So we just got two new Dell Precision T3500s. Our IT guy spec'd them, but didn't ask me about Solidworks. I think he may have gotten us bad-for-solidworks video cards. I've had issues in the past with SW due to poor video cards. He ordered us nice computers: W3550 3.07GHz CPU, 12.0GB RAM. BUT, dual ATI FirePro 2260 video cards. Ok, I'll check to make sure the drivers are updated to SW. Hmm... They're not on the SW certified drivers site?
A little research later:
"ATI’s FireMV™ multi-view 2D workstation acceleration cards are designed exclusively for the financial and corporate marketplaces. Offering dual and quad monitor cards based on the PCI and PCI Express bus architecture, FireMV™ products ensure system compatibility and investment protection."
Now the naming's a little confusing on the FirePro 2260, some list it as FireMV 2260 or V2260. Either way, I haven't read much good about it for SW.
I found a post on the forum in "Charles' Suggested Build" from 3/29/2011: I think this is the same type of list our IT guy was presented with when purchasing the computers.
"Also, here are the video card choices, we had gone Quadro FX-1800 last time, looks like the Quadro 2000 is similiar?:
(EDIT: Just checked your post, you recommend the ATI FirePro V4800)
2.0GB ATI FirePro™ V7800, Triple MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add \$806.60]
1GB ATI FirePro V5800, Triple MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add \$244.20]
512MB ATI FirePro™ V5700, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add \$244.20]
512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, Quad Monitor, 4DVI [add \$288.60]
512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, Quad Monitor, 4DP [add \$288.60]
512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 580, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add \$37.00]
DUAL 1GB ATI FirePro V5800, Six MON, 4 DP & 2 DVI [add \$599.40]
Dual 512MB ATI FirePro™ V5700, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add \$599.40]
Dual 512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, 8 Monitor, 8DVI [add \$658.60]
Dual 512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, 8 Monitor, 8DP [add \$658.60]
Dual 512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 580, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add \$185.00]
Dual 256MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 295, 4MON, 4DP w/ 4DP to DVI Adapt [add \$111.00]
Dual 256MB ATI FireMV® 2260, 4MON, 4 DP w/ 4 DP to DVI Adapter [add \$96.20]
1GB ATI FirePro V4800, Triple MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add \$44.40]
1GB ATI FirePro V4800, Six MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add \$185.00]
2.5GB NVIDIA® Quadro® 5000, DUAL MON, 2DP & 1DVI [add \$1,481.48]
2GB NVIDIA® Quadro® 4000, DUAL MON, 2DP & 1DVI [add \$631.22]
1.0GB NVIDIA® Quadro® 2000, Dual MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add \$381.10]
Dual 1.0GB NVIDIA® Quadro® 2000, Quad MON, 4 DP & 2 DVI [add \$843.60]
1.0GB NVIDIA® Quadro® 600, Dual MON, 1 DP & 1 DVI [add \$77.70]"
Charles, and others, recommended the FirePro V4800.
Thoughts on how this will work out for us? Worthy issue, or not? Our old machines had a Quadro FX 1800 and FX 570. Both rank better than the new FirePro 2260 cards on this site:
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php
We are a custom metal fab shop. Lots of sheetmetal work, multibody parts, and some big assemblies from time to time.
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