Does SolidWorks need to be told more RAM is available? 1

[helbling34]

Our IT manager just upgraded our workstations from 8GB to 16GB of RAM. Task manager shows only 2.5GB is being used while working with a very large assembly (5000+ components; more RAM is available but not being used.

Does Windows or SolidWorks need to be "told" that more RAM is available?

Dell Precision T1500
Core i7 processor
16GB RAM
Windows 7, 64bit
SolidWorks 2010 x64 SP 3.1

Thanks

 

[AnnaWood]

SolidWorks does not need to be told. It uses as much as it needs.

What is your issue with SolidWorks? What problem did you try to solve by adding more RAM?

What cpu do you have in the T1500?

SolidWorks is cpu bound and gains performance with high clock speed cpu's.

The T1500 are entry level workstations and are typically not spec'ed with higher end Core i7 cpu's.

Cheers,

Anna Wood
Xeon W3680, Nvidia Quadro 4000, 12 Gb RAM, WD Velociraptor, Dell U3011 Monitor
SW2011 SP1, Windows 7 x64

http://www.solidmuse.com

http://www.phxswug.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Does the computer recognise that 16GB of RAM is installed?

 

[helbling34]

Yes, the computer recognizes the 16GB of RAM. The cpu is an Intel Core i7, 860@2.80GHz.

 

[helbling34]

Yes, the computer recognizes the 16GB of RAM. The cpu is an Intel Core i7, 860@2.80GHz.

My issue with SolidWorks is that it is sloooooow

http://www when

working with an assembly this large. We were trying to increase the speed with the RAM increase.

Thanks!

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Try setting the Virtual Memory to zero.

 

[AdamPeszel]

If you are running XP, some software will see that you have X GB RAM, but XP can only recognize 3GB. I have this problem and we are working to get higher ups to buy better machines.

 

[helbling34]

Thanks but running Windows 7.

 

[gwubs]

SolidWorks does become slow with very large assemblies, BUUUUUT, it's still hundreds of times faster than 2D. Plan your mouse clicks with care, and be patient. (Not always easy to do, I'll admit.)

 

[helbling34]

Uhhhh...thanks, do work for my SW reseller? Next I'll hear that SW 2011 is soooo much faster with assemblies. SW marketing thinks that we're all idiots.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I have heard that SW2011 is much faster with assemblies.

Seriously though, using Anna's dieholder benchmark, my time did improve by ~7% over SW2010.

Have you tried using the VM at zero?

 

[AnnaWood]

If you want to speed up SolidWorks more RAM is not the place to spend money. You need a faster cpu.

For a point of reference go to my website and run the punch holder becnhmark. I have Google spreadsheets with results from hundreds of systems.

http://www.solidmuse.com

Cheers,

Anna Wood
Xeon W3680, Nvidia Quadro 4000, 12 Gb RAM, WD Velociraptor, Dell U3011 Monitor
SW2011 SP1, Windows 7 x64

http://www.solidmuse.com

http://www.phxswug.com

 

[evolDiesel]

I just want to chime in that Anna is 100% correct IMO and experience upgrading and spec’ing new machines. And I was at World last year and caught her live build. She’s legit


Jack Lapham, CSWP
Engr Sys Admin
Dell M6400 Covet (24 Season 8, Ep 22)
Intel Core 2 Duo T9800, 2.93GHz, 1066MHZ 6M L2 Cache
8.0GB, DDR3-1066 SDRAM, 2 DIMM
1Gb nVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M (8.17.12.5896)
W7x64 | sw-01: 55.92
SolidWorks x64sp4 in PDMWxE

 

[helbling34]

CorBlimeyLimey: Changed the VM to zero and no improvement.

I doubt that we can spend the money for new processors so additional patience will be required.

 

[helbling34]

Anna: What processor would you recommend to effectively work with assemblies of 5000+ components?

Thanks!

 

[helbling34]

As I watch task manager, I'm having trouble believing that it's the CPU's. The reading never gets over 25%. Is SolidWorks just a dog when it comes to large assemblies?

 

[ctopher]

My suggestion is to believe what Anna and CBL write.
Have you looked at faq559-1094 ?

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[helbling34]

Chris: Thanks I'll give it a look. We've implemented SW best practices for years but maybe we're missing something.

 

[Updraft]

helbling34,

Your CPU is probably quad-core. Since SWX is not multithreaded it cannot get much advantage directly from the multiple cores. Thus one core is executing SWX and is maxed out, but your entire machine might then be only using 25% of its CPU capacity.

- - -Updraft

 

[helbling34]

Yes, my CPU is quad-core. What's the best way to overcome this? Is there a CPU we should be using instead?

Thanks!