SPEC/GPC's Application Performance Characterization (SPECapc) project group announces new benchmarks for SolidWorks 2001, Unigraphics V17, and 3ds max 4. SPECapc for SolidWorks 2001 and SPECapc for Unigraphics V17 are available for free downloading on this web site. SPECapc for 3ds max 4 is scheduled for release in the first half of 2002.

SPECapc for SolidWorks 2001 is an upgrade of the original SolidWorks 99 benchmark developed by SolidWorks and later enhanced by SPECapc. The benchmark represents typical working patterns of a SolidWorks 2001 CAD/CAM user. New features include a model of a Suzuki engine that contains 2.25-million vertices, replicated models to increase complexity, and an increase in resolution to 1280 x 1024 and in color depth to 24 bits per pixel.

SPECapc for Unigraphics V17 is a new benchmark developed by UGS that reflects new functionality and features in the latest version of the popular CAD/CAM application. New models include an engine assembly containing more than 400,000 vertices, and an intake manifold assembly containing more than 200,000 vertices. Both models are considerably larger than those used in SPECapc for Unigraphics V15.

SPECapc for 3ds max 4 is an updated benchmark that runs on the latest version of the world's most popular 3D animation package. It uses the same models and scenarios as the 3ds max benchmark that SPECapc introduced last year. The benchmark was developed by CAT Production (www.CAT-zentrum.de), a German computer animation and special effects studio, and updated by SPECapc.

SPECapc continues to seek additional benchmarks for leading software programs in three key application areas: CAD/CAM/CAE, visualization and digital content creation (DCC). SPECapc benchmarks and updated performance results are offered for free on this web site.

"SolidWorks and UGS provided a great service to the industry by supplying the models and operations for these benchmarks," says George Chaltas of Intel, SPECapc's chair. "It's an ideal mix, with the ISV contributing the application expertise and SPECapc implementing the proven SPEC/GPC methodology that ensures appropriate graphics workloads and standardized measurement criteria, review processes, and reporting formats."

SPECapc is a project group of the Graphics Performance Characterization (GPC) Group, which in turn is part of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corp. (SPEC). SPEC is a non-profit corporation formed to establish, maintain and endorse a standardized set of relevant benchmarks that can be applied to the newest generation of high-performance computers. SPEC's membership includes computer hardware and software vendors, and leading universities and research facilities worldwide.

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