CPU time & Mem Usage compared for NX3<->NX7.5

[RonnyC]

Hi all

Because my boss asked to explain why CAD computers need upgrading on a regular basis , I did an experiment.

I opened and shaded some old but pretty big assmeblies ( vehicle underbodies, etc. ) in both NX3 and NX7.5 on the same computer and under identical conditions.

on average I see NX7.5 uses +/-50% more CPU time and +/-25% more memory to do the same job.

I can understand NX7.5 have more functionallity which could partly explain the extra need for memory, but I am surprised opening and shading requires more time. If anything I would have expected it to me more effocient not less.

Anybody have similar experiences?

Merry X-mass to you all.

 

[looslib]

One factor to consider when doing a test like that is the database conversion that takes place when you open an NX3 file in NX7.5. You need to save a copy of the file in NX7.5 format, then repeat your test.

Both files need to be in the 'same' location; either network drive or local drive.
The system should be rebooted between tests.
You will see a difference in time and memory usage if you do the test on after NX has been runnig for a while versus a fresh start of NX. Menus and code get cached, so always do a fresh start on each test. Also Windows doesn't always return all the memory when a process closes, which is why a reboot is needed.


"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli

 

[cowski]

...explain why CAD computers need upgrading on a regular basis...

The same reason all computers need upgrading; warranties expire, components fail, new technology that can perform the task faster, etc etc. CAD/CAE is more demanding on a computer than word processing/email, if you are happy with the performance then there is no real reason to upgrade. But if you experience slowdowns (usually with large assemblies or drawings) then it may be time for an upgrade. Perhaps a better test would be are you more productive with NX 7.5 on a new computer vs NX 3 on your current computer. This is much more difficult to quantify than running a few canned benchmarks to see which is faster. NX 7.5 includes tools that may make you much more productive than a new computer (synchronous modeling is one example). This may help answer your boss' next question "Why does the CAD software need to be upgraded on a regular basis?".

 

[RonnyC]

Good point about the conversion , Ben.
I didn't consider that.

I did use a fresh session for both NX versions, but didn't reboot.