Best Computer Configuration for Running SW 2003 1

[kvaught]

I have the opportunity to upgrade my machine that runs Solidworks. I have heard that the Athlon processor is superior for Solidworks. I have also heard that a Pentium 4 is superior for running Solidworks. I know that the more Ramm you have, the better and that a graphics card can make or break the machine. Can you experts out there give me your opinion as to the ideal machine that will run Solidworks at its best?

Thanks

KV

 

[djw2k3]

Hi there,

having used solidworks on Pentium and Athlon machines I have found that it really doesn't matter which. In my experience processor speeds are just a part of the picture provided:
A) You are working on a nice stable machine Win2K or XP
B) A graphics card like a Quadro (nVidia)
C) At least 512kB Ram (Faster Ram the better)
D) Processor ~2gig mark

IMHO a good graphics card is a must and money is well spent in this department!!

 

[wlw2]

Do dual processors help? I recently had a large model on a former co-workers machine that had dual processors. The task manager showed both processors working. They were about the same percent utilized but not identical (except when both showed 100%) I was told 2 or 3 years ago that performance was not helped by dual processors. Has this changed? I'm running 2003 sp1 on an NT machine

The machine had 3/4 g memory. The task manager seldom showed more than 1/2 g used. Is there a top limit to usefull memory? I was running a very large assembly.

 

[MadMango]

I'm running SW03 SP1 on a dual P4 1.7ghz machine with 1gb memory.

The second processor comes into play when you are rotating parts and assemblies, opening drawings for the first time, opening assemblies for the first time, things of this nature. It also kicks in when you are working on helix-based features in models.

I have seen the second processor contribute to processing power when modeling simple parts, but this is a really small amount... maybe 10%.

It does not add to processing power when doing Physical Dynamics or Simulations, or running COSMOSxpress. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."

 

[MadMango]

I take part of that back... it does appear to help when doing Physical Simulations. I just checked a model of a lead screw and nut, where the screw is stationary and the nut is moved along the screw. As the nut rotates and moves up, both processors are working.

Also, you will notice faster "switch times" from window application to window application. I swtich between SW, Outlook, PowerPoint, Viso, ect (and others) through out the day, and the set-up handles it all with no degration of preformance. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."