Duo Core Processor
Duo Core Processor
(OP)
Is SolidWorks capable of utilizing a Duo Core processor? Most software these days isn't. Operating Systems for example - Windows Vista is "supposed to" be able to, but to my knowledge none of the current Windows OS currently do.
I need to buy a computer and I will require mobility. A laptop workstation sounds good, but the one I was leaning towards runs the duo core. It just seems like a waste of money if none of the software can even utilize it properly.
I ran a search on this topic and couldn't come up with anything. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason
I need to buy a computer and I will require mobility. A laptop workstation sounds good, but the one I was leaning towards runs the duo core. It just seems like a waste of money if none of the software can even utilize it properly.
I ran a search on this topic and couldn't come up with anything. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason






RE: Duo Core Processor
Looking for a laptop - get a Dell M class - run a search on laptops you will get many hits.
thread559-148768
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: Duo Core Processor
Also, I did some analysis in Cosmos Express last week and that also used both cores. Basic model building/rebuilding, however, still uses a single core. However, even that is faster with two cores, since all other background tasks (such as Windows garbage, anti-virus, other stuff) can be shifted to remaining capacity on the other core.
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.
RE: Duo Core Processor
If you can afford it, get the dual core. The software will soon be made to use the functionality. As Theo' points out, even if most software doesn't use DC directly, benefits can be had by dedicating cores to specific tasks.
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: Duo Core Processor
I am interested in the Dell Precision M90 and I can afford core duo, but don't want something that won't be used to its potential. That's just wasting money where it could be spent on something more useful.
Vista is supposed to come out around February and to my knowledge will be multi-threading capable.
RE: Duo Core Processor
For now, I would definetly go for a core2 cpu, not a core, because the core2 series (solo, duo, whatever) seem to support 64bit extensions. While the extra speed from an extra core can save you time & money, the 64bit instructions enable you to do (calculate in FEM for instance) things you could not do before!
Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer/AI student
RE: Duo Core Processor
To specifiy different cores for different programs open Windows Task Manger (control/alt/delete) and then select the process tab. Highlight a program in the list, right click and choose set affinity. This will give you an option of which core to associate with the process.
Rob Rodriguez CSWP
President: Northern
Vermont SolidWorks User Group
www.robrodriguez.com (updated 5/01/06)
SW 2006 SP 4.0
RE: Duo Core Processor
I have 2 monitors, and on slow-downs on large assembly files, I keep the Windows Task Manager up on the 2nd screen (Ctrl+Alt+Delete). I noticed that when my system is crawling, without the 3GB switch enabled, both CPU's max about 50%-60%. After the 3GB switch, I notice that BOTH CPUs can reach 100% and the slowdown on the same large assembly isn't as noticeable. I say both CPUs, because it shows up as 2 CPUs, but it's actually only one.
Flores
RE: Duo Core Processor
Why don't the custom computer builders who typically build workstations use Core Duos in their workstations? Boxx, Hypersonic PC, Voodoo PC, Falcon Northwest, etc. either use P4's, or use two processors running 800MHz FSB instead of Core Duos.
As far as Dell, I've been looking at the Dell Precision M65 and M90. The M90 has a superior graphics card because of its size. The M70 is running a Pentium M, but still has a better graphics card than the M65.
I'll run a search on laptops as recommended.
Thanks,
Jason
RE: Duo Core Processor
-low level solid operations (extrude, extrude-cut)
-rebuilding large drawings (setting inactive drawing views to high quality - when the little hourglass appears over the views)
-importing from other formats (STEP, IGES)
with the FFEPlus solver in Cosmosworks, time to mesh are reduced slightly but we've seen major improvements in solve times. In some cases, solves take 1/4 of the time they did on single-CPu machines - the higher the DOF, the greater the improvement.
RE: Duo Core Processor
I like how the architecture in moving info and controlling resources is managed with a single-chip (multi-core) set-up. So far, I like the FX-60 I'm using (very expensive), especially considering the range of tasks I give it. This is ultimately what you'll need to consider to make the right decision--what do you really need the system to do for you?
I do lots of rendering of product concepts, as well as plenty of modeling (complex forms)--ocassionally I also do rendered animations. So I could barely justify the nifty new FX-60 for what I do.
By the way, last time I purchased I compared apples to apples among computer companies and Xi Computer had the best combo for what I needed. You may want to check them out in your mix (not sure what they have for laptops). If you don't really need a laptop, I'd suggest you stay away from them since the bang-to-buck ratio drops by about 75% in all performance categories (except mobility).
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.