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CADspeed -- Optimizing Hardware for CAD Software

How to Keep Your Workstation Graphics Card Updated, Part 2: What Should You Do?

Posted by cadhardware

Aug 9, 2011 2:01:16 PM

My last post talked about why it is so hard to keep graphics card drivers updated. This post will help you figure out what you should do about it.

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Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Graphics Card, GPU, Graphics Cards, AMD, Upgrade, CAD

How to Keep Your Workstation Graphics Card Updated, Part 1: Why Is It So Hard?

Posted by cadhardware

Aug 3, 2011 6:48:38 PM

I am always excited when AMD releases a new driver update. I've got a FirePro V8800 and with each update I typically I experience a hefty performance boost along with any bug fixes. My one frustration is that I only find out about this new release by reading about it on CAD news sites. That can often be weeks or months after the release. I kept wishing for some kind of automatic solution.

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Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Graphics Card, GPU, Graphics Cards, AMD, Upgrade, CAD

TwitterChat Archive: SolidWorks Optimization with Josh Mings, SolidSmack

Posted by cadhardware

Aug 1, 2011 4:15:59 PM

SolidWorks Optimization with Josh Mings

by cadalyst_mag

Dell- and Cadalyst-Sponsored TwitterChat abput optimizing your system for SolidWorks.
RT @DellEnterprise: Live #CAD chat! Join Dell, @Cadalyst_Mag, & @SolidSmack at #DellCAD, Thursday 4pm East. Info- http://del.ly/6019Rzi5

Robinson11976




July 28, 2011

RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

RT @SolidSmack: RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1

bcbenton




July 28, 2011

Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts --in just 3 hours-- using #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012RzUe

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts --in just 3 hours-- using #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012RzUe

DanitaBlackwood




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu

LaurenatDell




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu

LPT




July 28, 2011

RT: Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts --in just 3 hours-- using #DellCAD http://t.co/vY2U7gd

DellChannel




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu

DellSmbUS




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD TwitterChat in 1 hour with @SolidSmack: Performance optimization with #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: 30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt

digitalworldsam




July 28, 2011

20 minutes till @joshmings fills your tweet stream with sweet #SolidWorks Performance Q&A. Grab a ham and follow #DellCAD @Cadalyst_Mag

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation.

DellEnterprise




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD TweetChat in 5 min with @SolidSmack. Grab a cup of coffee and let's talk #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

Twitter chat with @solidsmack starting in 4 minutes. Shantanu Kedar from the SolidWorks Partner Team will be helping out on our end #DellCAD

SolidWorks




July 28, 2011

getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD (I'll be there as @DellSMBnews)

LPT




July 28, 2011

RT: @DellEnterprise Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation.

DellChannel




July 28, 2011

Welcome to the #DellCAD TwitterChat with @SolidSmack. We’re talking about #SolidWorks optimization right now.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

I’m Michelle with @Cadalyst_Mag. Please use #DellCAD to follow along as we chat with Josh Mings of @SolidSmack about #SolidWorks.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

We're excited to be partnering with @CADalyst_Mag and @SolidSmack today to talk workstations and SolidWorks performance at #DellCAD!

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

Want to optimize the gravy bits out of #SolidWorks on your workstation? Tell us your story at #DellCAD right about... now.

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

Please introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks

LaurenatDell




July 28, 2011

Remember to use #DellCAD in your tweets to join in the conversation about optimizing #SolidWorks.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

My favorite way to optimize SolidWorks? Smart modeling practice - minimize external ref, reduce relations, complex features last #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

checking out #DellCAD looking forward to what Josh has to say
John

waldenweb




July 28, 2011

RT @Cadalyst_Mag: I’m Michelle with @Cadalyst_Mag. Please use #DellCAD to follow along as we chat with Josh Mings of @SolidSmack about #SolidWorks.

bcbenton




July 28, 2011

RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks

bcbenton




July 28, 2011

@waldenweb nice to see ya John. How's the SolidWorks performance these days? #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

Jumping into TwitterChat now w/ @SolidSmack #DellCAD - I'm mostly a PDM/PLM guy, but Josh is 2 cool to miss and I've been a SWX fan for yrs

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

#SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You'll be glad you did. #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

RT @jonathanpscott: Jumping into TwitterChat now w/ @SolidSmack #DellCAD - I'm mostly a PDM/PLM guy, but Josh is 2 cool to miss and I've been a SWX fan for yrs

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks

CamilleATX




July 28, 2011

How do you optimize file colaboration with Solidworks? #DellCAD

bcbenton




July 28, 2011

RT @SolidSmack: #SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You'll be glad you did. #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD: Josh, we've got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend?

