Archive
The Best Hardware Configuration for SolidWorks CAD Software
Optimizing hardware for SolidWorks is essential for getting the most out of this heavy-hitting CAD application, as we’ve discussed on CADspeed previously. So we were thrilled when the SolidWorks forum addressed this very issue recently on their forums.
The key to getting the most out of SolidWorks, or any CAD application for that matter, is ensuring your hardware can handle the workload. Remember that your situation is unique. In simple terms, two users using the same software on the same system may have very different perspectives on their workload efficiency if one is using 3D rendering and the other is not. Consider your needs first and foremost.
On the flip side, if you know you need new hardware, simply buying the most expensive machine may not pay off in the long run either. Think in terms of your productivity while shopping for a new workstation to get the most for your budget, hopefully with a little room to grow for those inevitable upgrades.
That said, here’s a summary of the recommendations straight from SolidWorks themselves.
RAM (Random-Access Memory)
The amount of RAM you need depends less on SolidWorks and more on the number of applications you run at the same time, plus the size and complexity of your SolidWorks parts, assemblies and drawings. SolidWorks recommends you have enough RAM to work with your common applications (i.e., Microsoft Office, email, etc.) and load your SolidWorks documents at the same time.
The recommended RAM for the current SolidWorks versions is 6GB. That should be your starting point. For more information on how much RAM you need, here’s a great resource on the SolidWorks forums.
CPU
Processor speed is another key factor when selecting the right hardware for you. It’s hard to sort through all the different options though, so we recommend testing a system with your actual models. SolidWorks also offers a helpful Performance Test, which offers a standardized test for determining performance of your major system components (i.e., CPU, I/O, video) when working with SolidWorks datasets. Even better, when you complete the SolidWorks Performance Test, you have an option to share your score with others. This gives you, and other community members, a sense of where a system stands relative to others. Nice!
Note that SolidWorks and some of its add-ons (PhotoView 360) have some multithreaded capabilities, so the application can use the second processor or multiple cores. But SolidWorks says that rebuilds are single threaded and therefore rebuilds generally will not be faster with multiple CPUs or cores.
Disk
The size of your hard drive or solid-state drive should be based on the disk space you need. Take a look at all your system’s components: operating system, applications and documents. If you work primarily on a network, your needs may be different than those who primarily use their local drive. Don’t forget to develop a back-up plan for your data, if you don’t already have one. (You do have one, right?)
Graphics Cards
The very nature of CAD software requires a good workstation-level graphics card and driver. You are probably going to need at least a mid-range card, if not a high-end card, depending on the type of CAD work you do. For graphics cards, we recommend starting with the SolidWorks Certified Graphics Cards and System, because SolidWorks has done the testing for you.
Can’t get enough about hardware configurations for SolidWorks? Check out this great post from SolidWorks on their forums. Or learn more about the minimum requirements for SolidWorks.
TwitterChat Archive: SolidWorks Optimization with Josh Mings, SolidSmack
SolidWorks Optimization with Josh Mingsby cadalyst_magDell- and Cadalyst-Sponsored TwitterChat abput optimizing your system for SolidWorks.
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| “ | RT @DellEnterprise: Live #CAD chat! Join Dell, @Cadalyst_Mag, & @SolidSmack at #DellCAD, Thursday 4pm East. Info- http://del.ly/6019Rzi5 | ||
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| “ | RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1 | ||
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| “ | RT @SolidSmack: RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1 | ||
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| “ | Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts –in just 3 hours– using #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012RzUe | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts –in just 3 hours– using #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012RzUe | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu | ||
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| “ | RT: Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts –in just 3 hours– using #DellCAD http://t.co/vY2U7gd | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD TwitterChat in 1 hour with @SolidSmack: Performance optimization with #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1 | ||
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| “ | 30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: 30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt | ||
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| “ | 20 minutes till @joshmings fills your tweet stream with sweet #SolidWorks Performance Q&A. Grab a ham and follow #DellCAD @Cadalyst_Mag | ||
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| “ | Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation. | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD TweetChat in 5 min with @SolidSmack. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s talk #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1 | ||
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| “ | Twitter chat with @solidsmack starting in 4 minutes. Shantanu Kedar from the SolidWorks Partner Team will be helping out on our end #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD (I’ll be there as @DellSMBnews) | ||
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| “ | RT: @DellEnterprise Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation. | ||
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| “ | Welcome to the #DellCAD TwitterChat with @SolidSmack. We’re talking about #SolidWorks optimization right now. | ||
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| “ | I’m Michelle with @Cadalyst_Mag. Please use #DellCAD to follow along as we chat with Josh Mings of @SolidSmack about #SolidWorks. | ||
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| “ | One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?. | ||
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| “ | We’re excited to be partnering with @CADalyst_Mag and @SolidSmack today to talk workstations and SolidWorks performance at #DellCAD! | ||
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| “ | Want to optimize the gravy bits out of #SolidWorks on your workstation? Tell us your story at #DellCAD right about… now. | ||
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| “ | Please introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag. | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks | ||
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| “ | Remember to use #DellCAD in your tweets to join in the conversation about optimizing #SolidWorks. | ||
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| “ | My favorite way to optimize SolidWorks? Smart modeling practice – minimize external ref, reduce relations, complex features last #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | checking out #DellCAD looking forward to what Josh has to say John |
