How to optimise your workstation for SketchUp Pro 2026

Optimal RAM Configuration for SketchUp Pro 2027 - Recommendations for Professional Business Workstations

Random Access Memory (RAM) plays a critical role in professional SketchUp workstations. Especially when working with large-scale architectural models, detailed interior designs, complex 3D constructions, or when running multiple applications simultaneously, having an appropriately sized amount of RAM is essential for system stability and operational speed.

While processor performance primarily influences the speed of interactive modeling, RAM provides the necessary capacity for storing geometries, components, textures, materials, and other model data. As a project grows in scale, having sufficient RAM becomes increasingly important. If available RAM runs low, Windows is forced to offload data to the SSD—a process significantly slower than accessing RAM. This can result in longer loading times, delayed responsiveness, and a noticeable drop in overall performance.

For professional users, therefore, RAM configuration should not be based solely on the software’s minimum requirements. Instead, it should be tailored to the specific scale of your projects and your overall workflow. In addition to SketchUp itself, one must also account for other programs used in parallel—such as LayOut, V-Ray, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop, CAD and BIM applications, as well as web browsers and general office software.

SketchUp 2027 requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM on Windows. However, this figure represents only the absolute technical minimum and is not a practical target for a professional business workstation. For productive, professional use, we recommend significantly higher memory capacities, depending on the scope of your projects. Small to medium-sized SketchUp projects – 32 GB of RAM as a professional baseline

For small to medium-sized projects—such as furniture design, interior planning, single-family homes, and modest commercial properties—32 GB of RAM is a recommended baseline configuration. This capacity provides sufficient headroom for day-to-day modeling, handling a large number of components and materials, and simultaneously running standard office and CAD applications.

For workstations equipped with an Intel Core i7-12700K, i7-13700K, i7-14700K, or Core Ultra 7 265K, it is advisable to use two identical 16 GB DDR5 modules (or an equivalent DDR4 kit for older platforms). Utilizing dual-channel mode provides higher memory bandwidth than a single memory module would. Furthermore, with a suitable motherboard, this setup leaves the option open to expand the system memory at a later date.

If you frequently work with multiple SketchUp projects open simultaneously, utilize extensive component libraries, or run additional image-editing and visualization software, you should consider 64 GB of RAM—even for projects of this scale. A larger memory buffer offers greater flexibility in your daily workflow and reduces the risk of running out of available RAM when multiple applications are open at once.

For professional Intel Xeon-based systems (such as those featuring the W3-2535), a configuration of 32 GB or 64 GB may also be appropriate. In this case, however, the primary advantage is not necessarily an increase in SketchUp performance, but rather the ability to utilize ECC (Error Correction Code) memory, four memory channels, and other professional-grade workstation features. The older Xeon W-2255 and W-2265, by contrast, are based on DDR4 technology and should therefore be equipped with compatible DDR4 ECC modules.

Medium to Complex SketchUp Projects – 64 GB of RAM for Professional Architectural Workstations

For medium-sized to complex architectural projects such as large commercial properties, extensive interior design plans, or detailed 3D constructions—we recommend 64 GB of RAM as an optimal starting point. This capacity provides significant headroom for large-scale models, a high number of components, high-resolution textures, and the use of multiple applications simultaneously.

For workstations equipped with an Intel Core i9-12900K, i9-13900K, i9-14900K, or Core Ultra 9 285K, a configuration with 64 GB of DDR5 or DDR4 memory (depending on the specific platform) offers a well-balanced solution. It ensures a smooth workflow in SketchUp, even for larger projects, while allowing other programs—such as LayOut, Photoshop, or visualization software—to remain open.

This memory capacity is also particularly advantageous when using V-Ray or Enscape. While actual rendering performance relies heavily on the CPU or GPU, the preparation of complex scenes, the loading of textures, and the concurrent use of various applications require additional RAM. In this context, 64 GB strikes an excellent balance between investment cost and professional-grade performance.

For systems based on the Intel Xeon W5-2555X or W7-2475X, we also recommend a minimum of 64 GB of DDR5 ECC memory. These platforms benefit from support for four memory channels; by populating these channels correctly, you can achieve higher memory bandwidth—a distinct advantage for memory-intensive professional applications. It is essential to ensure that the memory modules are distributed evenly across the available memory channels. For companies that use their workstations over several years and frequently face growing project sizes, equipping them with 128 GB of RAM can be an economically sound decision. This provides additional headroom for future software versions and more extensive workflows.

