Internal testing using large datasets has shown a 30 percent increase in performance running EnSight in 64-bit mode versus 32-bit mode on the same machine. Perhaps more importantly, Windows x64 supports up to 128 GB of RAM, allowing visualizations of models that in the past were too large to display on desktop systems.

In addition to being able to load larger models, Schikore says that the 64-bit EnSight will enable more complex visualizations with multi-variate data to be cached on client systems residing on the desktop.

"EnSight users will be able to load transient flipbook animations in memory and play them back on the desktop," says Schikore. "Professionals who rely on high-end visualization to solve complex problems will get more bang for their computing buck."

Legacy 32-bit applications can be run on the new platform, ensuring availability of everything users are accustomed to on their current desktop system. No special EnSight license is required; existing customers can start using 64-bit Windows without any additional upgrade fees from CEI.

"This is a significant milestone for the CFD, FEA and HPC communities," says Darin McKinnis, CEI's vice president of sales and marketing. "For years users have had to weigh the need for 64-bit computing that handles large datasets and provides higher precision against the desire for rich application support from Microsoft Windows. Now, they can have both."