Help with Improving Google SketchUp & LayOut Performance?

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Level 1

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Help with Improving Google SketchUp & LayOut Performance?

Hi,

I need some help upgrading (or replacing) my current computer to improve the performance of SketchUp Pro 8.0 & Layout.

Right now I'm using a 2009 21.5" iMac with a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 12 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 and an NVIDIA GeForce 9400 (256MB VRAM). I get lots of the dreaded rainbow wheel as my models increase in size.

Some suggestions have been to:

1. Try upgrading my existing computer to a graphics card with more dedicated onboard memory.

2. Invest in a new 21.5" i7 iMac with 512MB VRAM and Fusion drive.

3. Invest in a new 27" i7 iMac with 1-2 GB, Fusion drive, etc.

Since Google SketchUp is a single core program would these larger, multi-core processors do me any good?

Anyone have any thoughts on the matter? I assure you they'd be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance for any help.

Shawn

P.S. Here's the recommended hardware/software for this program:

Recommended hardware

2.1+ GHz Intel™ processor.
2 GB RAM.
500 MB of available hard-disk space.
3D class Video Card with 512+ MB of memory or higher. Please ensure that the video card driver supports OpenGL version 1.5 or higher and up to date.
3 button, scroll-wheel mouse.
Some SketchUp features require an active internet connection.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 3.06 GHz Intel Core Duo

Posted on Apr 15, 2013 12:55 PM

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Answer 1

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Apr 15, 2013 3:56 PM in response to sjdehner

Also just wondering, how full is your iMac's internal hard drive?

This can affect your iMac's performance, too!

How many applications do you leave up and running in the background while working in Sketchup?

With only 12 GBs of RAM and not 16 GBs, if you have a lot of other apps running in the background, these can steal RAM that Sketchup needs.

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Answer 2

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Apr 15, 2013 3:54 PM in response to sjdehner

If you want to invest in a new or newer iMac, I would look toward the mid 2011, 27 inch screen models.

Periodically check the Apple refurbished section of their website for one of these or seek out online used Mac resellers for one of these.

These are better iMacs overall than the brand new iMacs, IMHO.

Look for one of these with the i7 CPU with the 1 or 2 GB VRAM GPU.

If you find this as an Apple refurb, get it with the base RAM and add cheaper third party RAM later after purchase.

These iMacs can take up to 32 GBs of RAM.

Budget for 3-year AppleCare, as well.

Good Luck!

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Answer 3

sjdehner Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 15, 2013 3:55 PM in response to MichelPM

Hi,

Wow, thanks for the reply. My HD has 500GB capacity and 298GB's available. I do close out many programs when using SketchUp and LayOut. It's typically, SU and, say, a browser.

This seems like enough space to me. What's your opinion?

Cheers!

Shawn

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Answer 4

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Apr 15, 2013 4:03 PM in response to sjdehner

If you can afford a new or newer iMac, since you are having issues, you may want to consider a new or newer IMac. Any newer iMac that has a GPU that comes with the 512 MB VRAM as base standard or higher VRAM would be a plus. Plus, you'll get faster CPUs and iMacs that can install a greater amount of RAM.

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