Duo Core Processor

[MechElement]

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

 

[SBaugh]

You can use SW on a Dual Core, but you will not see an improvement, because SW in not multi-threaded.

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

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[Theophilus]

Rendering uses all (or both) processors, so rendering and rendered animation is super fast by comparison.

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

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

"If you build it, they will come"

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

 

[MechElement]

How can you choose what core to use for different programs/tasks? I thought the OS would need to be multi-threading capable to allow this to work.

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.

 

[StefanHamminga]

Windows XP is (under most circumstances) pretty good at distributing processes to cpu's, remember, dual core is just a new packaging form. Dual cpu systems have been around for ages, MS have had plenty of time to optimize their OS kernel.

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

 

[rockguy]

MechElement,

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

http://www.robrodriguez.com

(updated 5/01/06)
SW 2006 SP 4.0

 

[smcadman]

I have read many times on here that a dual-core processor only helps SW when rendering, but I have never been able to find this information on the official SW website. However, after recently applying the 3GB switch, I have noticed an increase in overall speed in SW when modelling, not just rendering.

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

 

[MechElement]

Thanks for the links. I checked out Boxx and Hypersonic PC.

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

 

[engAlright]

We have a number of workstations with AMD X2 64-bit CPU's (dual core) - here's the areas in which we've noticed SW will use dual cores:

-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.

 

[Theophilus]

Two processors (two chips) are often less expensive. However, you also use more power and generate more heat--something that adds up in large server applications (or in my office, where it was 111 degrees outside yesterday--hard to keep things cool).

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

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.