SolidWorks is one of the most popular CAD software. Plus, you need the right hardware to run the software.
So that rendering times will be fast and there wouldn’t be any issues such as instabilities.
In this article, we list the best workstation for SolidWorks.
SolidWorks workstation recommendations for beginners, intermediate and professionals.
Do you handle large projects on SolidWorks often? The ASUS ProArt PA90 is the best workstation for the job. Powerful hardware to get the rendering done.
Not many desktops that come with 32GB RAM and an NVIDIA Quadro 2000 are affordable. However, the Dell Precision 7910 is an affordable workstation with those specs.
NVIDIA Quadro 4000, plenty of RAM and an Intel Xeon makes the HP Z420 the best budget desktop for SolidWorks.
Do you handle large projects on SolidWorks often? The ASUS ProArt PA90 is the best workstation for the job. Powerful hardware to get the rendering done.
Not many desktops that come with 32GB RAM and an NVIDIA Quadro 2000 are affordable. However, the Dell Precision 7910 is an affordable workstation with those specs.
NVIDIA Quadro 4000, plenty of RAM and an Intel Xeon makes the HP Z420 the best budget desktop for SolidWorks.
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 10:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Kind Of Computer Do You Need For SolidWorks?
You need a powerful computer for SolidWorks. The CAD software is a demanding application and if you don’t meet the minimum or recommended requirements.
You will be setting yourself up for instabilities and slow rendering times. Here are a few things to know what kind of computer you need for SolidWorks.
What Processor Do You Need For SolidWorks?
A processor that has a high base and turbo clock speed. Intel Core i5 or higher is highly recommended. The same applies to AMD Ryzen processors. AMD Ryzen 5 or higher.
However, there are differences between the processors of the same name. For example, you can have a high-performance Intel Core i5 and a low-power one. The same applies to AMD Ryzen processors.
To prevent yourself from getting confused our Intel CPU Naming and AMD Ryzen Naming guides explain everything.
If you don’t have the time here’s a good way to know if it’s a high-performance processor. The processor name ends with H. For example, Intel Core i5-9300H or AMD Ryzen 9 4800H.
How Much RAM Do You Need For SolidWorks?
A minimum of 16GB RAM is recommended. The higher the better.
A lot of running makes it possible to run applications that consume a lot of memory and at the same time multitask.
A lot of RAM is always better than little RAM. Also, it makes your computer futureproof.
Is Graphic Card Necessary For SolidWorks?
Graphics are necessary for running SolidWorks. You can’t run SolidWorks using an integrated graphics card. They are just not powerful.
Also, you can’t use a consumer or gaming graphics card. Because they don’t have SolidWorks Certified drivers.
You need professional graphic cards such as NVIDIA Quadro and AMD Radeon Pro.
These graphics cards provide the best performance when it comes to running SolidWorks. They also provide better stability than consumer graphics cards.
Best Workstations For SolidWorks Reviewed
➕ Pros
- Top-notch performance
➖ Cons
- Pricey
CPU: Intel Core i9 | Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 512GB SSD and 1TB HDD
The ASUS ProArt PA90 is a pricey workstation and for a good reason. This will handle SolidWorks and any 3D modelling and rendering software easily.
Because this has been packed with powerful hardware and a SolidWorks certified graphics card.
In other words, nothing can go wrong with this workstation. It can also support up to four monitors. Thanks, to its Quadro RTX 4000 that has three display ports.
In short, this is the best computer for SolidWorks. You have plenty of RAM, storage, powerful Quadro RTX 4000 and an Intel Core i9.
Highly recommended if you want virtually no headaches when running demanding applications and rendering large projects.
The best workstation for SolidWorks on the market.
➕ Pros
- Great Performance
- Affordable
- Plenty of RAM
- Quiet
➖ Cons
- Storage needs to be swapped for a larger storage
CPU: Intel Xeon E5 | Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro K2000 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: Dual 240gb SSD & 6TB SAS
An Intel Xeon processor and a Quadro K2000 professional graphics card. The Dell Precision 7910 is one of the best computers for SolidWorks.
