Last Updated on March 24, 2021 by Justin
Do you need a laptop for carrying out your drawing and engineering tasks? You might have been using a desktop computer before but now you think your clients need to see the blueprints you created on the spot. It has become necessary to carry a laptop always as you never know when you will have a need to use them on spot.
If you work on software like AutoCAD, undeniably you will have to have a powerful laptop. With the advancement of technology, the need and requirement of a powerful software running laptop have become paramount. The generation is leaping towards 4D, 5D, and 6D. Thus, you should brace yourself and be prepared for doing anything in drawing and AutoCAD world.
In this guide, I am going to help you have the best laptop for running AutoCAD and other similar applications. The person who runs AutoCAD necessarily runs 3D modeling, Solid works and Photoshop as well.
Let’s look at the core features a laptop should be integrated with, in order to run AutoCAD and other similar software.
Recommended Hardware For CAD Laptops
You might have been getting a recommendation by so-called experts that, these or those specs are must-haves in order to have a smooth run of AutoCAD. While doing the research, finding the best laptops to make you carry out operations for Cad work, I have found something amazing.
Spending thousands of dollars in housing the latest generation processor or RTX graphics card would do nothing here. What the experts recommend is something different. Here to get the job done, the processor or GPU should differently be designed.
Here in the guide, I added laptops that are good at running AutoCAD. This laptop might not do well in gaming or other dedicated computing. You will have a differently configured laptop or computer in order to have seamless AutoCAD computing.
Without further due let’s see the ideal configuration for Cad laptops.
1. Processor
You can have the latest-generation processor (8th to 10th Gen), laptops with quad-core and Hexa-core cores intel i5, i7 to sky-rocket your CAD processing. But, you will have to spend a good amount of cash on housing these specs.
The Hexa-core processor is specifically designed for Cad work and its engineering is done having AutoCAD and other similar engineering work in mind.
This is a multi-core hybrid CPU, found in the work-station only. You know the level of power the processors can produce to optimize running the heavy apps.
Yes, you can have a quad-core i5 or i7 laptop for engineering work as well. But if you are not on a tight budget, experts recommend having a Hexa-core processor for a smooth workflow.
2. GPU
Buying an RTX series graphics card would add no value to your 3D modeling life. In fact, that will be a sure waste of your hard-earned money. Buy something after researching why do you need to buy a laptop?
In our case we want to run CAD applications, thus our focus should be housing something which complements the CAD apps and other heavy apps akin to this.
Experts recommend adding NVidia Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro graphics card for CAD work. These graphics cards are specifically designed for CAD and 3D modeling and rendering a great amount of visual processing to fill the bill.
If you are into complex 3D work or find your heavy work-load is not been taking care of greatly even with the mentioned graphics card, you should think about purchasing a workstation instead. Yes, that will make a dent to your bank drawer but worth every inch.
3. RAM
Many think, having just good CPU and GPU is enough to run heavy apps such as CAD, 3D modeling and many others. RAM and other configurations play a huge role in order to give you a free walk-away over any work-load.
If you do 2D and another basic modeling having 8GB RAM is more than enough. But, if you want to use AutoCAD for advance operation, and want to render 3D modeling, having a 16GB RAM would be a wiser decision at the post. Some experts also take a liberty and recommend having 32GB RAM, which becomes true in some cases.
4. SSD Storage
Having SSD storage is paramount if you want to work on AutoCAD and other similar apps. The integration of an SSD will give a boost in reading and writing speed, and you will not have to wait for hours in copying a gigantic file.
As long as the size of the disk is concerned, having a 256GB SSD would be enough to make a start. If budget constraints are not your issue, have 512 SSD.
5. Display
Yes, the display is another core feature to have close eyes upon while buying a laptop for CAD. Being a designer or drawing expert you spend hours gazing at the screen.
The screen should be integrated with glare resistant, comfortable viewing angle, and color-rich. Having a 4K resolution and integration of IPS panels is necessary for a laptop for AutoCAD and 3D modeling.
I have compiled a list of top laptops to help you in running apps like CAD, AutoCAD and 3D modeling. Just have a glance and I can assure you that you will find the best as per your requirements.
