Okay, I've got management interested in a software update (from SW 2009) and the hardware to make use of it.  I started Flow simulations back in 2004 when FloWorks wasn't very stable so I've got multiple boxes.  It used to be that if you had a simulation running you didn't dare look at that computer until it was done.

I currently have 2 dedicated Simulation computers plus my workhorse box.  The one box was an update in 2009 (i7 3.2GHz, 12GB) so I don't mind keeping that around.

I've looked over Charles' Feb 2013 specs and am wondering: is SW (Flow and Simulation) stable enough while crunching on a long simulation to actually be productive in a second SW instance without stability issues?

Instead of getting two \\\$1500 machines, I would rather consolidate and get one nice BOXX for \\\$3200... IF I can count on having multiple SW instances open without putting a 7 day Flow simulation in jeopardy.

What is the crowd consensus?