We have a poll going over on Cadalyst.com, asking the question: What type of computer do you use primarily for CAD-related work? So far, desktop PCs and desktop workstations are neck-and-neck, but notebook PCs and even Macs are making a good showing. Head on over to cast your own vote and view results! Don't forget to bookmark the Results page so you can come back later to see the latest stats.
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Topics:
Workstations,
Hardware,
Mobile Workstations,
CAD
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.
Read More
Topics:
Workstations,
Hardware,
Graphics Card,
GPU,
Graphics Cards,
AMD,
Upgrade,
CAD
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Dell- and Cadalyst-Sponsored TwitterChat abput optimizing your system for SolidWorks.
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RT @DellEnterprise: Live #CAD chat! Join Dell, @Cadalyst_Mag, & @SolidSmack at #DellCAD, Thursday 4pm East. Info- http://del.ly/6019Rzi5 |
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RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1 |
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RT @SolidSmack: RT @Cadalyst_Mag: Using #SolidWorks? Join our @SolidSmack TwitterChat today 3pm CST #dellcad http://t.co/3juQzy1 |
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Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts --in just 3 hours-- using #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012RzUe |
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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 |
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RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu |
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RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu |
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RT: Do you use SolidWorks? Join our chat with @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag that starts --in just 3 hours-- using #DellCAD http://t.co/vY2U7gd |
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RT @DellSMBnews: Join us, @SolidSmack and @Cadalyst_Mag TODAY at 3pm Central for a TwitterChat on #SolidWorks. Hastag = #DellCAD http://del.ly/6012Rzmu |
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#DellCAD TwitterChat in 1 hour with @SolidSmack: Performance optimization with #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1 |
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30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt |
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RT @DellSMBnews: 30 min until our tweetchat w/ @SolidSmack & @Cadalyst_Mag to talk SolidWorks performance & workstations. #DellCAD http://del.ly/6011RzSt |
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20 minutes till @joshmings fills your tweet stream with sweet #SolidWorks Performance Q&A. Grab a ham and follow #DellCAD @Cadalyst_Mag |
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Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation. |
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#DellCAD TweetChat in 5 min with @SolidSmack. Grab a cup of coffee and let's talk #SolidWorks. http://t.co/3juQzy1 |
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Twitter chat with @solidsmack starting in 4 minutes. Shantanu Kedar from the SolidWorks Partner Team will be helping out on our end #DellCAD |
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getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD (I'll be there as @DellSMBnews) |
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RT: @DellEnterprise Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation. |
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Welcome to the #DellCAD TwitterChat with @SolidSmack. We’re talking about #SolidWorks optimization right now. |
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I’m Michelle with @Cadalyst_Mag. Please use #DellCAD to follow along as we chat with Josh Mings of @SolidSmack about #SolidWorks. |
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One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?. |
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We're excited to be partnering with @CADalyst_Mag and @SolidSmack today to talk workstations and SolidWorks performance at #DellCAD! |
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Want to optimize the gravy bits out of #SolidWorks on your workstation? Tell us your story at #DellCAD right about... now. |
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Please introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag. |
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#DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks |
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Remember to use #DellCAD in your tweets to join in the conversation about optimizing #SolidWorks. |
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My favorite way to optimize SolidWorks? Smart modeling practice - minimize external ref, reduce relations, complex features last #DellCAD |
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checking out #DellCAD looking forward to what Josh has to say
John |
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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. |
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RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks |
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@waldenweb nice to see ya John. How's the SolidWorks performance these days? #DellCAD |
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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 |
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#SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You'll be glad you did. #DellCAD |
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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 |
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RT @LaurenatDell: #DellCAD tweetchat starting now. Join the discussion about optimizing your workstation performance for #SolidWorks |
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How do you optimize file colaboration with Solidworks? #DellCAD |
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RT @SolidSmack: #SolidWorks optimization on the hardware side? Maximize CPU speed. You'll be glad you did. #DellCAD |
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#DellCAD: Josh, we've got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend? |
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RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD |
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Running SW2010 on Windows 7 64bit with 8G Ram, working pretty well #DellCAD |
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If upgrading to SolidWorks 2011, go Windows 7 64bit, 6GB RAM minimum (It's cheap!), 1GB graphics card is nice too. @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD |
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Ooh, question about #SolidWorks file collaboration optimization on #DellCAD - now you've got my full attention! |
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RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD: Josh, we've got a reader who needs to upgrade to run the latest #SolidWorks. What do you recommend? |
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RT @johnevansdesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD |
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RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?. |
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@waldenweb - 8GB of RAM -- worth it, you think? I believe the more RAM, the better. #DellCAD |
