Question: Massive Matrix, Faster Computing Wanted

I am using finite element analysis and have 47008 nodes, so require a 47008 by 47008 matrix.  I wish to create the matrix using a procedure and using if statements to fill in the matrix with the equations (mostly repeating and every element in each row is 0 excpet for 4 or 5).  Anyway, I have tested my solution method on a much smalller matrix and know it works.  My question is if there is a way to create such a large matrix without getting a memory error, and also how to not have maple computing for hours.  I tried using sparse storage, but it took hours to evaluate and I ended up stopping the program. I am using Maple 13 and would have access to maple 14 but doubt that would achieve anything. 

Any help is appreciated.  Thanks.