Cadalyst Systems Benchmark, Part 3: The Compare Option

Previously, we discussed the meaning behind the various index scores reported by the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark. Next, we talked about operating the benchmark. In this, part 3 of our blog, we finish discussing the operation of the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark.

Compare Option

The final choice of the benchmark’s initial dialog box enables the compare option, which lets you save and compare times for different test runs. This is a powerful tool that we added to C2008 v5.1 to help us develop new tests for the benchmark itself. You can use it to easily see the effects (if any) for alternate configurations of your workstation. This option is disabled by default.

Compare Option

Compare Options Menu

You have six choices here. The first three concern the operation of the compare function: Save Current Test Times for Later Comparison, then EXIT; Compare Current Test Times to Previous Test Times; and Save Current Test Times and Compare to Previous Test Times.

Compare Options Menu

The compare function lets you compare the times from two different test runs, creating a new set of relative index numbers. It calculates the index numbers based on the ratio of the test times from the first selected file compared to the test times of the second selected file. If nothing has changed and the two different test times are virtually identical, the new calculated index is approximately 1.00. Where something has changed, the new index number clearly shows the relative improvement. For example, an index number of 1.50 indicates that performance has improved by 50%. This is a handy method for directly quantifying the benefits of, say, using a RAID 0 configuration for your hard drives.

The fourth choice, Just Exit C2012, simply aborts the compare option. The last two choices deal with help dialog boxes: Enable Informational Alert Boxes and Disable Informational Alert Boxes—the default setting.

Informational Alert Boxes

If enabled, informational alert dialog boxes popup (using AutoLISP’s alert message function) to provide contextual help when saving and comparing different test results. These dialogs, one for each of the three compare options, guide you through the process of using the compare function until you are ready to disable them.

Save and Compare Inforrmational Alert Box

One More Option

There is a hidden option (disabled by default) that appends the actual times for each individual test, in seconds, to the end of the C2012_data.dta file. To enable this option, you must edit the C2012_indx.lsp file. You can edit this text file using Windows’ WordPad utility. To enable the option, just remove the two semicolons at the beginning of the line located near the end of the file, which reads: ;;(load “times”).

(Note: The AutoLISP interpreter ignores any code on a line after a semicolon.)

Enable Hidden Option with Text

This wraps up our blog on the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark. We hope it helps you to evaluate and compare the performance of different workstations running AutoCAD.

Author: Art Liddle

Cadalyst Systems Benchmark, Part 2: Download, Installation and Operation

Previously, we discussed the meaning behind the various index scores reported by the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark. Here, we will talk about operating the benchmark. For our discussion, we will use the latest version of the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark, C2012 v5.4, which was recently released.

The Readme_C2012.txt file (included in the Zip file available for download) gives instructions for installing the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark. They are straightforward, so we will not repeat them here.

The initial dialog box for the C2012 benchmark offers several radio-button options for customizing the test, as well as edit boxes for recording selected information about your workstation configuration. We will discuss each item in order, working our way down from the top of the dialog box.

Record Current System Configuration

This collection of six edit boxes prompts you for key information about your system’s configuration. We strongly suggest that you take full advantage of this section; record as much data as you can at the time of the test—up to a maximum of 132 characters per edit box. This information will make your life easier when you are pouring over the test data later. The benchmark stores your responses in the C2012_data.dta file, using them as defaults the next time you run the test. (If it hasn’t changed, you don’t need to retype information for each test.) The last edit box (Remarks) lets you record general notes to yourself. The benchmark automatically determines and records the following information: AutoCAD version, graphics window size in pixels, and the current date and time.

Record Current System Configuration

Test Functions

This is where you choose which type of test to run: 3D/2D/Other Functions (the only option that includes the Total Index score), 2D/Other Functions, or 3D Functions Only. Depending upon the type of work you do with AutoCAD, you can save yourself a lot of time by choosing either of the latter two options. In addition, if you do not have at least a midrange 3D graphics card, skip the 3D test—it can take several hours to run with a low-end card.

