What is the least expensive way to set up a computer for AutoCAD?

So the first step to answering this question is finding out the minimum requirements for the software you’re trying to run. I looked at this here: http://usa.autodesk.com/autocad/system-requirements/ and it states that you need at least:

3.0Ghz+ dual-core
2GB of RAM

Now interestingly, they don’t mention what sort of graphics card you’re going to want. I googled graphics requirements for autocad, and it brought me back to their site. I filled in a couple of details (change if they’re wrong) and here’s a list of recommend graphics cards:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/cert?siteID=123112&id=16391880&results=1&suite_group=102&release=2012&edition=2&os=8192&manuf=1&cclass=&card=&opt=1#

This is going to be the most expensive part of your project.

Now, with this in mind, what you might do is either a) build a machine yourself, b) find a computer from somewhere like microcenter or walmart that match your requirements, or lastly (and I recommend it), go to a local computer store and bring them the requirements. Tell them what it will be for and have them build a machine for you. I think all in all you’re probably looking at about $600 if you build it yourself, with monitor. Labor is going to change per shop but I wouldn’t expect to pay more than $800.

Best of luck!

PS: Almost forgot! If you decide to build yourself I highly recommend http://www.newegg.com for your parts. Their customer service is very highly rated and their prices are in a lot of cases unmatched.

PPS: I just want to state that I find AutoCAD’s minimum requirements to seriously underestimate itself. Also, SolidWorks site recommends 6GB (A number I would feel more confident in recommending, http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/SystemRequirements.html)