Large and Highly Complex SketchUp Projects – 128 GB of RAM for Demanding Professional Workflows

For large-scale architectural projects, extensive commercial or administrative buildings, detailed urban models, and complex BIM-oriented workflows, we recommend 128 GB of RAM. This capacity is specifically tailored for professional architectural firms, planning consultancies, and visualization service providers that regularly handle large datasets while running multiple applications simultaneously.

The primary advantage lies in the additional memory headroom. Extensive SketchUp models featuring numerous components, high-resolution materials, and complex geometry can consume a significant portion of available system memory. When other applications such as V-Ray, Photoshop, or CAD/BIM software are added to the mix, memory requirements increase accordingly.

For systems based on the Intel Xeon W5-2555X or W7-2475X, equipping the machine with 128 GB of DDR5 ECC RAM is an excellent configuration. It combines a professional-grade workstation platform with high memory bandwidth and ample capacity reserves. By utilizing four memory channels, the system memory is distributed optimally across the platform.

AMD’s Threadripper PRO 9000 WX series offers even greater potential. This platform supports eight DDR5 memory channels, making it an ideal choice for workstations with high demands for both memory capacity and bandwidth.

When using a Threadripper PRO 9955WX or 9965WX, a configuration with 128 GB of DDR5 ECC RAM provides a robust foundation for demanding architectural and visualization projects. The more powerful 9975WX and 9985WX models also benefit from a generous amount of RAM—especially when, in addition to SketchUp, tasks such as CPU-based rendering, simulations, and other memory-intensive applications are frequently performed.

For these systems, the memory should be distributed as evenly as possible across all eight memory channels. For example, a configuration using eight identical 16 GB modules provides a total capacity of 128 GB while utilizing all eight channels. Alternatively, higher-capacity modules can be used to achieve 256 GB or more.

High-End Workstations - 256 GB of RAM and Beyond for Professional Production Environments

For exceptionally large-scale projects, extensive BIM datasets, complex urban models, and professional rendering workflows, configuring a system with 256 GB of RAM or more can be highly beneficial.

This tier of memory capacity is primarily aimed at companies that work with massive models, run numerous applications simultaneously, or utilize their workstations as central production systems. Especially in large-scale visualization projects involving a multitude of high-resolution textures and expansive scenes, additional memory capacity can provide a decisive advantage.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX platform is particularly well-suited for such requirements. With its eight memory channels and support for large-capacity ECC DDR5 memory configurations, it provides an excellent foundation for high-end workstations.

The 32-core Threadripper PRO 9975WX, for instance, is well-suited for demanding architecture and visualization environments, where 128 to 256 GB of RAM serves as a powerful baseline. For exceptionally large projects or intensive parallel rendering tasks, expanding to 512 GB may be appropriate.

The Threadripper PRO 9985WX—and the 9995WX in particular—are designed for professional production environments with exceptionally high demands for parallel computing power and memory capacity. In these contexts, RAM configurations of 256 GB, 512 GB, or even more may be justified, depending on the specific application scenario. The critical factor here is not merely the number of processor cores, but the actual memory requirements of the software being used.

It is important to note, however, that more RAM does not automatically translate into better modeling performance within SketchUp. For instance, if a project only requires 30 GB of RAM, having 256 GB instead of 64 GB does not automatically result in a speed advantage. Rather, the added value lies in having extra headroom for larger projects, concurrent applications, and future requirements.

What should you consider when configuring the RAM for a SketchUp workstation?

Beyond total capacity, factors such as memory technology, the number of modules, and memory channels play a significant role. A high-performance workstation should therefore not only feature a large amount of RAM but also utilize a memory configuration that is well-matched to the CPU and motherboard.

DDR4 or DDR5 - choosing the right memory technology:

Depending on the motherboard, current Intel Core and Core Ultra platforms support either DDR4 or DDR5, or in some cases, exclusively DDR5. Intel Xeon W-2500 and W-3500 platforms, as well as AMD Threadripper PRO 9000 WX processors, rely on their respective designated memory technologies—DDR4 or DDR5, as applicable. It is not possible to mix different generations of memory. Consequently, when making a new purchase, you should always ensure that the chosen components align with the appropriate, current platform.

