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The Technical Support Group periodically receives requests for recommended computer specifications for our structural products. As a general rule, we rank the importance of computer specifications in the following order: RAM, processor, and graphics card. The following paragraphs provide more details.
RAM – As of June 18, 2013, all of our structural products are still 32-bit programs, meaning that they can utilize a theoretical maximum of 4 GB of RAM themselves until they make the transition to 64-bit. Even until then, a computer with a 64-bit operating system can still benefit from RAM in excess of 4 GB since the operating system and other open programs will utilize it. Consequently, more RAM is better.
Processor – While some of the solvers in our structural products can utilize multiple processors, the products as a general rule utilize one processor at a time. Consequently, processor clock speeds are more important than the number of processors. Also, please note that some of our solvers in RAM products use Intel-provided technology which run best on Intel brand processors.
Graphics card – A graphics card with dedicated memory will display 3D models most efficiently. This will help engineers examine and manipulate models faster in the graphical interface, but it will not affect analysis times. RAM and processor speed are the biggest factors for that.