{"id":243179,"date":"2026-03-24T11:03:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T11:03:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/solidworks\/?p=243179"},"modified":"2026-03-24T11:03:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T11:03:21","slug":"solidworks-hardware-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/solidworks\/2026\/03\/solidworks-hardware-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"SOLIDWORKS Hardware Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_pattern_style=”on” background_pattern_style=”tufted” background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.07)” custom_padding=”17px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” custom_margin=”|auto|26px|auto||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Deciding what Workstation to purchase can be a daunting and difficult task, especially when you are spending a lot of money, so you want to make sure you buy the best machine for your budget.<\/p>\n

We won\u2019t be recommending any specific machines below, but we will provide you with various key pieces of information and how they may be relevant to SOLIDWORKS<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”10px” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

CPU<\/h3>\n

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be considered the main starting component as it not only acts as the heart of your system, but also dictates what other hardware is compatible with your system.<\/p>\n

There are two main Manufacturers for CPUs in relation to CAD workstations, Intel and AMD.<\/p>\n

Apple Silicon (Mac) and ARM-based CPUs are not supported for SOLIDWORKS, so avoid those<\/p>\n

For this blog, we will focus more on Intel as they have the slight market lead and are generally used more by SOLIDWORKS users (although that doesn\u2019t mean they are \u2018better\u2019). The general points made are still true for AMD CPUs.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

CPU Categories\/Brands<\/u><\/span><\/h6>\n

Both Intel and AMD have different categories depending on whether the CPUs are for consumer use or Workstation\/Server use. The \u2018Core Ultra\u2019 series is Intel’s consumer CPU lineup (or just \u2018Core\u2019 for laptops), and \u2018Xeon\u2019 is their Workstation\/Server CPU lineup.<\/p>\n

NOTE<\/span> \u2013 Although SOLIDWORKS do recommend Xeon processors for their higher core count and increased reliability (and support for ECC RAM), these CPUs are more expensive. We will not focus on these in this blog due to the price difference, and most SOLIDWORKS users not using these for this reason.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

CPU Tiers<\/u><\/h6>\n

Consumer CPUs will be broken up into different Tiers based on their performance levels. Both Intel and AMD have the Tiers 3\/5\/7\/9, with the higher number being the \u2018higher performance\u2019<\/p>\n

For this reason, you will often find Intel Core Ultra 7 or Intel Core Ultra 9 CPUs. In previous years these were referred to as i7 or i9 CPUs before Intel introduced the \u2018Ultra\u2019 brand name.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/solidworks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Picture1-1.png” title_text=”Picture1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

CPU SKUs<\/u><\/h6>\n

After the Tier, we will then normally have around 3-5 numbers where the first number will represent the generation of the CPU. Normally, the first digit would go up by 1 each year or two when new CPU lineups are introduced.<\/p>\n

However, Intel completely changed their naming with the most recent generation so the first digit went back to 1 and is not at 2. The previous highest generation was the 13,XXX series<\/p>\n

The subsequent digits represents level of performance, with the higher number generally having higher performance in that years generation.<\/p>\n

A final letter (or 2) may be found at the end as a suffix wich will usually tell you if the CPU could be overclocked, doesn\u2019t include discreet graphics or a power optimised version, etc.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

So which CPU should I purchase?<\/u><\/h3>\n

<\/u><\/p>\n

When it comes to picking a CPU for SOLIDWORKS, there are likely four main considerations. The Clock Speed (GHz), the Core Count (4,8,16 etc), the age and the Price.<\/p>\n

If you generally use SOLIDWORKS for part modelling, assembly creation or Drawing then prioritising the Clock Speed of the CPU will be more important as SW is not multi-threaded so a high number of Cores will not be as beneficial. Other programs and Windows in general can still use the other cores that SOLIDWORK is not using.<\/p>\n

If however, you focus more on Simulations or Visualize renders, then a higher core count is important as these can take advantage of multiple cores. Although GPUs should normally be used for Visualize renders.<\/p>\n

We also normally want to aim for a CPU that is part of the newest generation or two, which will provide longer-term support, better power efficiency and often offer other features, capabilities or more compatibility for other hardware.<\/p>\n