Test Functions

Number of Test Loops

For our reviews, we typically choose to run three loops of the test; the benchmark automatically calculates and reports average scores and times. For the record, we have found that the scores from a single run of the test closely match the average scores from three iterations. New to the C2012 version: We added a Battery Rundown Test option, which runs 99 loops. As the name indicates, we use this option for measuring the battery performance of mobile workstations.

Number of Test Loops

Next time, in part 3 of our series, we will discuss the Compare Option. Originally added to the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark strictly for our internal use, it proved to be so handy, we enabled it for everyone.

Author: Art Liddle

Find the Optimal Hardware Configuration for ArchiCAD

One of the most common questions our tech staff gets from customers is “What is the best hardware config for ArchiCAD?” It’s easy to go overboard and buy the most expensive of everything, but many times less expensive components are almost just as good. The “optimal” configuration is almost as fast as the “best” configuration, with a more attractive price tag.

Let’s review the priorities:

CPU

The processor is still the most important component of your config. Since ArchiCAD supports multiprocessing, we recommend 4-core processors. 6 and 8 cores are significantly more expensive while providing little benefit, so 4-core is the most optimal choice. Pick something from the middle range — prices rise exponentially with performance.

RAM

ArchiCAD supports 64-bit. To see the benefits of this, you need at least 8GB of physical RAM. While most of the times ArchiCAD will use significantly less than this, since RAM is now cheap there is really no reason to economize here. There are times when you will run multiple copies of ArchiCAD or run other applications simultaneously.

Hard Drives

ArchiCAD stores cached data while it operates, so there is a lot of file I/O going on while working in ArchiCAD — not just when saving files. Therefore hard drives are a key — and often overlooked — speed factor. With the price of solid state drives coming down considerably in the past year, they might be a sensible investment. You don’t need a huge SSD. You are better off with a smaller (say 128GB) SSD combined with a large conventional hard drive. You will install the system and ArchiCAD on the SSD, but you will store files on the conventional drive.

Video Cards

ArchiCAD uses hardware acceleration in both 2D and 3D. That said, while the importance of hard drives is often underrated, video cards are often overrated. In general we can say that it is more important to have a recent video card than a particularly high-end video card. It’s not a bad practice to replace the video card at the half of your computer’s lifespan.

When you buy a new card, it’s important to have enough video RAM. We currently recommend 1GB. Drivers are key for optimal performance. If you want to have a peace of mind about drivers, you might consider going with a “professional series” video card — at a much heftier price. You can find a list of recommended cards in our knowledge base.

Monitors

Screen real estate is a huge productivity factor. Here we have only one recommendation: The bigger the better. You can also hook up two monitors, if your video card supports that.

Author: Gergely (Greg) Kmethy, Team Leader, Technical Support, Graphisoft

New Benchmark Test Available for Systems Running Autodesk 3ds Max 2011

SPEC’s Application Performance Characterization (SPECapc) group has released the long-awaited new benchmark test for evaluating the performance of systems running Autodesk 3ds Max 2011. Launched last month, the updated test is available in professional ($495) and personal ($20) versions.

The SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 benchmark is valuable for IT professionals, CAD managers and users, or others who want to evaluate the performance of new desktop or mobile computers running Autodesk 3ds Max 2011, gauge the impact of a hardware upgrade, or compare the performance of one system to another.

New features in SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 include:

• updated tests based on new functionality in 3ds Max 2011;
• an improved user interface that makes it easier to configure and run tests;
• increased level of testing for shading and rendering in the pro version, including use of the Autodesk Quicksilver engine for accelerated CPU and GPU rendering; and
• automated benchmark results compilation in the pro version.

Click here for more information!

Cadalyst Systems Benchmark, Part 1: Evaluate and Compare Workstations Running AutoCAD

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary lists one definition for benchmark as: a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison.

The Cadalyst Systems Benchmark is designed to help you evaluate and compare the performance of workstations running AutoCAD. Comparing the performance scores between workstations (or different configurations) will help you make intelligent choices when purchasing a new computer or upgrading an existing one.

The Cadalyst Systems Benchmark reports a total index score and four component index scores keyed to specific performance areas, as well as individual numbers for each subroutine of the test. Note: the index numbers are simply a ratio of the base time for an operation compared to the current test time for an operation. Larger index numbers indicate better performance.