Dual-channel, quad-channel, and octa-channel:

The number of memory channels influences the available memory bandwidth. For Intel Core systems, it is advisable to use two identical modules to take advantage of dual-channel architecture. Professional Intel Xeon W systems can utilize four memory channels, while AMD Threadripper PRO offers as many as eight. In these cases, the RAM should be distributed as evenly as possible across all available channels. Simply increasing the number of memory modules does not automatically improve performance; what matters most is compatibility and ensuring the channels are populated correctly.

ECC memory for professional workstations:

ECC (Error Correcting Code) RAM can detect and correct memory errors. This provides an additional layer of security, which is particularly valuable for professional workstations, long-running computational processes, and mission-critical workflows. Intel Xeon and AMD Threadripper PRO processors, in particular, offer suitable platforms for this. It should be noted, however, that ECC does not directly make SketchUp run faster; rather, it enhances the reliability of memory processing.

Memory clock speed and stability: High memory clock speeds can improve memory bandwidth. For SketchUp, however, sufficient capacity is more important than achieving the highest possible RAM clock speed. We therefore recommend using memory modules and verified memory kits that are supported by your motherboard and processor. Professional business workstations, in particular, should be designed for stable, continuous operation rather than focusing exclusively on maximum clock frequencies.

The Optimal Graphics Card for SketchUp Pro 2027 - Recommendations for Professional Business Workstations

Along with the processor and system memory (RAM), the graphics card is one of the most critical components of a professional SketchUp workstation. It plays a central role, particularly when displaying complex 3D models, navigating through extensive architectural projects, and visualizing high-quality materials.

Unlike many traditional CAD applications, SketchUp does not rely solely on the raw computing power of the graphics card. Key factors include a high-performance GPU architecture, sufficient video memory (VRAM), high memory bandwidth, and reliable support for the latest graphics technologies.

SketchUp primarily uses the graphics card to render the model and process geometry, textures, shadows, and visual effects. During interactive modeling, users benefit from a powerful GPU—though CPU performance remains a significant factor here as well.

The choice of graphics card becomes especially important when SketchUp is combined with additional visualization solutions, such as Enscape, V-Ray GPU, or other real-time rendering applications. In these scenarios, modern NVIDIA RTX graphics cards excel, leveraging dedicated ray tracing and AI acceleration.

For professional business users, the choice of a graphics card should always be tailored to the specific use case: a workstation intended for standard SketchUp modeling requires different GPU resources than one designed for large-scale architectural visualization and photorealistic rendering.

Small to Medium-Scale SketchUp Projects - High-Performance Graphics Cards for Professional Use

For small to medium-scale architectural projects, interior design, furniture construction, and moderately sized commercial developments, a graphics card from the current NVIDIA GeForce RTX generation is an excellent choice. Crucial factors include sufficient graphics performance for smooth rendering, as well as ample VRAM to handle textures, materials, and complex model views.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, equipped with 16 GB of GDDR7, serves as an compelling entry-level solution for professional SketchUp workstations. Its primary advantage is its relatively large graphics memory, which provides sufficient headroom even when working with extensive textures and PBR (physically based rendering) materials. It represents an economically attractive option for standard modeling tasks, smaller architectural projects, and occasional real-time visualization. Companies looking to equip multiple workstations, in particular, can achieve a well-balanced ratio of GPU performance to investment costs.

A higher performance tier is offered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, also featuring 16 GB of GDDR7. It utilizes a significantly more powerful graphics architecture, delivering greater computational capacity for demanding 3D rendering, real-time visualization, and ray tracing. It is an especially attractive choice for users of Enscape and other GPU-accelerated visualization tools. For professionals who frequently switch between modeling and visualization, it provides an excellent level of performance.

Both graphics cards support modern NVIDIA technologies, such as ray tracing and DLSS, making them suitable not only for traditional SketchUp modeling but also for additional visualization tasks. For a new business workstation, we consider the RTX 5070 Ti to be a particularly compelling all-around solution.