Furthermore, it is a desktop with plenty of RAM and storage.
The only thing that holds the Dell Precision 7910 from its full potential is the 12TB HDD storage. It’s slow. The good news is that you can easily swap it out for a faster and larger SSD.
Also, it’s a refurbished desktop which might not be for everyone. However, the value, budget price and computing performance it provides make it a solid option to consider.
To sum it all up, the Dell Precision 7910 is one of the best workstations for SolidWorks.
A powerful Intel Xeon processor, plenty of RAM and a Quadro GPU that easily meets the requirements for SolidWorks.
Where To Buy
➕ Pros
● Great performance
● Attractive price tag
● Slim design
➖ Cons
- Doesn’t support Windows 8
CPU: Intel Core i7 | Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro P2200 | RAM: 16GB | | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
The Lenovo Thinkstation P330 is the best mid-range computer for SolidWorks. It has the hardware to take on large projects.
An Intel Core i7 and an NVIDIA Quadro P2200 make it a very capable desktop for such purposes. And if you are not satisfied with the performance.
You can upgrade its GPU, RAM, and CPU for more powerful components. That is if you have the necessary hardware knowledge.
In terms of the price-to-performance ratio, it’s one of the best.
Design-wise, the Lenovo Thinkstation P330 looks almost like a mini-PC. The slim design makes it have a small footprint. A major plus if you worry about desk space a lot.
Overall, the Lenovo Thinkstation P330 is the best workstation for SolidWorks. Highly recommended if you want a SolidWorks desktop with a small footprint.
Where To Buy
➕ Pros
- Above-average performance
- Plenty of storage
- Affordable
➖ Cons
- None
CPU: 4-Core Intel E-1620 3.6GHz Xeon processor | Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro 4000 | RAM: 32GB | | Storage: 1TB SSD and 4TB HDD
The HP Z420 is a solid budget workstation with a lot of power packed in its case. Plus, it has 1TB SSD and 4TB HDD. That’s 5TB total storage.
An Intel Xeon processor, plenty of RAM and a good card mean you can model and render on a budget.
This will get the job done. And even if it doesn’t you can easily upgrade the processor and graphics card. If you have the expertise.
This makes it one of the best computers for SolidWorks. Highly-recommended.
➕ Pros
- Small form factor
- Great for small and medium SolidWorks project
- Solid build quality
➖ Cons
- Bloatware
CPU: Intel Core i5 | Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro P620 | RAM: 16GB | | Storage: 512GB SSD
The ASUS PB60G is a mini-PC with some serious mid-range performance. If you are worried about desk space. Then the ASUS PB60G is a solid option because of its footprint.
This computer has more than enough performance to handle small to medium SolidWorks projects. And this makes it a great buy for beginners and intermediate users.
Furthermore, it has solid build quality thanks to its well-made construction.
However, this particular mini-PC comes with a lot of bloatware. Fortunately, we have a guide that helps you to get rid of bloatware. The good news is that you can easily swap it out for an SSD.
The ASUS PB60G might not be the most powerful computer for SolidWorks.
But, the mid-range performance and small footprint make it a solid option. It’s also an best computer for SolidWorks on a budget.
SolidWorks System Requirements
- 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: Graphics cards with SolidWorks Certified Drivers
Are Gaming Computers Good For SolidWorks?
No. Why? Because their graphics cards are not certified by SolidWorks. And this might cause some issues and instabilities when modelling and rendering large projects.
After all graphics cards in gaming computers are meant for gaming not rendering.
Gaming graphics cards are not able to render graphics that imitate real-world items quickly and easily.
You can use them up to a certain point. But after that point, you are setting yourself up for frustrations.
Gaming computers are good when you are rendering a small to medium project. However, if you want the best performance and fastest rendering times. It’s best to get a SolidWorks Certified graphics card.
Final Thoughts
If you plan on building your desktop for SolidWorks make sure to get a SolidWorks certified graphics card. Because that is the most important hardware followed by the processor.
That’s it for the best workstations for SolidWorks.
