SolidWorks requires a computer setup that is powerful enough to handle graphic design, simulation, and rendering operations. To help you find the right workstation for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of this year’s best computers for SolidWorks.
Don’t get left behind in a world of ever-evolving technology and software. Our guide will help you narrow down your options!
What Is SolidWorks?
At its core, SolidWorks is a 3D modeling CAD design software with particular influence in the mechanical design and engineering sectors. While many companies use it specifically for product development, its uses can be broken down even further to several distinct stages in the development pipeline, including planning, modeling, prototyping, simulating, and much more.
How to use SolidWorks is explained in detail in this article.
SolidWorks Requirements
Below are the recommended computer configurations from Dassault Systèmes (maker of SolidWorks) based on research and evaluation activities by its R&D team.
While any high-end professional desktop should be able to run the software, following SolidWork’s recommendations ensures a smoother, hassle-free experience.
| Criteria | Recommended System Requirements |
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit or newer |
| Processor | Not provided (several third-party sites have tested this and recommend anywhere between 3.0–3.5 GHz processor) |
| RAM | 16GB to 32GB |
| Graphics Cards | Any of these supported graphics cards |
| Hard Drive | Solid State Drive (SSD) |
5 Best Computers for SolidWorks In 2022
Dell Precision 3650 Tower Workstation
Website: dell.com
Price: $1,530
Best For: SolidWorks Standard
First up on our list is the latest member of Dell’s workstation range, the Precision 3650. This model is aimed at graphic designers and engineers who need a powerful computer setup that can handle 2D and 3D CAD modelling, design tasks and photo editing. The Precision 3650’s powerful hardware includes an 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor to ensure stable performance and a smooth workflow.
This computer won’t break the bank and performs admirably when used with SolidWorks Standard.
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i7-11700 (4.90GHz)
RAM: 32GB
Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro T1000 8GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Lenovo ThinkStation P360 Tower Workstation
Website: lenovo.com
Price: $2,099
Best For: SolidWorks Standard
CAD beginners and experts alike will find success with the ThinkStation P360 tower workstation. This entry-level computer doesn’t offer the same amount of bells and whistles as others on this list, but it gets the job done with reliable performance.
Specifications
CPU: 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900 (5.0GHz)
RAM: 32GB
Graphics: NVIDIA T1000 8GB
Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
Dell Precision 5820 Tower Workstation
Website: dell.com
Price: $2,639
Best for: SolidWorks Simulation
With the latest Intel Xeon processors, the Dell Precision 5820 delivers amazing performance for your most demanding workloads. If you ever need to run SolidWorks Simulation as fast as possible, you can upgrade to up to 512GB of 2666MHz RDIMM ECC memory.
Specifications
CPU: Intel Xeon W-2225 (4.60GHz)
RAM: 32GB
Graphics: NVIDIA T1000 8GB
Hard Drive: 512GB SSD
Lenovo ThinkStation P620 Tower Workstation
Website: lenovo.com
Price: $2,819
Best for: SolidWorks Simulation
Although the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5945WX processor is incredibly powerful, it is not available for retail purchase. However, you can get it when you buy the ThinkStation P620 from Lenovo.
With maximum boost clock speeds of up to 4.5GHz, you can get excellent performance when running applications such as SolidWorks Simulation.
This workstation is also equipped with PCIe 4.0 technology – which offers twice the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 – for even better performance.
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper PRO 5945WX
RAM: 32GB
Graphics: NVIDIA T1000 8GB
Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
Precision 7820 Tower Workstation
Website: dell.com
Price: $3,579
Best for: SolidWorks Simulation
There is no questioning why Dell’s Precision 7820 Tower is on our list of the best SolidWorks computers. With Intel’s latest 12-core processor and a healthy 48GB of RAM, it should be able to handle even the most advanced simulations thrown at it.
