Recommended Workstations for SOLIDWORKS

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Does having more CPU cores improve SOLIDWORKS performance?

Modeling and working with assemblies in SOLIDWORKS is not able to utilize more than a handful of cores. In our testing, we found that processors with a high operating frequency will give you the best overall performance for general modeling tasks. Simulation and rendering, however, can see moderate to large performance gains with a higher core count. That is why we use Intel Xeon W CPUs with up to 32 cores for our Simulation workstation.

Do I need to use a Quadro card for SOLIDWORKS or is GeForce okay?

Not only does Dassault Systemes advise their users to use a workstation card, there are actually some significant performance advantages to doing so. In our testing we found that in “shaded w/ edges” mode even a low-end Quadro will out-perform the fastest GeForce card. In addition, using a workstation card is the only way to get official support for features like Realview and Ambient Occlusion.

How much system RAM do I need for SOLIDWORKS?

The amount of RAM you need is going to depend on the number and complexity of parts in your assembly. A general rule of thumb is that you need about 5GB of RAM for SOLIDWORKS itself, then at least 20 times the largest assembly file size you work with. Most users will want around 32GB of RAM in order to have enough for both SOLIDWORKS and other various applications they may want to run, but users with extremely complex assemblies or simulations will want to go even higher.

Will an SSD help me open and save assemblies faster in SOLIDWORKS?

Yes! SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives and in many cases can give a noticeable decrease in the time it takes to open and save assemblies. Be aware that smaller assemblies tend to not be I/O bound which means that there may not be a large difference with a faster storage drive but in general, the longer it takes you to open an assembly the more useful an SSD will be.

Do I need a Xeon CPU for SOLIDWORKS?

Some Intel Xeon processors offer much higher core counts than the mainstream Core models, along with higher memory capacities and sometimes support for additional instruction sets. Those features together can improve performance in rendering and certain types of simulation. However, Xeon CPUs are almost always clocked lower than the Core i7 and i9 CPUs – which means that you would be giving up a small amount of performance for general modeling tasks. We offer systems based on both platforms, depending on which aspects of SOLIDWORKS are most important to you – and which better fits your budget.

Should I get an overclocked system for SOLIDWORKS?

In general, we do not recommend overclocking for any professional workstation. Typically, the modest performance gains are not worth the downsides associated with overclocking which can include instability, shorter hardware lifespan, and potential data inaccuracies.

Will these systems work for CATIA or other CAD software?

Yes! SOLIDWORKS and CATIA have very similar system requirements so these workstations should also be excellent for almost any CAD/CAM/CAE software including CATIA, Solid Edge, Creo, and many others.