Medium to complex SketchUp projects - high GPU performance for architecture and visualization

Larger architectural models, extensive interior design plans, detailed facades, and complex 3D constructions place higher demands on the graphics card. Especially when dealing with high-resolution textures, numerous materials, shadow calculations, and real-time visualizations, it is important to ensure that both the computing power and the graphics memory are sufficiently dimensioned.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, featuring 16 GB of GDDR7 memory, delivers exceptional graphics performance, making it an excellent choice for demanding SketchUp workstations. Its primary strength lies in its high GPU computing power, which is particularly beneficial for real-time rendering, ray tracing, and complex visualization tasks. It is an attractive option for architectural firms and planning consultancies that frequently use Enscape or other GPU-accelerated rendering applications. However, with 16 GB of VRAM, its memory capacity is somewhat limited compared to higher-end professional models; therefore, for exceptionally large scenes, it is worth verifying whether this capacity is sufficient.

For professional users who handle extensive rendering tasks alongside their SketchUp work, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 equipped with 32 GB of GDDR7 offers superior performance. It combines outstanding graphics power with a generous amount of VRAM, providing significant performance headroom for large-scale architectural visualizations, complex materials, high-resolution rendering, and demanding real-time scenes. It is also a compelling solution for GPU-based rendering with V-Ray. The large VRAM capacity is especially advantageous when complex scenes need to be processed entirely within the graphics memory.

For business clients seeking a high-performance, single-user workstation for modeling, real-time visualization, and rendering, the RTX 5090 represents a high-end solution. It is most economically justifiable, however, when the additional GPU power is utilized on a regular basis.

Professional Workstation Graphics Cards - NVIDIA RTX PRO for Business Clients

In addition to the GeForce models, companies should also consider professional NVIDIA RTX PRO graphics cards. These products are aimed specifically at architectural firms, engineering consultancies, and professional CAD users environments where, alongside graphics performance, factors such as reliability, professional-grade drivers, and long-term workstation stability are of critical importance.

The NVIDIA RTX PRO 4000 Blackwell is a compelling solution for professional workstations in the mid-to-high performance segment. With 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM, it provides ample capacity for large-scale architectural models, extensive texture libraries, and demanding visualization tasks. It is particularly well-suited for organizations that require a professional-grade GPU featuring high memory capacity and the latest ray-tracing capabilities. Unlike GeForce graphics cards, which prioritize maximum price-to-performance, the RTX PRO series is designed specifically for professional workstation use.

For even greater performance headroom, the NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell offers 48 GB of GDDR7 VRAM. It is designed for highly demanding workstation environments where large architectural models, complex visualizations, and compute-intensive GPU workflows are part of daily operations. The substantial VRAM is especially advantageous when handling complex scenes, high-resolution textures, and large-scale rendering projects. For professional visualization service providers and larger architectural firms, it serves as a compelling high-end alternative to the GeForce RTX 5090.

The key advantage of the RTX PRO series lies in its professional orientation, offering specialized features and driver options tailored for workstation use. However, it is worth noting that an RTX PRO card does not automatically deliver higher performance in SketchUp compared to a comparable GeForce model. For pure 3D modeling, a GeForce RTX card may often be the more cost-effective choice.

Our Graphics Card Recommendations for SketchUp Pro 2027

The following classification provides a practical guide for configuring professional business workstations:

• Small projects: GeForce RTX 5060 Ti - 16 GB VRAM

• Small to medium-sized projects: GeForce RTX 5070 Ti – 16 GB VRAM

• Medium to complex projects: GeForce RTX 5080 – 16 GB VRAM

• Demanding visualization: GeForce RTX 5090 – 32 GB VRAM

• Professional workstation: RTX PRO 4000 Blackwell – 24 GB VRAM

• High-end workstation: RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell – 48 GB VRAM

What should you pay particular attention to when choosing a graphics card?

Graphics memory (VRAM): The available graphics memory is a key selection criterion. For current Windows systems, SketchUp specifies a minimum of 8 GB of VRAM for models utilizing PBR textures, ambient occlusion, and image-based lighting. However, for professional workstations, we recommend 16 GB as a sensible starting point. For larger architectural projects and extensive visualizations, 24 to 32 GB or more is advisable.

Ray tracing and AI acceleration: If you use Enscape or V-Ray GPU, you should pay close attention to modern ray-tracing units. NVIDIA RTX offers an extensive software ecosystem and supports relevant acceleration technologies a significant advantage for professional visualization workstations.

