How to optimise your workstation for PTC Creo 11

When choosing the optimum Intel CPU for the PTC Creo 11 CAD software, the performance and efficiency requirements are crucial and depend heavily on the complexity of the project. PTC Creo typically uses single-core performance as many functions, such as modelling, are not highly parallelised. Nevertheless, complex projects also benefit from multiple cores when simulations and calculations are carried out. Here is a selection of suitable CPUs for different project sizes:

The best PTC Creo Workstation recommendations from Uli Ludwig

PTC Creo 11: The ideal CPU for maximum performance

A powerful processor is crucial for smooth performance in PTC Creo 11. High clock frequencies and multiple cores are ideal for efficiently calculating complex CAD models and simulations. CPUs with good single-core performance in particular offer the necessary power. Here is our expertise for small, medium and complex projects:

1. Small Creo projects (simple assemblies and components)

For smaller Creo projects, a high clock frequency and solid single-core performance are crucial. An Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU of the current generation is often sufficient here, e.g:

Recommended CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K or Core i7-13700K

Performance advantages:

  • High single-core performance for fast processing of geometries and components.

  • Good price-performance ratio for CAD applications with medium complexity.

  • Up to 14 cores (depending on the model) offer sufficient capacity for simple multitasking tasks such as small simulations.

The Intel Core models are usually sufficient for simple projects and offer high efficiency and speed at a manageable cost.

2. Medium-sized Creo projects (more complex assemblies with up to several hundred individual parts)

Medium-sized projects require a more powerful CPU that performs well in both single-core and multi-core performance. Intel Core i7 and Core i9 processors of the latest generation often offer an ideal combination of performance and efficiency:

Recommended CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K or Core i9-13900K

Performance benefits:

  • Increased single-core performance and a clock speed of up to 5.8 GHz (depending on model).

  • 16-24 cores provide more computing capacity for simulations and larger assemblies.

  • Thermal Velocity Boost optimises performance dynamically, which is noticeable during intensive CAD operations.

For medium Creo projects, the Core i9-13900K is a solid choice due to its performance and stability.

3. Complex Creo projects (large assemblies with over a thousand individual parts, complex simulations)

Intel Xeon processors are particularly suitable for large and complex Creo projects that involve extensive assemblies and simulations. These not only offer high single-core performance, but also numerous cores to efficiently process even very complex workloads:

Recommended CPU: Intel Xeon W9-3495X or Intel Xeon W7-3465X (depending on budget and requirements)

Performance benefits:

  • High single-core performance and optimised multi-core capabilities for simulation applications.

  • Up to 56 cores offer very high computing capacity for parallel workflows and multitasking.

  • ECC RAM support for additional stability in compute-intensive processes and data security.

  • Better thermal performance and optimised performance for long, complex calculations.

Intel Xeon CPUs are optimised for compute-intensive, long-lasting tasks and offer the robustness and performance required for complex Creo projects. These CPUs offer clear advantages, particularly for simulations, rendering and analyses in real time.

When using PTC Creo, a leading CAD software for design and product development, the choice of the optimal RAM plays a decisive role in ensuring smooth performance and efficient operation. The main difference between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM lies in their architecture and efficiency. While DDR4 is designed for speed and stability, DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and optimised performance features that are particularly relevant for compute-intensive applications such as Creo. Here are recommendations for the use of DDR4 and DDR5 memory in relation to project size:

1. Small Creo projects (2D sketches, simple components and assemblies up to approx. 100 components)

The memory requirements for small projects are generally moderate. DDR4 can still offer a cost-effective and powerful solution here, but users benefit from increased energy efficiency and a higher bandwidth with DDR5.

  • DDR4 recommendation: 16 GB, ideally 2x8 GB dual channel at 2666-3200 MHz.

  • DDR5 recommendation: 16 GB, 4800 MHz or higher, for optimised loading times and smooth modelling with comparable energy consumption.

2. Medium-sized Creo projects (more complex components and assemblies with approx. 100-1000 components)

In medium-sized projects, the load on the system increases significantly, which is why a higher bandwidth and faster memory access times are advantageous. DDR5 is more attractive here, as it enables more parallel accesses and is better suited to handling larger assemblies.

  • DDR4 recommendation: 32 GB (2x16 GB dual channel) at a minimum of 3200 MHz.

  • DDR5 recommendation: 32 GB (2x16 GB) at 4800 MHz or higher to ensure that even complex calculations can be carried out quickly and loading times are minimised.

