DRAINS is a CPU-intensive application that has been optimised to utilise 64-bit Multi-Threading processors. Since ARR’s release of ensemble temporal pattern analysis in 2016, the demand on the CPU has increased by a factor of 10.
For the best performance, it is recommended to use a modern desktop CPU with multiple cores and hyper-threading, such as an Intel i7 10700K (8 Cores/16 Threads) or an AMD Ryzen 7 3800X (8 Cores/16 Threads). 8GB of RAM is OK for most model sizes, however, 16GB is recommended for running multiple applications simultaneously.
Although laptops are often sold with ‘Intel i7’ CPUs, it is important to understand if it is an Ultra Low power i7 (typically a CPU name including ‘U’ or ‘G’), Extremely Low Power i7 (CPUs with a ‘Y’) or the recommended High Performance / Desktop Replacement i7 CPUs (typically with a ‘H’,’HQ’ or ‘HK’). Although an ultrabook CPU should still be up to the task, it will likely generate excess heat and take significantly longer to complete an analysis.
Users should also consider utilising the ‘Individual Storms’ function to speed up model run times during preliminary model analysis. Search for ‘Individual Storms’ in the DRAINS Help Index.