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD

JohnEvansDesign




July 28, 2011

Running SW2010 on Windows 7 64bit with 8G Ram, working pretty well #DellCAD

waldenweb




July 28, 2011

If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It's cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

Ooh, question about #SolidWorks file collaboration optimization on #DellCAD - now you've got my full attention!

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD: Josh, we've got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend?

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @johnevansdesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD

bcbenton




July 28, 2011

RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?.

olegshilovitsky




July 28, 2011

@waldenweb - 8GB of RAM -- worth it, you think? I believe the more RAM, the better. #DellCAD

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

@bcbenton file collaboration: two ways - 1) work off network with established file name convention #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

RT @SolidSmack: If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It's cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

@bcbenton file collaboration (cont) 2) invest in PDM system. sad but true with that. pricey but worth it for med to large company. #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

On the @solidsmack tweet stream listening to @joshmings #SolidWorks performance Q&A #dellcad

olegshilovitsky




July 28, 2011

RT @SolidSmack: If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It's cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD

Lanett78




July 28, 2011

@Cadalyst_Mag - your reader that is upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful, too: http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @JohnEvansDesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD

vzinkus




July 28, 2011

I like answer #2 to @bcbenton question on SWX file collaboration - use PDM if you can afford it. You get collab AND other benefits #DellCAD

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

@Cadalyst_Mag @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.... wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with the optimization. #Dellcad

lazytrax




July 28, 2011

@jonathanpscott what are your thoughts on how PDM helps optimize SolidWorks and Workstation? #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.... wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD

LaurenatDell




July 28, 2011

true, and SpeedPacks! @lazytrax: lazytrax: lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with SolidWorks optimization. #Dellcad

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD @SolidSmack One big way is thru view/search ability - non-PDM SWX users sometimes load everything into session just to find 1 part

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

@SolidSmack @bcbenton 1/file share or 2/PDM is pretty much all what available today mainstream for collaboration. #dellcad

olegshilovitsky




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD: We've got another reader who is new to #SolidWorks RealView. Any tips on hardware or software optimization?

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD @SolidSmack Another PDM plus is managing the 3D->2D link. SWX is OK on the 2D->3D direction. But can cost time to find drws from 3D

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that's upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD

bcbenton




July 28, 2011

RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?.

tonyisme




July 28, 2011

If there are any specific #Dell questions about CAD workstation configurations, let me know! #DellCAD

DellRonnie




July 28, 2011

unreal RT @Cadalyst_Mag: I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.. #DellCAD

JohnEvansDesign




July 28, 2011

@Cadalyst_Mag One way to ensure a good RealView experience is to have a professional level graphics card. #DellCAD http://bit.ly/brRb6X

SolidWorks




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD @bcbenton One more collab tip for SWX is using "multi-user env" options - bad news is it doesn't always play nice with PDM systems.

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

A SolidWorks certified GPU will help with RealView. Can view here... some req' additional file http://bit.ly/oyunZT @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

@Cadalyst_Mag - speaking of drooling... here's a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

Introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

#Dellcad RealView feels distracting/unnecessary, not real. Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need also

tonyisme




July 28, 2011

#Dellcad that should be: preview with PhotoView, PV, not PW

tonyisme




July 28, 2011

RT @bcbenton: RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that's upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD

Kylee_Dell




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: @Cadalyst_Mag - speaking of drooling... here's a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

@SolidWorks: Graphics cards! Such a hot topic on #CADspeed. Great link: http://t.co/jy0baxR #DellCAD

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

def for heavy surface modeling! @tonyisme: Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need for RealView #Dellcad

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD

cadesigntek




July 28, 2011

RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD

cadesigntek




July 28, 2011

Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD #dellcad

Kylee_Dell




July 28, 2011

and not to leave F1 fans in #DellCAD out, we've also got video of Dell workstations helping Cosworth build engines: http://del.ly/6016Rztu

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop!

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD If you missed Josh's blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user - http://t.co/BJ1A8MC

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

RT @SolidSmack: Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

Do you have a dedicated computer just for #SolidWorks? or do you run everything on one? #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

Another hot topic - opinions? @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance?