Drivers and stability: For business workstations, we recommend using the latest NVIDIA Studio drivers or the professional drivers specifically designed for your RTX PRO card. Regular updates and verified compatibility with SketchUp and any installed extensions are essential. Graphics card and power supply unit (PSU): High-performance models, such as the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, require an appropriately rated power supply and cooling system. When configuring a workstation, you should also consider the case size, airflow, and available PCIe power connections.

Multiple graphics cards: Adding a second graphics card does not automatically provide a performance boost in SketchUp or Enscape. Enscape relies on a single GPU for both display and rendering. Consequently, in most cases, a single high-performance graphics card is a better choice than a multi-GPU setup.

Our conclusion: Which graphics card is the right choice for SketchUp Pro 2027?

For small to medium-sized SketchUp projects, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti with 16 GB of VRAM is a cost-effective entry-level solution. Those requiring more performance headroom for real-time visualization and rendering should opt for the RTX 5070 Ti.

For medium to complex architectural projects, we recommend the RTX 5080—or, if you frequently perform GPU rendering or work with larger scenes, the RTX 5090 with 32 GB of VRAM. It offers exceptionally high computing power and ample VRAM for demanding visualization tasks.

For professional business workstations where high VRAM capacity, professional-grade drivers, and long-term reliability are essential—the NVIDIA RTX PRO 4000 and RTX PRO 5000 (Blackwell architecture) are compelling alternatives. The RTX PRO 5000, in particular, with its 48 GB of VRAM, is well-suited for large-scale visualization and production environments.

Our recommendation for business clients: For most professional SketchUp workstations, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti with 16 GB of VRAM serves as an excellent foundation, offering a well-balanced mix of graphics performance and memory capacity. Users who frequently work with Enscape, V-Ray GPU, or complex architectural visualizations should consider at least the RTX 5080, or ideally the RTX 5090 with 32 GB of VRAM. For high-end professional workstations handling exceptionally large projects with high VRAM requirements, the RTX PRO 5000 (Blackwell) is an outstanding choice.

Ultimately, performance depends on the synergy between the CPU, RAM, and GPU: while the CPU primarily drives interactive modeling, the graphics card provides the power necessary for 3D rendering and real-time visualization. The VRAM is one of the factors that determines the scale of the scenes and textures that can be processed.

The Best Samsung NVMe SSDs for SketchUp Pro 2026 – Recommendations for Professional Business Workstations

Choosing the right SSD is a crucial component of a high-performance workstation for SketchUp Pro 2026. In professional architecture, interior design, and construction projects, the storage system directly impacts the speed and efficiency of the entire workflow. Whether you are booting up Windows 11 and SketchUp Pro 2026, loading extensive 3D models, opening large component libraries, or saving complex project files, a high-performance NVMe SSD ensures fast access times and high data transfer rates. For professional business workstations, we therefore exclusively recommend high-quality Samsung M.2 NVMe SSDs from the Samsung 990 EVO and Samsung 990 PRO series. Both series are based on advanced PCIe NVMe technology and provide a robust foundation for professional use. Beyond selecting the right SSD, the storage architecture is equally important. For an optimal workstation setup, we recommend keeping your operating system and applications separate from your active project data.

1. Samsung 990 EVO and 990 PRO - Our SSD Recommendations

Two Samsung SSD series are well-suited for professional SketchUp workstations.

Samsung 990 EVO - Efficient Performance for Professional Workstations

The Samsung 990 EVO is a high-performance, cost-effective NVMe SSD designed for modern business PCs. It supports PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2, offering flexible connectivity with compatible motherboards.

It is particularly well-suited as a system drive for Windows 11, SketchUp Pro 2026, LayOut, plug-ins, and other professional applications. For small to medium-sized project environments, the Samsung 990 EVO is an attractive solution when a good balance of speed, capacity, and cost-effectiveness is required.

Samsung 990 PRO - maximum PCIe 4.0 performance for demanding workstations

The Samsung 990 PRO is our top recommendation for demanding professional workstations. With its high-level PCIe 4.0 performance, excellent read and write speeds, and high IOPS, it is ideally suited for daily use with extensive SketchUp projects. It provides a powerful storage foundation, especially when working simultaneously with large project files, component libraries, textures, and additional visualization applications. For professional users who intend to use their workstation over the long term and want to ensure sufficient performance headroom, the Samsung 990 PRO is the premier choice.

