For overall computer hardware recommendations for SOLIDWORKS, see our Hardware FAQs from our FAQ page. In terms of SOLIDWORKS Simulation hardware you may want a bit more firepower for complex studies. However be aware that even the top of the line computer does not replace SOLIDWORKS Simulation best practices such as using shell/beam elements, symmetry, mesh controls, etc.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Hardware considerations
For order of importance of hardware when running Simulation studies, here is something to consider:
- Number of CPU cores (within a single CPU)
- RAM – 16GB or more is recommended, better to be 2 x 8GB instead of 4 x 4GB
- CPU Speed (GHz)
- CPU Cache Speed
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Hardware
Computer Processor (CPU)
While all aspects of a computer are important, as everything works in together. But the CPU is still the most important component in terms of the speed for running Simulation studies. SOLIDWORKS Simulation and Flow Simulation take advantage of multiple cores within a CPU… to a point. While going from dual-core to quad-core you will see a dramatic boost, moving from quad-core to 8-core will be a bit less though still a good improvement. However anything past 8 cores doesn’t net much of an advantage compared to the money involved. It just doesn’t scale as well past 8 cores.
Avoid choosing a system with more than one CPU. While it sounds like having two 8-core CPUs sounds impressive, a single 8-core CPU will give you better bang for the buck.
An Intel Xeon processor is typically seen as a better CPU for Simulation. And you’ll see these high in the list of overall SOLIDWORKS Performance Benchmark tests (https://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/shareyourscore.htm). High CPU speeds are good, but because Simulation studies are shared over multiple cores it’s not as critical. However in terms of pure model rebuild in SOLIDWORKS (which is a single thread process), high CPU speeds will net faster rebuild times. Ensure you get a workstation grade system, which will come with a high-quality motherboard.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Additional RAM for your SOLIDWORKS Simulation Hardware won’t necessarily speed up your studies. But the more the better so you don’t find yourself running out of memory in the middle of running a complex study. A minimum of 16GB is recommended for a machine running Simulation studies. However 32GB should be your limit. Anything past 32GB indicates your Simulation study may be poorly setup. While you may be able to solve millions of degrees of freedom (DOF) with the Direct Sparse Solver, why leave a study running for days when it could be solved in a couple of hours with proper methods?
Try to minimize the number of memory boards. Having boards with 8GB or 16GB each is better than using several 4GB boards. Not only does this allow for easier upgrades in the future, but it can actually provide slightly better performance as the motherboard doesn’t have to split memory over more chips.
Error correcting-code memory (ECC) is also beneficial while solving to fix any errors during long solution time.
Graphics Cards (GPU)
While the graphics card does not affect the overall calculation time to solve the study, it does affect the time it takes to view the results. Having an old graphics card installed with an out-of-date date driver will cause slow performance and issues when trying to view the plots. Be sure to have a SOLIDWORKS certified OpenGL workstation graphics card and install the certified driver. Read through Andrew’s blog post about graphics card drivers for more details.
Purchasing the highest end graphics card may sound like it will give you amazing performance. However be aware that installing the most powerful graphics card will cost significantly more, however the performance boost is marginal. Consider a mid-range graphics card to have the best balance. Read through our Hardware FAQs for more detail.
Hard Drive
SSD (solid state drives) have become cheaper over the years. These drives are much faster and more stable. In terms of performance, having your operating system, applications and active working directory installed on an SSD drive will be faster. Store your files on a secondary drive. Which can be another SSD (again for better performance) or a traditional HDD which will be cheaper for the amount of storage. Just make sure you ALWAYS keep continuous backups of your files on separate drives in case of failure. Having more than one backup on a semi-regular basis doesn’t hurt either. Even consider an off-site backup in case of theft/fire.
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