Specifications
CPU: Intel Xeon Silver 4214 Processor (2.4GHz)
RAM: 48GB
Graphics: NVIDIA T1000 8GB
Hard Drive: 512GB SSD
SolidWorks Computer FAQ
What to consider when looking at CPUs for SolidWorks?
Based on testing by Puget Systems, Intel’s Core i7 12700K and Core i9 12900K processors are recommended for general SolidWorks Standard tasks over more powerful processors. This is because clock speed and per-core performance are more important than the number of CPU cores.
However, when running tasks in SolidWorks Simulation, the additional cores offered by processors such as Intel’s Xeon series and AMD’s Ryzen ThreadRipper series can be beneficial.
Why is Dell’s Precision series of computers recommended for SolidWorks?
It’s not that we have an affinity for Dell computers. In general, Dell’s Precision series is a reliable option for SolidWorks, as the two brands work closely together to make sure that their products are compatible with each other through the Dell/SolidWorks program.
Furthermore, while there are a seemingly endless number of powerful computers on the market that should have the specs to run SolidWorks, we limited our selection to only those computers that house GPUs that have received hardware certification from SolidWorks.
Can SolidWorks run on a laptop?
Definitely. As long as your laptop meets the hardware requirements, it should be able to run smoothly.
How much memory is required for SolidWorks’ computer configuration?
The minimum RAM requirement is at least 16GB. However, for larger models and simulation studies, SolidWorks may require more memory. We suggest installing 32GB (or larger) to avoid running out of memory, or buy a desktop that has the option to scale if needed.
Which type of hard drive is suggested for SolidWorks?
A solid state drive (SSD) can provide up to 10x faster performance for open/save tasks than a standard hard disk drive (HDD). We recommend using an SSD whenever possible.
Also, make sure you leave enough hard drive space after installation to keep Windows running efficiently. For example, Windows 10 takes up about 15GB of space, while Windows 11 can take up more than 64GB of space.
Which versions of Windows can SolidWorks run on?
SolidWorks 2021 can only run on Windows 10. For SolidWorks 2022 and 2023, you can either use Windows 10 or Windows 11.
5 Advantages of Using SolidWorks
1. Detailed 3D model design
SolidWorks provides intuitive 3D CAD design solutions, rapid parametric 3D modelling methods, and streamlined workflows for users. At the same time, the software allows users to reuse 2D drawing data and convert it into 3D models. It’s also possible to create 3D models from photographs, which can dramatically reduce production design time.
2. Design and assemble parts into finished products
A major advantage of SolidWorks is the ability to design and assemble detailed 3D models into a complete block. This feature allows users to freely create parts and combine them to create unique products.
3. Powerful operations
Compared with technical design software such as Inventor or CATIA, SolidWorks offers slightly faster processing, smoother operations, and little to no lag, whether the designs are basic or advanced.
4. Auto sizing tool
SolidWorks integrates a dimensioning tool and automatically adjusts the dimensions according to the user’s requirements. At the same time, the ability to capture surface roughness, dimensional tolerance and geometry is built into the software.
5. Intuitive interface
For non-technical users, that’s a big plus. SolidWorks has optimised its interface to make it easy for users to get up and running right out of the box. Especially if you have ever worked with AutoCAD or Inventor, you will find that getting up to speed with SolidWorks is extremely easy.
A detailed explanation of AutoCAD and SolidWorks is given in this article.
AutoCAD vs SolidWorks: Price, Features, Functionality & More
Which Computer Is Best for SolidWorks?
Today’s competition for high-performance computing is fierce. However, it’s important to consider the hardware requirements of SolidWorks before purchasing a workstation.
While a powerful computer designed for gaming or 3D design/animation may be able to run SolidWorks without a problem, we recommend that you carefully consider both the CPU and GPU.
For general SolidWorks tasks, you really only need an Intel Core i7 12700K or Core i9 12900K processor. When it comes to the GPU, we strongly recommend that you choose a model that has been certified by SolidWorks. Other than that, Dell’s Precision range of desktops (and laptops) should give you exactly what you need for a reliable SolidWorks computer.
