There are many ways to reduce the overall computation time. A combination of the computer hardware, operating system and optimizations to the model configuration are all part of a solution.
PyroSim will run pretty well on just about any fairly recent computer with the Windows 7 and later or Windows Server 2012 and later 64 bit operating systems. For high performance, read the following.
- Take advantage of parallel processing. PyroSim has an integrated option to run FDS in parallel, however, this requires that you use multiple meshes for the solution. PyroSim provides tools that help you easily split a large mesh into smaller meshes and checks that all meshes are properly aligned (see the post on parallel processing with PyroSim).
- Multiple cores speed the solution for models with multiple meshes. Dual processors with multiple cores are better than a single processor with multiple cores. Of course, faster processors are better, but a slightly slower processor with more cores is likely the optimum configuration.
- A mid-range video card will perform well (see the videocard benchmarks at PassMark). Support for OpenGL 2.0 is required. Pathfinder can use features in OpenGL 3.1 (release in 2009), so if you plan on running both PyroSim and Pathfinder select a card that supports OpenGL 3.1.
- Plan on 1 GB of ram for each million cells in your model. 8GB of ram is usually more than adequate, but 16GB will accommodate very large models.
- A large model can require 2-4GB of storage for the output.
- To run your simulation in parallel, on the PyroSim FDS menu, click Run FDS Parallel and the solution will automatically assign individual meshes to the cores in your computer.