Does SW support 64 bit processing

Do any versions of Solidworks support 64 bit processing. I have a friend
whose current Athlon 2.2 with 1 Gb of memory isn't really cutting it and I
don't think conventional processor upgrades wouldn't give that much better
performance?

Gavin MacKinnon

 

Short answer: No, not yet.

Long answer:
For SWX to support 64 bit computing, it would first need a 64 bit OS.
MS has not released its 64 bit Windows OS yet. Secondly, SWX would then
need to release a 64 bit edition itself. This all takes some time.
That said, I would assume SWX is working on a 64 bit version at some
level, even though I have not heard of any 64 bit SWX rumors.

Thus, for 64 bit SWX, we first need to wait until MS releases their 64
bit OS. Then we will need to wait for SWX to release their own 64 bit
version.

In the mean time:
You can upgrade by purchasing an Athlon 64 (or Opteron) system and
increasing your RAM (1.5-2.0 Gig minimum IMO). The Athlon 64 is a 64
bit processor, but it also performs very well with 32 bit applications.
Thus, you are gaining performance now, while you are also ready when the
switch to 64 bit is here.

Also, with regards to SWX performance in general, there are many tips
and tricks that can have a large impact on performance. Do a search and
I am sure can come up with many tips. Here are a few of my own:
1.) Make sure the Use software OpenGL is not enabled
2.) Make sure verification on rebuild is checked OFF
3.) Use low quality transparency
4.) Use lightweight parts
5.) Use large assembly mode
6.) Use simplified configuration with unnecessary components suppressed
7.) Be judicious with your use of incontext features. These can
dramatically increase rebuild time.
8.) Uncheck Save Edrawing data

 

No, but running SW on a 64bit Athlon is still about the fastest setup
available even in 32 bit mode.

 

i think this only works for a *nix OS. I don't think (could be wrong) that
just moving the files back necessarily defrags them.

Tho as an added step, rather than just deleting them, reformat the
partition. (you DO have all the SW files on a separate partition, right?)

not that linux filesystems fragment all that much, but that is the method
for "defragging" a linux filesystem.

never heard of that one.

-nick e.

 

Paul,

This sounds right from what I've read, but the sad news I've read,..
apps which are converted/compiled to the 64 bit OS are not faster, in
fact slower and the gains are only with access and sharing of the larger
registers or more ram access.

That is, if/when SW is compiled for windoze 64, it's ain't going to be
faster but slower overall.
Although, larger data sets will benefit relative to the current 32 bit
bottle necks and ram limits.

Something to keep in mind when sales people start selling 64 bit hype.

...

 

Correct. And for the larger registers, remember they will help only when
manipulating integer numbers larger than 2^32 (~4'000'000'000) or bitsets.
CADs use double precision floating numbers that already are 64 bits, and
already manipulated with 96 bits registers in 32 bits CPUs.
So there is nothing to expect from there, which leaves us with the ram size
benefit.

We'll see... but I believe the challenge is more at Parasolid and perhaps
D-Cubed to support new CPU architectures, especially parallelism
(HyperThreading and its successors...)

In short, CAD is an app where 2x32 > 64.

 

IDE for OS. SCSI for data?

Thin client setup? All OS files on separate computer.

Linux Live CD even. (like MandrakeMove, Knoppix, etc)

--nick e.

 

I just asked this question to a regional technical manager at
SolidWorks in the same regard because we are going to start a PC swap
program here where I work. I had asked if it would be beneficial
before 2004 is over that SolidWorks would support a 64 bit OS and PC.
The comment I received back is classic SolidWorks.

"I cannot comment on that yet."

At least the word "yet" was used in that statement. My guess is that
you will hear about it at SolidWorks World. Much of what is needed is
also controlled by how ready the Parasolid kernel is for 64 bit.

I do hope to hear something from SW World to give some direction that
I should take in PC recommendations.

Ken