How to configure your workstation for Allplan 2023

Allplan is a powerful CAD program for architects and engineers who value project control. Allplan focuses on BIM (Building Information Modeling) in order to offer a transparent database platform for the entire project team. Here is our hardware recommendation:

Powerful Processor for Allplan 2023

For 2D drawings, Allplan Architecture requires a maximum of 1-2 CPU cores. An Intel Xeon 6-Core processor with 3.50 GHz or higher can handle this requirement effortlessly. If you want to view your 2D drawings as 3D models, your workstation is the right choice. Calculate 3D geometries (open GL), texture representations and shadow calculations require your CPU. If you mainly work with 3D planning and virtualization, a 8- or 10-Core with high clock frequency  is the better choice. Depending on your budget, we can recommend the following processors for Allplan: Intel Xeon W-2125 with four cores and max. 4.50 GHz, Intel Core i7-7800X with 6 cores and max. 4.00 GHz, Intel Xeon W-2133 with 6 cores and max. 3.90 GHz, alternatively an Intel i7 9700 with 8 cores, 8 threads and max. 4.7GHz, Intel i9-10900X with 10 cores, 20 threads and max. 4.5Ghz. From AMD we can recommend the very powerful Ryzen ThreadRipper PRO 3955WX with 16 cores, 32 threads and max. 4.3GHz.

Does the use of multiprocessors make sense in Allplan 2023?

The Cinerenderer (for virtualizations) is able to use several cores simultaneously. Allplan requires the CPU for certain functions such as changing the layer status and loading drawing files. It would make sense for Allplan to be able to make optimal use of the computing power of several cores in the future. The right question is: What performance do I expect from my Allplan workstaion when I need it? A productive CAD workstation can't have enough power. Focus on tomorrow's eventualities instead of current needs.

Efficient Memory for Allplan 2023

We recommend the use of 32 GB RAM in the long term. In Allplan Architecture, you have the option of directly allocating the memory capacity for editing large project files. Please keep in mind that other applications also use RAM resources. For more complex models, we recommend 64 GB RAM with ECC support with the option of a simple upgrade to 128 GB RAM. Most business workstations provide you with 8-16 memory banks. We advise to prefer Registered Modules, also called R-DIMM, RDIMM. Registered RAM is preferred for memory-intensive applications in servers and business workstations. With registered DIMM memory (RDIMM) the register takes over the address lines. ECC DIMM can automatically detect and correct memory errors that occur without causing a system crash or data loss.

The right graphics cards for Allplan 2023

Allplan Architecture 2023 provides a range of certified graphics cards from NVidia and AMD for every requirement. Our test with NVIDIA graphics cards from the Geforce RTX series, model 3060, 3070 and 3080 delivered excellent results. Software support is only available for certified hardware. Professional graphics cards are optimized for working with multiple windows and deliver significantly higher image quality when viewing shaded models. An NVIDIA Quadro P2000 with 5GB VRAM is completely sufficient for the normal planning area. To achieve an optimal display of complex 3D scenes, please make sure that your graphics card supports Open GL 4.5. Our performance recommendation is an NVIDIA Quadro P4000, P5000, alternatively a Geforce RTX4000. If you draw more complex building complexes, we recommend using a more powerful high-end graphics card. Our performance recommendation, an NVIDIA Quadro P4000 or P5000, alternatively NVIDIA Geforce RTX4000. If you draw more elaborate building complexes, we recommend using a more powerful high-end graphics card. Our recommendation, an NVIDIA Quadro RTX A2000 with 12 GB VRAM, RTX A4000 with 16 GB VRAM or RTX A5000 with 24 GB VRAM, alternatively an AMD Radeon Pro W6800 with 32 GB VRAM. For 3D rendering, the GPU in Allplan Architecture is under little stress.

Optimized hard disk configuration for Allplan 2023

We recommend installing the operating system and Allplan Architecture on an M.2 SSD. The whole system works faster with an M.2 NVME SSD hard disk as a boot drive. If the data is not stored on a server, the use of a RAID-1 array (mirror) is recommended. Thanks to the workgroup, Allplan Architecture provides you with the option of central data storage. If you checked the box for *Local storage on your own computer* during installation, your data is also saved locally.