The following checklist can be used to review ways to increase the level of performance using SolidWorks. Many of these items are also summarized in the following SolidWorks Express article,
How to increase assembly performance.

Computers

	RAM — Sufficient RAM is based on the size of the data sets. To test, open the other applications that are typically open when working with SolidWorks and the larger designs (data sets) that are used by you organization. Use the Windows Task Manager or Performance Monitor to review the amount of RAM used.
	Virtual memory — The virtual memory should be a contiguous file. A separate hard disk (spindle) is recommended. If the virtual memory is not contiguous, remove the swap file (Windows manages the swap), defrag the hard disk, and then turn it back on.
	Graphics cards — Drivers, hardware acceleration level, and more. The driver must use the version number and SolidWorks setting from the SolidWorks graphics cards web site at http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/VideoCardTesting.html.
	Anti-Virus (AV) — Was AV turned off during the installation? If not certain AV applications may not update certain system files, especially if they are in use by the system (Visual Basic Dll's). Set the AV application so it ignores the SolidWorks documents (.sldprt, .sldasm, and .slddrw) on open and save. This will make the open times faster and a scheduled scan can be setup to review the SolidWorks documents as a separate task.
	Use of 3GB mode — Windows® XP Pro is required for using 3GB mode. Also, it is fairly meaningless without 3 or 4GB of RAM. See the Microsoft article for details on enabling the 3GB mode.

     Additional references:

• SolidWorks Express - SolidWorks system requirements
• SolidWorks Express - Troubleshooting tips for IT and CAD managers
• Catalyst– Select and Configure a CAD System

System maintenance

The following items should be checked and cleared on a regular (scheduled) basis. The Windows Scheduled Tasks utility can be used to schedule these tasks.

	Disk space - Check the free disk space on the local computer as well as any network storage.
	Clear temporary files - C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Local Settings\TempSWBackupDirectory and C:\Documents and Settings\\<user name>\Local Settings\Temp
	Defrag – The drives should be de fragmented on a regular, scheduled basis. The virtual memory should also completely de fragmented and the minimum and maximum values should be the same.
	Unfrag – The use of Unfrag is not recommended by SolidWorks due to the fact the files could become corrupt during compression. The shadow will come back on the next save. The file size is not a key contributor to performance. With proper backups, it could be used on library parts.

     Additional references:

• SolidWorks Express -
  How to improve reliability through routine system maintenance
• Catalyst - SolidWorks Rx: The Computer Doctor Is In

Data management

	Use of a local workspace — A local workspace is a key to performance. Open large files over a network will be slow.
	Collaborating over a network — Look into using a PDM system. The file management and performance is enhanced with the use of an application to perform these tasks. Manual file management is error prone and wastes time.
	Use of collaboration mode - When using files located on a network, the only way to insure you have write access is to file mark it for write access. Other users will see the file is read-only. This is similar to check-out in a PDM system.

     Additional references:

• SolidWorks Express - Data management basics
• SolidWorks Express - PDMWorks revision schemes

Use of assembly structure

	Use of Lightweight - Use lightweight for assemblies (Performance).
	Use configurations - Create configurations for: Blank – No components Per subassembly– Based on the major subassemblies Interior components – No interior components (Use advanced select using the property Part is interior detail -- SW Special) No fasteners – No fasteners (Use Advanced Select using the property IsFastener = false)
	Use of a Default or Blank configuration - Create a configuration where no other assembly components are visible. Used to open the assembly without the other components shown. This configuration should also be added to the assembly template.
	Opening assemblies - Open assemblies using a specific configuration based on what is being worked on (specific configuration).
	Limiting top level mates - Create sub-assemblies to limit the top level mates and allow for sub-assemblies to be suppressed.

     Additional references:

• SolidWorks Express - Plan a Better Assembly

Update to SolidWorks 2005

	Drawing performance
	Collaboration mode
	Improved lightweight

     Additional references:

• SolidWorks Express - Quick and easy upgrade to SolidWorks 2005
• SolidWorks Express - Deploy SolidWorks more easily with Administrative Director
• SolidWorks Express - How to install SolidWorks software tip for administrators
• SolidWorks Express - Upgrading SolidWorks

Drawing performance

	Lightweight drawings – Use LW assemblies and drawings.
	Multiple sheets - Use multiple sheets to break up views.
	Drawing view quality - Drawing view quality (Draft).

     Additional references:

• SolidWorks Express - How to increase assembly performance

Document templates

	Display quality – The display quality should be set as low as possible when dealing with large assemblies.

     Additional references:

• None

SolidWorks system option settings

The following settings are from the Tools\Options\System Options menus. Green indicates recommended and yellow is optional based on user preference.

	Performance
	External References
	Backups – Make sure they are set up, or not, as desired.
	File Locations – Set the location of the SolidWorks Journal file (pre SolidWorks 2005) under Tools\Options\File Locations.
	Large Assembly Mode – Can be used to set different options based on assembly size.
	General – Do not show thumbnail graphics or save eDrawings data.

     Additional references:

• SolidWorks Express - Sharing SolidWorks Settings

External References

	Lock and Break external references - Use of Lock and Break all references (Lock is preferred as it can be unlocked).
	Limit the use of external references - Use external references when they make sense and will be re-used.
	Use of No External Reference Feature - Use the option to insure no external references are created within the document.

     Additional references:

• None

SolidWorks features that can affect performance

	The following features can affect performance: Use of patterns without the geometry pattern option Shaded cosmetic threads Textures (RealView)
	Feature and Assembly Statistics - Always use the Feature and Assembly Statistics to determine feature (rebuild time) or assembly (# of top level mates, in-context references) that may be affecting the performance of the part or assembly.

     Additional references:

• None

Conclusion

Assembly and drawing performance ends up being a combination of a number of difference items and options. This list is meant to provide a good basis for determining what can be done to enhance performance.