New Machine for sw2006

Looking for a new machine to run 2006 version of SW..
The questions at hand are??

Are dual core processors worth the extra money? Does the 32 bit version Use
them? We are looking at the 64 bit version but not yet as no machine we have
can run it as yet..

Memory? 1GB.. 2GB...4GB.. Currently running at 1GB. Most of the time it
seems to be enough, but... there are times..

VIdeo? Nvida is the prefered card here... but which model? I know as much
as I can spend... well maybe be able to get 1200 or so out of the money
guys...

So far looking at:
AMD 64
ASUS A8N????
2GB
Nvidia [Quadro FX 1300 /1400]

Anyone?

stu

 

Lots of threads over the last 30 days have discussed this question, if
you just click "back in time".

In some ways, it might be worth considering a moderately powerful
machine and wait for the 64 bit and dual core machines until we are out
of the beta stages with SolidWorks cleanly supporting both.

Bo

 

Sorry but where/what is a 'back in time' button... using offline reader...

 

I think Bo means search Google groups using a web browser.

http://groups.google.com/group/comp.cad.solidworks

The URL above should get you where you want to be. Then search within
the group.

 

Indeed, I didn't think about using a reader, and the real name of the
button is "Older" when in Google.

Bo

 

Are dual core processors worth the extra money? Does the 32 bit version Use

Apps need to be properly threaded to take advantage of dual cores. SW
for the most part is a single threaded app. 32 versus 64 is a lesser
issue as 32-bit CPU's have topped out and you basically get a 64-bit
processor due to the higher clock speeds. And as long as you've got it,
might as well use the 64-bit compiled version instead.

The only choice left is between a normal or HT core (Athlon 64, P4E) or
the dual core version (Athlon X2, Pentium D/Core 2). In most
circumstances the added cost is not worth it unless you need the
workstation for rendering as well.

2GB seems to be a cost effective sweet spot now. Depends on your
assembly sizes though.

Don't worry about getting a Quadro, the GF6 GPU's do just as well and
the larger amounts of RAM rarely lead to performance increases. The
only disadvantage is certified driver sets. You'll get the stability
you'd expect from certified drivers, but not extra Quadro only features
like real time shaders.

You're all set; shucks, you didn't need us after all?