiefTalk that can be helpful.