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Lenovo ThinkPad P53
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Acer Predator Helios 300
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Apple MacBook Pro
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HP ZBook Studio G5
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Razer Blade 15
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Lenovo ThinkPad P73
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Acer Aspire 5
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Dell G5
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Dell XPS 15
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Hp Omen 15
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Here are the 10 Best CAD Laptops:
1. Best Overall: Lenovo ThinkPad P53
[amazon box=”B07VVZ8Z77″ title=”Best Overall: Lenovo ThinkPad P53″/]I have mentioned in the recommended hardware configuration section that you will require a workstation level performance from a laptop to get a smooth running of AutoCAD and software similar.
Lenovo P series is a well-reputed product in rendering subtle performance when it comes to running heavy apps. The latest model to the series Lenovo ThinkPad P53 is powered with a Hexacore processor that is the demand of processor in drawing and molding objects.
The laptop features the Intel Hexa Core i7-9750H processor which reaches up to 4.5 GHz clock speed. The processor is paired with an abundance of 16GB RAM and 512 SSD storage.
You can have another storage added using the extra slot provided. The RAM slot will help you have it expanded up to 64GB, which is more than required in any type of 3D, drawing, engineering and architect work.
Lenovo Thinkpad P53 features a 15.6 inches HDR 400 FHD IPS display. The screen is featured with all advanced features to help you have the best viewing experience on the screen such as wide viewing angle, in-depth colors displaying and IPS panels. The display plays a critical role in drawing and architect work, with the laptop added you will have a mesmerizing experience even for watching multimedia.
The visual department of it is been taken care of with impressive graphics card integration. With NVIDIA Quadro P1000 of 4GB dedicated memory, you got the spot-on experience of visual processing. The laptop got all bells and whistles required for drawing, architect work, and other engineering-related tasks.
In the end, the laptop’s battery, with the model, you can have more than 12-hours continuous working without a need for a charger. The tasks such as CAD application and 2D, 3D modeling sucks the battery swiftly. The laptop got an exception from this rule and you get continuous working of the desired apps up till 12-hours.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Hexa-Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Quadro P1000 of 4GB |
| Display | 15.6 inches HDR 400 FHD IPS |
2. Best Budget Solution: Acer Predator Helios 300
[amazon box=”B07YM938TP” title=”Best Budget Solution: Acer Predator Helios 300″/]You might have been using and considering the Acer Predator Helios 300 as a gaming laptop; yes, by all means, it is a gaming laptop and famous as a budget gaming laptop in the gaming circle. The laptop packs powerful configuration that help it to render error-free computing experience.
The laptop comes with powerful configuration and from its specs, you will decide whether the laptop can be used as a CAD laptop or not. It is powered with 9th generation Intel core i7 9750H Hexa-core processor which reaches up to 4.5 GHz clock speed.
The system is coupled with an adequate RAM size of 16GB which is good enough to carry out AutoCAD operations. To cater to the high graphics demand the laptop is configured with GTX 1660 Ti of 6GB. The integration of the latest generation graphics card showcases the magnitude of graphic processing the laptop can carry out.
As long as the storage section is talked about, the predator series laptop comes with a 512GB SSD storage option. Though, storage is not enough as per the AutoCAD user’s demand. But, you can extend the space using the extra slot provided.
With the display section, the brand did a fantastic job. The unit is adorned with a 14.5 inches FHD widescreen with LED-backlit display and IPS panels integrated. The display is crisp, bright and clear; users will love to witness the vibrant image results on the screen.
The laptop also comes with gaming sported keyboard. The laptop has an RGB backlit enabled keyboard; mechanical tactile keyboard experience will buzz you off. It comes with a good-sized battery. The battery renders a 6-hours charge in single charging while pulling drawing work from it.
The system is backed by an advanced cooling system. While pulling off heavy work using it, the system catches the heat and if the advanced system is not installed the thermal throttling metal the entire system. Thankfully, the brand knows the pile of work the 2D, 3D modeling needs to execute.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti |
| Display | 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
3. Best MacBook for CAD: Apple MacBook Pro
[amazon box=”B081FZV45H” title=”Best MacBook for CAD: Apple MacBook Pro”/]If you are not on a budget and can afford Apple products, the latest Apple MacBook pro would be a worthy purchase for doing AutoCAD work. The 16-inch Apple Macbook Pro comes with many advanced features that will add value to your AutoCAD life.
