Hardware
About Hardware Recommendations
The speed performance of Itasca software is principally affected by two computer hardware elements: processor(s) and RAM. Extremely rarely, hard drive space can also be a concern. Graphics cards can negatively effect rendering and in the worst cases cause crashes.
For each Itasca program (FLAC, UDEC, PFC2D, FLAC3D, 3DEC, PFC3D), a set of suggested minimum system requirements is provided. These are the lowest hardware specifications that can be used with no expectation of performance issues. As such, they are recommendations, not guarantees.
For today's consumer, the range of computer configurations is effectively infinite. As this is the case, Itasca cannot guarantee the performance of any particular system and therefore cannot make recommendations about computers or computer components that users should buy. Only direct testing can be used to issue a guarantee of performance and, regrettably, Itasca cannot perform an infinite number of tests to issue such guarantees.
We recognize that the purchase Itasca software represents a significant commitment on the part of our users, and that users are understandably interested in ensuring they have the optimum computer system for running an Itasca code. Given the caveats above, the information provided below represents our best effort to guide the user who intends to purchase a computer for use with Itasca software.
Which processor should I buy?
Processor speeds, attributes, and architectures vary widely. Generally, the faster the processor, the faster it will calculate with Itasca software. The computer buyer who can ascertain that one processor should work faster than another for other software products can reasonably expect that this will be true when running an Itasca program as well. Regarding specific processors, Itasca can offer little insight beyond what is mentioned in the next item.
Processors have a speed rating reported by the manufacturer, but on current computers these ratings are nearly impossible to compare effectively between manufacturers. In addition, the "real-world" performance of the processor on a computer will be significantly affected by hardware and software configurations – the same processor may perform quite differently from one computer to the next, based on configuration differences.
Should I get 2 processors, or 4 (or 6, or n)? What multi-processor configuration is optimal?
Before all else bear in mind that unless the Itasca program you are using is multi-threaded, this will be a moot point. The current version of FLAC3D is multi-threaded. The next versions of FLAC, 3DEC, PFC2D, and PFC3D will be multi-threaded. Our experience is that we can generally predict (again, this is highly variable as it is susceptible to processor type) no less than 50% efficiency on multiple processors. Speed does not increase linearly with each additional processor. One test performed by Itasca showed performance 1.6 faster on two cores, 2 times faster on four cores, 4 times faster on eight cores. The multi-threaded calculation capability in Itasca programs was developed (and thus optimzed) for an I7 processor; the I-series processors can be expected to share those optimizations, where this is not necessarily the case for other processor types. We have no evidence that running two instances of the program on, for instance, a single 4 GHz processor will be faster or slower than running two instances on the two separate 2 GHz cores of a dual-core processor. The advantage of one over the other here would be strictly a matter of price.
How much RAM should I have?
In this case, more is always better. RAM is used by Itasca programs to store the model while the program is running. The larger the model, the more RAM needed. If RAM is unavailable, the program will have to swap information to the hard drive, at which point calculation speed will slow to a crawl. The amount of RAM you actually need is predicated, completely, on the size of the models you expect to create. Since only you can know that, this is a question that you know the answer to. We don't. For certain types of calculation (thermal or fluid flow calculations in FLAC3D, for instance), bus speed can be a very important factor. Maximizing memory bus speed and cache size can avoid "bottlenecks" (pinched down memory access to the processor) that can slow calculation speed when handling large models.
Should I get a 32- or 64-bit processor? a 32- or 64-bit operating system?
If you intend to run a 64-bit program (currently FLAC3D, 3DEC, and PFC3D offer 64-bit versions), you need both. Be aware that 64-bit versions ARE NOT faster than 32-bit versions. However, you should run a program matched to the system type (32-bit program on a 32-bit computer; 64-bit program on a 64-bit computer) whenever possible. The reason to use a 64-bit version is IF you intend to create a model that exceeds the memory addressing limit (2GB) inherent in 32-bit programs.
What kind of Graphics card should I have?
One that implements OpenGL 1.5 or higher. This is necessary for FLAC3D, 3DEC, PFC2D, and PFC3D. It is not necessary for FLAC or UDEC. However, this specification is on the low side; users of contemporary computers and operating systems with graphics cards that do not meet this level are almost certain to encounter problems with many of their programs, and not just the Itasca ones. Also, maximizing the memory on the graphics card will positively affect peformance, though it is not critical.
Which operating system should I use?
At present, the current versions Itasca programs are supported on the 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Be aware that any Windows system not just mentioned is, therefore, not explicitly supported and users are advised to proceed at their own risk. Itasca software is not supported on Macintosh computers. Itasca cannot recommend a particular operating system from among those supported, as performance on them is absolutely contingent on the hardware environment in which they operate.
Can I virtualize Itasca software?
This is not explicitly supported. Upon attempting it if users can successfully do so they are not prohibited in any way from using the software in that manner.
Can I run Itasca software remotely?
This is not explicitly supported. Upon attempting it if users can successfully do so they are not prohibited in any way from using the software in that manner.
Can I run Itasca software on a network?
Using a special network license, server-client based configurations with 1 to n seats can be set up. This requires special licensing that is different from the usual single, per-machine license. Users who are interested in this are encouraged to contact their Itasca sales office/agent. The speed of program calculation on a server will not be affected by such a configuration but there are operations — such as plotting — that can be affected by network speed. This should be kept in mind when considering this option.
