Running in OpenGL

[lumenharold]

What is the best set up for optimizing a system to run in OpenGL? I am running SW2007 in OpenGL because the OptisWorks raytrace software add in requires it. Aside from the Realview graphics not being available I'm not sure of what I might be missing. I've searched for previous threads about OpenGL but most are referencing video card performance issues.

Win XP Pro SP2
NVIDIA Quadro FX500 w/ driver version 6.14.10.7756
2.00 GB RAM, dual processor

Harold
SW2007 SP1.0 OW2006 SP4.0

http://www.lumenflow.com

 

[aroundhere]

Well,, opengl basicly bypasses your video card, including the video card processor. Your computer processor has to do all of the work. On small assemblies, no big deal. But, Larger assy's could become very slow. Have you tried optisworks by not running opengl?

 

[lumenharold]

Yes, I've tried but SW becomes really unstable. Optis is pretty clear in the installation instructions to run in OpenGL.

Harold
SW2007 SP1.0 OW2006 SP4.0

http://www.lumenflow.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I am running SW2007 in OpenGL because the OptisWorks raytrace software add in requires it

Do you mean you are running in XPs Software OpenGL mode ... as opposed to using the nVidia graphics hardware? If so, why?

The nVidia Quadro cards are OpenGL cards. All versions of SW are meant to be run in OpenGL.

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Helpful SW websites faq559-520​

How to find answers ... faq559-1091​

SW2006-SP5 Basic ... No PDM​

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

That should have read, "The nVidia Quadro cards are Hardware Accelerated OpenGL cards".

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Helpful SW websites faq559-520​

How to find answers ... faq559-1091​

SW2006-SP5 Basic ... No PDM​

 

[lumenharold]

I have selected "Use software OpenGL" in the SW tools menu and "SolidWorks" as the Active Profile in the NVIDIA settings. Beyond that I haven't changed anything in XP or elsewhere.

Harold
SW2007 SP1.0 OW2006 SP4.0

http://www.lumenflow.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

See the bulletin dated 4/1/02 at

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/ArchivedBulletins.html

Using that switch is the same as using XP's software OpenGL. In other words you are disabling the Hardware Accelerated OpenGL capabilities of the video card. This will result in slower performance.

The intended use of that switch is to help determine whether the video card being used was OpenGL compatible.

​

Helpful SW websites faq559-520​

How to find answers ... faq559-1091​

SW2006-SP5 Basic ... No PDM​

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Are you having instability problems when using just SW. i.e. without any add-ins active?

​

Helpful SW websites faq559-520​

How to find answers ... faq559-1091​

SW2006-SP5 Basic ... No PDM​

 

[lumenharold]

Nope, no chronic problems anyway. I have been running in OpenGL since installing OptisWorks in 05. My early demo's of this software were unstable so I have been putting up with running a little slower. I can disable the OW addin when working on large assemblies but I'd like to be able to run it at anytime. I have to admit that I haven't tried to run SW2007 SP1.0 with OW2006 SP4.0 with the box unchecked for extended periods (only when I need a pretty screen shot). I'm mostly curious about getting the best performance out of my setup.

Harold
SW2007 SP1.0 OW2006 SP4.0

http://www.lumenflow.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Well, you have a certified card and driver, so I would say the best performance should be attained by unchecking the "Use software OpenGL" switch. The FX500 card is considered "entry-level" and it may not be suitable for running the OW add-in. I would imagine it is quite demanding and may be asking too much of it. Perhaps ask OW, your VAR, or nVidia support what is recommended.

I would suggest using the /3GB switch and if you can spring for extra RAM that would be great, but even if you can't the /3GB switch usually helps. Also, only activate an add-in when you need it, otherwise they will just hog valuable system resources.

​

Helpful SW websites faq559-520​

How to find answers ... faq559-1091​

SW2006-SP5 Basic ... No PDM​