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RAM

RAM

(OP)
I bought an @Xi computer about a year ago with 2 gigs of ram.  The system can hold a maximum of 3 gigs.  I can add 2/512 mb modules.  Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether it would be worth it (make a noticeable difference)  to add the additional gig.  I rarely work on assemblies having more than 30 or 40 parts (if even that much)....but I do work on some complex shapes that at times seem to slow things a bit.......  I'm wondering if the extra gig would help move things along more quickly.

Thanks for your input and suggestions.

John

RE: RAM

In the words of Tim Allen, "More power!"
SolidWorks is a RAM hog so, IMO, I'd get the extra RAM. That being said, if you're not seeing any appreciable slow downs, don't fix what ain't broken. Save the money for next year when you're going to need another pc...

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
CAD Administrator
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

RE: RAM

Don't do that, either stick with the 2GB or go for 2x1GB extra. There is no modern chipset with a hard limit of 3GB, it just means that if you put in 4GB you can't use the last GB in windows.
Mixing sizes of memory modules is never recommended (can lead to stability problems, will lead to performance reduction).

Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer

RE: RAM

Consider upgrades to processor and/or graphics card, as well.  If you are bogging down on small assemblies, it could be one of these and not RAM.

You haven't mentioned what you're packing for graphics and processor.

batHonesty may be the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.bat
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com-SolidWorks API VB programming help

RE: RAM

You need to find out if running out of RAM is a problem or not.  In your Task Manager, to to Processes, and then View > Select Columns.  Add the VM Size column (actually reports a different--and more relevant, in my experience--value than Mem Usage).  Check a large/complex assembly and see if you're ever using more RAM than you've got to offer.

I have perhaps a near identical system from Xi, and recently added two 512MB sticks for a total of 3GB.  I was crashing when rendering large-assembly animations.  The problem was three-fold.  1) SW 2007, SP0 would trash and crash assemblies.  2) I was running out of RAM because I didn't have my /3GB switch enabled in my boot.ini file.  3) I was running out of RAM because of sudden spikes when initiating the rendering of the animation--apart from the /3GB switch.

I now have fully-usable 3GB of RAM and the system is stable.  I have to let Windows use some of it, but the /3GB switch may work for you without adding RAM, if you don't think you're using quite so much.  (Search for this topic in the forum and you'll find links to articles posted by CorBlimeyLimey on what you need to consider before making the switch--also how to do it.)

The kid at Best Buy was telling me how Windows will only use 2GB max, but he had his facts a bit crossed up--and I don't think he'd ever heard of the /3GB switch, since he was a gamer.  All my RAM is usable, and my crashing problem was immediately fixed after adding the extra RAM AND adding the /3GB switch.  (Had to wait for SP1 to get assembly stability.)

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe transcends reason.

RE: RAM

(OP)
thanks all.... and thanks Jeff... I realize we have similar systems... so thank you for sharing your experience.  I've been reading about the 3 gig switch... after a little more research, I may go that route.

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