Three new models are included in this year’s benchmark, along with new procedures to test workstation performance.
The leader in benchmark software for application performance has released new benchmark software for evaluating workstations for use with Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 2015.
SPECapc for SolidWorks 2015 consists of nine graphics and two CPU tests. The graphics tests use three SolidWorks view settings: RealView, ambient occlusion, and shadows, in combination with shaded and shaded-with-edges display styles. The CPU tests perform tessellation and PhotoView360 rendering. Twelve models are included in the benchmark, three of which are new in this version of the benchmark, with the largest comprising 4.75-million triangles.
The benchmark is designed to run on Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit platforms.
New features in this version include order-independent transparency (OIT), a modern methodology for quickly displaying transparency, and full-scene anti-aliasing (FSAA) for higher-quality visuals. The benchmark can be run with either default anti-aliasing (edges/sketches only) or with FSAA. It generates individual scores for each test and computes composite scores for graphics and CPU performance.
“We believe this benchmark offers valuable insights into the performance of systems running SolidWorks 2015,” says Ashley Cowart, chair of SPEC’s graphics and workstation performance group (SPEC/GWPG). “Vendors can use the software to optimize performance for systems running SolidWorks 2015 and users can employ it to make better-informed buying decisions for components and OEM systems.”
SPECapc for SolidWorks 2015 is available for immediate download on the SPEC website (www.spec.org/gwpg) under a two-tiered pricing structure: free for non-commercial users and $2,500 for commercial entities. Commercial entities are defined as organizations using the benchmark for the purpose of marketing, developing, testing, consulting for and/or selling computers, computer services, graphics devices, drivers or other systems in the computer marketplace.
SPECapc was formed in 1997 to address performance evaluation based on popular workstation applications. Current members include AMD, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Intel, Lenovo, Micron, Nvidia and VMware. SPECapc is part of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corp. (SPEC), a non-profit corporation formed to establish, maintain and endorse a standardized set of relevant benchmarks that can be applied to the newest generation of computers.