Total Index: This is an average of the four component indexes: It gives a quick look at the overall performance for a workstation. The Total Index score is the number we focus on for our reviews, but you can dig a little deeper for additional performance information relevant to your specific requirements.

3D Graphics Index: This is closely tied to a workstation’s graphics card. Depending on the rendering mode you typically use when working with 3D models in AutoCAD, you may want to focus on just one of the 3D graphics subcategories: Wireframe, Hidden, Conceptual, and Realistic. If you don’t work with 3D models, you can safely ignore this index all together.

2D Graphics Index: This measures more than just 2D graphics performance: It effectively measures all onscreen performance that does not involve rendering a 3D model. This component of the test creates, copies, blocks, moves, arrays, changes layers, changes colors, explodes, and erases three different types of objects: orthogonal lines, radial polylines, and text. Zoom and Pan commands are sprinkled throughout each test. Don’t pay any attention to the individual subcategories for this one, what matters is the total score.

Disk Index: This measures a workstation’s performance for reading and writing files to the hard drive. Most of the drives on the market today provide similar performance. What will make a big difference is having a pair of drives in a RAID 0 configuration. For RAID 0, file operations are simultaneously split between the two drives, nearly doubling performance.

CPU Index: This gauges the performance of the central processing unit at the heart of each workstation. It has proven to be an accurate measure of relative performance, especially with the turbo-mode of the new generation CPUs.

Cadalyst Systems Benchmark Results Page

Next time, we’ll discuss the operation of the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark in some detail.

Author: Art Liddle

How to Keep Your Workstation Graphics Card Updated, Part 3: Rules of Thumb

In this series, we’ve talked about why it’s so hard to keep your graphics card driver updated and what to do about it. In this post, I’ll give you my rules of thumb for updating.

The rule of thumb I use is to try out most updated certified driver from the list of apps that you are using.  So if AutoCAD 2011 is certified for v8.773, but  ANSYS 13 is only is certified to v8.43, try using v8.773. If you encounter an issue in ANSYS, I would recommend dropping back to the last working certified driver or the lowest common denominator certified driver.

What I Want to See from AMD and Nvidia

In the ideal world what I would like to see from AMD and Nvidia is for the Catalyst Control Center software (or Nvidia equivalent) to let me set a weekly or monthly update schedule to automatically check for updates.

It should also offer the option to check manually for when I don’t have a continuous Internet connection or am regularly behind a firewall. If the software finds a new driver version to download, it lets me know (as well as clearly letting me know what performance enhancements or bug fixes are included in the driver).  Most importantly, it would let me scan my system for applications that are ISV certified and indicates if they are or are not certified for this new version.  So at a glance I could see which of my critical apps are certified for the driver update. Then I can decide whether or not to update.

Hopefully I will see this kind of feature in a future Control Center update. Until then, I will keep checking the CAD website for driver update news. I also have an Outlook calendar alert set to remind me to check the AMD site every 3 months. I look forward to the next update and performance boost!

CAD/CAE ISVs Links for the Latest Certified Drivers

AutoCAD or any other Autodesk products
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/cert?siteID=123112&id=16391880

CATIA:
http://www.3ds.com/support/certified-hardware/windows-certified-workstations/

Creo Elements/Pro  (formally called Pro/ENGINEER—at V5 they rebranded it to this marketing name) & Creo Element/Direct (formally Cocreate)
http://www.ptc.com/partners/hardware/current/support.htm

SolidWorks:
http://www.solidworks.com/sw/videocardtesting.html

HyperWorks 11:
PDF http://www.altairhyperworks.com/ResLibDownload.aspx?file_id=807&keywords=graphic
boardlist&industry=All&product_service=All&category=All&order_by=date_created&order_by_da=desc&resource_id=2018

ANSYS:
http://www.ansys.com/Support/Platform+Support/ANSYS+13.0+Tested+Graphics+Cards

CEI Ensight:
http://www.ensight.com/EnSight/ensight-90-hardware-performance.html

Bentley MicroStation:
http://appsnet.bentley.com/mstnbenchmark/Reporting/ByVideoCard.aspx

Abaqus:
(V7900 and V5900 are certified and will be posted here soon)
http://www.simulia.com/support/v611/v611_graphics.html

NX, Teamcenter, Technomatix, Solid Edge:
http://support.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/online_library/certification/

Side Effects Houdini
http://support.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/online_library/certification/

Know of other good resources? Add them to the comments below!

