Altium 19 Slow Performance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2019, 12:27:59 pm
content: I have been using Altium since version 16, it seems to be a constant roller since going to AD19. I'm currently on AD19.1.5 and the performance on my PC is poor. Simple tasks like selecting/moving/deleting components is slow. I select a component and a track, only to see the hourglass (or whatever you call it now) for ~1-2 seconds. Move those components, hourglass for another second, delete objects, wait another second or two. It just seems to be sluggish in everything I do, I've tried to reboot, minimize the projects, documents I have open.Is anyone else seeing this type of performance with AD19, or is it just me? I had a co-worker try on his PC, and it seems to have a similar performance issues. I don't have a top of the line PC, but it's not a $300 walmart special either.i7-377016GB RAMWin7 64-bitQuadro P2000Previous versions of AD19 have performed better, so part of me thinks something has changed on my machine, but I'm hoping the EEVblog crowd might be able to point me in the right direction.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2019, 05:58:44 pm
content: in your project options :project -> project options .first tab ( Error Reporting ) under 'violations associated with components' .Find the one that says ' component revision is out of date' and 'Component revision has inapplicable state' and turn those from whatever they are to 'No report'.Those can cause delays depending on your setup / network / internet connectivity. They really should only be enabled if you are running a vault , and that vault is local on your network or vpn

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2019, 01:41:27 pm
content: Those are good tips, I did that and restarted AD19. Unfortunately the problem still exists, but I'm glad to have made those changes since I'm not using ADvault.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2019, 03:19:06 pm
content: when you installed 19 : did you importyour settings from 16 ? if so : do a clean install of 19 without importing settings.your hardware is perfectly capable of running altium properly.I have 32 gig ram , Quadro K3000 and an i7-4800 and have AD19 , Solidworks and Catia open at the same time. Smooth as glass.

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 06:49:47 pm
content: Sorry for the delay, I had a looming deadline that I had to content with recently. I cam from AD18, and yes I believe I imported settings from the previous install. I have continued to do a little troubleshooting, nothing conclusive, but I am seeing Altium hit my HDD heavily at time causing periodic slowdown (auto-save maybe?) that lasts 5-10 seconds. Also it seems that Altium relies heavily on the windows registry accessing some strange seemingly unrelated registry settings considering what I am trying to do in Altium.I briefly spoke with Altium customer service about the problem, but they were quick to write it off as a graphics card problem. Not really willing to go any deeper until I am using a "recommended" graphics card. Are you running a solid state drive?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2019, 02:29:20 pm
content: yup. samsung SSD

author: rf-fil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2019, 04:12:20 am
content: Same here - the menu appears to take a few seconds to appear after clicking it. Altium 16 was OK.

author: larry42
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2019, 08:49:44 am
content: Core i5-7300SSD8GBWin10Intel graphics (620?)AD19.1.5 performance is pretty poor on my machine.Did not import settings.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2019, 02:03:04 pm
content: intel graphics. problematic.you need a good graphics card. especially iwth 19 now that they have the new renderer

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2019, 11:32:35 am
content: I recently updated to 19.1.5 without any issues and side effects, but I have installed a new version separately.Quote from: cjurczak on June 14, 2019, 06:49:47 pmYour Quadra P2000 is equivalent to GeForce GTX 1060 that suggested by Altium as the recommended system:https://www.altium.com/documentation/19.1/display/ADES/Altium+Designer+-+((System+Requirements))Did you tell customer support that?Quote from: cjurczak on June 14, 2019, 06:49:47 pmWell, I would not imagine if somebody still using HDDs for core system...

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2019, 11:44:21 am
content: Quote from: larry42 on June 27, 2019, 08:49:44 amIs it laptop?Are you student who lucky own Altum (almost) for free?That's okay machine for browsing, email, Word/Excel etc... come on, if you spent toward 5 digits on Altium and "save" a few hundred bucks on hardware beyond common sense.

author: Codex
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2019, 02:10:00 am
content: There are delays in Altuim that your PC performance will not effect. These delays will always bee there. These are external server delays, as Altium gets and pass a large amount of metadata back and forth to a range of servers.Whenever you touch a component it uses ciiva.com and octopart.com and other servers to track your BOM, do other operations you do with components. When it shows a component properties dialog this causes fields to be populated from these external servers, hence your waiting for those servers.Same with configuration/preferences and other stuff.There are some serious security issues with this.Altium is no longer a PCB software company, its a Marketing company now, it collects data and is using this to expand into all places in the electronic suppliers industry.

author: Fire Doger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2019, 06:25:05 am
content: Quote from: Codex on October 02, 2019, 02:10:00 amThis.I use a pc with lower spec's than larry's and I have no issue.Once I noticed this kind of lag and it was because I was using Mouser as a supplier in these parts.

