Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know ArchiCAD doesn't really use the harddrive heavily when doing anything other than saving and loading. Even then, saving is a 5 second process for me, so there aren't really massive gains to be had.
As long as your friend is using ArchiCAD 12 and above, it will use as many cores as you can throw at it.
He should spend the money on getting a faster and larger number of processor cores, and also a faster graphics card as this will give smoother navigation in the 3D window.
ArchiCAD likes a decent amount of RAM too, but I have no idea if macs have the same 32bit/ 3.5GB limitation as many windows machines.
This may help regarding the temporary files -
The wrote:
Special Folders
On this screen (Options > Work Environment > Special Folders), you can relocate the Temporary, Cache and Template Folders to a hard disk volume that is different from the default location.
The Temporary Folder stores data required for the quick operation of ArchiCAD.
The Cache Folder stores 3D projections, PhotoRendered images and other project data. The cache data is used when the program generates the image files automatically in the background and stores them in the chosen Cache Folder. ArchiCAD uses the Cache Folder for quick display and updating of images on the screen.
• On MacOS, very large hard disks are recommended for advanced imaging, because the Cache Folder can expand to dozens of megabytes when rendering a very complex Project with shadow casting.
• On Windows, ArchiCAD keeps this data in the virtual memory. Set the limitation of the page file to the highest possible value when rendering a very complex Project with shadow casting.
The Template Folder contains template (.tpl) project files shipped with ArchiCAD. Template files do not contain any virtual building elements, but certain attributes and options have been pre-set.
When using remote network volumes, ArchiCAD’s operations may be affected by the network performance capabilities.
Note: If your startup volume does not have the recommended amount of free space when you launch ArchiCAD, you will have the opportunity (through an alert box) to select another volume during the startup process.
You can set which of your computer’s disk volumes will house the Special Folders by using the appropriate radio buttons. Using the Default Location is recommended, but you can choose another volume with the Browse buttons.
Note: If you choose a custom location which is not available, ArchiCAD will use the displayed system default location.
Changes to the folder location settings will take effect after the program is restarted.
