System Requirements
Overview
FlexSim is designed to run on most modern Windows systems. Unique or complex modeling situations may carry additional hardware requirements.
Review the FlexSim Answers article Recommended System Requirements for an in-depth discussion regarding the hardware components that make the most difference when building and running your simulation models.
Minimum System Requirements
Most desktop and laptop computers produced in the last few years meet FlexSim’s minimum requirements. A system that meets these minimum requirements will allow you to:
- evaluate FlexSim
- work through the tutorials
- build and run small to medium sized models
| CPU |
Any modern1 x86 or x64 Intel or AMD processor.
For minimum performance, compatibility, and vendor support (such as driver updates) we recommend a CPU produced within the last 5 years, such as:
|
| RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics |
A GPU supporting OpenGL 3.1 or higher.
For minimum performance, compatibility, and vendor support (such as driver updates) we recommend a GPU produced within the last 5 years, such as:
You may need to update your graphics driver for FlexSim to work properly. See the FlexSim Answers article Graphics Compatibility - Common Problems and Solutions for more suggestions on improving graphics compatibility and performance in FlexSim. |
| OS |
Any Windows operating system currently supported by Microsoft2, 32- or 64-bit.
Supported editions of Windows include:
|
| Disk Space |
3 GB free
|
| Additional Software |
|
Recommended Specs
For the best experience - and for larger, more graphically intense, customized, or complex models, including using features such as importing CAD drawings, custom 3D objects, using the experimenter or optimizer, etc. - we recommend certain upgrades above the specifications listed in the minimum requirements.
Our recommendations are included in the following table. A high-end computer system produced within the last two years will typically include such specifications.
| CPU |
A CPU scoring 15,000 or better in PassMark - CPU Mark multi-thread benchmark, and 2,000 or better in the single-thread benchmark, such as:
|
| RAM | 16 GB RAM or more |
| Graphics |
A GPU scoring about 10,000 or better in PassMark - G3D Mark benchmark, such as:
|
| OS | One of the last two versions of Microsoft Windows 10, 64-bit. (See the Windows 10 version history table). |
Notes
-
Some modern low power processors, such as Intel’s Atom, have lower performance in highly demanding apps like FlexSim than mainstream desktop and notebook processors. Consequently, software responsiveness will suffer and simulations will take longer to complete on these low power CPUs. ARM processors are not supported.
-
Once an operating system reaches its end of extended support with Microsoft, FlexSim no longer actively supports that OS. Windows on ARM is not supported.
-
FlexSim uses functionality provided by Microsoft’s latest .NET framework. A compatible .NET framework is already installed on most computers, though if necessary, it can be downloaded directly from Microsoft.
In addition, for FlexSim versions prior to 20.0.1, the OptQuest Add-on requires the .NET Framework version 3.5, which can be installed through the "Turn Windows features on or off" feature in Windows or can be downloaded directly from Microsoft. See The Experimenter and Optimizer for more information.
OptQuest with FlexSim versions 20.0.1 and later uses Microsoft's latest .NET framework.