NX9 System Requirements

NX9 System Requirements and Information

Multi-Core

Multi-core processors are similar to SMP because there are two or more actual processor cores but they are delivered in single processor packages. Siemens PLM Software has found that multi-core performance characteristics are similar to SMP. The one advantage of multi-core processors over SMP is that this technology has proliferated much faster than SMP and is now common in workstations, servers, and laptops.

Multi-core technology is complex and, depending on the configuration, can actually have a negative impact on performance. This is due to the potential conflict of multiple cores sharing system resources, such as cache, memory, and bus bandwidth, as well the need for the system to manage and control an increasing number of cores. Increasing the number of cores does not always translate into better performance. Although additional cores can improve NX performance, processor speed is still a vital measurement of NX performance.

In summary:

• Turn SMP on only if you have an SMP system. Having it on in a single-processor system incurs a slight overhead.
• Turn SMP on if you have a multi-core system.
• Never assume that by simply adding more cores you will see better performance. Always test first.

Memory

For Windows 7, the minimum amount of memory is 4 GB, but we recommend 8 GB or 16 GB of memory as a starting point. Large models and assemblies or running multiple processes concurrently could boost the required memory for adequate performance.

Multiple monitors

Siemens PLM Software supports multi-monitors but with limitations. These limitations were necessary due to the large number of possible configurations. Other combinations may work, but these conditions are tested and supported by Siemens PLM Software. These guidelines could be extended or relaxed in the future.

The following is a summary of findings for the support of multiple monitors.

• NX 6.0.1 or higher - no older releases are supported.
• Two monitors only.
• LCD monitors only
• Run with native resolution and aspect ratio.
• Laptops are tested without docking stations or port replicators (direct connection only).
• Horizontal Scan mode (not Vertical) and only with identical monitors.
• Dual View (Nvidia) or Extended View (ATI) modes, but the user must have the display window entirely in either the primary or secondary monitors

Graphics Cards

Important information regarding Certification and Supported Graphics.

1. OEM certification is performed by the OEM and/or Siemens PLM on complete systems. Standard certification is provided by the graphics vendor and/or Siemens PLM on representative systems utilizing their graphics cards. Both certifications are performed utilizing tests provided by Siemens PLM.
2. Systems ordered with graphics cards that are not applicable for 3D applications are not supported. There is a tab listing all supported cards. Most vendors only configure and support a subset of these cards.
3. Combinations of graphics and systems that are not available preconfigured from the vendor are not supported. For example, installing a new graphics card in an older system may work but it is not supported because the vendor may not accept problem reports on this configuration.
4. The certified drivers from both NVIDIA and AMD may support graphics cards that are not supported by Siemens PLM. While the graphics card may work, they are not supported because the vendor will not resolve OpenGL issues on these cards.
5. OEM certified drivers are available directly from the support site of the OEM. If the link is active it should take you directly to the download site. If not, you should navigate on the OEM support site to downloads for your particular system.
6. AMD and NVIDIA have drivers on their website that may be newer than the current certified OEM drivers. These are listed at the end of the matrix and should be used only if problems are encountered with the current OEM driver.
7. Apple systems utilize a different class of graphics cards not typically supported on other platforms. These cards are only supported on Apple systems. Also, Apple configurations that contain Intel graphics only are not supported.
8. Each certification configuration is tested with current application releases. All application releases that are currently maintained plus new released versions are supported unless otherwise indicated.
9. A new driver may discountinue support of an older graphics cards. This is documented in the release notes of the driver. If that is the case, you should not upgrade to the new driver, however, support for any graphics issues may be limited.
10. A small form factor (SFF) system is supported as long as it is classified as a workstation and the graphics cards is listed as supported.
11. Intel HD graphics is now supported by all products involved with certification. Intel P4600 graphics is the first version supported by NX. Please be advised that there are many flavors of Intel graphics, but only the P4600 integrated in Xeon processors is certified. Please see this Intel brief for more details: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/performance/performance-xeon-e3-1200-hd-graphics-p4000-guide.html
12. Older operating systems, like Windows XP, are no longer certified. If there are no graphics issues you should continue to utilize your current driver. To resolve any graphics issues you should download the latest driver that supports your OS and graphics card from the graphics vendor support site.