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. Check out our latest workstations: http://t.co/YylUTNW #DellCAD

DellRonnie




July 28, 2011

@solidsmack I run SWX alongside all my other apps - but then again, I am a PDM guy... #DellCAD

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD If you missed Josh's blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user - http://t.co/BJ1A8MC

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

Have you checked out the CADspeed blog yet http://cadspeed.wordpress.com #dellcad

Kylee_Dell




July 28, 2011

@jonathanpscott #Dellcad ssd impr. file loading a lot. Not much to gain on modeling or sim performance though. The CPU still needs to chew

tonyisme




July 28, 2011

RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop!

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

@jonathanpscott exactly! you are running SolidWorks (btw me too), but actually not using it (lol) @solidsmack #dellcad

olegshilovitsky




July 28, 2011

@olegshilovitsky #DellCAD Oleg - you are right about that! LOL I rarely model much more than a plate. :)

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

@Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I'm using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad

olegshilovitsky




July 28, 2011

@cadcompany : Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD

PattyGroenland




July 28, 2011

Follow a workstation guru > RT @DellRonnie: Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. dell.com/precision #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @olegshilovitsky: @Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I'm using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD's getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

@DellRonnie: Any advice on switching to SSD? #DellCAD

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

RT @SolidSmack: SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD's getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @Kylee_Dell: Have you checked out the CADspeed blog yet http://cadspeed.wordpress.com #dellcad

LaurenatDell




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally - remember to check the specs. Its like the difference between 4200 RPM drives and 10k RPM drives.

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

@SolidSmack @jonathanpscott #Dellcad SSD for system disk & SATA for storage/simulation dumping ground <- would be my ideal combo

tonyisme




July 28, 2011

@tonyisme Sounds like a good combo. #DellCAD @DellRonnie - are there Precisions that have multiple HDD config options?

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally - check the specs. Its like the diff between 4200 RPM and 10k RPM drives.

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop!

Lanett78




July 28, 2011

In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

@jonathanpscott @tonyisme Yes! All of our Precision workstations support multiple HDD configs with RAID options #DellCAD

DellRonnie




July 28, 2011

This #DellCAD TwitterChat is sponsored by #Dell. Thanks to @DellSMBNews for their support!

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

@SolidSmack: Is anyone using #SolidWorks RealView? Not often - hurts my eyes when doing detail work #DellCAD

cambridgedesign




July 28, 2011

Thanks also to @AMD_Unprocessed for its support for #DellCAD TwitterChat and the #CADspeed blog.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

Special thanks to one of our favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack for a great #DellCAD TwitterChat.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD: @solidworks Thanks to the #SolidWorks team for their support!

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

@DellSMBnews you need to remove the insanely annoying floating "wanna chat" box. Seriously #Dellcad #offtopic

tonyisme




July 28, 2011

A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link.

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

@Cadalyst_Mag - you're very welcome. And thanks to you, @SolidSmack and everyone else who joined us for #DellCAD today!

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

The #DellCAD TwitterChat is officially closed. Please feel free to keep chatting amongst yourselves. Thanks to all for participating!

Cadalyst_Mag




July 28, 2011

RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link.

olegshilovitsky




July 28, 2011

#DellCAD Thanks, Josh (@SolidSmack). Good TwitterChat.

jonathanpscott




July 28, 2011

@Cadalyst_Mag great initiative! #Dellcad

tonyisme




July 28, 2011

learned about tweet chat made by #dellcad and @solidsmack. maybe we need to have one about #PLM?

olegshilovitsky




July 28, 2011

Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD

SolidSmack




July 28, 2011

Thanks @solidsmack @cadalyst_mag @DellSMBNews for a nice TwitterChat today #DellCAD

razorleaf




July 28, 2011

While today's #DellCAD tweetchat has officially ended the conversation doesn't have to stop! Continue to use the hashtag, follow @DellRonnie

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @SolidSmack: Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD

JohnEvansDesign




July 28, 2011

Also > RT @SolidSmack: [...] wondering about SolidWorks/Workstation performance email josh@solidsmack.com or stop by solidsmack.com #DellCAD

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

And > RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link.

