---
title: SOLIDWORKS Visualize - Hardware Requirements
description: SOLIDWORKS Visualize is a robust tool for rendering and visualizing 3D CAD models. It allows users to create stunning, lifelike images and animations that can be used in presentations, marketing mater
---

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# SOLIDWORKS Visualize - Hardware Requirements

SOLIDWORKS Visualize is a robust tool for rendering and visualizing 3D CAD models. It allows users to create stunning, lifelike images and animations that can be used in presentations, marketing materials, and design reviews.

The reason SOLIDWORKS Visualize has high hardware requirements is because the rendering and visualization process involves complex computations and requires significant computational power. The software is specifically designed to generate photorealistic images and animations from 3D CAD models, which involves advanced lighting calculations, realistic material simulations, and intricate geometry processing.

These high hardware requirements are necessary to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow when handling these computationally intensive tasks.

**Hardware Requirements**

The Official Recommended System requirements may change from version to version, these can be found here [SOLIDWORKS Visualize: 3D CAD Rendering Software](https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-visualize)

| **SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2023** |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements |
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64 bit) |  |
| Processor | Dual Core CPU | Quad Core |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| GPU Memory | 2GB | 5GB |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA Quadro/GeForce/Tesla with at least NVIDIA Maxwell chip; Dual-GPU setup with at least NVIDIA Maxwell card. |  |
| AMD ProRender Radeon or Radeon Pro |  |  |

 

**What GPUs are supported in SOLIDWORKS Visualize?**

When utilizing hybrid and GPU based rendering in SOLIDWORKS Visualize, it is important to have graphics cards that support NVIDIA iRay with CUDA 11 or newer. Additionally, SOLIDWORKS Visualize also supports AMD ProRender GPUs for hybrid mode. This includes both workstation and non-workstation/gaming graphics cards. However, it is worth noting that while gaming graphics cards may work well, they have not been officially tested by SOLIDWORKS and therefore are not officially supported.

**Conclusion**

SOLIDWORKS Visualize enhances the design and communication process by providing a powerful toolset for creating compelling visual content that aids in decision-making and effectively communicates design intent. With its advanced rendering capabilities and realistic simulations, SOLIDWORKS Visualize allows designers and engineers to showcase their products in a visually stunning and lifelike manner.

By leveraging the complex computations and computational power required for rendering and visualization, SOLIDWORKS Visualize enables users to create photorealistic images and animations that accurately represent their 3D CAD models. This not only helps in presenting the designs to clients and stakeholders but also allows for better design evaluations and iterations.

The software's recommended system requirements, such as a quad-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 5GB of GPU memory, are designed to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow when handling the computationally intensive tasks involved in rendering and visualization.

*Date: 02 February 2024*

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