3. Complex Creo projects (large assemblies and models with more than 1000 components, simulations)

For very complex projects that require high data processing and memory capacity, DDR5 has a clear advantage. The higher bandwidth and efficiency make DDR5 the ideal choice for users who regularly work with large assemblies and carry out simulations, such as FEM analyses or thermal calculations.

  • DDR4 recommendation: 64 GB or more, preferably 4x16 GB at 3200 MHz.

  • DDR5 recommendation: 64 GB or more, 5600 MHz or higher, to achieve maximum performance and stability. DDR5 offers not only speed, but also thermal efficiency, which is noticeable during long, intensive sessions.

When working with PTC Creo, choosing the right Nvidia graphics card is crucial to ensure optimum performance and stability, especially as requirements can vary greatly depending on the size of the project. Here is an overview of the recommended Nvidia graphics cards for PTC Creo, categorised by application: small, medium and complex projects.

1. Small Creo projects: Nvidia Quadro T-Series

For smaller projects in which simple assemblies and individual parts are designed and processed, a powerful but cost-effective GPU such as the Nvidia Quadro T series is sufficient. The T600 and T1000 models offer a good balance between performance and energy consumption. They support precise rendering and smooth navigation in the model without placing an excessive burden on system resources. The T-Series is ideal for smaller companies or individual users working on projects with low to medium levels of complexity.

Recommended models:

  • Nvidia Quadro T600: Ideal for basic CAD tasks, fast render times with minimal power consumption.

  • Nvidia Quadro T1000: Offers more memory and performance than the T600, ideal for small to medium sized projects.

2. Medium-sized Creo projects: Nvidia Quadro RTX 3000 and RTX 4000

For medium-sized projects that have more complex assemblies and higher processing requirements, the Nvidia Quadro RTX 3000 or RTX 4000 is a good choice. The RTX 3000 series offers excellent GPU rendering capabilities and allows you to work with larger files. Thanks to the RT and Tensor cores, users can efficiently utilise the ray tracing and AI-based functions of PTC Creo. The RTX 4000, with more cores and larger memory, also provides the performance to smoothly process larger assemblies with more detail.

Recommended models:

  • Nvidia Quadro RTX A2000: Ideal for medium-sized projects that often require larger assemblies and details. Delivers fast render times and stable performance.

  • Nvidia Quadro RTX 4000: Recommended for projects that are on the edge of high complexity and for users who need maximum efficiency with medium to large assemblies.

3. Complex Creo projects: Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 and higher

For complex projects, such as those often found in the automotive or aerospace industries, high-end graphics cards such as the Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000, RTX 6000 or even the RTX A5000 are required. These cards are designed for high-level parallel processing and offer sufficient memory and computing power to process even the most extensive assemblies and models in PTC Creo. The performance of these GPUs not only enables fast render times, but also ensures that large amounts of data can be processed smoothly and complex calculations can be performed.

Recommended models:

  • Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 / RTX A4000 / RTX 4000 ADA: The perfect choice for projects with complex assemblies that require highly detailed visualisations and animations.

  • Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000/RTX A5000 ADA: For users who need maximum performance. These models offer a particularly large amount of memory and support all modern graphics functions for PTC Creo.

To avoid a bottleneck between CPU and GPU in PTC Creo, there are some best practices and hardware adjustments that can help optimise performance:

1. Match CPU and GPU specifications to tasks

- PTC Creo is CPU-heavy in many tasks such as modelling, calculations and analysis, while the GPU comes into play especially when displaying large assemblies and high-resolution renderings.

- Use a powerful CPU with a high clock frequency, as Creo only uses a few threads in many tasks (single-core performance is often crucial).

- Use a professional GPU, such as NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro, that is certified for CAD software to ensure compatibility and performance.

2. check hardware compatibility

- Make sure that the CPU and GPU are a perfect match to avoid performance bottlenecks. A powerful processor coupled with a weak GPU (or vice versa) can lead to sub-optimal performance.

3. adjust rendering settings

- Real-time rendering: If Creo is used in real-time rendering (e.g. for visualisations), check the rendering settings. Set settings such as ‘Anti-aliasing’ and ‘Texture details’ to a level that suits the GPU.

- Display mode: Avoid too high a resolution and demanding modes such as ‘Realistic Shading’ if the GPU cannot handle this efficiently.

4. Creo performance adjustments

- Config.pro settings: Optimise the config.pro file for the best performance. Set graphics to opengl to fully utilise the GPU (if a dedicated GPU is available).

- Reduce resource-intensive visualisation: Reduce details and disable non-essential features (e.g. real-time shadows or reflections) when editing large assemblies.

5. Utilise RAM and SSD efficiently

- A sufficiently large working memory (RAM) minimises the frequency with which the CPU has to access the slower hard disk. This is particularly important for large assemblies.