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

@razorleaf - you're very welcome! thank you for joining #DellCAD ~LPT

DellSMBnews




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk

DellChannel




July 28, 2011

RT @DellSMBnews: In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk

adaptivecorp




July 28, 2011

RT @DellEnterprise: Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation.

mandheer




July 28, 2011

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Topics: Dell Business Workstation, Workstations, RAM, SolidWorks, Hardware, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Video Cards, Operating System, Dell Workstations, Windows, CAD

Four Practical Approaches to Improving SolidWorks Performance

Posted by cadhardware

Jul 27, 2011 1:58:37 PM

What goes into improving SolidWorks performance? Way too much. Really, programs, CAD software should be more simple. Hardware should be more simple, but for the very reason that software and hardware are not developed together, we're faced with attempting to optimize both and you... are faced with this article.

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Topics: Workstations, RAM, SolidWorks, Hardware, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Video Cards, Operating System, Windows, CAD

The Advantages of Eyefinity for CAD, Part 3: Rules of Thumb

Posted by cadhardware

Jul 5, 2011 6:35:11 PM

Previously in this series, we've talked about using Eyefinity with older displays and how to find the right adapter for non-DisplayPort monitors.

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Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Graphics Cards, Eyefinity, Video Cards, Dell Workstations, Display, CAD

The Advantages of Eyefinity for CAD, Part 2: Adapters to the Rescue

Posted by cadhardware

Jun 30, 2011 3:54:21 PM

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Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Graphics Cards, Eyefinity, Video Cards, Dell Workstations, Display, CAD

The Advantages of Eyefinity for CAD, Part 1: DVI Monitors and DisplayPort Graphics Cards

Posted by cadhardware

Jun 28, 2011 3:17:48 PM

Eyefinity drives 3 or more displays simultaneously.

Eyefinity lets you drive 3 or more independent displays simultaneously from a single low-power FirePro graphics card. This technology is great for CAD users because it enables you to multi-task different workflow applications on each display or span a single CAD application across multiple displays as one desktop workspace. Check out this video showing using a three-display configuration driven by a single laptop and then tell me you don’t want it.

DisplayPort for Graphics Cards and Display Manufacturers

Whether you are talking AMD FirePro or Nvidia Quadro, DisplayPort has become the standard output port for both consumer and professional graphics cards. Yes, there are legacy DVI ports on some cards and there are even cards specifically designed to address the legacy market (e.g., FirePro V5800 DVI). But largely the debate about standards is over, and DisplayPort is here to stay. (I have written about the advantages of DisplayPort previously.)

But while the graphics card manufacturers embraced DisplayPort early on, the display manufacturers (Apple aside) have only recently made the switch. Beginning in 2010, Asus, Dell, HP LaCie, Lenovo, and NEC released more than 80 displays supporting DisplayPort. But there are still a lot more displays released with only the less expensive DVI or VGA input connectors.

So What Do I Do with My Older Monitors? Can I Still Use Eyefinity?

So what do you do if you have a display/monitor released before 2010 that only has single-link or dual-link DVI inputs? Or perhaps more interestingly, what if you want to set up a 3- or 4-display visual workspace for your CAD workflow using Eyefinity, but some or all of the displays you plan to use only have DVI/HDMI/VGA inputs?

Next, I'll talk about DisplayPort adapters that can help you do just that.

Author: Tony DeYoung

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Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Graphics Cards, Eyefinity, Video Cards, Dell Workstations, Display, CAD

Troubleshoot Video Card and Driver Warnings in Revit

Posted by cadhardware

Jun 24, 2011 5:14:46 PM

Many users may not realize that Revit has two graphic systems supporting model display.

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Topics: Workstations, Autodesk, Graphics Card, Revit, GPU, Graphics Cards, Video Cards, CAD

A CAD Manager's Guide to Hardware Upgrades, Part 2

Posted by cadhardware

Jun 21, 2011 5:38:09 PM

The first post in this series discussed upgrade procedures under various organizational structures. Now, we dive into prioritizing upgrades. One thing is certain: as long as CAD software increases in power there will always be a need for upgrading and replacing CAD workstations.

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Topics: Dell Business Workstation, Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Memory, Upgrade, Video Cards, Operating System, Windows, CAD

A CAD Manager's Guide to Hardware Upgrades, Part 1

Posted by cadhardware

Jun 16, 2011 1:14:56 AM

Previously on CADspeed, we've talked about upgrading CAD hardware from the IT perspective. Now let's talk about the same subject, but from the perspective of the CAD manager's desk.

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Topics: Dell Business Workstation, Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Memory, Upgrade, Video Cards, Operating System, Windows, CAD

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