author: 3dgeo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 06:50:48 pm
content: I know it's kinda old topic, but I'm having same issues – schematic window very laggy, selecting/moving takes more than a second.I doubt it's my hardware: 16 core Xeons, 64GB RAM, 2 RAID0 SSD, 1050Ti, WIN7...Anyone got this sorted out?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 07:39:36 pm
content: AD20 should fix the schematic rendering issues. The are replacing the schematic rendering engine with a direct X implementation."A smooth and fast schematic experience awaits thanks to DirectX in Altium Designer. This new implementation smoothes out zooming, panning even dramatically speeds up copy and paste functionality."https://www.altium.com/altium-designer/playlists/altium-designer-20-whats-new#playlist-main_video_H3uHYRBWAgCcXczRbDG9WWIn the mean time you may be able to mess with the GDI+ setting and see an improvement.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 07:49:32 pm
content: Got a lot of objects in the file? Got SCH/PCB List panel open? If so, set it to view selected items, not masked/all.There aren't really compile settings for SCH but there's live DRC for PCB that can be turned off.Tim

author: 3dgeo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2019, 09:21:21 pm
content: PCB window is not laggy, lagging only when copying, moving in schematic window. What I did notices that if I click and drag on the object and mouse gets moved on the other object (after a second lag or so) Altium starts to move object that mouse is on, not the object mouse was clicked on.Talking about DRC, is there a way to make via to stop from moving when it is near other object? Now if I move via I only see green stuff (object overlap) only when I let go mouse, I want real time DRC or that it not allow via to be moved more.I'm new to Altium, but man, some things make no sense, like having different locations to define grid and snapping step size... Tho I have to admit Altium is way more intuitive than other software I tried.Edit: I tried Altium with my slow 12+ year laptop, no lag what so ever, what gives?

author: AlexanderPanov
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 06:46:18 pm
content: I installed AD20 but meat a lot of bugs there.After this I installed AD19 with "load preferences from newer version."I saw the same bugs which you describe here: If I was zooming the schematic by mouse well I didn't see any effect until clicked on the sheet and etc.Schematic graphic didn't update instantly while moving sheet by mouse.I deleted AD20, AD19 and installed AD19 again (with default preferences) and got better schematic behavior.

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2019, 04:33:14 pm
content: This week our IT department forced us to upgrade to Win 10, and we upgraded to AD20 as well. Altium overall performance has been improved, but I don't know what fixed the issue. My previous Win7 install has been used from AD16,17,18, and 19.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2019, 06:03:02 pm
content: It is probably AD20. Like i said before they changed the way schematics are rendered. They use directX now.

author: 3dgeo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2019, 02:11:28 pm
content: Mine is AD20 as well, but it's not owerstatement when I say it works like crap... Extreem lag in schematic editor. I switch from EasyEda to avoid lag, but I'm not lying – Altium is way slower. Just to rename something takes 5 seconds. Am I the only one who have bugs in PCB editor like when in routing mode clicking on via icon makes no difference? I have to deselect routing mode by clicking mouse right button, only then I can pick via tool.Also I'm getting some grid misalignments that I can't get rid of (attached) – I want to punch my screen...There is a lot more bugs I found, but I can't be bothered to remember/write them all.I just can't wrap my head around the fact that program that costs 10K can work so badly... It seems that it's very hard to make good EDA software....I don't know what to do, I'm looking at that crap on my next monitor and thinking should I keep going with that enourmous lag or just delete it and go back to using EasyEda cos trust me it worked way better. Also I lost a lot of work cos Altium just crashed for no reaason.So frustrated at the moment.... Pile of crap...

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2019, 09:01:25 pm
content: Have you tried downgrading to v19? I've had no issues with losing data, you can set it to auto save various back up files as well (it might be on by default, check the History folder, etc.).If you are *actively* routing a trace, then you don't click the via button, you can do ctrl+shift+scroll to change layers and it will automatically drop in a via. Press Tab to set up the dimensions of said via.Grid issues, maybe you had snap to grid disabled at some point.I'm surprised someone would go from easyeda to altium.

author: aabbcc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2020, 10:40:55 pm
content: So I'm trying to learn altium again. Tried some time ago with v18 and it seemed to work ok from what I can remember. However now with v20 is super slow...Just selecting a pin in when creating a footprint takes 1 second for it to load the properties panel, clicking outside the pin again on the work area takes another second, etc....For example, trying to draw this resistor symbol takes approx 1 second for every time I have to click and change the direction of the diagonal line...Is there nothing I can do about this?Specs:Surface sp4i5-6300 2.4GHz8GB RamIntegrated graphics, intel HD 520256GB sddDo I really need to buy a dedicated workstation with an i7, 16gb ram and a dedicated graphics card for this?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2020, 12:16:03 am
content: Quote from: aabbcc on January 23, 2020, 10:40:55 pmOn a Surface ? you're joking right ?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2020, 12:22:26 am
content: Blueskull mentioned the schematic will constantly re-compile, I'm not sure if that is something you can disable in the options (like online DRC). Also dedicated GPU required.I would just go back to v18.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2020, 01:37:04 am
content: Altium recommended system requirementsQuote

