Q: Do more CPU cores improve Revit Performance?
A: Not noticably. We recommend faster cores over more cores. Revit only uses a few cores for most designing and modeling tasks because only a few tasks have been specifically coded to utilise multiple cores (click here for more information). Our testing has shown that a quad core CPU with a high operating frequency can give better performance in Revit than processors with more cores operating at a lower frequency. The notable exceptions are:
- In-Revit rendering which does benefit from multiple cores. However, the trend now is to push those tasks to cloud rendering (Autodesk Cloud Rendering) services or VR/rendering software (Enscape or Lumion) that uses the processor on the graphics card for rendering (GPU).
- Other software that is running at the same time as Revit that could benefit from multi-core processors
Q: Quadro graphics card or GeForce?
A: Our testing with Revit has shown that you get similar performance from either, as long as you are at the top end of the range. Lower end models have slower rendering capabilities and do not support Virtual Reality software. Top end GeForce cards are better value for money than equivalent Quadro cards, especially if VR is important.
Quadro Cards can be supplied by different vendors but are all manufactured to nVidia's strict specifications. GeForce cards vary considerably in their functionality and form factor between different vendors. We recommend sourcing "foundation class" cards that do not have any vendor specific added features that could unduly affect performance with your software. If you require dual graphic card capability, check to see that the cards can actually fit next to each other in the slots in the workstation chassis.
Q: How much system RAM do I need?
A: This depends on how complex your projects are. 8GB is the absolute minimum and not recommended by us. Most users go for 16GB, which is good, and 32GB is great. Get as much as you can afford. RAM works best in pairs with the most common parings being 2 sticks of 4 = 8GB, 2 x 8 = 16, 2 x 16 = 32 or 4 x 8 = 32. Desktop workstations usually have slots for 4 sticks of RAM and laptops usually have 2 slots. This can affect your options for upgrading the RAM. If all slots are full, you may have to throw away the installed RAM so that you can upgrade to larger sticks. When purchasing a new Workstation/Laptop, it pays to check what size RAM is installed and how many slots are available.
Q: Do I need a Solid State Drive (SSD)?
A: Yes! SSD's are relatively cheap now and are much faster that traditional spinning disk drives (HDD). SSD's have the biggest impact on startup and file read/write speeds. If you want to upgrade an older workstation that is a bit slow, installing an SSD should be the first consideration. It is quite common to install a large HDD as well if you need a lot of file storage capacity.
Q: Which CPU is best: Xeon or Core i7/i9
A: A fast Core i7 processor is typically better value for money than a the comparably slower Xeons. Xeon processors were designed to be more robust with features that are suited to server functionailty. Today, however, there is very little functional difference between the two Intel product families for workstations.
Q: Should I overclock the system
A: Overclocking gives you minimal performance gains but significantly increases the risk of instability, shorter hardware lifespans, and data corruptions. If you need overclocking, ensure you have a suitable cooling system.
