In this article, we wanted to share with you tips about what features a computer should have that you can use comfortably for a laptop recommendation for Solidworks.
What kind of computer do I need to run SOLIDWORKS?
SolidWorks is a CAD/CAM software that allows 3D solid model design for production, assembly, simulation and analysis of designed parts. The software, which is very powerful in CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing-Computer Aided Manufacturing) stages, is fully compatible with CNC (Computer Numerical Control-Computer Counted (Controlled) production methods. The program is also fully compatible with Sheet Metal (Computer Aided Manufacturing). It also provides design solutions for Sheet Metal Bending/Forming fabrication, thanks to its drawing tools. SOLIDWORKS helps all users become more productive by simplifying the 3D design process. Design teams focus on building better products, not design, rather than memorizing complex rules.
Processor: 3 GHz processor speed
Although Solidworks makes use of multi-core processors in simulation and rendering processes, it does not use it effectively in large processes. Since Intel is the performance leader in the world in this regard, it is preferred in most workstations. We recommend 3GHz processor speed in laptop recommendation for Solidworks.
We recommend Quad Core i5/i7 or equivalent Xeon Processors.
Operating System: Windows 10,11 64 Bit, Windows 7 SP1 64 Bit
Solidworks only supports 64 bit since 2015. That’s why we recommend Windows 10,11 Pro or Enterprise 64 bit.
Memory (RAM): 16 GB or more (ECC RAM Recommended)
When you open a file in Solidworks, the opened file is loaded into RAM. This is exactly why the files get corrupted when the power goes out. With Windows, enough RAM is needed to prevent it from being installed on the hard drive. If you are going to buy a new memory, it will definitely be satisfactory in terms of efficiency to get a minimum of 8 to 16 GB.
Hard Disk: Solid State Drive (SSD), at least 20GB free space
A hard disk with this feature will do the job for you.
Video Card: NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro / Fire PRO series graphics card
The graphics card has a very important place for productivity. Zooming and rotating operations also help speed up work. Integrated graphics cards such as Intel H, GeForce and Radeon (Nonpro) are not supported by Solidworks due to poor performance. SOLIDWORKS only supports workstation-class graphics cards such as NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Fire Pro and the new Radeon Pro. However, SOLIDWORKS Visualize, which is part of the SOLIDWORKS Professional subscription, is accelerated only on NVIDIA cards. We recommend NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards with solid driver stability and performance.
Monitor: 21.5 inch – 1920×1080 resolution
If you are going to buy a new monitor, we definitely recommend 21.5 inches and 1920×1080 resolution. Note that screens below 27 inches are not recommended after SOLIDWORKS 2016. For laptops, we recommend at least 15.6 inches and 1920×1080. Do not forget that; lower resolution means less space for your work and the SOLIDWORKS interface.
