When you need to update or buy new hardware (PC) for SOLIDWORKS you need to consider what is your main use.
Requirements depends on what kind of programs you run. For example Visualize require a better graphics card and Simulation require a bit more memory and better processor.
PLM Group do not recommend any specific brand or supplier. But you need to find a certified graphics card and components for your computer. This is often easier to get from i.e HP, Dell and Lenovo.
You cannot run SOLIDWORKS on Apple computers and if you still manage to do it, then we, on the support, cannot help you if there are some issues that might be the caused by the system.
To acquire a new computer for SOLIDWORKS you need to check:
1. System Requirements for SOLIDWORKS: System Requirements | SOLIDWORKS
2. Graphics card for SOLIDWORKS: Hardware Certification | SOLIDWORKS
When you are going to choose a graphics card go to solidworks.com -> Support -> System Requirements -> Graphics cards and drivers.
Here you can enter those cards that you are about to choose from and see if there are any certified drivers for that specific card.
If you cannot find any drivers for that graphics card and that version of SOLIDWORKS it is best not to choose that card.
When it comes to the graphics card, it is not recommended to go for a gaming card for example NVIDIA Geforce series, they would most likely work, but you cannot find any certified drivers, and this is not optimal for SOLIDWORKS and can cause graphical issues.
Additional information
Here is a page where you can see users results in a SOLIDWORKS performance test:
An external page where they explain the different parts and what to think about in more detail:
7 Best Laptops for Solidworks in 2025 Detailed Guide
You can also find the E-book regarding choosing hardware on our website: E-books Archive - PLM Group EU
Comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.