Author: Tony DeYoung

How to Keep Your Workstation Graphics Card Updated, Part 2: What Should You Do?

My last post talked about why it is so hard to keep graphics card drivers updated. This post will help you figure out what you should do about it.

One option is to check the ISVs website to see what they post as the latest driver to use with their product. I will post several links to common ISV pages at the end of this blog series. However two caveats regarding checking the ISV’s website:

1. Not every ISV posts the actual driver that they certify. They might just list the latest certified driver version and then you have to go to the AMD site to actually download it.
2. The ISV may have certified a new driver, but be slow to actually list or post it, lagging behind by a few weeks or more.

What About Automatic Checking in the Application?

Autodesk AutoCAD, Inventor and Revit all support automatic checking. They have an XML that checks what the user is using and if it doesn’t match what Autodesk certified / tested then the user is notified. Also, these applications will notify the user if there is an updated driver that was tested/certified. This is a great per-application feature. Unfortunately this is not common practice for other software vendors. ( I encourage you to write to your favorite CAD vendor and get them to implement this!) So if you want to know what the latest driver is for your particular software, then you need to check the AMD website or the particular software vendor’s site.

Where to Get the Latest Drivers?

From AMD

For me the simplest thing is to go to the AMD website:

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/fire/certified/Pages/certified-applications.aspx

This page is updated every other week with the latest information on which drivers are certified for which versions of software using a particular graphics card.  So if it is on the AMD site, the ISV has certified that version of the driver for accuracy and performance.

From Nvidia

If you own a Quadro you can do the same thing from their list of certified drivers (although their page interface is a bit more confusing, listing every software version with every driver and card at once).

http://www.nvidia.co.in/page/ws_partner_certified_drivers.html

For the last post in this series, I’ll give you some rules of thumb for updating.

Author: Tony DeYoung

Poll: What Type of Computer Do You Use for CAD?

We have a poll going over on Cadalyst.com, asking the question: What type of computer do you use primarily for CAD-related work? So far, desktop PCs and desktop workstations are neck-and-neck, but notebook PCs and even Macs are making a good showing. Head on over to cast your own vote and view results! Don’t forget to bookmark the Results page so you can come back later to see the latest stats.

How to Keep Your Workstation Graphics Card Updated, Part 1: Why Is It So Hard?

I am always excited when AMD releases a new driver update.  I’ve got a FirePro V8800 and with each update I typically I experience a hefty performance boost along with any bug fixes.  My one frustration is that I only find out about this new release by reading about it on CAD news sites.  That can often be weeks or months after the release.  I kept wishing for some kind of automatic solution.

Auto-Updates are in My Browser Already

Automatic updates are one of the things I appreciate about Google Chrome.  I don’t have to do any checking if I have the latest version. The browser silently updates so I always have the latest features, performance enhancements, and security fixes. Nice!

When Auto-Updating is Not Good

While I appreciate auto-updating in Chrome, I don’t want it other applications.  Auto-updates in Firefox could break my many add-ons. Auto-updates in Adobe CS5 apps would seriously interrupt and delay my workflow.  For my GIS client, I work behind a Firewall so any applications that try to automatically “call home” give errors.  Every now and then, even in Chrome, auto-updates get annoying because I don’t like being the guinea pig for only partially tested “beta” features. And when my system starts slowing down, the first thing I start searching out and disabling are uncontrolled background processes.  So auto-updates are not always such a great thing.

There is a New Version of Your Graphics Card Driver. Would You Like to Update?

But what about auto-updates for my FirePro graphics card? Wouldn’t this solve my driver “currency” issue?  My FirePro V8800 would just automatically update every time there was a performance update. Or at least that it would pop up a notification: “Hey there is a new version of your graphics card driver.  Would you like to update now?”

