AnsweredAssumed Answered

Workstation building for Solidworks (primarily modeling) and Ansys (Fluent). Need advice.

Question asked by Joshua Mathew Jacob on Jul 13, 2020
Latest reply on Jul 14, 2020 by Joshua Mathew Jacob

Like • Show 0 Likes0
Comment • 19

I'm in the process of building a workstation for use of both Solidworks and Ansys. I am student and not a power user at the moment, but have access to research licenses. These are the current specifications I have seen that are required for moderate to high use of both softwares. Most of the information I've found is found from these forums itself. I have a few questions about the specifications I have chosen as well as the working of these components together as one unit.

Specs I have chosen for now:

1. Intel i7 9th gen 8 core (8700k or 9700k) 3.5GHz - 4.4GHz : Since processor speed is important for both SW and ANSYS and since rendering is not very required for me. Should I go for unlock (Will I need it)? Then cooling complexity will also increase right?

2. 32gb ram : 8gb x 4 3200 MHz : I've read that more RAM reduces solving time in FLUENT. Also does more frequency in the RAM specification mean better performance? Should I go for 64? Increasing RAM is cheaper right comparatively? DDR4 or DDR3 ? What is Dimms in RAM, Is it important?

3. NVIDIA QUADRO P2200 8gb : Is there an 8gb version? Is 2200 enough for moderate to high use? Is it compatible with both SW and ANSYS?

4. 1TB nvme ssd & 2TB HDD : Is getting two 512gb ssd better? Also is it wise to go for a HDD as secondary storage?

5. Chipset : Is the Intel Z370 a good fit for mentioned specs? suggest a good motherboard please.

6. Cooling system : I've been told that a Corsair liquid cooling unit (H100I, 240mm) for around $150 is enough? Should I invest in a better one? If processor is not unlocked I believe this is enough.

7. Windows 10 Home or Pro?

8. Ports required?

USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports: (2)

USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A Port (1)

USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C Port (1)

Intel 802.11ac Wifi + Bluetooth 4.2. ....placement of ports??

(1) HDMI Port (1) Display Port (1) Optical SPDIF port (2) Gigabit Ethernet port

Audio ports ?

I know these are not relevant to SW, but please help me out if you can.

If there is anything else to consider please tell me.

Thanks in advance.

No one else has this question

Outcomes

19 Replies

Henry Sommer Jul 13, 2020 6:13 PM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
I will answer the easiest question about ram.

DDR4 is faster. So get it.

DIMM is the physical piece of ram hardware. Your MB will have a certain number of slots. If you fill them with lots of small DIMMs then you have to remove all of them to upgrade. If you only fill half of them there is room to install more latter. Check the MB requirements most like ram installed in pairs. Also match the ram speeds to the MB ram speed spec.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
- Joshua Mathew Jacob @ Henry Sommer on Jul 14, 2020 12:59 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Thank you for your feedback.
  The MB for a Z370 chipset says that it supports 64gb ram. and if I want all the 64, I should go with 4 x16 gb modules? and If i want 32 gb I should go with 2x16 leaving 2 ports open in each set?
  Also, most chipsets including the Z370 says that DDR4 2666MHz is supported, does that mean it won't support anything higher? I read somewhere that higher RAM speeds (upto 4000MHz) are supported but there's something called XMP in bios settings that we have to enable? Is that safe?
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions
  - Henry Sommer @ Joshua Mathew Jacob on Jul 14, 2020 9:00 AM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    Yes that is how I do it.
    
    XMP is safe but you need to read the details about how it is implemented and the compatibility with the ram. Good practice for specing components and compatibility when get out of school and start designing.
    
    Building your own machine is very rewarding.
    Like • Show 3 Likes3
    Actions
    - Dave Laban @ Henry Sommer on Jul 14, 2020 9:08 AM
      Mark Correct
      Correct Answer
      Henry Sommer wrote:
      
      Yes that is how I do it.
      
      XMP is safe but you need to read the details about how it is implemented and the compatibility with the ram. Good practice for specing components and compatibility when get out of school and start designing.
      
      Building your own machine is very rewarding.
      Warranty can be a darn sight easier to handle if you buy a complete box from somewhere though (especially if the fault is tricky to track down).
      Like • Show 2 Likes2
      Actions
      - Frederick Law @ Dave Laban on Jul 14, 2020 9:10 AM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        Yes, and no.
        You build it, you replace it.
        Don't need to on-hold for an hour. Wait for service or shipping.
        Go out, buy the component and back running in a few hours.
        Like • Show 2 Likes2
        Actions
        Krzysztof Szpakowski @ Frederick Law on Jul 14, 2020 5:16 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        Frederick Law wrote:
        
