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Does RAM Impact Performance

Last updated: 4월 16, 20263 분 read.

SketchUp’s recommended hardware requirements state you need at least 8GB of RAM. That means for the average SketchUp model, 8GB should be all you need. Larger models can use up a lot of memory and may cause performance issues like stuttering while modeling. Upgrading your device’s RAM count can help prevent those types of issues. 

If you notice SketchUp using a lot of memory and you have more than the recommended amount, it may not be the amount of RAM you have but an issue with your graphics settings. Before you decide to upgrade your RAM, here are a few things to consider: 

  • Are you using a discrete graphics card? SketchUp recommends using a discrete graphics card that fully supports Open GL 3.0 or higher and has at least 64MB of video memory. For more information, see Which graphics cards are recommended for SketchUp?.

  • Is SketchUp using the correct graphics card? If you have multiple GPUs installed on your device, you can select which one you want to use in the Graphics section of SketchUp’s preferences. Make sure you are using your discrete GPU rather than the one built into your motherboard. 

  • Are your graphics drivers up to date? Out of date graphics drivers can cause freezing, artifacts, model slicing, and slow performance. See How can I update my computer’s graphics driver? for more information.

  • Which SketchUp graphics engine are you using? If you have an older GPU and have less RAM available, switching to SketchUp’s Classic graphics engine in the Graphics section of SketchUp’s preferences may help.

  • Have you been working in SketchUp for several hours in a single session? SketchUp can slowly use more memory the longer it’s open and you are actively modeling. If you’ve been working for a few hours in a row, consider saving your work and closing SketchUp. It may also help to restart your device.

  • Is an extension using a lot of memory? Some extensions can end up using a lot more memory than expected. If you see SketchUp using a lot of memory, try disabling each extension one at a time to see how each one impacts memory usage. It’s always a good idea to disable extensions you aren’t using.

  • Are you using a peripheral like a 3D mouse? Some 3D mice can consume a lot of memory when working in SketchUp. This is usually a hardware issue with the mouse itself, but can also be because of the software the mouse runs in the background, like overlays. Try adjusting the settings of your peripheral to reduce memory usage.