The MacBook Pro comes with a touch bar and touches ID. The new laptop renders a whole level new experience in architect, photography, video editing, drawing and molding life.
The laptop comes with a Hexa-core 9th-Generation Intel Core i7 Processor that provides powerful performance to move your apps fast when you are doing an advanced level work like 3D modeling or rendering videos.
It comes with built-in energy-saving features that save the battery when you are doing lighter tasks like web browsing, editing or checking emails.
With 16GB memory and 512GB SSD storage option, you get a good range of configuration. Though 512GB Solid-state drive is less than traditional 1tB HDD, it’s a Mac product and way better than other models from every angle.
The laptop has been taken care of greatly in the visual department as well. It comes with a Radeon Pro 5300 graphics. The graphics card renders impressive visual performance by giving you solid real-time performance in rendering 3D titles.
Apple Mackbook Pro is adorned with a 16 inches IPS retina display which renders 3072 x 1920 pixels resolutions. The results on the screen are clearer, brighter and crispy than ever before. You got to see every detail of your images with vivid colors and true-to-life pictures.
As long as the battery of the beast is concerned, you will have a hands-down experience over there as well. With a powerful battery added, the laptop provides juice for up to 11-hours without blinking an eye.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | 9th-Generation Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5300M |
| Display | Stunning 16-inch Retina Display |
4. Best Portable Option: HP ZBook Studio G5
[amazon box=”B0828TSRK2″ title=”Best Portable Option: HP ZBook Studio G5″/]If you really want to see your Cad work on the go, the HP ZBook Studio G5 laptop has raised the bar higher for other models. The laptop has earned a unique place among the designers, architect and others who use to carry out CAD work.
The laptop packs amazing features and renders work-station level performance. This is a perfect CAD software working laptop and checks all the right boxes.
The laptop comes with Intel 8th generation hexacore i7-8850H processor with clock speed up to 4.3 GHz. The unit is further coupled with gigantic 32GB RAM, the size of the RAM showcases the amount of power the laptop can bring forth.
The laptop’s storage section is unique and designed purely for designers and architects. With 1TB SSD drive and 512GB PCIe SSD drive, you can store hell of the data without losing speed. In drawing work, the machine should be quick and swift and reading/writing data.
In a drawing and gaming laptop, a graphics card differentiates a laptop from the others. If the laptop does not come with a proper full-functioning graphics card, the machine is doomed. That’s not the case here, we got NVidia Quadro P1000 latest GPU with 4GB dedicated DDDR5 VRAM memory.
Now come to its display experience; I think here in this section laptop would not let you down as well. With a 15.6 inches Full HD screen and Anti-glare coating you will have a hassle-free display on the screen.
The display is good for the eyes with color-accurate panels for extensive viewing experience. You will have a mesmerizing display experience, without missing out on a single color for sure.
In the end, battery performance is as per our expectations. I expect at least 10-hours of continuous display results without any need for a charger. The laptop does the same and renders impeccable battery runtime to help boost your performance on remote sites.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Hexa-Core i7-8850H |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB HDD + 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Quadro P1000 4GB |
| Display | 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
5. Razer Blade 15
[amazon box=”B086MFZBM9″ title=”Razer Blade 15″/]If portability is your major lookout in a CAD laptop, the product fills the bills without costing arms and legs. Razer Blade 15 is powered with a 9TH generation Intel Core i7-9750H Hexa-core processor. The latest generation Hexa core processor produces maximum efficiency to cater to the needs of drawing work-load on a laptop.
The laptop comes with a 16GB dual-channel memory and features a dual-storage option to fits your needs. The budget constraints do not allow you to have all in all SSD options, have 128GB SSD for booting and 1TB extra for storing up your files and folders.
The powerful graphics card integration gives the machine thumbs up. You receive an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card with 6GB dedicate memory to help boost your visual performance. The GPU is good enough to render high-intensity video editing and rendering 3D modeling.
The laptop is advertised by the brand with a catchy line; ultra-fast, ultra-small and ultra-powerful. Though the brands over-emphasize and advertise their products, from the performance it is evident the line fits the performance and raises the bar higher for others on the same price bracket.