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| “ | RT @Cadalyst_Mag: I’m Michelle with @Cadalyst_Mag. Please use #DellCAD to follow along as we chat with Josh Mings of @SolidSmack about #SolidWorks. | ||
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| “ | RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks | ||
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| “ | @waldenweb nice to see ya John. How’s the SolidWorks performance these days? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Jumping into TwitterChat now w/ @SolidSmack #DellCAD – I’m mostly a PDM/PLM guy, but Josh is 2 cool to miss and I’ve been a SWX fan for yrs | ||
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| “ | #SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You’ll be glad you did. #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @jonathanpscott: Jumping into TwitterChat now w/ @SolidSmack #DellCAD – I’m mostly a PDM/PLM guy, but Josh is 2 cool to miss and I’ve been a SWX fan for yrs | ||
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| “ | RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks | ||
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| “ | How do you optimize file colaboration with Solidworks? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @SolidSmack: #SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You’ll be glad you did. #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD: Josh, we’ve got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend? | ||
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| “ | RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Running SW2010 on Windows 7 64bit with 8G Ram, working pretty well #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It’s cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Ooh, question about #SolidWorks file collaboration optimization on #DellCAD – now you’ve got my full attention! | ||
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| “ | RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD: Josh, we’ve got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend? | ||
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| “ | RT @johnevansdesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?. | ||
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| “ | @waldenweb – 8GB of RAM — worth it, you think? I believe the more RAM, the better. #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @bcbenton file collaboration: two ways – 1) work off network with established file name convention #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @SolidSmack: If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It’s cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @bcbenton file collaboration (cont) 2) invest in PDM system. sad but true with that. pricey but worth it for med to large company. #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | On the @solidsmack tweet stream listening to @joshmings #SolidWorks performance Q&A #dellcad | ||
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| “ | RT @SolidSmack: If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It’s cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @Cadalyst_Mag – your reader that is upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful, too: http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @JohnEvansDesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | I like answer #2 to @bcbenton question on SWX file collaboration – use PDM if you can afford it. You get collab AND other benefits #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @Cadalyst_Mag @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM…. wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with the optimization. #Dellcad | ||
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| “ | @jonathanpscott what are your thoughts on how PDM helps optimize SolidWorks and Workstation? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM…. wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | true, and SpeedPacks! @lazytrax: lazytrax: lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with SolidWorks optimization. #Dellcad | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD @SolidSmack One big way is thru view/search ability – non-PDM SWX users sometimes load everything into session just to find 1 part | ||
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| “ | @SolidSmack @bcbenton 1/file share or 2/PDM is pretty much all what available today mainstream for collaboration. #dellcad | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD: We’ve got another reader who is new to #SolidWorks RealView. Any tips on hardware or software optimization? | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD @SolidSmack Another PDM plus is managing the 3D->2D link. SWX is OK on the 2D->3D direction. But can cost time to find drws from 3D | ||
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| “ | RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that’s upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?. | ||
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| “ | If there are any specific #Dell questions about CAD workstation configurations, let me know! #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | unreal RT @Cadalyst_Mag: I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.. #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @Cadalyst_Mag One way to ensure a good RealView experience is to have a professional level graphics card. #DellCAD http://bit.ly/brRb6X | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD @bcbenton One more collab tip for SWX is using “multi-user env” options – bad news is it doesn’t always play nice with PDM systems. | ||
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| “ | A SolidWorks certified GPU will help with RealView. Can view here… some req’ additional file http://bit.ly/oyunZT @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @Cadalyst_Mag – speaking of drooling… here’s a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3 | ||
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| “ | Introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag. | ||
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| “ | #Dellcad RealView feels distracting/unnecessary, not real. Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need also | ||
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| “ | #Dellcad that should be: preview with PhotoView, PV, not PW | ||
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| “ | RT @bcbenton: RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that’s upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: @Cadalyst_Mag – speaking of drooling… here’s a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3 | ||
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| “ | @SolidWorks: Graphics cards! Such a hot topic on #CADspeed. Great link: http://t.co/jy0baxR #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | def for heavy surface modeling! @tonyisme: Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need for RealView #Dellcad | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD #dellcad | ||
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| “ | and not to leave F1 fans in #DellCAD out, we’ve also got video of Dell workstations helping Cosworth build engines: http://del.ly/6016Rztu | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop! | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD If you missed Josh’s blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user – http://t.co/BJ1A8MC | ||
