The varied 2D drafting tools and robust 3D modeling features of CAD software position it as an indispensable tool in fields like architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. To harness the full potential of these advanced applications, having the best laptop for CAD becomes crucial. If you are also in search of the ideal laptop for running CAD software, this article is here to help. In the following, the 5 best laptops for CAD will be fully overviewed and recommended. Keep scrolling to explore them all!
Best Overall: Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED
Specification:
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel i9-13980HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB Laptop GPU
- RAM: 64GB
- Screen: 16in 120 Hz OLED
- Resolution: 3200 x 2000
- Storage: Up to 2TB
What You Like:
- Specifically for design and creation
- Powerful and fully configurable
- True-to-life colors and touchscreen
What You Don’t Like:
- High price to buy
Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED is the best overall laptop for CAD. Powered by the 13th Gen Intel i9-13980HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, this potent productivity device can effortlessly run professional engineering design software such as ZWCAD. Also, this powerful hardware can also supercharge CAD drawing and modeling workflows to make them better.
Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED is born for creative pros. The color-accurate certified screen excels in both modeling and rendering, which can fully showcase your creativity. With the 16-inch display boasting a resolution close to 4K, you can access a large visual and make detailed modifications with confidence. Further, supported by up to 64GB of RAM, the most demanding CAD designs can be done with no sweat as well.
Best Budget: HP Spectre 2-in-1
Specification:
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U
- Graphics: Intel Iris X Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Screen: 13.5in OLED
- Resolution: 3000 x 2000
- Storage: Up to 1TB
What You Like:
- Budget-friendly price
- Sleek and easy to carry
- OLED touch-sensitive screen
What You Don’t Like:
- Inconvenient for design with a small screen
Priced at over $1000, the HP Spectre 2-in-1 with the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 is the ultimate budget-friendly laptop for CAD. This processor enables the smooth operation of CAD software and multitasking. Coupled with a high-definition resolution of 3000×2000, you can capture every detail in CAD design.
Better still, the 360-degree rotating screen provides convenience for design presentations and allows touchscreen functionality when you prefer not to use the keyboard. While the Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU in this laptop may be somewhat limited due to its budget-friendly price, it remains a viable option, especially if you want to try entry-level CAD software for beginners.
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Best Size: ASUS ROG Strix 18
Specification:
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM: 16GB
- Screen: 18in 240Hz IPS
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600
- Storage: Up to 1TB
What You Like:
- High-level performance
- Large screen for convenient design
- Highly responsive keyboard for commands
What You Don’t Like:
- Bulky and heavy to carry
The ASUS ROG Strix 18 is also an ideal laptop for CAD. With hardware that includes the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, originally designed for an optimal gaming experience, the ASUS ROG Strix 18 also excels in demanding CAD tasks and multitasking. Whether for 3D modeling, rendering, or flat drawing, it performs effortlessly.
Notably, the ASUS ROG Strix 18 boasts an expansive 18-inch display. In CAD design, this provides a larger workspace. Also equipped with 2K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, this versatile laptop ensures vibrant and color-accurate visuals, making it particularly suitable for architecture and product design, where precise color control is crucial.
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Best Portable: ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED
Specification:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 32GB
- Screen: 13.3in OLED
- Resolution: 2880×1800
- Storage: 512GB-1TB SSD
What You Like:
- Lightweight and portable
- OLED striking display
- Robust design with rich ports
What You Don’t Like:
- Only integrated graphics
If you want a super portable laptop for CAD, go for the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED. It is perfect for carrying around for only 2.2 pounds and 0.46 inches. And the laptop has a tough plasma ceramic aluminum lid with a cool stone-like texture, so it’s durable and looks good. In addition to being compact, ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is also great for CAD design. With a speedy 13th Gen 1.7 GHz Intel Core i7-1355U 10-core processor and 32GB of RAM, it loads CAD quickly and handles multitasking without hassle.
Best Mac: MacBook Pro 16-inch
Specification:
- Processor: M3 Pro/M3 Max
- Graphics: 18-core GPU / 40-core GPU
- RAM: 18-128GB / 36-128GB
- Screen: 16.2in Liquid Retina XDR
- Resolution: 3456 x 2234
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
What You Like:
- Outstanding performance
- Ultra-high res and big screen
What You Don’t Like:
- Expensive to buy
Some CAD software, such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, and SketchUp, is now starting to offer support for Mac. Among the diverse range of Mac options, the MacBook Pro 16-inch is an excellent choice for CAD. Designed for professionals and business users, this device can be equipped with up to 1.5TB DDR4 RAM and either two Radeon Pro 6900X GPUs or two Radeon Pro W6800X Duo GPUs. Also, you can select the powerful 2.5GHz 28-core Intel Xeon W processor. This robust configuration ensures efficient 2D drawing and 3D modeling at full resolution.
Bonus: How to Choose the Best Laptop for CAD
When selecting the best laptop for CAD, the most vital factor to consider is the hardware. Among these, CPU, GPU, RAM, and screen are of utmost importance. You can use the following requirements as a reference.
- CPU: For standard CAD software, a processor with a clock speed above 2.5GHz is generally suitable. Core count is usually less crucial, unless you have specific 3D rendering requirements where more cores are beneficial. Currently, opting for a laptop with the latest generation Intel or AMD processor would be a wise choice for CAD software.
- GPU: Priority goes to a dedicated graphics card compatible with DirectX 12. Moreover, any NVIDIA GeForce, NVIDIA Quadro, or AMD Radeon with at least 8GB video memory and a bandwidth of 106 GB/s would be ample.
- RAM: Optimal system memory is suggested at 32GB or 64GB of DDR5 RAM, offering improved power efficiency and increased bandwidth.
- Screen: For complex designs that require optimal visibility, consider a laptop with a screen size of at least 17 inches. If you have an external monitor, a slightly smaller laptop screen is still acceptable.
Bottom Line
As computer manufacturing advances, the market offers numerous laptops. To select the best laptop for CAD, prioritize newer models, consider suitability, and check the technical support for your CAD software. With a clear understanding and thorough comparisons, you can find the laptop that perfectly fits your CAD requirements.