This means we need to try to find a balance between all of these facts, which is the difficult part, especially when a higher spec card of a previous generation is a similar price to a newer CPU but a lower SKU.<\/p>\n

Many people will often use Benchmark scores to compare CPUs, which can be good in some ways, but there won\u2019t be any way to say how a score of say 7,000 on a test for your current CPU, to 10,000 on a new CPU will reflect a change in performance inside SOLIDWORKS.<\/p>\n

As a general rule, aim for the latest generation of CPU, then aim for the highest spec (SKU number) that is within your budget, but don\u2019t blow all your money on a CPU alone.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”10px” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Graphics Card<\/h3>\n

The Graphics Card in your machine is one of the key components in your PC, and it will not only handle all the tasks needed to display anything on your screen but can also be used to carry out various other \u2018rendering\u2019 tasks, such as in SOLIDWORKS Visualize, or more recently, AI features. For SOLIDWORKS itself, the main use for the GPU will be to display and update our graphics, such as zooming, rotating and panning. The GPU will not be used for rebuilds or saving a model for example.<\/p>\n

There are 3 main companies that manufacture dedicated Graphics Cards: Nvidia, AMD and Intel.<\/p>\n

NOTE<\/span> \u2013 The onboard graphics that comes with Intel and AMD CPUs should not be used for SW, and a dedicated GPU should be used instead.<\/p>\n

Intel are relatively new to the discrete GPU market and currently focuses on the low-mid range GPUs. Although some into GPUs are supported by SOLIDWORKS you may want to check if they are supported y other software you use due to them being newer.<\/p>\n

AMD have been around for a long time, however, they only have a ~7% market share of the GPU market<\/p>\n

NVIDIA is often considered the leader in the GPU marketplace with a 92% market share.<\/p>\n

Similar to CPUs, GPUs have two different categories: Consumer (or gaming) cards, and Workstation cards.<\/p>\n

For SOLIDWORKS, we want to make sure that we are using Workstation GPUs, as these are the only graphics cards which are supported by SOLIDWORKS and will allow features like RealView Graphics to function. Some users will report no issues running an unsupported GPU with SOLIDWORKS, however, this is often users getting \u2018lucky\u2019 as using unsupported hardware is far more likely to have issues (graphical\/visual glitches, bugs, performance degradation, etc), and if an issue is caused by an unsupported GPU, then support options will be limited.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

GPU Generations<\/u><\/h6>\n

Determining what generation a GPU is (how new a GPU is) is much more difficult than with CPUs as a simple number is not used. Each new generation of GPU is often linked with a new GPU Architecture, which is what is used to run the GPU.<\/p>\n

The table below will be used to give an idea of when different Generations of GPUs were released with the x\u2019s being the Tier (described in the next section)<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/solidworks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/table.png” title_text=”table” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

GPU Models<\/u><\/h6>\n

The x\u2019s in the table above would be replaced by digits, where the higher the number, the higher the spec of the GPU. Some alternate names\/numbers do exist from time to time, especially in the mobile GPU market, where Nvidia like to use \u201cMAX-Q\u201d branding for this.<\/p>\n

Taking Nvidia, their 4 digits tend to be 1000, 2000, 4000, 5000 and 6000, with other digits being used to represent minor changes or variations.<\/p>\n

The 1000\/2000 tiers are good for most SOLIDWORKS users who are just getting started and have relatively simple (or moderate<\/p>\n

Users with more graphically intense models, such as those with thousands of components or highly detailed models (high graphic triangle counts), or those who do a lot of rendering work, would likely benefit from a 4000-tier GPU.<\/p>\n

A 6000-tier card will very rarely be needed for SOLIDWORKS unless you are really pushing SOLIDWORKS with tens of thousands of parts, extremely detailed models or doing other highly GPU-intensive workloads.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

GPU Driver<\/u><\/h6>\n

Assuming you have selected a supported graphics card, you will want to make sure you are using a supported GPU Driver. The recommended GPU Driver varies depending on the version (year) of SOLIDWORKS you are using, so it is highly recommended to check HERE<\/a> for the driver that is recommended for your configuration.<\/p>\n

Note<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 I wouldn\u2019t worry if your exact PC is not mentioned if you decide to search for your exact PC manufacturer and model.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Checking a GPU\u2019s support with SOLIDWORKS<\/u><\/h6>\n