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@bcbenton file collaboration: two ways - 1) work off network with established file name convention #DellCAD |
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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 |
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@bcbenton file collaboration (cont) 2) invest in PDM system. sad but true with that. pricey but worth it for med to large company. #DellCAD |
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On the @solidsmack tweet stream listening to @joshmings #SolidWorks performance Q&A #dellcad |
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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 |
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@Cadalyst_Mag - your reader that is upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful, too: http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD |
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RT @JohnEvansDesign: RT @LPT: getting ready to hang with @joshmings to chat about SolidWorks performance and workstations - join #DellCAD |
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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 |
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Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD |
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@Cadalyst_Mag @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.... wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD |
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lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with the optimization. #Dellcad |
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@jonathanpscott what are your thoughts on how PDM helps optimize SolidWorks and Workstation? #DellCAD |
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I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.... wooooow, worth it. #DellCAD |
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Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD |
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true, and SpeedPacks! @lazytrax: lazytrax: lightweight components and large assembly mode will help with SolidWorks optimization. #Dellcad |
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#DellCAD @SolidSmack One big way is thru view/search ability - non-PDM SWX users sometimes load everything into session just to find 1 part |
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@SolidSmack @bcbenton 1/file share or 2/PDM is pretty much all what available today mainstream for collaboration. #dellcad |
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#DellCAD: We've got another reader who is new to #SolidWorks RealView. Any tips on hardware or software optimization? |
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#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 |
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RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that's upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD |
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RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD |
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Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD |
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RT @Cadalyst_Mag: One of Cadalyst’s favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack is ready for your questions. Use #DellCAD to ask a ?. |
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If there are any specific #Dell questions about CAD workstation configurations, let me know! #DellCAD |
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unreal RT @Cadalyst_Mag: I just drooled a little: @SolidSmack @waldenweb running one rig with 2 Processors and 24GB of RAM.. #DellCAD |
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@Cadalyst_Mag One way to ensure a good RealView experience is to have a professional level graphics card. #DellCAD http://bit.ly/brRb6X |
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#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. |
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A SolidWorks certified GPU will help with RealView. Can view here... some req' additional file http://bit.ly/oyunZT @Cadalyst_Mag #DellCAD |
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@Cadalyst_Mag - speaking of drooling... here's a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3 |
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Introduce yourself at any time in the conversation by using the #DellCAD hashtag. |
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#Dellcad RealView feels distracting/unnecessary, not real. Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need also |
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#Dellcad that should be: preview with PhotoView, PV, not PW |
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RT @bcbenton: RT @dellsmbnews: @Cadalyst_Mag your reader that's upgrading might find our workstation advisor tool helpful http://del.ly/6011RztB #DellCAD |
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RT @DellSMBnews: @Cadalyst_Mag - speaking of drooling... here's a fun workstation-related video for motorcycle fans joining #DellCAD http://del.ly/6013Rzt3 |
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@SolidWorks: Graphics cards! Such a hot topic on #CADspeed. Great link: http://t.co/jy0baxR #DellCAD |
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def for heavy surface modeling! @tonyisme: Zebra stripes w/surfaces and preview w/PW pretty much removes the need for RealView #Dellcad |
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RT @DellSMBnews: Did you know Dell Precision workstations are specifically designed for professionals like those of you who use #SolidWorks? #DellCAD |
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RT @LaurenatDell: Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD |
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Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD #dellcad |
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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 |
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#DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop! |
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#DellCAD If you missed Josh's blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user - http://t.co/BJ1A8MC |
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RT @SolidSmack: Is anyone using/not using #SolidWorks RealView? Why or why not? #DellCAD |
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Do you have a dedicated computer just for #SolidWorks? or do you run everything on one? #DellCAD |
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Another hot topic - opinions? @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? |
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Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. Check out our latest workstations: http://t.co/YylUTNW #DellCAD |
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@solidsmack I run SWX alongside all my other apps - but then again, I am a PDM guy... #DellCAD |
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RT @Cadalyst_Mag: #DellCAD If you missed Josh's blog on #CADspeed: Optimize #SolidWorks & be a happier user - http://t.co/BJ1A8MC |
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@jonathanpscott #Dellcad ssd impr. file loading a lot. Not much to gain on modeling or sim performance though. The CPU still needs to chew |
