Video card problems

[Figbash]

I'm using a GeFORCE FX 5900 Ultra AGP video card and it doesn't seem to like SolidWorks. If I try to insert a new part into an assembly, it freezes. The only way that I've been able to get it to work is by using the software OpenGL feature in SolidWorks.

Is there anything that I can do with settings or drivers to make this card work with SolidWorks or did I just throw away $500?

If I do need a different card, what's a good one to get?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Arlin]

You could try different drivers.
You could also try 'hacking' the GeForce into a Quadro with RivaTuner. Not sure if this works for FX series cards, though.

GeForce cards are 'consumer' level graphics cards targeted towards the gaming comunity. They are not really meant to run 'professional' level applications like SolidWorks.

I would recommend investing in a 'professional' graphics card such as an nVidia Quadro or ATI FireGL or 3D Labs. Some of these cards are relatively inexpensive (~$400). They are SPECIFICALLY designed and optomized for 'professional' level applications like SolidWorks.

A 'pro' card will usually underperform an equivalently priced 'consumer' card, BUT you will have much fewer problems, which is well worth it IMO.

 

[TheTick]

faq559-715

 

[SBaugh]

Per SW Graphics card tests:
GeForce FX 5900\5600\5200:
Yellow Win2K 6.14.10.4403 08/28/2003 2004 View Notes
Yellow WinXP 6.14.10.4403 08/28/2003 2004 View Notes
Yellow Win2K 6.14.10.4403 10/01/2003 2003 View Notes
Yellow WinXP 6.14.10.4403 10/01/2003 2003 View Notes

The card does not pass SW tests.
See for yourself - Choose a video card or system vendor:
Certified or Tested - Pick tested after you pick the vendor (nvidia)

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

I use the Quadro 500 XGL and it works great for me.

http://store.yahoo.com/digitally-unique/vcqfx500blk.htm...

plus it's under $300.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[cpukiller]

I am running a 2 cad stations at home, one is an AMD xp system with a eVGA 5900Ultra card and is performs great (running driver 53.03)

the other is an Athlon 64 system with an eVGA 5950Ultra and it also runs great using the same driver.

The only thing that I have noticed is you cannpt enable Realview. but that isn't a big deal.

I have not had any issues with these video cards. I was using a quadro4 xgl 980 until I had a water leak and killed it.

 

[JNR]

I'm getting tired of saying this (and your VAR should have told you anyway).

SW2004 development baselined on Quadro. RealityWave feature only guaranteed to work on Quadro. SW publicly says so. Cut your risks and losses. Use Quadros'.

They did a commercial study to find the best, most popular, most Open GL compatible, fastest, most stable vendor, etc. etc. combination and it came out Quadro. So they did not make a random decision (whether we agree with it or not.)

Be naughty - save Santa a trip.

 

[SBaugh]

From the SW04 help:

The following Nvidia® Quadro® graphics cards support RealView Graphics display:

Quadro FX 2000

Quadro4 750 XGL

Quadro FX 1000

Quadro4 700 XGL

Quadro4 980 XGL

Quadro4 700 Go GL

Quadro4 900 XGL

Quadro FX Go700 (for Dell™ Precision™ M60 Mobile Workstation only)

Quadro4 780 XGL

Quadro FX 500

Regards,



Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376