Answer:
Generally, it is difficult to make a general statement regarding the optimal hardware. 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.
For the calculation in RFEM, studies have shown that a maximum of about 20 cores is reasonable.
XEON CPUs and AMD EPYC-CPUs have no advantage over desktop CPUs for our software, in contrary. In many situations, RFEM can only use 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 14900KS
- Intel Core i9 14900KF
- Intel Core i9 14900K
- Intel Core i7 14700KF
- Intel Core i7 14700K
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The ending "K" for Intel processors means that the processors are overclockable. The clock frequency can therefore be better adapted to the computing load depending on the temperature.
The "KF" or "F" ending denotes the Intel processors without an integrated GPU. They cost slightly less than the same processors with a built-in GPU. Since we recommend using a graphics card for RFEM and RSTAB anyway, a GPU integrated in the processor is not necessary. Therefore, these processors are particularly recommended.
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
We recommend a minimum of 32 GB RAM. It is also useful to equip the motherboard with RAM so that a simple upgrade is possible.
The desktop processors have two memory channels. Both channels should be equipped with memory components.
All RAM components should be of the same type.
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.
ECC memory, offered in some computers, has no speed-related advantage for RFEM or RSTAB.
Graphics Card
Any modern graphics card with a GPU from NVIDIA or AMD is suitable for working with RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9. General integrated graphics processors from Intel are not sufficient for RFEM or RSTAB.
RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 does not require the more expensive NVIDIA Quadro cards. Instead, we recommend using a "gaming card", for example, a mid-range graphics card with an RTX 40XX GPU (Ada Lovelace Architecture).
The size of the memory on the card is not relevant for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9.
It is important to maintain or update to the current graphics card driver.
If the computer has a GPU integrated in the processor in addition to the graphics card, it is necessary to ensure that RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 is actually using the powerful graphics card. In RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9, you can determine the GPU used as follows:
- Open RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9.
- Click the Help → System Information menu.
- Check the entry Graphics Card → Renderer. This GPU is used by the program.
If the correct GPU is not displayed here, it is necessary to assign the correct graphics card in the graphics settings of the Windows control panel RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9.
Screen
The screen should have a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels. Otherwise, windows may not be displayed completely.
4K monitors are supported.
Mass Storage
A fast connected SSD (preferably via PCIe 5.0) is reasonable. However, this only provides an advantage for the computing speed in exceptional cases. Opening and saving large files will be quicker.
If the SSD has to be partitioned into several logical drives, make sure that there is enough space on the system drive (c:). In the user profile, which is usually available on the c: driver, RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 save large amounts of temporary data during the calculation.
Software
Software running in the background can be detrimental to computing speed.
Antivirus software can slow down the calculation considerably. During the calculation, RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 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.
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.
