We’ve had recent conversations in the last year with the folks at Siemens Parasolid, for example, talking about their market-leading modeling kernel, and how much of it can be optimized for multi-threaded processing taking advantage of more CPU cores. This fundamentally has to do with the mathematical realities that make 2/3D CAD software work. Most CAD and 3D modeling software are “single-threaded” and not optimized for the utilization of multiple cores on chips. That article dives deep but let’s summarize some key items below. (see, Architosh: “The M1 Mac mini vs iMac Pro 2017 vs Everyone (Part 1),” 12 April 2021). Recently we published an in-depth feature here on Architosh.

Let’s put all other aspects of the new iMacs aside for a moment and simply concentrate on the performance of the M1 chip with regards to CPU and GPU (graphics) performance.

Readers may be wondering if these machines are powerful enough for good performing CAD and 3D work. The new machine is powered by Apple’s own chip, the M1. Apple unveiled this week a totally redesigned iMac in a 24-inch version with a stunning new thin design.

Fusion 360 for mac m1