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| “ | RT @SolidSmack: Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Do you have a dedicated computer just for #SolidWorks? or do you run everything on one? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Another hot topic – opinions? @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? | ||
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| “ | Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. Check out our latest workstations: http://t.co/YylUTNW #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @solidsmack I run SWX alongside all my other apps – but then again, I am a PDM guy… #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD If you missed Josh’s blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user – http://t.co/BJ1A8MC | ||
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| “ | Have you checked out the CADspeed blog yet http://cadspeed.wordpress.com #dellcad | ||
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| “ | @jonathanpscott #Dellcad ssd impr. file loading a lot. Not much to gain on modeling or sim performance though. The CPU still needs to chew | ||
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| “ | RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop! | ||
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| “ | @jonathanpscott exactly! you are running SolidWorks (btw me too), but actually not using it (lol) @solidsmack #dellcad | ||
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| “ | @olegshilovitsky #DellCAD Oleg – you are right about that! LOL I rarely model much more than a plate.  |
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| “ | @Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I’m using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad | ||
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| “ | @cadcompany : Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Follow a workstation guru > RT @DellRonnie: Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. dell.com/precision #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @olegshilovitsky: @Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I’m using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad | ||
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| “ | SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD’s getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | @DellRonnie: Any advice on switching to SSD? #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @SolidSmack: SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD’s getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | RT @Kylee_Dell: Have you checked out the CADspeed blog yet http://cadspeed.wordpress.com #dellcad | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally – remember to check the specs. Its like the difference between 4200 RPM drives and 10k RPM drives. | ||
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| “ | @SolidSmack @jonathanpscott #Dellcad SSD for system disk & SATA for storage/simulation dumping ground <- would be my ideal combo | ||
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| “ | @tonyisme Sounds like a good combo. #DellCAD @DellRonnie – are there Precisions that have multiple HDD config options? | ||
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| “ | RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally – check the specs. Its like the diff between 4200 RPM and 10k RPM drives. | ||
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| “ | RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop! | ||
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| “ | In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk | ||
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| “ | @jonathanpscott @tonyisme Yes! All of our Precision workstations support multiple HDD configs with RAID options #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | This #DellCAD TwitterChat is sponsored by #Dell. Thanks to @DellSMBNews for their support! | ||
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| “ | @SolidSmack: Is anyone using #SolidWorks RealView? Not often – hurts my eyes when doing detail work #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Thanks also to @AMD_Unprocessed for its support for #DellCAD TwitterChat and the #CADspeed blog. | ||
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| “ | Special thanks to one of our favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack for a great #DellCAD TwitterChat. | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD: @solidworks Thanks to the #SolidWorks team for their support! | ||
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| “ | @DellSMBnews you need to remove the insanely annoying floating “wanna chat” box. Seriously #Dellcad #offtopic | ||
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| “ | A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link. | ||
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| “ | @Cadalyst_Mag – you’re very welcome. And thanks to you, @SolidSmack and everyone else who joined us for #DellCAD today! | ||
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| “ | The #DellCAD TwitterChat is officially closed. Please feel free to keep chatting amongst yourselves. Thanks to all for participating! | ||
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| “ | RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link. | ||
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| “ | #DellCAD Thanks, Josh (@SolidSmack). Good TwitterChat. | ||
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| “ | @Cadalyst_Mag great initiative! #Dellcad | ||
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| “ | learned about tweet chat made by #dellcad and @solidsmack. maybe we need to have one about #PLM? | ||
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| “ | Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Thanks @solidsmack @cadalyst_mag @DellSMBNews for a nice TwitterChat today #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | While today’s #DellCAD tweetchat has officially ended the conversation doesn’t have to stop! Continue to use the hashtag, follow @DellRonnie | ||
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| “ | RT @SolidSmack: Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | Also > RT @SolidSmack: [...] wondering about SolidWorks/Workstation performance email josh@solidsmack.com or stop by solidsmack.com #DellCAD | ||
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| “ | And > RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link. | ||
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| “ | @razorleaf – you’re very welcome! thank you for joining #DellCAD ~LPT | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk | ||
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| “ | RT @DellSMBnews: In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk | ||
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| “ | RT @DellEnterprise: Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation. | ||
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Four Practical Approaches to Improving SolidWorks Performance
What goes into improving SolidWorks performance? Way too much. Really, programs, CAD software should be more simple. Hardware should be more simple, but for the very reason that software and hardware are not developed together, we’re faced with attempting to optimize both and you… are faced with this article.