2. Small to medium-sized SketchUp projects - the Samsung 990 EVO as a solid foundation

For small to medium-scale architectural projects, interior design plans, furniture construction, and manageable commercial projects, a 1 TB or 2 TB Samsung 990 EVO serves as a strong starting point. This SSD can accommodate the installation of Windows 11, SketchUp Pro 2026, LayOut, plug-ins, and their associated application data. While a single SSD may suffice initially if storage requirements are modest, we recommend planning for a second M.2 NVMe drive as early as possible for a professional business workstation. This allows for a clear separation between the system and project data—an advantage that becomes increasingly valuable as your collection of projects grows. Our recommendation:

• System drive: Samsung 990 EVO (1 TB or 2 TB)

• Optional project drive: Samsung 990 EVO (2 TB)

• Additional data backup: NAS or external backup system

3. Medium to complex SketchUp projects - separate system and project drives

For larger architectural models, extensive commercial projects, and more complex 3D designs, we strongly recommend a two-SSD configuration.

This approach ensures that the operating system and applications are kept strictly separate from active project data.

SSD 1: System drive

The following components are installed on the first Samsung M.2 NVMe SSD:

• Windows 11 Pro

• SketchUp Pro 2026

• LayOut

• Plug-ins and extensions

• Other professional applications

• Program-related system and application data

For the system drive, we recommend a Samsung 990 EVO or, preferably, a Samsung 990 PRO (1 TB or 2 TB).

SSD 2: Project drive

The second Samsung M.2 NVMe SSD is used exclusively for active project work. This is where the following are stored, for example:

• Current SketchUp project files

• Extensive component libraries

• Materials and textures

• CAD reference files

• Project-related images and documents

• Other project-related working data

For this drive, we recommend a Samsung 990 PRO (2 TB or 4 TB).

Why does this separation provide a speed advantage?

When system data and project data are stored on two physically separate NVMe SSDs, both drives can access data independently of one another. While Windows 11 and SketchUp Pro 2026 operate from the system SSD, project files, textures, and component libraries can simultaneously be read from or written to the second SSD.This reduces competing storage access requests directed at a single drive. Especially when working on large-scale projects or running multiple applications in parallel, this can lead to a smoother and more efficient workflow. Another advantage: the system SSD remains largely unburdened by large project datasets and frequent file operations. Our recommendation for professional users: a 1 TB or 2 TB Samsung 990 PRO as the system drive, paired with a second 2 TB or 4 TB Samsung 990 PRO as a dedicated project drive.

4. Large and highly complex SketchUp projects - high-performance Samsung 990 PRO (2 TB to 4 TB)

For extensive architectural projects, large commercial real estate developments, detailed urban models, and BIM-oriented workflows, storage requirements increase significantly.

In addition to the actual SketchUp project files, these projects often involve large texture and material libraries, reference files, CAD data, and visualization resources. For this class of projects, we recommend a high-performance, dual-SSD configuration:

System drive:

• Samsung 990 PRO (2 TB)

• Windows 11 and all applications

• SketchUp Pro 2026, LayOut, and plug-ins

Project drive:

Samsung 990 PRO (2 TB or 4 TB)

• Active SketchUp projects

• Component and material libraries

• Textures and reference data

• Project-related visualization assets

The Samsung 990 PRO offers an excellent balance of high transfer speeds, low access times, and the reliability required for professional, everyday use. Separating storage in this way is particularly advantageous when working on frequently changing projects or handling extensive datasets.

5. High-end workstations - professional storage architecture with three Samsung NVMe SSDs

For large architectural firms, visualization service providers, and particularly demanding individual workstations, a three-SSD configuration may be appropriate. This setup involves creating three separate storage areas:

SSD 1: System and Applications

• Samsung 990 PRO (1 TB or 2 TB)

• Windows 11 Pro

• SketchUp Pro 2026

• LayOut and plug-ins

• Other applications

SSD 2: Active Project Data

• Samsung 990 PRO (2 TB or 4 TB)

• Current SketchUp projects

• Component libraries

• CAD references

• Project-related data

SSD 3: Libraries and Temporary Working Data

• Samsung 990 EVO or 990 PRO (2 TB or 4 TB)

• Extensive texture and material libraries

• Additional components

• Cache and temporary data from visualization applications

• Other project-related resources

This storage architecture allows for a highly organized structure when managing large datasets. An additional SSD is particularly beneficial in large-scale production environments where multiple applications simultaneously access extensive libraries and temporary data. However, a third SSD is not strictly necessary for SketchUp Pro 2026 alone. For most professional users, a well-configured two-SSD setup is already an excellent solution.

