Those who work with Solidworks software will know that it is quite a demanding tool. For this reason we have created a budget for Solidworks that we consider basic. We could say that it is a fairly moderate budget that seeks a good balance between performance and price. Solidworks software requires a processor with a frequency of at least 3.3GHz. In addition, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a professional cut GPU, such as an NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Instinct, and an SSD are required.
This budget has a price close to 2000 euros
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Processor: Intel Core i5-10600KF
We have looked for a processor within the mid-range that offers good performance. This Intel processor offers us 6 cores and 12 threads with a frequency of 4.1GHz that reaches 4.5GHz in Boost mode, so it is within Solidworks parameters. Its 'KF' identifier tells us that it has overclocking capability and the integrated graphics are disabled.
[amazon fields=”B0883MCYX4″ value=”button”]Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z490 Vision G
Finding a mid-range or high-end motherboard without RGB is very difficult. In the end, we have opted for this Gigabyte motherboard that is somewhat more focused on the professional segment. It has heatsinks for M.2 drive, something that will come in handy, since the chosen drive is an M.2 NVMe. It has a large number of USB ports and also has a USB 3.2 Type C, which allows high transfer speeds.
[amazon fields=»B088HHZ1SR» value=»button»]Heatsink: Noctua NH-D15
We are going to make a fairly intensive use of the processor, so it is best to have it well cooled. We could have gone for something a little simpler, but we have opted for one of the best options on the market. Noctua offers us high performance heatsinks and its fans are the most reliable on the market.
[amazon fields=»B00L7UZMAK» value=»button»]RAM Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) @ 3200MHz
Intel processors are not very dependent on RAM, but we wanted modules that were good and inexpensive. They are possibly the best-selling RAM memory modules on the market due to their great quality / price ratio. In addition, Solidworks indicates that the minimum is 16GB DDR4, so we comply with this budget and we can activate the Dual Channel.
[amazon fields=»B0143UM4TC» value=»button»]Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
Seeking to offer the best possible performance, we have opted for a PCIe 2-based M.3.0 NVMe drive. We have been tempted to install the advanced version of this unit, but the price skyrocketed. With this unit, which offers us more than 3.000MB / s of reading and writing, we consider that we will not have problems in high workloads. In addition, it has a large capacity, in case we work with heavy projects.
[amazon fields=”B07MBQPQ62″ value=”button”]Graphics card: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000
Solidworks recommends using professionally cut graphics cards and the best for this software are NVIDIA Quadro. For this reason we have opted for this Quadro RTX 4000 from PNY, which combines great performance with an affordable price. It integrates a total of 2304 CUDA Cores, 288 Tensor Cores and 36 RT Cores, and is complemented by 8GB GDDR6. We believe it is the best option for this Solidworks budget
[amazon fields=”B07L5D2VY6″ value=”button”]Power supply: Antec HCG750
We have been searching for a powerful and highly certified power supply. We have opted for this 750W Antec, because the HCG range is one of the best on the market. In addition, it is fully modular, which greatly improves cable management. The consumption of this system is about 300-350W at full load, so we will be in the range of 40-50%, which is where the power supplies are most efficient.
[amazon fields=»B07B4QHBKN» value=»button»]Chassis: Fractal Design Define C
We would have liked to choose a chassis with a front mayed to improve hardware cooling. Anyway, this Fractal Design chassis offers us large air intake intakes from the sides. There are no tempered glass panels or lights, unnecessary elements for a team designed to work with Solidworks. We must emphasize that Fractal Design is one of the best manufacturers on the market.
[amazon fields=»B01M2CP50B» value=»button»]Solidworks complete requirements
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Thinking it's going to be efficient because its maximum power consumption is below 50% is a big mistake. It will rarely reach that peak using SolidWorks, unless you use the components for simulation. That said, it will be below 20% consumption virtually all the time; that's where the power supply offers the worst efficiency. It's better to choose a power supply with a more precise wattage but with a better certification (platinum or titanium), and one that distributes the entire consumption level within the points where its efficiency is found. That way, you don't waste money on watts you'll never use.