TriMech’s

SOLIDWORKS 2021
Hardware
Recommendations
Guide

You have made a serious investment purchasing

SOLIDWORKS that will ultimately help your engineers,
designers, and drafters to be more productive. While
navigating through the challenging process of choosing
their new CAD system, clients often overlook the
importance of having the appropriate hardware to support
their new purchase. To help minimize your frustrations
and maximize your capabilities, TriMech has compiled
this recommended hardware guide to aid you in the
process of upgrading or purchasing new hardware.

Technical Support
1.888.TRIMECH (1.888.874.6324)
Support@TriMech.com
Rev: 29.1
SOLIDWORKS 2021

© 2008-2021, TriMech Solutions LLC,

4461 Cox Road, Suite 302, Glen Allen, VA 23060 USA.

All Right Reserved

No Material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by

any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the
expressed written permission of TriMech Solutions.

Contributing Editors: John Landis

Allen Miotke
Tracy Phillips
Emmanuel Kim


Cover and Document Design: Emmanuel Kim

2 Hardware Recommendations
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CORE SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS

Core Systems Considerations

Processor (CPU)

The processor can be the single most influential component to your systems overall
performance. Generally speaking, the faster the processor, the faster SOLIDWORKS will
perform, but here are some other options to consider.

„  SOLIDWORKS recommends a 3.3 GHz or faster clock speed.

„  TriMech would not recommend an Intel processor below a current generation Core i7 or
a current generation AMD processor below a Ryzen when purchasing a new computer.
„  The multiple processors, cores, and hyper-threading that come in today’s processors
are not widely utilized within the core SOLIDWORKS modeling program, but more and
more features are beginning to take advantage of multi-processing and hyper-threading
capabilities. For general modeling functionality in SOLIDWORKS, more cores will not
necessarily mean increased performance.
„  SOLIDWORKS add-ins like SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and PhotoView360, and
SOLIDWORKS VISUALIZE do utilize multi-processing capabilities extensively.
„  Though multi-processing is not utilized within the core SOLIDWORKS modeling
program, more cores and hyper-threading can help run multiple applications
simultaneously on your computer faster.

System Memory (RAM)

System memory is another important component for overall system performance. The
amount of RAM directly correlates to the number and size of programs and files that can run
at any given moment. The more RAM you have, the larger the programs and files you can
run at peak performance. Not enough system memory results in poor performance.

„  SOLIDWORKS recommends at least 16 GBs of RAM.

„  Increasing RAM in a system that does not need it, will not speed up the system.
RAM only acts as a “ceiling”. If you do not have enough, your system will slow down
dramatically.
„  Generally, newer operating systems require more system memory (RAM) simply to run
itself. For instance, Windows 10 requires more system memory than Windows 7.

Hardware Recommendations 3
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CORE SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS

Core System Considerations (continued)

Graphics Card

A good video card is one of the most commonly overlooked pieces of hardware when
assessing a workstation running SOLIDWORKS. Your video card affects how smoothly the
graphic images on screen rotate, zoom, pan, and refresh.
„  It is highly recommended to purchase a workstation class graphics card to run
SOLIDWORKS optimally. Consumer class 3D video cards are optimized to play the
newest video games, but not to run professional applications like 3D CAD.
„  SOLIDWORKS only supports OpenGL hardware acceleration.
„  SOLIDWORKS 2019 and newer supports OpenGL 4.5. If supported by the graphics
card, the option can greatly help with large assembly graphics performance.
„  Check the SOLIDWORKS website for a comprehensive list of compatible video cards
and drivers. To view the results, go to:
https://www.solidworks.com/support/hardware-certification
„  To fully enable RealView graphics, you will need a RealView supported graphics card.
Refer to the above link for more details and operating system limitations.
„  SOLIDWORKS Visualize utilizes nVIDIA’s CUDA architecture for rendering in hybrid
and GPU modes. Refer to SOLIDWORKS Visualize requirements on page 8 for more
information.

Hard Drives

Other than acting as storage space for applications and files, the hard drive can play a vital
role in your system’s overall performance.
„  For optimal performance, SOLIDWORKS recommends a high speed Solid State Drive
(SSD).
„  If you are still utilizing disk base storage, it is important to periodically defragment
your hard drive is important for optimal performance. Newer Operating Systems like
Windows 10 will perform this task automatically for you.
„  SOLIDWORKS offers support under certain Virtual Environments and Storage
Appliances (NAS and SAN). Please review the list of approved virtualized environments
on the SOLIDWORKS system requirements page:
https://www.solidworks.com/support/system-requirements

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SUPPORTING SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS

Supporting Software Considerations

Operating System

SOLIDWORKS 2021 is only supported under Windows 10 (64-bit).