What should you pay particular attention to when choosing a Samsung SSD?

Samsung 990 EVO or 990 PRO?

The Samsung 990 EVO is an economical solution for solid professional workstations and less intensive storage requirements. We recommend the Samsung 990 PRO for demanding business configurations, larger project files, and scenarios requiring exceptionally high storage performance. If you are acquiring a new professional SketchUp workstation, you should opt for the Samsung 990 PRO whenever possible.

Capacity and Performance Reserves

An SSD should not be consistently filled to its maximum capacity. Having sufficient free space facilitates efficient data management and provides a buffer for future projects. For professional users, we therefore recommend:

• 1 TB as a sensible entry-level capacity for the system drive

• 2 TB as the preferred system capacity if you use a wide range of software

• 2 TB as the recommended minimum size for a project drive

• 4 TB for extensive project archives and large libraries

Temperature and Cooling

Both the Samsung 990 EVO and 990 PRO are high-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs. To ensure reliable, long-term operation, adequate cooling is essential. We therefore recommend utilizing the M.2 heatsinks provided with your motherboard and ensuring good airflow within the PC case. Proper cooling helps prevent performance degradation caused by high temperatures, especially during prolonged write operations or large-scale data transfers.

TBW and Lifespan

The TBW (Total Bytes Written) value indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive—as specified by the manufacturer—within the warranty period. For professional workstations, this figure is an important criterion when making a selection. Depending on its capacity, the Samsung 990 PRO offers high specified write endurance, making it well-suited for intensive daily workflows.

Data Backup and Redundancy

Even a high-quality Samsung NVMe SSD is no substitute for a backup. For professional business workstations, we recommend maintaining an additional data backup on a NAS, a central server, or a suitable external backup system. While RAID can increase availability, it does not replace a separate data backup. A versioned backup strategy that is regularly verified remains essential.

Our Recommendations for SSD Configuration for SketchUp Pro 2026

The following overview outlines our recommended Samsung NVMe configurations for various project sizes and professional business applications.

• Small projects: 1 TB 990 EVO – Project data: 1 TB 990 EVO

• Medium projects: System: 1 TB 990 PRO – Project data: 2 TB 990 EVO/PRO

• Complex projects: System/Programs: 2 TB 990 PRO – Project data: 2–4 TB 990 PRO

• High-end projects: System/Programs: 2 TB 990 PRO – Project data: 4 TB 990 PRO

• Large production environments: System/Programs: 2 TB 990 PRO – Project data: 4 TB 990 PRO – Plus: 990 EVO/PRO or central storage

Our Conclusion: Samsung 990 PRO and Separate SSDs for Maximum Efficiency

For professional SketchUp Pro 2026 workstations, we recommend a strict separation between the operating system, applications, and active project data. The Samsung 990 EVO provides a high-performance, cost-effective foundation for solid business configurations. The Samsung 990 PRO, by contrast, is our top recommendation for demanding professional workstations that handle large architectural models and extensive project files. Our preferred business configuration:

• System drive: 2 TB Samsung 990 PRO

• Project drive: 2 TB or 4 TB Samsung 990 PRO

• Data backup: A separate NAS, server system, or professional backup solution

This setup offers high local storage performance, ample capacity, and a clear distinction between system data and project data. The key advantage is that Windows 11 and SketchUp Pro 2026 can operate on two physically separate NVMe SSDs, independent of the active project files. This reduces storage access contention and creates the optimal environment for an efficient, professional workflow.

Our recommendation for business clients: When acquiring a new SketchUp workstation, do not focus solely on the processor and graphics card. Combining two high-quality Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSDs—one for the system and one for active project data—is a highly worthwhile investment in a powerful, future-proof workstation.