Which computer processor

[37LMR]

What is the better scenario when it comes to processors in workstations for running SolidWorks 2007:

Rate from good, better and best.

2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Processor,
3.4GHz Intel Pentium 4 Processor 650 w/HT Technology,
3.2GHz Intel Xeon Processor,

If I am forced to compromise, what am I better off doing:

High end processor with mid-grade video card or
Mid-grade processor with high end video card.

Thanks

 

[Theophilus]

I'd say that unless you're doing huge assemblies or super-complex parts, emphasize the processor and stick with a mid-range graphics card.

I have an FX-1400 graphics card and haven't found its limit. I also have an AMD FX-60 processor and find its limit all the time (dual-core 64-bit).

SW currently doesn't support the use of multiple cores in normal modeling (most stuff), but probably soon will (rendering and other tasks do take full advantage of multiple cores--makes rendered animations MUCH faster with the second core). I always have several applications running at the same time, so I get plenty of use out of my second processing core anyway.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[SBaugh]

The VC would be due to the kind of work you do. If you build large assemblies then a high-end card is needed along with High end CPU. If you don't build complex geometry and large assemblies, then get a mid-range card and high-end CPU.

Just remember SW does not take full advantage of Dual Core processors and in 64-bit the only improvement is that there is no memory limitation and this is good for those that build large assemblies.

SO IMO its hard to tell you whats the better direction to go without knowing what you make, and even if we did, its still hard to guess, because you might be designing your components in correctly and thinking a machine will fix your problems is not a good direction to go.

You need to make sure your Geometry is built correctly, its not complex (helixes, large sketches, etc), and you don't build large assemblies. Once you have that understanding, picking a system and VC should be easier.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[Heckler]

thread559-156420

High end processor with mid-grade video card

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 3.0 & Pro/E 2001
XP Pro SP2.0 P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
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_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

(In reference to David Beckham) "He can't kick with his left foot, he can't tackle, he can't head the ball and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that, he's all right." -- George Best

 

[37LMR]

Thanks for your help. I do make some large assemblies and I am going to be doing some Photworks and animation.

 

[AnnaWood]

You will gain the most bang for the buck with the best processor and a lesser video card.

The best processor in your list is the E6600 Core 2 Duo. In the Xeon line you want to get a 51xx series of processor as it is built on the new Intel Core 2 Duo architecture.

With the new Core 2 Duo cpu's from Intel you can no longer equate clock speed with higher performance when comparing against the old P4 Intel cpu's. The C2D at a lower clock speed will beat the higher clocked P4 cpu.

Minimum requirement for our computers is an E6700 Core 2 Duo cpu with an Nvidia FX 1500 and 2 gigs of RAM.

You do not want to touch the old P4 Intel CPU architecture. SolidWorks 2007 will be much happier on the Core 2 Duo's. Companies like Dell have some nice prices on the old P4 systems. They are clearing out old, out-dated stock.

Not all aspects of SolidWorks will take advantage of 2 cores. However it is multi-threaded in PhotoWorks and Cosmos. Also when working in drawings SolidWorks takes advantage of both cores when regenerating drawing views. As SolidWorks moves forward, more processes are being re-worked to take advantage of both cores. At this time, the modeling enviroment is not multi-threaded.

Regards,



Anna Wood
SW 2007 SP2.2, WinXP
Dell Precision 380, Pentium D940, 4 Gigs RAM, FX3450

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/solidmuse

http://www.phxswug.com