Computer Hardware / Configuration Advice

[JerseyJames]

Hello Folks , hope someone can help us out with some insight/information why our Plant 3-D 2016 runs like it is installed on the Compaq 386DX-25 I started out on ....ages ago!


As mentioned the auto-desk product is Plant 3-D. AutoCAD 2016 is also installed. The IT guy unloaded everything he had for 2016 onto my HHD. If any further information program-wise is needed, post here & I'll reply.

Here are a few screen grabs of a Belarc scan & screens from Systems Information Viewer v4.39. If any further information would be helpful from either of these programs , again post here, will reply. (For info from SIV 4.39 please be specific ie: what pull down to pick, & name of info requested from the pull-down. It is "Everything you ever wanted to know about your computer, but were afraid to ask! " type of program !

The Program will take minutes to isolate or hide 3-D objects The area involved consists of (2) 250' dia x 60' hi tanks with (4) pumps and associated manifolding, along with a approx 400' run of main pipe rack.

simple commands will take seconds to execute , an auto save = coffee break

Any and all suggestions, information will be greatly appreciated, and you'll have the satisfaction of preventing a case of aggravated COMPUTER-CIDE !!!!


Thanks in advance , James

[dgorsman]

Missing a ton of information:

• Every thing in one file, or multiple files?
• SQL Server or SQLite?
• SQLServer is local or remote (WAN, etc.)?
• How complex are the models (basics, down to nuts/bolts/etc)/filesizes?
• Visual style in use?

[JerseyJames]

One file - 18,470 KB.
SQL Lite
Server Local
models basic, no nuts, bolts, washers, etc. Use mostly the Plant 3-D supplied ASME pipe fittings and valve catalogs Minor mods for valve actuators.
visual style - 3-D wire mesh

[JerseyJames]

oh, another bit of information( while doing it) Drawing is Purged & audited w/ fix errors option checked daily.

[dgorsman]

One file - 18,470 KB.
SQL Lite
Server Local
models basic, no nuts, bolts, washers, etc. Use mostly the Plant 3-D supplied ASME pipe fittings and valve catalogs Minor mods for valve actuators.
visual style - 3-D wire mesh

Well, there's your problem:

You need to split the model up into logical design areas. Some go as far as one model per line number (an old REBIS method) but physical design areas work better. I'd recommend placing each equipment into its own model as well. Structure in each area should also be its own model. Each model should be ~ 5 - 10 MB at most. Overlay XREF relevant models into each other (structure into relevant piping model, and vice versa). Not only are there performance implications, but its easier to recover from problems as well as throwing multiple users at a project - not just now but whoever inherits your models as well.

Use SQL Server. Yes, you need to do more to set it up but SQLite is only suitable for simple test work as it has a number of performance limitations. Actual projects of any size need to use SQL Server for decent performance.

[JerseyJames]

Well dgorsman, I thank you very much for the time you've taken and the advice you have given. Just a small engineering firm, (3) 3-D licenses with me being only a few months into teaching self the ropes. IT is not on site, so we kind of fly solo. Thought that this would be a good place to help us skull out some of our performance problems.
If anyone else would like to contribute, feel free, will monitor this thread for a while...in closing
... any one need a new mouse?