You can break all the aspects of performance and what goes into optimizing your system into four practical approaches. You can apply these to a large company, small company or an individual. You can use it as a checklist or give it to IT and tell them to get their act together.
Software Performance
SolidWorks is a strange beast. You’ll get optimal performance one time and then something changes to totally confuse you. How you create your model — keeping files together, reducing external references, optimizing relations — helps. These are all things that a bit of training and a solid slap can solve. Beyond that, you can improve performance by going into the SolidWorks options and turning off the SolidWorks news feed, reducing level of detail and setting the search to index only when idle. RealView adds more realistic visuals for material and environments. If you notice lag, try toggling it off under View / Display / RealView. All good things to know, but none of this will matter as much if you have optimized hardware.
Hardware Performance
For best performance with SolidWorks, it’s always best to start with hardware. You’ll find better performance with SolidWorks with a faster CPU. Max that sucker out. Multiple CPUs, even better. Recommended RAM for current SolidWorks versions is 6GB. It’s cheap, toss it in. A 1GB graphics card will provide smoother visuals. Turn off visual effects for Windows. Go to Performance Info and Tools in the Windows Control Panel and adjust for best performance. Keep your computer clean. Use programs like Speccy to monitor your system, Defraggler to keep your system defragged and CCleaner to keep that registry and program list optimized.
Software Life Cycle
Keeping software updated can be challenging, particularly when new versions of software that are used together come out at different times throughout the year. For best performance increases and time to allow testing of new functionality, I suggest a 14-18 month update cycle. This allows for at least one Service Pack (point release) of SolidWorks and provides time for a soft roll-out of the update.
Hardware Life Cycle
I list this last because it’s often the coldest piece of cod to swallow. Hardware is expensive. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the necessary upgrades that you will need over the years, especially in light of SolidWorks software updates and the need to keep employees or yourself super efficient. 2-year hardware cycles are often ideal for three reasons. It keeps you apprised of the technology, improves power efficiencies/capabilities and you get a better tax break for donating the old stuff to charity.
We view performance as software that doesn’t crash and hardware that doesn’t make us wait around. There’s always something you can do to make it all run a little better. The bottom line is this: Keep on a clear update cycle for software and hardware. Deal with hardware performance first, maxing out CPU speed, then deal with the intricacies of the software itself. You’ll have a smoother running system and you’ll be a much happier SolidWorks user.
Join Josh Mings for a TwitterChat on Thursday, July 28 at 4 p.m. ET. We’ll be talking about performance on SolidWorks. Follow the conversation at #dellcad and jump in! Click for more information.
Josh Mings is a mechanical engineer in the aircraft interiors industry. He is a CSWP with certified training and support for SolidWorks. He is editor of SolidSmack.com covering CAD, design and technology and is co-host of Engineer vs. Designer at evd1.tv. Follow him on Twitter@joshmings and @solidsmack or find him at LinkedIn or Google+.
Find the Right Graphics Card Driver for SolidWorks
The latest version of SolidWorks® 3D design software offers fully integrated tools for users to easily leverage the power of 3D graphics. Using RealView, users can create realistic looking models due to real-time rendering capability of photorealistic lighting, reflection, shadowing and surface texture in the design workflow. PhotoView 360 allows users to create photo realistic images and animation.
In order for users to get the best performance out of RealView and PhotoView 360, it is very important for them to have the right graphics card in place. Users sometimes make the mistake of choosing a consumer level or a gaming graphics card, or just selecting the most expensive graphics card out there. However, when it comes to taking advantage of the features in SolidWorks, a bigger and an expensive graphics card may not always be better.
Interface for Selecting Graphics Card
To help users make the right choice, SolidWorks provides an interface to select the graphics card that will ensure system performance and stability. This interface provides the options to select the computer vendor, computer model, graphics card vendor, graphics card model, and operating system, as well as SolidWorks version. It also provides the flexibility to select after market graphics card.
SolidWorks Test Results
This interface provides the results of various tests SolidWorks performed on the graphics cards. If a card has limitations or notes they will be indicated within the results. All these cards are tested in house at SolidWorks. This interface is used to help you find the right graphics card driver for your system to ensure system performance and stability. SolidWorks tests and certifies graphics card drivers for each version of SolidWorks and supported Operating Systems.
Thus the resource allows users to not only select the certified graphics cards for running SolidWorks, but also download the latest graphics cards drivers.
Click here to view the interface.
Author: Shantanu Kedar, Partner Technical Marketing Manager, DS SolidWorks Corp
