How to Choose the Best Processor for Solid Works & Analysis

SolidWorks is an amazing 3-D graphics program.

SolidWorks is an excellent mechanical 3-d computer aided design program that runs on Microsoft Windows only. This software puts together in one package design communication and validation, data management and an array of CAD tools. This software covers the gamut from the initial idea or concept all the way through to a virtual, 3-D prototype. Its ease of use has garnered enthusiastic endorsement from those who rely on it. Coupled with the best matched hardware, any company's ability to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional images and animation is enhanced exponentially.

Instructions

1. Set aside budget money for a video card. Buy a work station grade only. Look for computers which have work station grade video card configuration options. Otherwise, plan to install one as aftermarket, if the computer's chassis has room for it.

2. 

   SolidWorks adds crucial detail to new ideas.

   Choose a card with high count polygon that will support RealView. Get the superior colors and textures for SolidWorks that RealView will give it. Keep in mind that your video card quality is directly related to your computer's performance. Assure yourself of a faster, better performing computer by not skimping on the video card quality.

3. Shop next for your processor. SolidWorks runs on Intel Pentium/Core Duo and AMD Athlon based systems. Do not buy Apple Mac for SolidWorks. Do not waste performance with the hyper threading feature, since it can actually slow down SolidWorks. Disable it because it treats a single processor as two, effectively halving the performance of tasks which cannot run in parallel mode.

4. 

   Excessive RAM is a waste of money and space.

   Choose RAM selectively. Do not waste RAM that is just there and available but not used. Buy sufficient RAM, since having less than needed will cause slowdowns or crashes every session. Use 750 MB as a minimum of RAM. It's a good estimate that SolidWorks will consume roughly half of that, around 350 MB, when you launch it. Calculate in other needed available RAM for all the other files you will open and use simultaneously.

5. Gauge the size of the images and projects you will design and build in SolidWorks. Buy sufficient RAM to fit your projects for which you will use SolidWorks. Allow 4 GB or more for ideas with 10,000 parts or more, 2 GB for 1,000 part detail and a single GB for simpler concepts.

6. 

   Hard drives should be fast.

   Consider a second drive only if you have more than one processor. Compare the expense of a faster hard drive, but do not waste money for super speed. Make sure your track ball or mouse is three-button with scroll wheels. Minimize awkward wrist angles and increase work productivity with SolidWorks, since SolidWorks utilizes these mouse types.

Tips & Warnings

• Optical mice are more durable and reliable than their mechanical counterparts.

• SolidWorks will work faster on Windows XP than on Windows Vista.

References

• Javelin Tech: SolidWorks 2009 FAQ
• Capinc: SolidWorks Tech Tips - Hardware
• Deskeng: SolidWorks 2010: Faster & Smarter by Desktop Engineering

Resources

• Develop 3D: DEVELOP3D - The Best Graphics Cards for Running Solidworks