„  SOLIDWORKS 2020 was the last version that supported Windows 7 SP1, (64bit).
„  SOLIDWORKS 2014 was the last version of SOLIDWORKS to support a 32-bit
Windows operating systems.
„  SOLIDWORKS 2014 and older are not supported for Windows 10.
„  eDrawings 2021 is supported under the macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or higher operating
systems.
„  Like SOLIDWORKS, eDrawings 2021 is only supported on Windows 10(64-bit)
Operating Systems.
„  SOLIDWORKS is only supported under the Parallels (version 14) virtual environment
for Macs.
„  Refer to the SOLIDWORKS system requirements page for additional information.

https://www.solidworks.com/support/system-requirements

SOLIDWORKS Network License (SNL) Server

Many clients prefer their licenses to be internally networked opposed to activated as
standalone licenses. Operating system and hardware requirements for license servers are
slightly different than their clients.

„  The 2020 SOLIDWORKS Network License (SNL) Server is only supported under the
Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 operating system environments.
„  SOLIDWORKS has recently offered support under certain Virtual Environments and
Storage Appliances (NAS and SAN). Please review the list of approved virtualized
environments on the SOLIDWORKS system requirements page:
https://www.solidworks.com/support/system-requirements

Hardware Recommendations 5
SOLIDWORKS 2021
SUPPORTING SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS

Supporting Software Considerations (continued)

Partner Software

There are related software packages that work with SOLIDWORKS. Certain older versions
of these software packages are not supported by these companies in later revisions
of SOLIDWORKS. Check with your reseller or the manufacturer of the software for
compatibility and support.
„  SOLIDWORKS 2021 supports the use of Microsoft Office 2016 or newer. Word and
Excel are needed in order to generate Design Tables, analytical reports, and Excel
based BOMs.
„  Some anti-virus software interferes with the installation and general operation of
SOLIDWORKS. Check the SOLIDWORKS system requirements page to see which
anti-virus programs are supported here:
http://www.SOLIDWORKS.com/sw/support/AntiVirus_SW.html

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SOLIDWORKS ADD-IN CONSIDERATIONS

SOLIDWORKS Add-In Considerations

SOLIDWORKS PDM Server Requirements

SOLIDWORKS PDM uses SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork Licensing (SNL). Review the
SOLIDWORKS Network License Server requirements in addition to these requirements.
„  For best performance, TriMech highly recommends a dedicated server environment.
Other configurations, such as servers with the addition of domain controllers, have been
found to introduce unpredictable behavior and should be avoided whenever possible.
„  2021 SOLIDWORKS PDM Database and Archive servers are only supported in the
Windows Server 2016 and 2019, operating system environments.
„  SOLIDWORKS recommends at least 8GB of RAM or more for Archive and Database
servers. Consult your TriMech SOLIDWORKS PDM Implementor for recommended
memory amounts based on your usage and server configuration.
„  The Processor should be a relatively current Intel or AMD processor. Consult your
TriMech SOLIDWORKS PDM Implementor for recommended specifications based on
your usage and server configuration.
„  SOLIDWORKS PDM Web 2 service requires the Microsoft Internal Information Service
(IIS).
„  SOLIDWORKS has recently offered support under certain Virtual Environments and
Storage Appliances (NAS and SAN). Please review the list of approved virtualized
environments on the SOLIDWORKS system requirements page:
https://www.solidworks.com/support/system-requirements

eDrawings Requirements

eDrawings 2021 is only supported in the following environments: Windows 10 (64-bit),

macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or newer.
„  eDrawings 2021 will support HTC Vive and Oculus Rift virtual reality devices for VR
viewing of your eDrawing models.
„  The eDrawings 9.X.X mobile app is supported on both iOS and Android mobile devices.

Hardware Recommendations 7
SOLIDWORKS 2021
SOLIDWORKS ADD-IN CONSIDERATIONS

SOLIDWORKS Add-In Considerations (continued)

SOLIDWORKS Visualize Requirements

SOLIDWORKS Visualize is a photorendering and animation application that can utilize

both the CPU and GPU for rendering tasks. Along with the general SOLIDWORKS
hardware recommendations, here are some additional considerations if you plan on using
SOLIDWORKS Visualize.
„  For hybrid and GPU based renderings, SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2021 requires NVIDIA
CUDA 10.2 or newer based graphics cards to help render images in the rendering client.
Otherwise, SOLIDWORKS Visualize will only use the CPU to render images.
„  SOLIDWORKS Visualize now may utilize AMD ProRender GPU Support on Radeon and
FirePro series workstation cards.
„  SOLIDWORKS Visualize needs at least 2GBs of GPU memory to enable Hybrid
rendering modes. 4GBs or more is recommended.
„  If budget and motherboard allows, consider dual or quad NVIDIA graphics cards to
operate in parallel.
„  SOLIDWORKS 2017 introduced Visualize Boost. The product allows for rendering tasks
to be handled by a dedicated via the network.
„  Check this SOLIDWORKS Visualize Benchmark page for system performance results
and additional system configurations recommendations for your SOLIDWORKS
Visualize rendering clients.
http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/visualize-hardware-benchmarks.htm

