SketchUp lets you create and edit 3D designs and models for AEC. You can also connect SketchUp with other programs to create lifelike pictures, interactive walkthroughs and VR experiences of your work. To make the best use of SketchUp, you need a Workstation that is tailored to the task.
Workstation Specialists can help you customise your SketchUp Workstation to optimise your workflow and performance.
If you want to discuss your needs with an expert, you can request a quote online or contact our friendly sales team at +44 (0) 800 180 4081 or [email protected].
SketchUp 3D Modelling Benefits from Fast Processors
3D modelling depends on the processor’s frequency, not the number of cores and threads. A processor with higher clock speeds and fewer cores and threads will perform better.
If you only need 3D modelling capabilities, then the AMD Ryzen™ and Intel® Core™ processors are the best choices for your Workstation. They have the highest core frequencies in the industry, making your system and application more responsive.
Cores/Threads Matter for CPU Rendering
If you want to use 3rd party an application like V-Ray to create realistic renders, you need a processor with more cores and threads for optimal performance. CPU rendering can run multiple operations simultaneously, unlike 3D modelling in SketchUp.
Workstations based on AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Pro and Intel® Xeon® W processors offer a great balance of cores and threads with high core frequencies. These versatile processors let you keep a strong SketchUp 3D modelling performance while having many cores to reduce your render times.
How To Boost a SketchUp Workstations GPU Render Performance
If you want to use the amazing power of GPUs to render your SketchUp models in applications like V-Ray or Enscape, you need a Workstation that can support many GPUs for maximum performance. AMD Ryzen™ Threadrripper™ Pro and Intel® Xeon® W Workstations are ideal for this.
GPU rendering usually scales very well, so adding a second graphics card to your system will almost double your GPU render speed. GPU rendering, like CPU rendering, uses multiple cores, and with the thousands of cores in modern GPUs, you can achieve real-time realistic renders.
SketchUp only gets a small benefit from the Graphics Card, so we recommend that a low-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card is enough for 3D modelling in SketchUp.
If you plan on GPU rendering, consider choosing a higher-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card to improve performance. Please get in touch with our expert consultants today to find the best GPU configuration for your needs.
System Memory
SketchUp has a minimum requirement of at least 8GB of memory, but most users will need more. At only 8GB, your memory will soon be full, and your system will become very slow.
You should have at least 16GB of memory for SketchUp, and 32GB is ideal. This way, you can work on big SketchUp models and use other programs simultaneously without running out of memory.
Storage Configuration
We suggest a two-drive setup for SketchUp users. A solid-state drive (SSD) for your main boot drive and applications will make your system fast and reduce loading times.
An SSD is much faster than a regular Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and is our preferred choice for all new Workstations. There are two main types of SSDs on the market, NVMe and SATA.
Both are good for SketchUp users, but NVMe will give you the best performance at a slightly higher cost.
We also suggest adding a secondary traditional Hard Disk Drive or Network Attached Storage (NAS) server to store files and backups long-term. Although much slower than an SSD, they offer much more storage space at a much lower price per GB.
Mobile SketchUp Workstations
The Workstation Specialists NVIDIA GeForce RTX Mobile Workstations range is ideal for working on your SketchUp projects anywhere.
They come with fast processors, 16GB-32GB of memory, powerful mobile graphics, and solid-state drives for quick storage.
Our Mobile Workstation solutions offer all the 3D modelling performance you need as an AEC professional working on your SketchUp projects.