The Razor Blade laptop comes with a 15-inch FHD screen, IPS panels integrated and rendering 1920 x 1080 display. The on-screen action is incredible, smooth build and clearer than ever before. You will enjoy accurate, colorful visuals on the screen with the thin bezel.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB SSD + 1TB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 1660Ti |
| Display | 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
6. Best Premium Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad P73
[amazon box=”B07YC2T2XL” title=”Best Premium Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad P73″/]If you are not short on budget and can afford an expensive laptop, considering Lenovo ThinkPad P73 your next laptop would be a wise decision.
The laptop has been earned a name as a mobile-workstation and renders impeccable performance using the vital configuration integrated within it. That’s the best product I can recommend, and one must consider having it for CAD work.
The Lenovo Thinkpad P73 is powered with Intel 8th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H processor. The Hexa-core processor is famous in rendering performance in AutoCAD and other drawing work. The laptop is paired with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD drive to help boost your performance in multitasking and storing files with incredible speed.
The laptop boasts a 17.3 inches IPS panel’s integrated FHD display which renders 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution. With LED backlighting, incredible contrast ration, color-vividness and wide viewing angles you are going to have a mesmerizing video watching experience.
With an NVidia Quadro P620 graphics card, you see every graphics-oriented application has a smooth run. No rendering or graphics legging will appear, clear and sharp pictures will be delivered.
The laptop also packs other additional specifications to complement additional software that is well suited for most of the graphics handling applications. Applications such as CAD, 2D, 3D modeling, architecture, gaming, and others will have s smooth run without any hiccup.
In the end, the battery run time of the laptop is incredible. You will have the mesmerizing experience, having your setup everywhere without missing out on the juice required.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Quadro P620 |
| Display | 17.3 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
7. Best for Multiple Uses: Acer Aspire 5
[amazon box=”B07QKWHWC9″ title=”Best for Multiple Uses: Acer Aspire 5″/]Acer is one of the most acclaimed laptop manufacturing brands. And you know what, Acer Aspire series is the highest selling and top-ranked laptop series ever made by the Acer.
The product added in here not only offers great configuration but comes in hands at an affordable price range. If you are running short on budget and hunting to get something incredible in the budget, just have your hands onto this.
The Acer Aspire 5 is bolstered with 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U processor which brings forth impeccable processing to make you go through any level of processing while using AutoCAD.
The processor is coupled with abundant 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage to produce impressive multi-tasking. You might not feel the product legging behind in the storage side, even in this budget.
The laptop has a 15.6 inches Full HD widescreen with LED-lit and IPS panels integrated. The viewing angles are perfect, help you have a gaze from any side without missing out any color. The laptop offers crisp, clear and brighter images with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolutions.
The brand has integrated a dedicated graphics just to boost up the visual processing. You might look amazed as the price does not look giving a dedicated 2GB NVidia GeForce MX250 graphics card which is more than expected.
You are having the machine for doing designing, drawing and architect work done right? The screen display, graphics card, and other enhanced features help you have impeccable performance without facing any hiccup.
You can have this for professional work rendering 2D, 3D modeling and running heavy apps. Students who are short in budget and looking for the best deal should get benefited the opportunity and have a powerful laptop onboard.
The laptop also hit the right chord in the battery section as well. You will have an error-less performance at least for 9-hours without any need to inject a charger. These all features make you have the deal on board and hit the shop button to save some bucks as well.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10210U |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX250 |
| Display | 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
8. Best for AutoCAD: Dell G5
[amazon box=”B07R7XCZD7″ title=”Best for AutoCAD: Dell G5″/]The list could not have completed without the inclusion of this laptop. One of the most selling products online, hot-favorite of designers, architect, and AutoCAD work doers. Dell G5 literally can be used for anything you name; use it for gaming, have it for dedicated heavy apps and get everything done without rendering and freezing.
The laptop is powered with the latest generation processor; 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H. The processor allows you to take any amount of load and make you go through without any hiccup. The processor is backed with 16GB DDR4 RAM, the amount of RAM is simply great. You will not face any multitasking issue; you can open as many apps as you want.
The laptop is further adorned with 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD storage. The storage section wreaks the havoc and makes it the hot favorite among designers, gamers, and architect. You got a hell of the space to store your data without the trade-off of the speed.
The laptop graphics handling is upon the latest NVidia GeForce GTX 1650 DDR5 with 4GB dedicated graphics memory. The latest GPU generation lets you have peace of mind; you will not face any issue as long as the graphics are involved.
