System Requirements
Overview
Most modern Windows PCs meet FlexSim's minimum requirements. Medium to large simulations and unique or complex modeling situations may carry additional hardware requirements. The recommended specs will give you the best experience using FlexSim Simulation Software.
Review our 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 modern 64-bit Intel or AMD processor1.
To meet minimum requirements for performance, compatibility, and vendor support (such as driver updates) we recommend a CPU produced within the last 5 years, such as:
ARM processors are not supported. |
| RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics |
A GPU supporting OpenGL 3.1 or higher.
To meet minimum requirements for 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. FlexSim is not designed for use with GPU virtualization2. |
| OS |
FlexSim supports the following 64-bit editions of Windows3:
FlexSim is not designed for use in virtual OS environments2. |
| 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.
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 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 processors built specifically for low power devices have lower performance than mainstream desktop and notebook processors. Consequently, for a highly demanding app like FlexSim responsiveness will suffer and simulations will take longer to complete on these low power CPUs.
-
FlexSim requires compatible 3D hardware and driver support, which may be missing from virtual environments. Certain virtualization platforms, configurations, and drivers may successfully run FlexSim, but FlexSim does not test or support installations on virtual systems.
-
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.