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2019-11-12

Question

What are the optimal computer requirements for RFEM and RSTAB?


Answer:

It is difficult to make a general statement regarding the optimal computer requirements. This all depends on the types of models that will be calculated. The following information will help you to configure the computer hardware best suited to your needs.

Processor

RFEM calculation will always benefit from a multi-core processor. However, additional cores are not always necessarily better.

When the calculation is distributed over a high number of cores, the connection between the cores becomes increasingly busier, creating a bottleneck situation.

We suggest a maximum of ten to twelve cores.

An ideal compromise between performance and price is currently eight cores.

XEON CPUs have no advantage over desktop CPUs for our software. In many situations, RFEM can only use one core. RSTAB calculation also utilizes one core. To achieve optimal performance, a high turbo cycle frequency is important. For XEON processors, this tends to be lower than for desktop processors.

Specifically, we recommend using one of the following processors:

  • Intel® Core™ i9-10920X
  • Intel® Core™ i9-10900X
  • Intel® Core™ i9-10885H
  • Intel® Core™ i9-10980HK
  • Intel® Core™ i9-10900KF
  • Intel® Core™ i9-10900K
  • Intel® Core™ i9-10900F

Generally, we recommend processors from Intel. Our programs are not tested with Ryzen processors, so no additional feedback can be given.

Modern processors have sophisticated temperature management. The cycle frequency is adjusted dynamically, depending on the processor temperature. Processor cooling can improve the performance. Therefore, we recommend a generously dimensioned computer case and a good cooling fan for the processor.

RAM

It is important for the computer to access the random access memory quickly. We recommend using DDR4 RAM.

In RFEM, the optimal RAM size depends on the model FE mesh, or in RSTAB, on the number of members. Unfortunately, it is not possible to directly determine the required memory size from the number of FE nodes or members. This will only aid in testing.

We recommend a minimum of 16 GB RAM. It is also useful to equip the motherboard with RAM so that a simple upgrade is possible.

All memory channels should be utilized.

ECC memory, offered in some computers, has no speed-related advantage for RFEM or RSTAB.

Graphics Card

For the graphics card, we recommend a graphic chip by NVIDIA. General integrated graphics processors from Intel are not sufficient for RFEM or RSTAB.

We advise against using Quadro cards and recommend a "game card" GTX series with Pascal architecture (GTX 10XX) or the RTX series with Turing architecture (RTX 20XX). Game cards and Quadro cards rarely differ in hardware. Game card drivers are known to be more compatible with RFEM or RSTAB and are less expensive than Quadro cards.

The size of the map memory is not relevant for RFEM/RSTAB.

It is important to maintain or update to the current graphics card driver.

To avoid complications, it is best to deactivate the graphics card integrated in the main processor directly in the BIOS. Otherwise, you will need to assign the NVIDIA card in the NVIDIA control panel to RFEM/RSTAB.

Mass Storage

A quick connecting SSD (possibly NVMe) is more ideal than an HDD. However, this only provides an advantage for the computing speed in exceptional cases. Opening and saving large files will be quicker.

Software

Software running in the background can be detrimental to computing speed.

Antivirus software can slow down the calculation considerably. During the calculation, RFEM and RSTAB read and write multiple files into the working folder. It may have a positive effect on the computing speed if you exclude this folder from the real-time monitoring of your antivirus software (see Image 02).

BIOS Update

Experience has shown that firmware on the motherboard did not optimally run on a computer with high RAM. This resulted in a significant reduction in computing speed. If you are utilizing a new board, determine if a BIOS update is available.


Author

Mr. Faulstich is responsible for the quality assurance of the RFEM program and provides customer support.