What is a reasonable computer for HFSS simulations?

hfss can use 8gb ram

I would like to suggest a discussion thread:


What is a reasonable computer for HFSS (anticipate version 11) simulations?




Several guidelines to follow:

Include cost ($$$) in the comparison.
Assume that an individual is making the purchase rather than a company.
If cost was not a concern, what would the machine look like?
Explain the reasoning behind the recommendations.
List important features.
Try to avoid "My computer is better than yours, so there!" and "This is the best!" type responses.



As a starting point:

Total cost in the $2000 to $4000 range.
Feel free to deviate but explain why.

OS MS XP Pro 64 bit

Processor Xeon 64 bit 3.2 GHz single processor
(would a second help? But there is a cost hit for a multi-processor license or would more RAM be a better choice?)

FSB 800 MHz

4 GB RAM (Do we want/need ECC?)

L1 16 KB
L2 cache at 1 MB

Discuss the The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of each. For example the one I cited above has a fan that sounds like a vacuum cleaner. That caught me by surprise and is an annoyance. I now ask about sound and cooling/heat dissipation of any box that I consider. It also heats up a room when it is on. Both characteristics caught me by surprise and I would have gone a different direction if I had realized that was the way this box worked.

I like the quote: " Learn from the mistakes of others, you don't have time to make them all yourself."

computer for hfss

Yeah, I'm at the same (difficult) decision right now. I need to provide details for a powerful PC, which will be running 3D ELMG numerical simulators (hfss, semcad, cst).


I'm not sure which one is more powerful, whether Intel XEON or Intel Dual/Quad core? I've read Xeon's FB DDR2 is slower than ordinary DDR2? AMD's power is not comparable with Intel right now, is it?


What would you recommend for:

$5000 budget
8 or 16GB ram
OS: Win XP 64-bit

How does XEON compare with Core 2 Duo?

hfss intel or amd

For the OS get Windows Vista 64bit, I have used both XP x64 and currently using Vista 64bit and I must say, Vista 64bit is very very stable.

If you are going for desktop processors then the RAMs must be ECC capable(also check your motherboard for compatability). No point in number crunching the wrong numbers.

You are right, FB-DDR2 are slow compared to DDR2 and consume almost double the power for each module.

If you are going for a desktop processor get QX6580 which can support upto 8GB of RAM(2GB modules). More RAM is without a doubt beneficial.

If you are going for dual-socket then think of getting a barcelona based system(should be out in a few weeks) Though it doesn't beat Intel high end Xeons,yet, it has some serious floating point performance with a low latency integrated memory controller that supports the,better, Registered ECC RAM at upto DDR2800 or more?

If you are going for single socket system then there is no point in going for Xeons unless you plan to use more than 8GB of RAM.

BTW, there is no difference between a desktop quadcore and signle-socket Xeon except for the fact that Xeon supports FBDDR2

Thanks kishore2k4,

your suggestions are noted and help very appreciated!

you can use Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processor E5300 Series

X5365, 65nm, 8M L2, NA L3, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, XD, Intel 64, EIST, QC, VT, SSE3, DBS, EM64T, LGA771
or

X5355, 65nm, 8M L2, NA L3, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, XD, Intel 64, QC, DBS, VT, FC-LGA6

you can see that this Xeon have 1333 MHz FSB. you can also add ECC DDR3 RAM

or use the Intel Core2 Extreme Processor QX6850 Quad-Core 65 nm, 8M L2, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, Intel 64, EIST, QC, VT, LGA775
and the new Intel P35 chipset that Support Intel next generation 45nm Multi-core CPU

It's better to buy dual CPU workstation because hfss can run on 8 cpu in win64

RGZ

It is my impression that to take advantage of multiple processors one has to purchase a separate license (at somewhere around $10K). That is a considerable bite and so far spending it on more RAM seems more cost effective.

Comments?

Did you try out the latest Version 11? Depending on your model, the new solver may be much more effective. In my case, it makes double speed with significantly fewer RAM-needs.
Maybe 8GB will be enough for you, so you can choose a cheaper mainboard.

If your simulation is in the Range of 2GB RAM (or more) you really must use 64bit. Also, checking actual prices, there is no sense in buying a 32bit system.

The double core CPU is useful in another sense: While you are simulating on one CPU-core, you can use the other core for OS and other applications. This works very good with my new Xeon64 DoubleCore and with the old hyperthreading-tech(32bit).

I am using HFSS ver. 11. I currently have 8 GB RAM installed and ahve both 32 aqnd 64 bit XP Pro operating systems available. I considered a dual boot but settled on removable hard drives, one with each OS. It is only a minor inconvenience to switch back and forth.

I have been hearing good reports about 64 bit Vista but am a little reluctant to convert at the moment. (Don't fix it if it isn't broken mindset)

My current PC has been around for several years now and I am studying the options and trying to decide when to upgrade and to what.

The other choice is to go to a LINUX based box. That may be a whole new discussion.