AutoCAD solution

[Kage]

A good gaming GPU would be okay for CAD work I think. All the ones built for 3D are far too expensive for people to consider.

Anything that can push around polygons is good, though I'm not sure whether CAD programs use polygons in the same way all other 3D packages do.

 

[Sporego]

I think a desktop and a netbook is the best solution for college too (especially if he wants to game). In that case, would the $1000 budget include both (I assume so)?

The desktop: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227274 may be an option

The netbook: ~$300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220504

Something like this I assume

This looks good and does he have monitor because he can get better

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227272

 

[GibsonSGKing]

This looks good and does he have monitor because he can get better

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227272

Actually, the other one with the 5770 would be better for gaming and most likely for CAD work due to the superior video card.