        Yes, and no.
        You build it, you replace it.
        Don't need to on-hold for an hour. Wait for service or shipping.
        Go out, buy the component and back running in a few hours.
        It is called "lifetime warranty door to door" (via pub )
        Like • Show 1 Like1
        Actions
      - Joshua Mathew Jacob @ Dave Laban on Jul 14, 2020 9:33 AM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        That is true, but I'm not exactly building it myself. Its being done by a custom pc build shop here. We give them the specifications we want. They assemble it for almost no cost. Let us test the CPU, GPU, etc to the max for a week, if we aren't satisfied with it, we can change the customization . Also payment is done only after you are satisfied completely.
        They said that any faults with the components and they'll replace it for free. Also each component we can register online for atleast a 2 year warranty right. GPUs usually for 3.
        Like • Show 2 Likes2
        Actions
  - Frederick Law @ Joshua Mathew Jacob on Jul 14, 2020 9:02 AM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    Do a search on DDR4 2x and 4x.
    I don't remember which one is faster, I think its 2x.
    Like • Show 1 Like1
    Actions
Dave Laban Jul 14, 2020 3:48 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
1. Intel i7 9th gen 8 core (8700k or 9700k) 3.5GHz - 4.4GHz : Since processor speed is important for both SW and ANSYS and since rendering is not very required for me. Should I go for unlock (Will I need it)? Then cooling complexity will also increase right?
Fastest clock speed will improve performance in SW, but SW typically doesn't care about more than one core. FLUENT on the other hand, will use as many cores as you can throw at it, typically limited by how many licenses you've got available.

2. 32gb ram : 8gb x 4 3200 MHz : I've read that more RAM reduces solving time in FLUENT. Also does more frequency in the RAM specification mean better performance? Should I go for 64? Increasing RAM is cheaper right comparatively? DDR4 or DDR3 ? What is Dimms in RAM, Is it important?
More RAM doesn't directly reduce solve time in FLUENT - it's about having enough RAM such that the problem fits within it. Very basically speaking, if you double the RAM, you could double the number of cells in your fluid domain (ish). You may need to monitor your usage when you get going and if you find yourself running out of memory, either apply a smarter mesh or throw more resources at the problem - getting smarter with the mesh will be a better learning opportunity.

3. NVIDIA QUADRO P2200 8gb : Is there an 8gb version? Is 2200 enough for moderate to high use? Is it compatible with both SW and ANSYS?
The P2200 will be fine for SW. If you have the correct licenses, FLUENT can use NVidia GPUs for computational solving for some solve types. The P2200 will probably give you some boost, but you'll be needing to go considerably up NVidias range to start seeing significant performance gains.

4. 1TB nvme ssd & 2TB HDD : Is getting two 512gb ssd better? Also is it wise to go for a HDD as secondary storage?
With NVME drives as fast as they are I suspect the return on investment / hassle of RAIDing two 512 drives would be pointless. If you think you'll need the secondary storage go for it, no harm. Just make sure everything is configured so that it doesn't get used for solving.

7. Windows 10 Home or Pro?
Pro.

8. Ports required?
USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports: (2)
USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A Port (1)
USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C Port (1)
Intel 802.11ac Wifi + Bluetooth 4.2. ....placement of ports??
(1) HDMI Port (1) Display Port (1) Optical SPDIF port (2) Gigabit Ethernet port
Audio ports ?
I guess you're looking at a laptop if these are in any way relevant? The Quadro P2200 desktop card has 4X DisplayPort outputs aside from anything else.

If you are going laptop, a Thunderbolt port would be handy. Let's you set up a robust docking station with multiple external monitors, or give you the option of an additional external graphics card to help with GPU solving.
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
- Joshua Mathew Jacob @ Dave Laban on Jul 14, 2020 9:16 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Thank you for your patience and your feedback.
  I'm actually building a desktop workstation. I'm just going to be starting out on SW and ANSYS, but I wanted a good performance desktop straight away. I think I'll use this for atleast 2 years before upgrading if needed then.
  This is for a final year project of my Bachelors in Mechanical Engg. I think it might be overkill, but a laptop couldn't provide the required performance for the same price. Also with the current covid situation, I don't know how and when I can access the workstation at my college.
  My professor has infact asked me to wait before investing in a workstation, because if possible we can tunnel the research license to my home and use the HPC cluster at the college for solving.
  Like • Show 2 Likes2
  Actions
  - Frederick Law @ Joshua Mathew Jacob on Jul 14, 2020 9:32 AM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    Solidworks doesn't do sim in GPU. Check if ANSYS does.
    If everything is done in CPU, laptop is as good as desktop.
    If ANSYS use GPU, you might want to switch to RTX or dual RTX instead of Quadro.
    Like • Show 2 Likes2
    Actions
    - Joshua Mathew Jacob @ Frederick Law on Jul 14, 2020 2:02 PM
      Mark Correct
      Correct Answer
      Doesn't SW need GPU for rendering purposes? But then we'd need more about of cores and a better GPU like the P4000 or P5000. I don't think I will be doing any intensive rendering, if any at all. The Quadro P2200 is mid range certified card. I've read in blogs that even a good gaming card in a laptop can take care of basic function in SW (interacting with the model, assembly, animations, etc).
      
