Updated on May 19, 2023
Here is an overview of our current suggested SOLIDWORKS 2020 hardware / computer specs. Looking for SOLIDWORKS 2021 recommendations, we have that too »
The following includes details on specific hardware components. However the entire system should be designed and constructed for best performance. Custom machines can be a cheaper choice, yet purchasing components individually and integrating them together may not be compatible or efficient. Cooling and thermal management is also a key issue. Purchasing a completely built system from a computer manufacturer ensures all components will operate together appropriately.
- Processor: 3 GHz or higher clock speed (preferably closer to 4 GHz)
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- Memory: 32GB (16GB minimum)
- Hard Drive: Solid State Drive (SSD), maintaining at least 20GB free space
- Graphics Card:
- Standard assemblies: NVIDIA Quadro P1000 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 4100
- Large assemblies with simple parts: NVIDIA Quadro P2000 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100
- Large assemblies with complex parts: NVIDIA Quadro P4000/5000 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200/9100
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2020: NVIDIA Quadro P4000/5000 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200/9100
- Internet Connection: High speed broadband connection for downloading service packs
- File Storage: SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard or SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
NEW Dell Hardware offer for US Customers: Get a discount on a Dell Certified SOLIDWORKS Workstation through our partner TriMech. View the SOLIDWORKS Workstations »
What are the minimum hardware requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2020?
The minimum requirements can be found on the SOLIDWORKS System Requirements page.
What Processor (CPU) is recommended for SOLIDWORKS 2020?
There are a few things to keep in mind when comparing the Boost speeds of Intel and AMD processors: However, it may not be able to maintain these speeds for long periods of time or in all situations. Specified limitations must be maintained in terms of temperature, power consumption, and workload.
Multiple CPU cores can share the burden when using multi-thread technology. SOLIDWORKS Simulation and PhotoView 360 are examples of applications that can benefit from multi-threading. In some situations, having more processing cores can increase performance.
The most powerful computer is not a replacement for good design. Using big assembly modes, as well as other performance aids, can reduce the processor’s workload. There are a number of ways in which Javelin’s Large Assembly Service can significantly increase your productivity.
The SOLIDWORKS Performance Test and PassMark benchmark tool can be used to measure and compare the performance of your hardware.
What Operating System is recommended for SOLIDWORKS 2020?
SOLIDWORKS 2020 is officially supported on the following operating systems:
- Windows 7 SP1, 64-bit
- Windows 10, 64-bit
Note: Windows Home editions are not supported Note: Windows 8.1 support ended with SOLIDWORKS 2018 SP5 *IMPORTANT: Windows 7 will end support with SOLIDWORKS 2020 SP5eDrawings and eDrawings Professional 2020 are supported on all operating systems listed above as well as macOS 10.13 or higher.
Does SOLIDWORKS 2020 work in virtual environments?
Only specific virtual environments are supported. Visit the SOLIDWORKS Virtual Environment Support page for more details.
Javelin SOLIDWORKS Service Advertisement
Does SOLIDWORKS support Windows Home Editions?
Windows Home Editions are not supported by SolidWorks. SOLIDWORKS cannot guarantee appropriate operation on an unsupported operating system, even if you don’t have any problems using Windows Home Edition.
How much Memory (RAM) is recommended for SOLIDWORKS 2020?
The SOLIDWORKS System Requirements website lists 16GB of RAM as the absolute minimum. As a result, memory requirements for more complex models and simulation studies may be higher. It is recommended that you install 32GB of RAM in order to avoid running out of space as your model library grows. Splitting this over a smaller number of memory chips will allow for future expansion, for as installing two 16 GB memory chips.
Which kind of Hard Drive should I use with SOLIDWORKS 2020?
When it comes to opening and saving files, Solid-State Drives (SSDs) are ten times faster than conventional Hard Disc Drives (HDD). Solid-state drives (SSDs) have become more affordable over time, making them a wise investment.
A network server’s local SSD drive opens files up to 100 times faster than the server’s standard disc drive, which is another thing to bear in mind. Why does opening assembly on a network take so long?
Make sure your hard drive has adequate free space before installing Windows. 20 GB of free space is equal to 10% of your hard drive’s capacity.
You could decide to use NVMe/PCIe SSDs for even higher performance instead of standard SATA SSDs. Although they are more expensive, they connect much more quickly.
Additionally, RAID storage (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Discs) can assist maintain data integrity and improve performance.
What type of Graphics Card is recommended for SOLIDWORKS 2020?
Certified graphics cards for SOLIDWORKS include NVIDIA Quadro, AMD FirePro, and AMD Radeon Pro series. 3D model viewing will benefit greatly with a graphics card with hardware OpenGL acceleration (refresh, rotate, zoom, pan).
Quadro P, GP, GV and RTX series are the latest to be released by NVIDIA.
It’s the most recent AMD Radeon Pro WX series card.
In spite of the fact that a top-of-the-line graphics card may appear to provide significantly higher performance, the associated cost is unlikely to rise significantly. Faster CPUs and solid-state drives (SSDs) offer a significantly better return on investment.
If you’re using SOLIDWORKS Visualize, you’ll benefit from a strong graphics card because renderings use the GPU directly. There have always been NVIDIA Quadro graphics card compatibility in SOLIDWORKS Visualize. However
ONLY SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2020 supports AMD Radeon Pro graphics cards.
The SOLIDWORKS Graphics Card Drivers page has a complete list of approved graphics cards and the approved drivers for each of the SOLIDWORKS versions. Only the most recent three major SOLIDWORKS releases will be supported by certified drivers.
SOLIDWORKS cannot take advantage of graphics cards intended for “gaming” or multi-media applications, such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon (but not Radeon Pro). These cards are designed to display a low amount of polygons on the screen, but at a high frame rate, while maintaining a high level of performance. Contrast this with 3D modelling and animation where the complexity of your design model necessitates a huge number of polygons, but fast frame rates aren’t as necessary. For the most stable SOLIDWORKS experience, choose a certified graphics card and driver combination.
SOLIDWORKS does not suggest the usage of two separate graphics cards. In SOLIDWORKS, the second card isn’t utilised.
What versions of Microsoft Office are compatible with SOLIDWORKS 2020?
BOMs, Design Tables, and more may be created in SOLIDWORKS using Microsoft Excel. SOLIDWORKS will not be certified on a new service pack for Microsoft Office when a new major version is launched, as the company must do tests.
Office 2013 through 2019 are all supported by SOLIDWORKS 2020. On the SOLIDWORKS System Requirements page, look at the Microsoft Products table.
Should I store my files locally on my computer or on a network drive?
Working on files locally provides the best performance and stability. Using a network connection to open and save files is never going to be as fast or reliable as using a local drive. To ensure optimal performance and stability, data management tools like SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard or SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional automatically manage the flow of files from network servers to local disc drives. Having a data management system allows you to do just that. Take a look at SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management.
What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and Professional?
SOLIDWORKS Professional and SOLIDWORKS Premium come with SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard as standard equipment. Data management and revision control functions can be easily accessed with this interface.
This version of SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional introduces new features such as multi-site replication and automation.
For more information, see our SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard vs. Professional Comparison.
What are the hardware recommendations for SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020?
SOLIDWORKS PDM vaults should be executed on a dedicated server, according to Javelin. Additional benefits include version/revision control, workflow process management, and custom property management when employing a dedicated server for CAD users. Visit the SOLIDWORKS System Requirements page to see what your server needs.
Javelin offers PDM Implementation and Upgrade Services to get you up and running quickly and efficiently.
RELATED LINKS
Get Certified SOLIDWORKS Services from Javelin
Javelin Experts can help you to:
