The 7 Best Laptops for AutoCAD Reviewed
If you are searching for the best Laptop for AutoCAD software, chances are you are still not sure what you need. One thing you need to know about buying and a computer for AutoCAD is what you need may be completely different from everyone else. The projects you will be working on are not the same as other people; however, there are some key factors to look for when purchasing a computer for AutoCAD.
First, let’s start with the basics. AutoCAD is a specific software for 2D and 3D formats, drawings, and models. If you are in the wrong place and this isn’t want you are looking for, please check our other articles. Everyone else, let’s find you a laptop! Second, now that we know what we are looking for, it’s time to get specific. Keep reading to find out what RAM, processor, and graphics card will work best for this professional software.
Finally, we found the best options for you from the best brands. Do not let the gaming laptops scare you; they come with the best specs that an ordinary laptop cannot live up to on a good day. After, get answers to your questions and helpful information to make the decision of which laptop to choose even easier.
Best Laptops for AutoCAD
1. 2021 Acer Predator Triton 500 Gaming Laptop
The 2021 Acer Predator Triton 500 Gaming Laptop provides an insane amount of memory and storage to give you a computer ready to go into the future. Although you can customize this computer down to suit your budget. However, with the top hardware, the computer is ready to last for a decade and maybe even more, saving you money in the long run while giving your incredible hardware ready to run anything, including AutoCAD.
Starting with the processor, this computer has an Intel 10th Gen 6-Core i7-1075H which couldn’t get a whole lot better except maybe with an i9, but then the price goes up considerably, and it’s already quite high. Next, it comes with an impressive 64GB of RAM with a 2TB SSD. Add in the full HD 15.6-inch LED-backlit screen with NVIDIA G-Sync and 300HZ refresh rate for an incredible piece of machinery.
The benefits keep going with a GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER Graphics card with Max-Q Design and 8GB of dedicated GDD R6 VRAM. Moreover, it offers extensive connectivity too. It’s thin, sleek, and offers very little bezel for more screen space. While it doesn’t come with a numeric keyboard, it does come with a 4th Gen All-Metal AeroBlade 3D fan ready to make the computer work almost magically. The Acer Predator Triton even offers an HDMI port, camera, and Bluetooth.
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2. Matrix RP-15 Ultra Performance Gaming Laptop PC
The Matrix RP-15 Ultra Performance Gaming Laptop PC comes with a high cost, but you get a lot for your money, including the specs you need to run AutoCAD and more at the same time. While you can get buy with lower specs, this professional software will run so much better with the improved hardware found in this laptop. Also, it comes on a large screen of 15.6 inches; however, it lacks a numeric keypad, which may frustrate some people.
While the computer may be a gaming computer but with no external branding, it has a clean and professional appearance. What you really want to know is about the specs: the computer comes with an AMD Ryzen 4800H 8-Core processor with up to 4.2GHz. It also has a 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card ready to handle the display of the AutoCAD software. Add in 32GB of Ram and 2TB of storage on an SSD.
As for the display, it’s full HD with 1920 x 1080, and it’s LED-backlit IPS-type with 144Hr refresh rate with 72 percent NTSC display. Moreover, it comes with membrane RGB, an HD webcam, a smart amplifier, and Intel WiFi 6 with Bluetooth too. With a weight of 4.3 pounds, it’s portable, and the battery will last about 4 to 5 hours, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but that’s because it can handle so much, and the batteries are all caught up just yet. Lastly, it comes with Windows 10 64 Bit already installed.
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3. MSI GS65 Stealth THIN-053 144Hz 7ms Ultra Thin Gaming Laptop
Another great option is the MSI GS65 Stealth THIN-053 144Hz 7ms Ultra Thin Gaming Laptop with an awesome price but slightly lower specs than our favorite option. While you may not of heard of this new brand, it’s up-and-coming with incredible features to match the price tag. As a gaming laptop, it focuses on hardware ready to make software look amazing.
First, the laptop offers an 8th generation Intel i7 Intel Core processor ready to handle anything processing needs with 40 percent performance enhancement over the last generation. Second, it comes with a Geforce GTX 1660Ti 6G GDDR6 for stellar graphics. Also, the display offers 15.6 inches of space with an ultra-thin bezel and 82 percent screen-to-body ratio.
The display also provides a 144Hz screen refresh too and an FHD display. However, the 16GB of RAM on an SSD with 512GB of storage space. Next, the thin laptop includes a camera for streaming along with Bluetooth. At 4.14 pounds, the large laptop is quite portable and ready to go where you need it. The best part is the battery can last for hours, and it already includes Windows 10.
- 15.6" FHD, Anti-Glare Wide View Angle 144Hz 3ms 72%NTSC NVIDIA GeForce GTX1660Ti 6G GDDR6
- Intel Core i7-9750H 2.6 - 4.5GHz Intel 9560 Jefferson Peak (2x2 802.11 ac)
- 16GB (8G 2) DDR4 2666MHz 2 Sockets; Max Memory 64GB
- Killer Gaming Network E2500 Dynaudio Speakers 2W2 720p HD Webcam
- USB 3.2 Gen2 3; Thunderbolt 31
4. New Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch
Apple fans can use the New Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch instead of a Windows-based computer for their AutoCAD software. The 16-inch screen size offers all the space you need to work without sacrificing. Also, the battery life on a MacBook Pro is exceptional at around 11 hours, depending on your usage. All this, and you get the macOS ready to make your life easier with incredible and affordable software, a built-in camera, sound, and so much more. Let’s look at the hardware first.
Inside the slim laptop, you will find a massive 6-core 2.6GHz i7 processor with a turbo boost of up to 4.5GHz. It also includes a 16GB of RAM for short-term memory and 512GB of SSD storage for fast speeds and plenty of storage. As you need 3GB of space for the software, this computer will more than meet your needs, including updates. It also includes an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M Graphics with GDDR6 memory.
The computer also comes with the magic keyboard and touchpad with intuitive gestures. Add in the Touchbar for more benefits and impressive Touch ID for optimal security. All this on a 16-inch Retina display with True Tone. No other computer offers as impressive visuals as a retina display; however, the only downfall to this laptop is the refresh rate of 60hz, which is low for gaming if you plan to use the computer for both. If you can, you could even wait for the new laptop coming soon in the 16-inch size with the proprietary M1 chip.
- Ninth-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
- Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- AMD Radeon Pro 5300M Graphics with GDDR6 memory
- Ultrafast SSD
5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus M15 15.6-inch Full HD 144HZ Gaming Laptop
With the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M15 15.6″ Full HD 144HZ Gaming Laptop, you get a computer ready to meet all of your needs with more. The benefit of a gaming laptop is the incredible graphics and massive processing speeds to help games work optimally, and the same is needed for software like AutoCAD. Another great advantage of this option is the HDMI cord ready to connect to a separate screen.
The specs are fantastic as the computer offer 15.6 inches of full HD display. It’s powered with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1075H with six powerful cores. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Graphics card with 6GB of GDDR6. Of course, it comes with Windows 10 already installed. With 16GB of memory and a 1TB SSD drive, the computer is fast and can store a ton, including everything you need for AutoCAD.
Finally, the computer offers an RGB backlit keyboard, air cooling system, speakers, Bluetooth, and a battery ready to last up to 6 hours, which is a lot for a gaming laptop. As it weighs just 4.43 pounds, it’s ultra-portable, and it thin too at 0.8 inches! Like most current laptops, this one does not include a DVD/CD drive, but it has everything else you need for optimal performance.
- 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H Mobile Processor (Powerful 6-core, twelve-way processing performance), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Graphics (Backed by 6GB GDDR6), Windows 10 Operating System,
- 15.6" Full HD Display (1920 x 1080), Full HD Widescreen LED Display,Improved Portability (Weighs 4.43 lbs. and measures 0.8" thin)
- 16GB System Memory, 1024GB PCIe Solid State Drive (SSD)
- RGB Backlit Keyboard, Air Cooling System, Bluetooth, Stereo Speakers, 4-cell Lithium-ion Battery (Up to 6 hours)
- 3 x USB 3.0 Type A Ports, 1 x HDMI Output, Headphone Jack, Ethernet Lan (10/100/1000 mbps), No DVD/CD drive
6. Dell G3 15 3500 15 Inch Gaming Laptop
Dell makes some of the leading computers, and the G3 15 3500 15 Inch Gaming Laptop is no exception. It comes with Windows 10 pre-installed to save you time. More importantly, this option includes a numeric keypad, too, making it a great option for people who work with numbers. It’s ultra-slim too and offers a full 15-inch screen for better visibility.
The computer comes with a 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1075H 5GHz to offer optimal processing. Next, it offers 16GB of memory on a 512GB SSD to optimize access to everything you store. Do not even bother looking at a computer without an SSD drive, especially for a computer you need to run an intensive app like AutoCAD. Also, it includes dual fans for a complete cooling system. However, this can increase the sound of the laptop, but it’s a necessity for many.
Also, with this laptop, you can customize the desktop to your precise needs. It also includes a 144Hz refresh rate that allows for faster, less glitchy graphics, especially if you want to game too. However, the computer is slightly heavier at 5.16 pounds, and the battery only lasts around 4 hours thanks to the processor and other spectacular features. If you trust Dell, this is a great option.
- 15.6 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz 300 nits WVA Anti-Glare LED Narrow Border Backlit Display
- 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H (12MB Cache, up to 5.0 GHz, 6 cores)
- 16GB 2933MHz DDR4, 512 GB M.2 [PCIe] NVMe (SSD)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.1
7. New Alienware m15 R3 15.6inch FHD Gaming Laptop
The New Alienware m15 R3 15.6inch FHD Gaming Laptop gives you everything you need and comes with a mid-range price to go with the features. With this option, you get the incredible Alienware software with tons of ventilation on the top and special coloring with teal lights. Also, it has the Cryo-Tech V2.0 cooling system, so the computer lives longer and better.
Let’s start with the display, which offers a 144Hz panel with a 72 percent NTSC color gamut with an 800:1 contrast ratio, 300-nit brightness, and a 7ms response time (which is a little low but more than sufficient for AutoCAD). Furthermore, it offers an FHD display with reduced blue light emissions to reduce eye fatigue. Next, it comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor 5.1GHz, 16GB of RAM on a 512GB SSD drive, plenty of space and speed for professional software.
If you want a laptop designed for thermal flow to maximize performance, then this is the option. Also, it comes with intuitive immersion and Windows 10 Home. You may need to upgrade to Professional later. Otherwise, the computer weighs 4.65 pounds, but the battery life is limited, which is why this pricy option goes down to the bottom of the list. All of the specs are impressive, but sadly the battery doesn’t live up to the rest of the hardware.
- High-end materials like magnesium alloy, copper and steel provide a premium, lightweight and performance-driven gaming experience with iconic AlienFX lighting
- 144Hz 300nits 7ms Full HD for smooth, high-speed motion graphics
- Alienware Cryo-Tech optimizes component cooling, which maximizes overall performance and keeps your laptop cool to the touch
- FHD display with 7ms response time, 800:1 contrast ratio, 144Hz refresh rate and 300-nit brightness for pulse-racing gameplay
- At just 4.65lb and under 20.5mm, the new Alienware m15 is the thinnest laptop in Alienware history—even lighter and leaner than our previous m15
Buying Guide for Laptops for AutoCAD
Take a look at some important factors about the laptops that are right for AutoCAD and what to look for to suit your needs.
System Requirements
While you can get by with just 8GB of RAM, AutoCAD suggests 16GB of RAM for optimal performance. Also, they suggest that high resolution for display, but most computers seem stunted at full HD. Also, you will need a processor with 2.5-2.9GHz with three-plus working better. As for operating systems, choose Windows 64-bit with 8.1 or 10 or macOS.
All of the options on this list meet at least the minimum of these requirements, but overall tend to top the charts except in display. For the best display, pick the Apple MacBook Pro as it comes with a Retina display. Also, the graphics card is very important, and you should opt for an NVIDIA RTX with 6GB or GTX with 4GB VRAM for the best results. Finally, you will find most laptops lack the seven-hour battery that is recommended and instead ends up with a four-hour battery, which is the minimum requirement instead.
For more information on the requirements for AutoCAD software, watch this video:
Laptop Size
Screen size is important as you need to be able to see what you are rendering for it to be effective. Also, a laptop should be portable, so you need to find a happy balance between size and portability. Most computers take care of this for you, keeping the laptops between 15 and 16 inches. Along with laptop size comes weight. If weight is a concern, consider a smaller size or an ultra-slim option for lower weight.
Operating System
AutoCAD is one of those wonderful software that works with both Windows and macOS. Both are fabulous options and will work for your needs. Which is right depends on which you find more comfortable. Think, left brain, right brain as some people think differently. As of right now, the software does not work with other operating systems.
Questions About Laptops for AutoCAD
Why is the graphics card so important with AutoCAD?
As AutoCAD is graphics-heavy with the ability to render in 2D and 3D, it requires a graphics card ready to provide the best display possible for more intuitive work. Intensive graphics need more than the average graphics card. You can get away with a 1 GB GPU with 29 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant, but the company recommends the 4 GB GPU with 106 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant.
Do I need different hardware for different versions of AutoCAD?
AutoDesk makes a whole line of products with focuses on architecture, electrical, and more. Some of these options, like the architecture, require the higher end recommendations for hardware as they are 3D-based, but the lower end ones like LT or electrical can get by with lighter hardware.
Can I get by with a laptop with 128GB of space?
As the system only requires between 3 to 7 gigabytes, you can get away with only a 128GB solid-state drive. Remember, though, that eventually, the software will need updating, and you will need to store projects on the computer too. Also, you will probably use the laptop for other purposes, too, which will also reduce space. Unless you prefer external storage or cloud storage, you will want a minimum of 256 GB, but more is preferable.
Conclusion
For those who want the best option available for AutoCAD, choose the 2021 Acer Predator Triton 500 Gaming Laptop. Yes, the price is high, but the hardware makes it a high value as this laptop will last for years and work optimally too. Get an incredibly fast computer with tons of storage from a computer that will still be relevant in several years. Also, the hardware more than meets the minimum requirements for the AutoCAD software.