Do I need to increase PC spec?!

ArchTechnician

Hi, new user, work for an architectural consultancy and we have recently started to get into using sketchup for presenting preliminary sketch-scheme proposals to our clients.

Typically used for large housing schemes at the moment, but we are experiencing sluggish performance. Workstation specification as follows:

Windows Vista Business 32bit
Intel Core 2 6600 @ 2.40 Ghz
3326 Mb DDR2
NVidia GeForce 8600 GT
Windows experience index rating of 5.3

Any suggestions for upgrades to this machine or alternative machine which would be more suited to the job?

When looking at the task manager in Windows, it seems to be the processors which are struggling more than the RAM...

All feedback appreciated!

remus

As you noticed SU is cpu bound. SU cant take advantage of multiple cores, though, so your best bet would be to use a machine thats got a processor at a high clock speed. Strangely pentimum 4's seem to be some of the best for SU because of their high clock speed. Failing that a high clocked dual core machine would do the job as well.

dylan

I would suggest you may need to look at more efficient ways of modelling. Your computer specs seem pretty good.

ArchTechnician

Thanks for your replies, although what would you suggest in terms of 'more efficient ways of modelling'?

dylan

As a starter I will suggest a few basic things and then maybe others will add more.

Create Components of anything that is repeated.

Only apply textures towards the end of modelling.

Only use shadows when required, leaving them on will really slow things down.

Use layers to control visibility of parts of your model. An example could be people in your model, trees, cars, buildings, terrain etc.
Keep layers switched off containing things you do not need to view all the time. Once you require your image, you can get your view set then switch on layers and sun.

mitcorb

I would add:
Use xray view mode only sparingly. Xray view and orbiting really slows things down. At least on my machines.

ArchTechnician

Thanks, I already tend not to use x-ray mode, and like you say, always leave sun/styles/textures etc off until i'm ready to export!!

remus

Shameless plug: theres a few things you could try to speed up your models here http://www.sketchucation.com/working-with-large-models-in-google-sketchup/

You'll need a separate login for the tutorials site, though. You can get that here: http://www.sketchucation.com/wp-login.php?loggedout=true