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Hardware question Processor vs. RAM

Hardware question Processor vs. RAM

Hardware question Processor vs. RAM

(OP)
I have a couple of SolidWorks workstations that I am looking to upgrade but my budget has me torn between giving them 2gig of RAM instead of 1gig or dual processor instead of a single 3.2gig processor.

The question my designers have is whether or not it will make a different when running another piece of CAD software along with their current running copy of Solidworks.  Right now when we look at Preformance monitor on their current 1gig/2.8gig machines we commonly see the processor burried at 98% but only 400meg of RAM in use.  This would lead me to believe a second processor would be more important when wanting to start another instance of Solidworks or an instance of ProEngineer/AutoCAD.  I just wanted to get all of your opinions before I made the decision.

Thanks.

-Al

RE: Hardware question Processor vs. RAM

It really depends on what you are doing.  SW is not designed to make use of dual processors, but I have seen instances using COMOSworks where both processors have activity, and where I can continue modeling items while running FEA in another session.  I have dual 1.7 P4 with 1gb of memory.

"But what... is it good for?"
Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.
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RE: Hardware question Processor vs. RAM

Al,

Check out the FAQ section Madmango did a write up on system requirements which also has a link to SWx corp website.

Best Regards,

Heckler

RE: Hardware question Processor vs. RAM

(OP)
Thanks for the input.  I think the FAQ that Scott posted answered my question.  

thanks VERY much.

-Al

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