ISV Certified Drivers for CAD

It sounded like a great idea until I started thinking about all of the consequences. Aside from the reasons I mentioned above, there is another more critical reason not to have auto updates.  I regularly use several different CAD and DCC software, and I depend on drivers that are ISV certified for optimal performance and stability.  The problem is that not every application that I use is certified for the same driver version. It depends on the ISV (and the specific FirePro or Quadro card).  AutoCAD 2011 might be certified for  driver v8.773, but my copy of ANSYS is only certified for v8.43. With scores of CAD/CAE/DCC ISVs and hundreds of possible application combinations that can be installed on any one workstation, it is not likely that each application will be certified for the latest or even the same version of FirePro V8800 driver.

So if my FirePro driver automatically updated like Chrome, I could potentially get screwed with different CAD/CAE applications no longer working perfectly. In reality, with AMD at least, the situation is not that dire. From my mid July 2011 check, about 85-90% or so of the latest ISV certified drivers are all for a common single driver (this is more true for the newest cards). But still there are variations, particularly if you use applications across domains (e.g., CAD vs. Visualization vs. CFD) or have an older graphics card.

So what should you do to ensure your graphics card updates will play nicely with your software applications? I’ll cover that in my next post.

Author: Tony DeYoung

TwitterChat Archive: SolidWorks Optimization with Josh Mings, SolidSmack

SolidWorks Optimization with Josh Mings by cadalyst_mag Dell- and Cadalyst-Sponsored TwitterChat abput optimizing your system for SolidWorks.

“	RT @DellEnterprise: Live #CAD chat! Join Dell, @Cadalyst_Mag, & @SolidSmack at #DellCAD, Thursday 4pm East. Info- http://del.ly/6019Rzi5
	Robinson11976 July 28, 2011

“	RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	RT @SolidSmack: RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1
	bcbenton July 28, 2011

“	Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts –in just 3 hours– using #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012RzUe
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	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
	DanitaBlackwood July 28, 2011

“	RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu
	LaurenatDell July 28, 2011

“	RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu
	LPT July 28, 2011

“	RT: Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts –in just 3 hours– using #DellCAD http://t.co/vY2U7gd
	DellChannel July 28, 2011

“	RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu
	DellSmbUS July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD TwitterChat in 1 hour with @SolidSmack: Performance optimization with #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	RT @DellSMBnews: 30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt
	digitalworldsam July 28, 2011

“	20 minutes till @joshmings fills your tweet stream with sweet #SolidWorks Performance Q&A. Grab a ham and follow #DellCAD @Cadalyst_Mag
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation.
	DellEnterprise July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD TweetChat in 5 min with @SolidSmack. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s talk #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	Twitter chat with @solidsmack starting in 4 minutes. Shantanu Kedar from the SolidWorks Partner Team will be helping out on our end #DellCAD
	SolidWorks July 28, 2011

“	getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD (I’ll be there as @DellSMBnews)
	LPT July 28, 2011

“	RT: @DellEnterprise Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation.
	DellChannel July 28, 2011

“	Welcome to the #DellCAD TwitterChat with @SolidSmack. We’re talking about #SolidWorks optimization right now.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	I’m Michelle with @Cadalyst_Mag. Please use #DellCAD to follow along as we chat with Josh Mings of @SolidSmack about #SolidWorks.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	We’re excited to be partnering with @CADalyst_Mag and @SolidSmack today to talk workstations and SolidWorks performance at #DellCAD!
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	Want to optimize the gravy bits out of #SolidWorks on your workstation? Tell us your story at #DellCAD right about… now.
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	Please introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks
	LaurenatDell July 28, 2011

“	Remember to use #DellCAD in your tweets to join in the conversation about optimizing #SolidWorks.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	My favorite way to optimize SolidWorks? Smart modeling practice – minimize external ref, reduce relations, complex features last #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	checking out #DellCAD looking forward to what Josh has to say John
	waldenweb July 28, 2011

“	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.
	bcbenton July 28, 2011

“	RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks
	bcbenton July 28, 2011

“	@waldenweb nice to see ya John. How’s the SolidWorks performance these days? #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	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
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	#SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You’ll be glad you did. #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	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
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks
	CamilleATX July 28, 2011

“	How do you optimize file colaboration with Solidworks? #DellCAD
	bcbenton July 28, 2011

“	RT @SolidSmack: #SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You’ll be glad you did. #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD: Josh, we’ve got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend?
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD
	JohnEvansDesign July 28, 2011

