OpenGL Hardware problem in SolidWorks 2008

[bartp]

Hey guys, I have a slight problem with my SolidWorks.

I purchased an academic license of SolidWorks 2008 for school (I'm an aerospace engineering major) but I'm having slight problem with enabling Hardware OpenGL on my laptop.

I have two computers, a brand new tower at home with good graphic card, SolidWorks works flawlessly on that. However, I primeraly use my laptop for everyday use, since I'm home almost never... I purchased the laptop in December, it's an HP dv2660se with Intel Centrino 965 chipset, meaning it has an IGP X3100 graphic card (integrated). From what I understand it supports OpenGL, but for some reason SolidWorks cannot detect hardware supported OpenGL. For, it enables Software OpenGL by default and disables the option of unchecking the "Use Software OpenGL" button in performance menu in properties. I'm trying to solve this riddle for some time now, I cannot find anyone else with the same problem, I tried countless things such as reinstalling the software, newest video Drivers, and trying to trace the option of enabling the Hardware Support in Windows Registery.

The SolidWorks support line is no use, as they tell me "Your graphic card is not on the list of supported hardware, therefore we cannot help you". From what I read, This verson of SolidWorks should detect any OpenGL supporing graphic card and use that, but for some reason it does not.

Did anyone else ever had that problem? or figured out how to bypass it? I would hate to replace a one month old laptop!

Thanks,
Bart

[DareBee]

2 strikes against you.
ATI is not a CAD friendly card.....period.
The openGL that that card supports is different than what SW 08 needs.

You will have to use software GL or get a new laptop.
My laptop is for occasional SW use so I cheaped out a wee bit and got a new Dell with an 8600M GT. It works very well.
If it was my primary CAD machine I would never use ANYTHING but a quadro card. Currently running 5 Quadro's and have thrown out a few old ones. I tried 3d Labs back in the early years but they was bad. FireGL is known for having driver issues but I haven't tried them for that reason (and the Quadro cards have been flawless!).

[Spinnetti]

Hmm.. Don't have a definitive answer, but I'm running it on a iMac which has an ATI x1600 card, and basically has laptop internals - works dandy.. may just need a driver? Post on the Soldworks user forums - Somebody should be able to help.

[bartp]

Hmm.. Don't have a definitive answer, but I'm running it on a iMac which has an ATI x1600 card, and basically has laptop internals - works dandy.. may just need a driver? Post on the Soldworks user forums - Somebody should be able to help.

its an Intel X3100 card, some Macs use this card as well and I know they work fine with SolidWorks

It also popped to my head that I'm using Vista Home Premium, and the manufacturer supports only Business and Ultra, maybe that has something to do with it.... Good thing that we have an MSDN account, I'll get a license.

[bartp]

2 strikes against you.
ATI is not a CAD friendly card.....period.
The openGL that that card supports is different than what SW 08 needs.

Its an Intel card not ATI, in which cases it's sometimes worst, but I originally purchased Centrino because of battery life, not thinking that I might do CADing later on.

[pixburghenat]

Its an Intel card not ATI, in which cases it's sometimes worst, but I originally purchased Centrino because of battery life, not thinking that I might do CADing later on.

...check with HP, they might have a 'piggyback' card that will plug in to up the graphics card.


pix

[DareBee]

Sorry bout that (I read 1300 (ATI) not 3100).

2008 has really upped the sys requirements, integrated graphics may not work at all anymore.

[JerryFlyGuy]

Sw is tough on computers and graphics cards. If there is a knock against the program, this has to be it. I purchased a new DELL Precision M6300 in December. It came w/ a Nvidia Quadro FX 1600M graphics card. I've got a 3 mth old 'Monster server desktop pc' w/ the same ram and an ATI FireGL V7350 card and the laptop kills it. If your serious about SW, the only sane thing to do is go and look up what they have for 'tested and approved/passed' video cards [and for laptops they include actual systems] on their website [it's why I bought/picked my M6300 over all the other 'cheaper' units on offer]
I've tested other laptops and I've yet to find one that works well w/ SW as these Precision models [there are lots of them on ebay, just search for Precision M60,M90,M4300 or M6300]. If it isn't on the approved list.. it's just a gamble and w/ the kinda $$ laptops cost.. you gotta be pretty lucky to get one that works and not lose your shirt at the same time.

Now that you have the HP, I'm not sure if there is an upgrade you can do to install a better card [I suspect that it's an 'on-board' card which isn't replacable]. I don't know if you'll ever be able to run SW on it.

Sorry

[DareBee]

I bet a Vid company could make good money by developing a good PCMCIA vid card, or something similar.

[tnik]

For, it enables Software OpenGL by default and disables the option of unchecking the "Use Software OpenGL" button in performance menu in properties.

if you goto options before opening a part file and check the open GL on, does it turn it off after you open a part file?

[d8432]

You said that your OS is Windows Vista... I think it isnt a good system for CAD, even if you have all drivers adn SW 2008. I guess you could try switching to XP and re-install SW.

There are some forums where you could get your drivers (if u dont have em), so try it. My laptop came with W Vista and 0 drivers, I just could use Explorer and Word, but when changed to XP with all drivers it was quite fast... If it cant be helped well.... you may think on getting another laptop, maybe one with a Geforce Go.

Good luck

[JerryFlyGuy]

While I use XP and haven't used Vista [avoid it if possible] SW is certified for use w/ Vista 32bit.. I've not heard anyone complain about it not working properly on the SW site forums.. [Maybe I'm just not paying close enough attention over there....]

What service pack are you trying to run??