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2020, 02:28:15 am
content: List panel open?It didn't used to be broken but in 18 or so they really screwed it up. SCH List is just about useless. PCB List is still fine (keep it set to "edit/view selected" though).In general, 20 is a lot slower than previous versions. It's dumb, go figure.Tim

author: aabbcc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2020, 12:22:40 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on January 24, 2020, 12:16:03 amNo, I'm obviously not joking. Also when loading one of the included example projects (even the bigger ones) pcb routing, 3d viewer and schematic capture seems to work just fine with with barely any lag. Creating schematic symbols for specific is where it's it's taking it's time loading for 1 second everytime I click on a pin, line or component. I dont know if it has anything to do with the supplier search because it feels like it is constantly trying to fetch all the metadata from digikey as soon as I click any of the component pins/lines.Quote from: thm_w on January 24, 2020, 12:22:26 amYea that sounds lke something that would cause every click to take 1 second. I'll check if I can disable something else. But yes, will probably revert to v18 which worked really smooth on my surface.Quote from: T3sl4co1l on January 24, 2020, 02:28:15 amYea I had the list panel open, will try to hide it and see if that helps! Really wanted to get v20 to work since the new router looks super nice.

author: aabbcc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2020, 12:51:28 pm
content: Also, straight from the horses mouth:"The need for a high-performance graphics card is directly related to the amount of use of the 3D PCB capabilities. For example, a Core i7 processor with on-chip integrated HD4000 graphics will be more than adequate if you only require occasional use of the 3D PCB capabilities. If you intend to make extensive use of the 3D PCB features, for computationally intensive tasks such as 3D video or interactive presentations, then it is recommended to use a high performance gaming graphics card in combination with a 3D mouse, such as the Space Navigator."https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/altium-designer-system-requirementsI.e. I don't buy it, either altium designer v20 is the most poorly optimized software in the world or there is something else at play. Having a project open with a blank pcb, blank schematic, schematic component list and simply drawing a symbol should not require a stationary workstation with an i7, an i5 with integrated graphics should be more than enough for that specific task and not incur a 1 second loading just because I'm pressing a line which displays component properties...

author: jusaca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2020, 07:38:59 am
content: Quote from: aabbcc on January 27, 2020, 12:51:28 pmTHIS.I'm perfectly aware of the differences between Eagle and Altium, but Altium just did such a good work with blowing up there code that somtimes I get the feeling they are trying to make it slow. Just ridiculous... I think for a lot of tasks Eagle would be even more productive, just because you can work faster with it. During the time Altium needs to start and load my project I would have already routed a simple board with any other tool ;(

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2020, 09:18:54 pm
content: Can leave Altium running, RAM is relatively cheap, use sleep mode on the PC instead of shutting down if you want as well. I restart PC maybe once or twice a month.Go back to an earlier version that is faster. If 20 is slow, stop paying for maintenance and let them know why. Don't torture yourself.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2020, 09:56:47 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 20, 2020, 09:18:54 pmDo you reckon it will help?Please do not forget if you will stop paying the subscription , very likely end up paying catch up fees later...

author: OwO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2020, 10:15:56 am
content: Reading this thread makes me happy 😇

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2020, 11:08:20 am
content: Why is that?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2020, 08:43:52 pm
content: Quote from: olkipukki on April 21, 2020, 09:56:47 amIts not going to help, if its just a few seats no one will care. But its the principle.

author: DmitryVovk
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2020, 10:05:59 pm
content: Quote from: cjurczak on May 30, 2019, 12:27:59 pmHiI had same problem untill not turn grid from dots to lines.

author: cmcraeslo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2020, 09:45:44 am
content: Has someone figured out how to fix this slow issue? AD16 is unning fine, AD19 is slow on component selection. Every time I click a component, it runs online DRC and it takes around 2s to finish. Is there a way to disable this?

author: Mars
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2020, 05:45:29 pm
content: I've also seen a performance hit in recent times but I'm not sure when it happened or what caused it. I reluctantly upgraded from AD18 (which was tolerable relatively speaking) due to a revision specific bug that caused trouble with bus member naming from designs made with eg AD16 or AD17. The bug was fixed in AD20 but overall the software now feels sluggish. But the worst part is not how the software performs, but what it does. God, I miss Xpediton PCB.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2020, 01:05:58 pm
content: You can do either:1) Global settings: Preferences : PPCB Editor - Online DRC2) Project settings: Design Rules -> Rules to Check -> ...In general, update to latest Ryzen (or Intel) high-clock CPUs, it costs peanuts compare to Altium prices

author: cmcraeslo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 09:56:33 am
content: I have DRC check set to a minimum (clearence only). AD16 doesn't suffer from this problem at all.What seems to bother me is the fact that it runs DRC check on simple component selection/deselection. Why would it do that? I'd understand that this happens when I move it.

author: fleks84
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 05, 2021, 06:43:20 pm
content: Anyone who has Altium slows down in Schematic mode - start by reducing the amount of grid display: Options - Grids (Imperial Grid Preset and Metic Grid Preset) - remove unused grid values. Be surprised)