The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPECgwpg) released its updated SPECapc SolidWorks 2025 benchmark to provide guidance to users when selecting appropriate hardware for Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks. This release provides a comprehensive suite of 48 graphics and 12 CPU tests designed to evaluate workstation performance. The timing is significant as the design community prepares for the upcoming 3dExperience World conference in Houston, where hardware and cost optimization remains a primary focus for engineering professionals and IT departments.
Model example: Audi R8 (car)—715 MB in memory, exercising graphics and Visualize CPU ray tracing. (Source: SPEC)
The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation, specifically the Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPECgwpg Committee), announced the immediate availability of the SPECapc for SolidWorks 2025 benchmark. This updated release is designed for vendors and users running a modern version of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks such as like 2025 and, to some extent, the new 2026. It’s important to understand that while the benchmark development time adds some latency, most of the core features remain stable between releases. The tool serves as a critical resource for users and IT departments evaluating how modern hardware handles increasingly complex design and simulation tasks. The objective is still the same, empowering users with tools that help them maintain their productivity, which translates to higher-quality outcomes.
“While the core features of the benchmark remain consistent, this update is vital for users who need precise performance data to optimize their hardware for the most current version of SolidWorks,” said SPECapc Chair Jessica Heerboth.
The benchmark includes a thorough evaluation of workstation capabilities through 48 graphics tests and 12 CPU tests. These tests utilize 10 distinct models to exercise various functions, including a motor assembly, a NASA crawler-transporter model, a jet engine, a supercar, among many others. The graphics suite specifically measures performance across view settings such as RealView, Ambient Occlusion, and Shadows, while CPU tests perform rebuild, simulation, conversion, and SolidWorks Visualize CPU rendering. The latter is heavily optimized to run on GPUs from Nvidia and now supports AMD too; having said that, there are many cost-optimized CAD workstations with low-end GPUs, which makes CPU rendering still important and relevant.
“Workstation optimization is a moving target as software complexity grows. This SolidWorks benchmark illustrates our commitment to continuous improvement through updating to the latest version of SolidWorks,” said Heerboth Whether it’s measuring RealView performance across 10 distinct models or stress-testing simulation speeds, the SPECapc for SolidWorks 2025 benchmark provides the definitive roadmap for vendors and users to maximize their workstation ROI.”
The release of this tool is strategically timed with the start of Dassault Systèmes 3dExperience World. Taking place February 1–4 in Houston, the event is the annual conference for the global design, engineering, and manufacturing community. It serves as a technical and strategic hub for thousands of professionals and industry leaders. Key highlights of the 2026 event include industry-leading keynotes, technical sessions, and professional certification opportunities.
Model example: SpaceShipCrawler (NASA crawler-transporter model)—2.3 GB in memory, exercising graphics. (Source: SPEC)
Availability
The SPECapc for SolidWorks 2025 benchmark is available for immediate download from SPEC under a two-tiered pricing structure: free for the user community and $2,500 for sellers of computer-related products and services. SPEC/GWPG members receive benchmark licenses as a membership benefit. For more information, visit: gwpg.spec.org/.
About SPEC
SPEC is a non-profit organization that establishes and maintains standardized benchmarks for the computing industry. It includes more than 120 member companies, including hardware and software vendors as well as research organizations.
What do we think?
We congratulate the SPEC Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (GWPG) for another successful release as part of a series of great benchmarking tools including updated SPECviewperf and SPECworkstation versions. With so many exciting CPUs and GPUs coming to market, having state-of-the-art benchmarks is critical to understand what we, as users, are missing out until we migrate to the latest workstations.
By providing a standardized, repeatable set of tests, based on real-world workloads, SPEC allows both OEMs and end users to have meaningful conversations about performance. If you are attending 3DExperience World, ask your workstation vendors for the SPECapc for SolidWorks scores and use them to select the configuration that matches your company needs.
CAD and simulation represent a massive portion of the workstation market, with close to 43% of all workstation usages are for SolidWorks, a key application in this vertical. More information pertaining to workstations, whether for that industry or others, can be found in the JPR Workstation Report.
— The Workstation Cavalry
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