Nov 8, 2018 - How to use Revit on a Macintosh OS X system. While Revit does not currently have a native Macintosh version, there. Re: Running on Mac.
I have a macbook pro and I've been using Autocad with Parallels for quite a while, with no problems. I would now like to add Revit and Rhino; would you recommend me to keep using Parallels, or should I rather use Bootcamp and partition my laptop?? One of the things I like the most about Parallels is that it's so easy to transfer files, so I'm always on the leopard environment. I HATE WINDOWS and I would hate to go back 5 years in history and be spending 70% of my time in windows. On the other hand, it is evident that having so many and heavy programs on parallels would probably slow down my laptop and therefore my efficiency. What do you reckon??
When running windows native through boot camp, there is absolutely no difference from running windows on a pc. The hardware is absolutely standard pc hardware, except for the buttonless trackpad and a couple of slight differences in keyboard layout. No overheating issues when running in windows. When running in parallels or vmware (what i use, myself), you are running windows on top of osx. This is more resource-intensive for the computer, so it may get warm - but not abnormally so (the older MBPs run warmer than the new ones IME).
This runs slower than rebooting into windows, but it is fine for lots of things - even basic use of 3ds studio or rhino. Setting up a separate partition for windows using bootcamp is what i would recommend, because you get the best of both worlds. You could, howevr, install it in parallels or vmware first if you wanted to get a feel for how it would work.
Parallels, vmware, not much difference. Both have trial versions you can download. Absolutely no risk of physical damage. I'm riddling my MBP situation out as well for the fall. I've heard bootcamp is the best option; however, the one downside is that once you partition your drive, if you need to reallocate more resources to one side (windows or osx) you have to completely wipe the drive and start from scratch. Not a huge deal if you have a backup hard drive, but an inconvenience none the less. Most of the people ive spoken with have immediately pointed me to bootcamp.
Have any current users had trouble running rhino on your MBP in conjunction with other programs? Seems like it would max the machine out. Since there aren't too many pro-parallels folks, I'll add my experience.
I have used 3DsMax, Revit 2010, Rhino, Autocad 2010 & Autocad LT 2009 using Parallels and it has been smooth sailing. You simply must start a new session whenever you open the program (specifically 3dsmax, which might require you to switch from Coherence to Window mode to get the grid showing). Why do I prefer Parallels? Everyone who ran bootcamp and shared files via USB stick in my school's lab got some sort of virus. I didn't have to deal with it even though I shared a USB stick every so often with a professor. Right now I am running LT '09, Safari and iTunes-my computer is at 51.C @ 5525 rpm. Barely warm to the touch of the keyboard.
Revit and 3dsmax are more intense, but I've started using smcFanControl and I don't register a difference between the above mentioned software on Parallels or OSX-native Photoshop. Yeah I have read about some BIOS fixes to that issue. But personally I havn't had much of a problem.
The only thing I have noticed is there is only one or two fan speeds on Windows side (I am running Windows 7 64bit on my MBP). When I run Revit or a game (like TF2) the fan cranks. When I don't run it, the fan is barely on. No in between really. I have the nvidia gadget to monitor the graphics temp and i monitor the CPU temp too (usually with high graphics programs its at a stable 80C and normal running temp is around 65-70C) these are relatively high but seem to be fine.
I think bootcamp would be the best choice. For transferring files.if you have snow leopard, the newest update allows u to copy files from each side.pc u can copy files over from ur mac, and vice versa. So u don't have to restart your computer. If you really want to use parallels. Just install it after u setup bootcamp, and point the drive to your bootcamp drive. The only problem is that there might be software activation issues, cuz it sees it as as a separate installtion. Rhino for mac is getting there.but there's still some stuff that doesn't work.