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 SOLIDWORKS 2021
NETWORK CONSIDERATIONS

Network Considerations

SOLIDWORKS Network Recommendations

SOLIDWORKS is tested only with Microsoft’s Windows Networking and Active Directory
network environments. Novell networks and non-Windows based network storage devices
are not tested, supported or recommended.
„  Though a number of TriMech customers have successfully run SOLIDWORKS in a
Novell or non-Windows based network environments, numerous technical support
issues have also arisen. As such, we cannot recommend such a configuration.
„  TCP/IP network service is required when using SOLIDWORKS PDM.
„  Client Workstations require a minimum connection speed of 100Mbps for reliable
SOLIDWORKS PDM Server Access. WAN environments have special considerations
for bandwith and latency. Consult your TriMech SOLIDWORKS PDM Implementor for
additional information.
„  For Network Licensing, Ports 25734, and 25735 must be open through your firewall for
license access.

Hardware Recommendations 9
SOLIDWORKS 2021
RECOMMENDED HARDWARE CONFIGURATIONS

TriMech Recommended Hardware Configurations

Below, the TriMech technical team has compiled a general hardware recommendations list.
These recommendations are made based on the purchase of a NEW computer.

For special pricing and promotions from Dell, find our partner page at. www.dell.com/trimech.

Essential Advanced Elite Ultimate

SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS

Light design changes
on moderately complex
assembly designs. Build
User moderately complex
Needs parts, detailed drawings,
sophisticated schematics
diagrams, and first pass
photo-rendering.
Build more complex parts,
larger assemblies and
detailed drawings. Run
first-pass and light finite
element analysis (FEA)
and kinematic studies, and
faster photorendering with
more options.
For complex SW parts,
large assemblies,
sophisticated multi-page
drawings. Run first-pass
finite element analysis
(FEA), kinematic studies
and photorender complex
scenes faster.
Build complex surfaces,
sheet metal, and plastic
parts, intricate large
assemblies and more
sophisticated multi-page
detailed drawings.

Fastest Intel Core i9, Fastest Intel Core i9,

Current Generation Intel Current Generation Intel
Xeon, or AMD Ryzen Xeon, or AMD Ryzen
Processor1 Core i7 or AMD Ryzen or Core i7 or AMD Ryzen/
Pro; consider multiple Pro; consider multiple
better. Ryzen Pro or better.
processors in parallel processors in parallel

RAM 16GBs or more 32GBs or more 64GB or more 96GB or more

512GBs+ 512GBs+ 1TB+

Hard 250GBs+
SSD and RAID storage SSD and RAID storage SSD and RAID storage
Drive2 SSD Drive
solutions. solutions. solutions.

NVIDIA Quadro P400, or

NVIDIA Quadro RTX4000, NVIDIA Quadro RTX5000,
better; NVIDIA Quadro P2200, or
or better; or better;
Video AMD Radeon Pro WX better;
Radeon Pro WX 5500 or Radeon Pro WX 5500 or
Card3 2100, 3200; AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200
better. Consider multiple better. Consider multiple
Intel HD Graphics P4000 or better.
cards in parallel cards in parallel
or better.

Operating
Windows 10 (64-bit) Windows 10 (64-bit) Windows 10 (64-bit) Windows 10 (64-bit)
System

Additional Microsoft Office 2016 or Microsoft Office 2016 or Microsoft Office 2016 or Microsoft Office 2016 or
Software newer newer newer newer

Dell Precision 3650, Dell Precision 5820; Dell Precision 5820; Dell Precision 7820;
Suggested
HP, Z2, Z4; HP Z2, Z4, Z6; HP Z6, Z8; HP Z8;
Desktop
Lenovo ThinkStation P330; Lenovo ThinkStation P52; Lenovo ThinkStation P720 Lenovo ThinkStation P720
Models or better or better. or better. or better.

Suggested Dell Precision 5550; Dell Precision 7550/7750; Dell Precision 7550/7750;
Dell Precision 3551;
HP ZBook Firefly/Fury/ HP ZBook Firefly/Fury/ HP ZBook Firefly/Fury/
Laptop HP ZBook Firefly/Fury 15;
Studio, 15, 17; Studio, 15, 17; Studio, 15, 17;
Models4 Lenovo ThinkPad P14s or
Lenovo ThinkPad P15s or Lenovo ThinkPad P15, P1 Lenovo ThinkPad P15, P1
better.
better. or better. or better.

1. Multi-processing can greatly aid rendering and analysis computations.

2. Requires hard disk space to install application and ample free space for files and swap space.
3. Consult SOLIDWORKS Video Card testing page for exact model numbers. http://www.SOLIDWORKS.com/sw/support/videocardtesting.html

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Hardware Recommendations 11