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System Recommendation

System Recommendation

System Recommendation

(OP)
I'm after a new system and need some pointers on the eternal question of #32 bit vs. #64 bit, operating system and how many cores. I imagine time passes quickly in the processor/system world and previous posts' issues re operating systems and hardware get sorted. Turning Intel processor performance into a 'solidworks system' is a bit of a mind bender with numbering systems wolfdale/xenon etc???

I'm after a platform for contract modelling/design (not bleeding edge performance and cost, although happy to trade up some $ for robust output) as a base for SW modelling that would be sound going out 2-3 years.

The work is surfacing on plastic models/castings #5 part assemblies, sheetmetal household goods #50 parts into assemblies with detail drawings. There may be some machinery at less than #1000 parts (nuts/bolts/washers being half to two thirds of the parts count) again assemblies and drawings.

Thinking of a desktop machine with Intel chip set, nvidia graphics, from either Dell, lenovo or HP. Assuming they would configure a sound system and support is solid (more so that a build your own); I want to make models not troubleshooting issues.

Basic questions are:
1) XP or Vista operating system
2) #32 or #64 bit processors
3) quad core or core 2 duo (others??)
4) given that Dell, lenovo or HP tend to answer the above three collectively by configuring a system; what system 'type' could anyone offer advice on, and within this 'type' what are the best options?

Can any one offer advice on any of the above points or point to relevant threads. Thanks in advance


For reference visited Anna Woods' site and looked at benchmark spreadsheet, some of the dell models are now superceeded?
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/solidmuse/workstation_performance/index.html
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pz7wTpIkC7LA28ybEyxyTPw

 

RE: System Recommendation

1 Xp vs Vista I have no experience with Vista

2. 64 bit will not give you an speed increase only memory increase.  Based on your projects listed above you might want to go with 4 or more gb of memory based on the increase requirements for 09.

3. Unless you are doing simulation or rendering multiple cores will not help you.  Solidworks is too linear to take advantage of multiple cores.

4. We use Dells's here and have not had too many issues.

RE: System Recommendation

Try a search here, check out the FAQs, and SolidWorks.com.
The subject has been asked a lot.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

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