“	Running SW2010 on Windows 7 64bit with 8G Ram, working pretty well #DellCAD
	waldenweb July 28, 2011

“	If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It’s cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	Ooh, question about #SolidWorks file collaboration optimization on #DellCAD – now you’ve got my full attention!
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD: Josh, we’ve got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend?
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	RT @johnevansdesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD
	bcbenton July 28, 2011

“	RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?.
	olegshilovitsky July 28, 2011

“	@waldenweb – 8GB of RAM — worth it, you think? I believe the more RAM, the better. #DellCAD
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	@bcbenton file collaboration: two ways – 1) work off network with established file name convention #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	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
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	@bcbenton file collaboration (cont) 2) invest in PDM system. sad but true with that. pricey but worth it for med to large company. #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	On the @solidsmack tweet stream listening to @joshmings #SolidWorks performance Q&A #dellcad
	olegshilovitsky July 28, 2011

“	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
	Lanett78 July 28, 2011

“	@Cadalyst_Mag – your reader that is upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful, too: http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	RT @JohnEvansDesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations – join #DellCAD
	vzinkus July 28, 2011

“	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
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	@Cadalyst_Mag @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM…. wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with the optimization. #Dellcad
	lazytrax July 28, 2011

“	@jonathanpscott what are your thoughts on how PDM helps optimize SolidWorks and Workstation? #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM…. wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD
	LaurenatDell July 28, 2011

“	true, and SpeedPacks! @lazytrax: lazytrax: lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with SolidWorks optimization. #Dellcad
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD @SolidSmack One big way is thru view/search ability – non-PDM SWX users sometimes load everything into session just to find 1 part
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	@SolidSmack @bcbenton 1/file share or 2/PDM is pretty much all what available today mainstream for collaboration. #dellcad
	olegshilovitsky July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD: We’ve got another reader who is new to #SolidWorks RealView. Any tips on hardware or software optimization?
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	#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
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that’s upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD
	bcbenton July 28, 2011

“	RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?.
	tonyisme July 28, 2011

“	If there are any specific #Dell questions about CAD workstation configurations, let me know! #DellCAD
	DellRonnie July 28, 2011

“	unreal RT @Cadalyst_Mag: I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.. #DellCAD
	JohnEvansDesign July 28, 2011

“	@Cadalyst_Mag One way to ensure a good RealView experience is to have a professional level graphics card. #DellCAD http://bit.ly/brRb6X
	SolidWorks July 28, 2011

“	#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.
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	A SolidWorks certified GPU will help with RealView. Can view here… some req’ additional file http://bit.ly/oyunZT @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	@Cadalyst_Mag – speaking of drooling… here’s a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	Introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	#Dellcad RealView feels distracting/unnecessary, not real. Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need also
	tonyisme July 28, 2011

“	#Dellcad that should be: preview with PhotoView, PV, not PW
	tonyisme July 28, 2011

“	RT @bcbenton: RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that’s upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD
	Kylee_Dell July 28, 2011

“	RT @DellSMBnews: @Cadalyst_Mag – speaking of drooling… here’s a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	@SolidWorks: Graphics cards! Such a hot topic on #CADspeed. Great link: http://t.co/jy0baxR #DellCAD
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	def for heavy surface modeling! @tonyisme: Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need for RealView #Dellcad
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	RT @DellSMBnews: Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD
	cadesigntek July 28, 2011

“	RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD
	cadesigntek July 28, 2011

“	Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD #dellcad
	Kylee_Dell July 28, 2011

“	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
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop!
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD If you missed Josh’s blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user – http://t.co/BJ1A8MC
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	RT @SolidSmack: Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	Do you have a dedicated computer just for #SolidWorks? or do you run everything on one? #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	Another hot topic – opinions? @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance?
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. Check out our latest workstations: http://t.co/YylUTNW #DellCAD
	DellRonnie July 28, 2011

“	@solidsmack I run SWX alongside all my other apps – but then again, I am a PDM guy… #DellCAD
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD If you missed Josh’s blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user – http://t.co/BJ1A8MC
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	Have you checked out the CADspeed blog yet https://cadspeed.wordpress.com #dellcad
	Kylee_Dell July 28, 2011