SOLIDWORKS provide a list of supported graphics cards via the \u201cGraphics Cards\u201d drop-down at the link below, so make sure your GPU is listed here before purchasing a GPU or PC. – Hardware Certification | SOLIDWORKS<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

So which GPU should I purchase?<\/u><\/h3>\n

<\/u><\/p>\n

Assuming you want to stick with NVIDIA, we believe the starting point should be the RTX 1000 Ada or RTX 2000 Ada for most users, even though these are 2-4 years old.<\/p>\n

For users with large and complex assemblies, you would probably want to consider the RTX 4000 Ada, or the newer RTX Pro 2000 or RTX Pro 4000.<\/p>\n

The RTX Pro 5000 or RTX Pro 6000 is likely overkill for SOLIDWORKS use and is unlikely to see any performance gain.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”10px” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

RAM<\/h3>\n

The RAM (Random Access Memory) in your machine can affect performance, as any programmes or files you have open will need to store data in RAM. The more programmes you have open and the larger your SOLIDWORKS models, the more RAM your machine will want to use.<\/p>\n

When your RAM is \u2018full\u2019, your machine will often use your slower Storage instead, which can drastically affect performance.<\/p>\n

Although SOLIDWORKS will likely open and run with 8GB or 16GB RAM, you are likely to experience performance issues due to many common programs like Chrome, Teams, Edge, Outlook, etc using more and more RAM.<\/p>\n

SOLIDWORKS recommends 32GB of RAM, which will likely be enough for most SOLIDWORKS users. However, users who work with very large\/complex models, or who like to have lots of programs open at the same time, may benefit from having 64GB RAM. 128GB RAM should only be needed in extreme use cases, such as having extremely large models and running complex simulations.<\/p>\n

If you are purchasing RAM separately (such as buying extra RAM), you will want to make sure that you purchase compatible RAM for your system. This will start by making sure you pick RAM that is the correct type, such as DDR4 or DDR5, and the correct speed. RAM will also have speeds such as 3200MHz, 5600MHz, 6000MHz, etc where the higher the speed, the faster the RAM is. There will also be a CL number, which will represent the latency of the RAM.<\/p>\n

The final thing to pay attention to with RAM is whether it is ECC (Error Correcting Code) Memory. This is only compatible if your CPU is compatible, such as an Intel Zeon Processor. ECC RAM has generally gone through more thorough testing by the manufacturers and has the technology to try to fix certain memory issues itself to try and give the users a more reliable experience. ECC RAM is recommended by SOLIDWORKS.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”10px” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Storage<\/h3>\n

Storage drives will affect various aspects of your machine, starting from how long it takes for your machine to boot up, how long it takes to open programs and how long it takes to open\/save files (that are stored locally)<\/p>\n

Choosing your Storage Drive\/s for your machine comes down to two questions. How fast do you want your storage to be, and what storage space capacity is required? The latter question is often easier to answer, as this is based on how much storage you currently need and what you are expected to need in the years to come. For most users, either 512GB or 1TB is more than enough storage space when the majority of your company’s data will be stored elsewhere.<\/p>\n

For the speed of your drive, mechanical Drives have generally faded out of use and should not be used for installing\/running SOLIDWORKS, your operating system or storing any data.<\/p>\n

Although the term SSD (Solid State Drive) is used to describe non-mechanical drives that are faster forms of storage, things are more complex. SSDs will normally be either NVMe or SATA drives, with the former being much faster and recommended type. NVMe drives will come in the form of an M.2 drive.<\/p>\n

Similar to RAM, storage drives will also have a range of speeds, which will impact overall PC performance; the higher the speed, the better. These will usually be represented as read\/write speeds.<\/p>\n

Where data is stored<\/u><\/h6>\n

<\/u><\/p>\n

Where the data you are working on is stored will have a huge impact on performance, even if you have the fastest drive and machine in the world. Although this might not be a factor when deciding on buying a new machine, it is something that will affect a user’s overall performance on their machine when it comes to opening, editing and saving files.<\/p>\n

Many customers will store their data on Network Drives, which might seem good at first, but can have flaws, such as;<\/p>\n