Why the increase in recommended RAM? In a word, Java. The FastChip tools are written in Java and require a Java virtual machine (JVM). JVMs are notoriously resource hungry. The Triscend software development team didn't enter into the Java decision lightly. It was a conscious decision of programmer productivity versus resource requirements.

Starting with FastChip 2.1, Triscend added command-line capabilities as well. You can run most everything from a DOS box and reduce overall resource requirements. Just type 'csoc' at the prompt for a complete list of options.

The command-line version still runs on the JVM but requires less memory because there is no graphical interface.

For FastChip, more RAM is more important than more CPU MHz. Likewise for virtual memory swap space on your hard drive.

There is a list of generic things that make FastChip run faster at the following link.
http://support.triscend.com/triscendk...lic/31.htm