“	@jonathanpscott #Dellcad ssd impr. file loading a lot. Not much to gain on modeling or sim performance though. The CPU still needs to chew
	tonyisme July 28, 2011

“	RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop!
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	@jonathanpscott exactly! you are running SolidWorks (btw me too), but actually not using it (lol) @solidsmack #dellcad
	olegshilovitsky July 28, 2011

“	@olegshilovitsky #DellCAD Oleg – you are right about that! LOL I rarely model much more than a plate. 🙂
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	@Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I’m using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad
	olegshilovitsky July 28, 2011

“	@cadcompany : Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert – @DellRonnie – on #DellCAD
	PattyGroenland July 28, 2011

“	Follow a workstation guru > RT @DellRonnie: Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. dell.com/precision #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	RT @olegshilovitsky: @Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I’m using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD’s getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	@DellRonnie: Any advice on switching to SSD? #DellCAD
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	RT @SolidSmack: SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD’s getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	RT @Kylee_Dell: Have you checked out the CADspeed blog yet https://cadspeed.wordpress.com #dellcad
	LaurenatDell July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally – remember to check the specs. Its like the difference between 4200 RPM drives and 10k RPM drives.
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	@SolidSmack @jonathanpscott #Dellcad SSD for system disk & SATA for storage/simulation dumping ground <- would be my ideal combo
	tonyisme July 28, 2011

“	@tonyisme Sounds like a good combo. #DellCAD @DellRonnie – are there Precisions that have multiple HDD config options?
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally – check the specs. Its like the diff between 4200 RPM and 10k RPM drives.
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop!
	Lanett78 July 28, 2011

“	In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	@jonathanpscott @tonyisme Yes! All of our Precision workstations support multiple HDD configs with RAID options #DellCAD
	DellRonnie July 28, 2011

“	This #DellCAD TwitterChat is sponsored by #Dell. Thanks to @DellSMBNews for their support!
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	@SolidSmack: Is anyone using #SolidWorks RealView? Not often – hurts my eyes when doing detail work #DellCAD
	cambridgedesign July 28, 2011

“	Thanks also to @AMD_Unprocessed for its support for #DellCAD TwitterChat and the #CADspeed blog.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	Special thanks to one of our favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack for a great #DellCAD TwitterChat.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD: @solidworks Thanks to the #SolidWorks team for their support!
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	@DellSMBnews you need to remove the insanely annoying floating “wanna chat” box. Seriously #Dellcad #offtopic
	tonyisme July 28, 2011

“	A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link.
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	@Cadalyst_Mag – you’re very welcome. And thanks to you, @SolidSmack and everyone else who joined us for #DellCAD today!
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	The #DellCAD TwitterChat is officially closed. Please feel free to keep chatting amongst yourselves. Thanks to all for participating!
	Cadalyst_Mag July 28, 2011

“	RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link.
	olegshilovitsky July 28, 2011

“	#DellCAD Thanks, Josh (@SolidSmack). Good TwitterChat.
	jonathanpscott July 28, 2011

“	@Cadalyst_Mag great initiative! #Dellcad
	tonyisme July 28, 2011

“	learned about tweet chat made by #dellcad and @solidsmack. maybe we need to have one about #PLM?
	olegshilovitsky July 28, 2011

“	Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD
	SolidSmack July 28, 2011

“	Thanks @solidsmack @cadalyst_mag @DellSMBNews for a nice TwitterChat today #DellCAD
	razorleaf July 28, 2011

“	While today’s #DellCAD tweetchat has officially ended the conversation doesn’t have to stop! Continue to use the hashtag, follow @DellRonnie
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	RT @SolidSmack: Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD
	JohnEvansDesign July 28, 2011

“	Also > RT @SolidSmack: […] wondering about SolidWorks/Workstation performance email josh@solidsmack.com or stop by solidsmack.com #DellCAD
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	And > RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link.
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	@razorleaf – you’re very welcome! thank you for joining #DellCAD ~LPT
	DellSMBnews July 28, 2011

“	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
	DellChannel July 28, 2011

“	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
	adaptivecorp July 28, 2011

“	RT @DellEnterprise: Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation.
	mandheer July 28, 2011

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