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RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop! |
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@jonathanpscott exactly! you are running SolidWorks (btw me too), but actually not using it (lol) @solidsmack #dellcad |
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@olegshilovitsky #DellCAD Oleg - you are right about that! LOL I rarely model much more than a plate. :) |
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@Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I'm using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad |
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@cadcompany : Questions about CAD hardware configurations? Ask a #Dell expert - @DellRonnie - on #DellCAD |
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Follow a workstation guru > RT @DellRonnie: Dell Precision certified Workstations are optimized for #Solidworks. dell.com/precision #DellCAD |
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RT @olegshilovitsky: @Cadalyst_Mag @jonathanpscott @solidsmack I'm using SSD. Not only for Solidworks. It helps a lot for performance. #dellcad |
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SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD's getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD |
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@DellRonnie: Any advice on switching to SSD? #DellCAD |
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RT @SolidSmack: SSD and SATA combination environment is a good way to optimize speed and storage. SSD's getting cheaper. @tonyisme @jonathanpscott #DellCAD |
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#DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally - remember to check the specs. Its like the difference between 4200 RPM drives and 10k RPM drives. |
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@SolidSmack @jonathanpscott #Dellcad SSD for system disk & SATA for storage/simulation dumping ground <- would be my ideal combo |
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@tonyisme Sounds like a good combo. #DellCAD @DellRonnie - are there Precisions that have multiple HDD config options? |
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RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Not all SSDs are created equally - check the specs. Its like the diff between 4200 RPM and 10k RPM drives. |
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RT @jonathanpscott: #DellCAD Anybody using Solid State Drives to help their #SolidWorks performance? Made a huge difference on my laptop! |
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In case any #DellCAD tweeters need a new workstation quick, 17’’ Precision M6600 w/LCD touch screen now Ships Fast http://del.ly/6014Rztk |
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@jonathanpscott @tonyisme Yes! All of our Precision workstations support multiple HDD configs with RAID options #DellCAD |
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This #DellCAD TwitterChat is sponsored by #Dell. Thanks to @DellSMBNews for their support! |
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@SolidSmack: Is anyone using #SolidWorks RealView? Not often - hurts my eyes when doing detail work #DellCAD |
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Thanks also to @AMD_Unprocessed for its support for #DellCAD TwitterChat and the #CADspeed blog. |
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Special thanks to one of our favorite bloggers, Josh Mings @SolidSmack for a great #DellCAD TwitterChat. |
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#DellCAD: @solidworks Thanks to the #SolidWorks team for their support! |
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@DellSMBnews you need to remove the insanely annoying floating "wanna chat" box. Seriously #Dellcad #offtopic |
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A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link. |
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@Cadalyst_Mag - you're very welcome. And thanks to you, @SolidSmack and everyone else who joined us for #DellCAD today! |
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The #DellCAD TwitterChat is officially closed. Please feel free to keep chatting amongst yourselves. Thanks to all for participating! |
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RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link. |
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#DellCAD Thanks, Josh (@SolidSmack). Good TwitterChat. |
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@Cadalyst_Mag great initiative! #Dellcad |
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learned about tweet chat made by #dellcad and @solidsmack. maybe we need to have one about #PLM? |
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Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD |
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Thanks @solidsmack @cadalyst_mag @DellSMBNews for a nice TwitterChat today #DellCAD |
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While today's #DellCAD tweetchat has officially ended the conversation doesn't have to stop! Continue to use the hashtag, follow @DellRonnie |
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RT @SolidSmack: Also, check out the #SolidWorks performance article here on the CADSpeed blog http://bit.ly/papOs0 #DellCAD |
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Also > RT @SolidSmack: [...] wondering about SolidWorks/Workstation performance email josh@solidsmack.com or stop by solidsmack.com #DellCAD |
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And > RT @Cadalyst_Mag: A full transcript will be available after the TwitterChat. Watch for #DellCAD or follow @Cadalyst_Mag for the link. |
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@razorleaf - you're very welcome! thank you for joining #DellCAD ~LPT |
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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 |
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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 |
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RT @DellEnterprise: Live Twitter chat on CAD starting now! See #DellCAD to join in the conversation. |
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Read More
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
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.
Read More
Topics:
Workstations,
RAM,
SolidWorks,
Hardware,
Graphics Card,
Hard Drive,
Processors,
Operating Systems,
GPU,
Memory,
Graphics Cards,
Video Cards,
Operating System,
Windows,
CAD
Many AutoCAD Civil 3D users are aware that upgrading to a 64-bit operating system, preferably Windows 7 and Windows Vista (in that order), will give the biggest return on investment when looking at improving performance. Other opportunities to improve performance also exist.
Read More
Topics:
Workstations,
Hardware,
Multi-Threading,
Hard Drive,
Processors,
Operating Systems,
Operating System,
64-Bit,
Windows,
Civil 3D,
CAD
Fire. Hurricane. Theft. Tornado. Grape juice. Electrical surge. Really when you get down to it there is no end to the list of disastrous events that can beginning of the end of your workstation’s hard drive. That may seem pretty obvious, but what may not be as obvious is that there is no end to the dangers that your data must face also! Whether you are a corporate giant or a freelancing CAD professional, the danger is really the same. Any day could be the day that you lose your valuable data!
Read More
Topics:
Workstations,
Hardware,
Hard Drive,
Connectivity,
Backup System,
CAD
