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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.

Here is a short video demonstrating how you can find the information about your hardware and drivers through the ‘dxdiag’ command in Windows. For more information, contact your hardware manufacturer. To identify your hardware and drivers, use the ‘dxdiag’ command in Windows as shown in the video below.

Where do I download PyroSim?

If you have already registered for a trial or purchased a license, click here to browse the downloads page.

Where is the 32-bit version of PyroSim?

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How will I know when to install a new version?

Recent versions of PyroSim will now automatically notify you when it is time to upgrade to a new version. If you turn off automatic updates or want to check at any time, you can click Check for Updates on the Help menu.

How do I install the floating license manager?

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How do I move my license to a new computer?

To begin the process, please fill out and return a PyroSim and/or Pathfinder license transfer request document to support@thunderheadeng.com. Once this is received, Thunderhead Engineering will associate the license keys to the new host information and send you a new license file.

How do I reactivate after reformatting my computer or changing hardware components?

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Note that since this video was created, NIST have moved their project to GitHub. https://pages.nist.gov/fds-smv/