The laptop got a 15.6 inches HD IPS anti-glare display. The display is pretty clear, should be called stunning. You get superior rich color-display, with an amazing range of wide viewing angles; get everything on the screen clearer and brighter.
The beast runs the latest Windows 10 home basic version. The powerful specification makes it the ideal choice for running AutoCAD and other apps similar. As long as the battery runtime is talked, you will have a 6-hours battery back-up, many find it disappointing.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD and 1TB SATA |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Display | 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
9. Best for 2D/3D Modeling: Dell XPS 15
[amazon box=”B07T4HGF79″ title=”Best for 2D/3D Modeling: Dell XPS 15″/]Dell XPS 15 is another dell product in our list of best auto cad laptops. The laptop though comes in hands at a big price but worth every penny. It is a powerful machine with all advance features that help you go through any AutoCAD workout without legging.
The slim 0.7 inches laptop is powered with the Gen Intel Core i7-9750H Hexa-core processor. The latest generation of processor is just to keep ensure sky-rocketing processing speed.
The other core specification is gigantic 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD storage. Both the core specification options are incredible, you will not have any multi-tasking issue with the RAM onboard.
In the graphics work front, the laptop is incorporated with an NVidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB DDR5 dedicated memory. The range of graphics card helps you have a smooth error-free image processing without any hindrance facing.
When it comes to performance, the laptop is a powerhouse of a performance. You will see going through any amount of work, any type of work including AutoCAD, 2D/3D modeling and much more. The laptop is a hands-down choice for AutoCAD users; this will make you have a smooth error-free experience, without lagging behind.
The laptop houses a chicklet keyboard along with smooth trackpad performance. The portable laptop has gained popularity among designer circle without months, just because of its smooth performance.
The laptop features a 15.6 inches display which renders resolution with the ratio 3840 by 2160. The Nano edge technology, anti-glare features, and IPS panels onboard help users have a spotless display experience.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750h |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Display | 15.6 UHD (3840 x 2160) OLED |
10. Best to Avoid Lag: Hp Omen 15
[amazon box=”B07VD4XBJF” title=”Best to Avoid Lag: Hp Omen 15″/]
HP Omen 15 laptop is considered a one-stop-shop for avid gamers. The laptop showcases complete gaming feels and often used and shopped by gamers to plays high-ended games. The laptop gives full gaming feel with black metal finish chassis and red accents.
The laptop is powered with the latest Intel i7-9750H Processor with turbo boost technology onboard. The processor enough to tackle the load of any AutoCAD and other heavy apps work and render superior performance.
The laptop comes with a 32GB DDR4 RAM to take care of your heavy load. The heavy load can come from 3D model rendering or high-ended games you wish to place, whatever the case the laptop is fully prepared to take the load.
The Omen 15 designed by HP comes with the latest GeForce RTX 2060 GPU with 6GB dedicated memory. That ensures that the machine would never lag behind in any visual work front. You will have a real performance without a single glitch in image processing.
The apps handling would be at the top, cannot find a better grab than this. The laptop offers a single storage section with a 1TB SSD hard. Yes, the extra slot added can make you have an extra drive to get a full expansion as per your desire.
HP Omen 15 comes with a 15.6 diagonal FHD backlit supported IPS panels integrated battery with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. The laptop got the tools to render the highest quality image on the screen with extended viewing angles and anti-glare technology onboard.
Besides all cool options and features, the battery section is a mixed bag. Though six long hours of battery runtime is not that bad, many users were furious upon the poor battery performance. I do not think laptop battery is that bad when you take multitasking work and intense gaming, any laptop would drain the battery in the most shot span.
| Hardware Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Display | 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
Guru’s Verdict
The guide recommends the top best laptops for CAD AutoCAD and 3D modeling running software. AutoCAD is heavy software and consumes lots of power in running and using. That’s why while choosing a laptop for drawing; designing and using AutoCAD we should be extra careful. Just any laptop would not fall on the criterion of running these heavy apps.
I can hope that the buying guide will help you to have the best CAD laptop. These are top rating laptops, and I compiled the list after hours-long research.
If you think the guide helped you in choosing the best laptop as per your requirement, please share the guide with others.
2 Comments
funny you suggest intel Xeon Series processor over i7 but all in your top 10 have i7, which makes us throw away all that you said.
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