      ANSYS too uses GPU for mainly interacting with the model too. It can use GPU for accelerating solving time, but only higher end expensive GPUs support such kind of accelerating. ANSYS has certified only a few GPUs for the same.
      
      So basically, since SW doesn't use GPU intensively other than for rendering and ANSYS can't use a GPU like the QUADRO P2200 that I was planning on getting for accelerating solving time, I don't need a QUADRO GPU, which inturn means getting a good RTX like 2070 on a laptop can take care of most functions. Just needs to have a powerful processor.
      
      It all boils down to whether I still want to use a SW and ANSYS specified GPU for just interacting with the model. Else I can just get a really good laptop and use the Cluster at my college to solve, while doing the pre and post processing myself.
      However, the question is will the RTX handle the SW needs if there are a lot of components and parts?
      Like • Show 1 Like1
      Actions
      - Frederick Law @ Joshua Mathew Jacob on Jul 14, 2020 2:52 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        Take a look at this:
        GeForce or Quadro?
        
        We cannot "recommend" anything beside a Quadro. Just like dealer only give you OEM parts.
        
        Now, Quadro is "certified", other are not. So when you need support from DS, they could (not supposed) shut you down.
        Problem found on the Quadro most likely will be resolve in driver update. Can't say that for gaming card. (I believe it'll, knowing how good nVidia is on driver)
        
        On the other side, many use non-Quadro. For me, GTX1070 at work. Intel Video on my laptop.
        I'm "lucky" to not have any problem. No guarantee
        
        If you can afford a Quadro, go for it.
        Like • Show 3 Likes3
        Actions
        Joshua Mathew Jacob @ Frederick Law on Jul 14, 2020 11:27 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        True, because it is certified, there's less chance of any problems arising.
        I can afford a Quadro but only upto the P2200, which basically does the job for both SW and ANSYS, nothing too fancy, but provided I stick with a desktop.
        After researching and asking many opinions and even the questions that arose here, I'm reconsidering a desktop workstation, will probably decided soon depending on whether I'm given access to the HPC Cluster and research licence for ANSYS by my college in which case I'll go for a laptop maybe. However, even if they don't provide these facilities, there is no point in getting a workstation at home without a research license.
        The only reason I considered a desktop was because of the covid situation, I'll be unable to use my college workstation, and that I need good performance and stability if the bulk of the work is at home.
        Anyways, thank you all for your feedback.
        I'll let you know If i build one.
        Like • Show 2 Likes2
        Actions
        Scott Perman @ Joshua Mathew Jacob on Jul 14, 2020 4:55 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        I have the P2200 in my work computer and haven't had any issues.
        
        Having used Solidworks on both a desktop and a laptop, I would do my best to avoid a laptop. Put the money in a desktop and buy a cheap laptop or tablet for traveling.
        Like • Show 1 Like1
        Actions
        Joshua Mathew Jacob @ Scott Perman on Jul 14, 2020 11:26 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        Yes, I have had this same suggestion by a friend of mine.
        Like • Show 0 Likes0
        Actions
Frederick Law Jul 14, 2020 9:09 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Get a good gaming MB. Even if you don't OC. It'll have way more cooling, fan controlling available. Also they're design for 24/7 high load gaming. I don't think you'll work that long hours.

I'll stay away from liquid cool, unless you've used it before. You need to check and fill up coolant and check for leaks.
Basically build a gaming rig with a Quadro.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
- Scott Perman @ Frederick Law on Jul 14, 2020 2:59 PM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  You can get sealed liquid cooling systems that are inexpensive and require no maintenance.
  
  Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 240 AIO CPU Liquid Cooler, White Led Pump, FEP Tubing, Dual 120mm Air Balance MF, Dual D…
  
  Some of them even come with pretty lights so you can have a disco inside your computer case. (I'm too old to see the benefit in that.)
  https://www.newegg.com/rosewill-liquid-cooling-system/p/N82E16835200116?Description=liquid%20cooling&cm_re=liquid_cooling-_-35-200-116-_-Product
  Like • Show 2 Likes2
  Actions
  - Joshua Mathew Jacob @ Scott Perman on Jul 14, 2020 3:22 PM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    Haha, true the lights are really cool. Usually they are more complex coolers that come with lighting and increased prices. Also, when custom building, why not go all out in looking cool?
    Thanks for the advice. (will note the part about sealed systems)
    Like • Show 2 Likes2
    Actions

Workstation building for Solidworks (primarily modeling) and Ansys (Fluent). Need advice.

Outcomes

Related Content

Recommended Content