- A fast SSD can significantly reduce the loading times for models and projects and reduces the load on the CPU when accessing files.

6. optimise drivers

- Make sure that both the GPU and CPU drivers are up to date. Specialised drivers for workstations from manufacturers such as NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro in particular can contain optimisations for CAD programs such as PTC Creo.

7. Benchmarking and monitoring

- Use tools such as Task Manager (Windows) or specialised software such as HWMonitor or GPU-Z to monitor CPU and GPU usage while working in Creo.

- If the CPU is often at 100% while the GPU is underutilised (or vice versa), this is an indication of a bottleneck that could be fixed by hardware upgrades or adjustments in Creo.

These approaches can help maximise the performance of PTC Creo by reducing the bottleneck potential between CPU and GPU.

The right hard disk configuration is crucial for optimum performance with PTC Creo 11, as it has a significant impact on the speed of data access, loading times and calculations. Especially with complex CAD models and simulations, a well-coordinated storage solution can bring noticeable performance benefits. The ideal configuration depends on factors such as working environment, data volume and budget, but some tried and tested setup options have proven to be particularly efficient. Below we present the best hard drive configurations for maximum performance in PTC Creo 11.

1. Basic recommendation for Samsung M.2 NVMe SSDs with PTC Creo

Samsung M.2 NVMe SSDs offer high read and write speeds that can significantly improve the performance of PTC Creo, especially when working with large assemblies and extensive data sets. They are ideal for fast access to design data and reduce loading times in Creo.

Recommended Samsung SSDs:

  • Samsung 970 EVO Plus: High performance and good cost-benefit balance for most applications.

  • Samsung 980 PRO: Very high write and read speeds, ideal for compute-intensive and complex projects.

  • Samsung 990 PRO (if compatible): Highest speed and longevity, particularly suitable for complex and extensive projects.

2. Configuration for small Creo projects (<500 MB board size)

For small projects, the storage requirement is low and a single, high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD is sufficient. Short loading times and fast access are crucial here, but the data volumes place little load on the system.

Recommended SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus (500 GB or 1 TB)

Hard drive configuration:

  • 1 M.2 NVMe SSD for operating system (Windows) and Creo installation

  • Optional: Separation of project and application data to maximise read speed, but not absolutely necessary for small projects.

Advantages: Maximum speed with a single fast SSD, lower costs and easy handling without additional configuration.

3. Configuration for medium-sized Creo projects (500 MB - 5 GB assembly size)

Medium-sized projects benefit from a configuration that splits the operating system, software and project files across different SSDs to enable parallel access and thus increase performance.

Recommended SSDs: Samsung 970 EVO Plus or Samsung 980 PRO (1 TB each)

Hard drive configuration:

  • SSD 1: Operating system and Creo installation on a 970 EVO Plus or 980 PRO (1 TB)

  • SSD 2: Project data on a separate M.2 NVMe SSD (e.g. 970 EVO Plus or 980 PRO, also 1 TB)

Advantages: Separation of software and data increases I/O speed, which has a positive effect on loading times and responsiveness, especially with larger data sets.

4. Configuration for complex Creo projects (>5 GB assembly size)

Complex projects with large assemblies and high data access and swapping requirements require an advanced hard disk configuration. Here, the simultaneous use of three M.2 NVMe SSDs is ideal to completely separate operating system, application and project data and minimise bottlenecks.

Recommended SSDs: Samsung 980 PRO or 990 PRO (1 TB or 2 TB)

Hard drive configuration:

  • SSD 1 (OS): Operating system and basic software on a 980 PRO or 990 PRO (1 TB)

  • SSD 2 (application data): Creo installation and frequently used work files on a separate M.2 NVMe SSD (e.g. 980 PRO or 990 PRO, 1 TB)

  • SSD 3 (project files): Project data on a dedicated 980 PRO or 990 PRO (1-2 TB)

Advantages: Maximum performance through complete separation of data streams, fast access to large amounts of data and longer service life of the SSDs through load balancing.

Additional tips for optimising the use of Samsung M.2 NVMe SSDs in Creo:

  • Samsung Magician: Install the ‘Samsung Magician’ tool for regular monitoring and maintenance of the SSDs (firmware updates, performance tuning and health monitoring).

  • Ventilation and cooling: As M.2 NVMe SSDs quickly become warm during intensive use, sufficient cooling (heat sinks or optimised air circulation) is necessary to avoid performance throttling.

  • Backup and versioning: For complex projects, we recommend regularly backing up data to a separate backup SSD or a network server to prevent data loss.

Workstation recommendations for PTC Creo