BOXX Updates SOLIDWORKS Workstations

Desktops, mobile workstations promise more speed, power for users.

Overclocking the Intel Core i7 8700K processor to 4.8GHzpreps the BOXX APEXX S3 for heavier CAD projects. (Image courtesy of Digital Engineering.)

Overclocking the Intel Core i7 8700K processor to 4.8GHz preps the BOXX APEXX S3 for heavier CAD projects. (Image courtesy of Digital Engineering.)

High-performance workstation manufacturer BOXX Technologies came out swinging at SOLIDWORKS’ last user meeting with the APEXX S3–the world’s fastest workstation, according to the company–followed by other exciting CAD station options.

Users had a chance to test out the company’s new systems at the 3D CAD event, which included the APEXX T3, built with an AMD 16-core Ryzen Threadripper processor, and two mobile workstations (covered below).

BOXX produced the APEXX S3 with the goal of boosting throughput while also reducing unnecessary components. After getting rid of old technology like the optical drive bays, the company was able to have more room available for the things users care most about, such as the Intel Core i7 8700K processor, safely and expertly overclocked from 3.7GHz to 4.8GHz. For users, the overclocking greatly improves rebuild times, opening up larger files, and overall workflow in more demanding projects. The APEXX S3 can take up to two dual-slot NVIDIA or AMD Radeon Pro graphics cards, as well as an additional single-slot card. It also contains solid-state drives and faster memory at 2600MHz DDR4. A liquid-cooled system supports the entire build in maintaining the overclocked frequency just as the industrial-grade steel body promotes airflow.

At the event, the APEXX S3 showed its chops by running both SOLIDWORKS 2018 as well as the newest SOLIDWORKS Visualize software. The booth also showcased the free add-on ProRender for SOLIDWORKS, which allows users to export their models into a rendering engine for virtual reality (VR) visualization.

Also featured at the BOXX booth was the APEXX T3, which functions as an AMD-based system and is powered by the AMD Threadripper CPU and Radeon Pro WX9100 GPU. With these features, the system capably covers its bases, from design to rendering to VR.

The company’s GoBOXX MXL VR provides mobile VR for designers on the go, making it easier to progress projects from SOLIDWORKS to VR. This is made possible through the Intel Core i7 processor clocked at 4.0GHz, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and a RAM capability of up to 64GB.

For even more portability, BOXX presented another solution for engineers through the GoBOXX SLM, a .69-inch thick, 3.96-pound mobile workstation. In its tight build, the SLM features a four-core, Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card—all of which can be enjoyed on a 15-inch HD display with 1920×1080 resolution.

For CAD designers, BOXX provides many efficient solutions to address your varying needs. If you have the money to invest in these $3,000 to $4,000 machines and want optimized tools to bring your designs to life, I’d recommend you take a look.