Question on laptop configuration

[lonsgsp]

All,

My work computer is being upgraded and listed below is what I am being offered. I have been asked for input (immediately) and am wondering if anyone sees something here that either would be a good fit or if something can be approved upon. At this point we are running SW 2014 SP5 and are scheduled to jump up to SW 2017.

Advanced Processing/Graphics Laptop: Dell XPS 9560, i7-7700HQ Quad Core, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1050, Dual 27” Monitors, TB-16 docking station, 1 Display Port to VGA adapter.

Any input on this is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[AnnaWood]

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/SystemRequirements.html

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

Anna Wood
SW2015 SP5, Windows 7 x64

 

[GRF]

The XPS is not a workstation laptop. I would see if you could get a different graphics card. Not sure if the GTX1050 supports OPENGL of not since it is a gaming card.

 

[bspriggs]

I'd agree with GRF. XPS are not meant for hard core design. They are really gamer computers (to a degree). They can run SW but you'd be much better off looking at Precision laptops. They come at a premium but run much better. I can tell you I am running the following:

Dell Precision 7510
Processor: Intel i7-6920HQ @ 2.9GHz (8 core)
Ram: 32.0 DDR4 2133Mhz
64-Bit OS
Dedicated NVIDIA Quardro M2000M
512Gb SolidState Hard Drive

This laptop simply rocks. I run SW, with some pretty high end surfacing models, as well as FEA on an occasional basis and it handles the load without thought. I actually run better on this laptop than some of the dedicated desktop users! I would for sure at the very least push for the best graphics card you can muster.

Good luck!

 

[PatCouture]

One of the reasons why the precision line from Dell cost more is because they spend a lot of time testing and approving drivers for professionnal software such as SolidWorks! Also the hardware is carefully selected for stability. It always seems overpriced! the way I see it, is how much do you value your time vs the money you are ready to spend on your computer. If you don't mind losing some work over a crash and you are able to resolve a lot of problems yourself then you have the chance to save some money with the XPS but if you are in general tight with deadlines and don't have time for troubleshooting then I would strongly consider a thru workstation because it should pay for itself over time.

Patrick

what do you get finally? Were you able to provide some input on the final choice?

 

[lonsgsp]

Patrick,

They went with the XPS and although I tried, was not able to provide any input. Now that the XPS is not working out and after a visit from our SW VAR they are looking to upgrade to a laptop workstation machine. They seem a little more amenable to input from the users this time and hopefully looking at a Dell 7720 with the appropriate HDD/Video Card/processor speed configuration.

 

[TheTick]

Gaming cards are not automatically good CAD cards

 

[APG63]

Well, since you weren't able to provide input, they have nobody but themselves to blame for the snafu. Hope the new laptop works out better!

Al

 

[PatCouture]

Hi lonsgsp! Sorry to hear that they didn't listen the first tiime. The good side of this is now your going to get a good workstation class machine and some credibility

Please come back to give some feedback after you had the new machine for a couple of weeks.

Cheers

Patrick