Are gaming laptops good for AutoCAD

Laptops For AutoCAD Compared

What is a Dedicated AutoCAD/CAD Laptop?

Purchasing a laptop for work or studying is usually a simple endeavor. When it comes to specialist niches like CAD; however, there are a lot of different boxes that need to be ticked.

All forms of CAD work are demanding, so at a minimum, you are going to need a great CPU, a strong graphics card, some high-quality RAM, and a quick SSD. We will be discussing these components in the buyers guide.

Some manufacturers have realized the massive demand for CAD and AutoCAD ready laptops, and this has led to the invention of the Dedicated CAD laptop which is essential, a laptop highly tuned for CAD design work.

AutoCAD Specs For Laptops: Buyers Guide

When deciding what laptop is the best fit for you, you first need to look under the hood to its spec and component list. High demand work requires components that can keep up. In this buyers guide, we are going to tell you about each component and why they are essential.

Essentials

The following components are the essentials, and these are the ones you will want to prioritize while choosing a potential laptop. If budget is a factor, we recommend you use your money to max these out as much as possible.

Lets start with the most crucial component, the heart of your computer, the Central Processing Unit, or CPU for short. In terms of complexity, the CPU takes the crown, able to carry out millions of unfathomable calculations in mere milliseconds.

It is one of the most useful innovations in the computing world. In laymans terms, the CPU is the brain of your computer. It is the hub of your computer, and without it, nothing is possible.

Without a strong CPU, the other components inside your computer will not function. That means there is no point in having a high-end graphics card if you are not pairing it with a high-end CPU.

There are several different things we look for when it comes to CPU power. Threads and clock speed are the main two, and unless you have a deeper understanding of computer technology, all we would advise you to pay attention too.

Clock speed measured in GHz [1 GHz = 1 Billion Cycles per second] is essentially how many calculations your CPU can carry out per second.

Another measurement we use is the thread count. Your CPU will have between 1-18 cores. Each core can work on different tasks simultaneously. Another innovation that has massively increased computing power is threading.

Threading is essentially the process of creating a virtual core. This means that a single core with multithreading can create extra virtual cores, massively increasing processing power.

When it comes to AutoCAD and CAD, we suggest that you look for laptops with a clock rate of 2.8ghz and upwards. The clock-rate is more important when it comes to CAD work, as most CAD programming relies on single-core power. Spending a little bit more on a higher clock speed here will provide the highest value x price.

Short for Random Access Memory is nearly as important as your CPU when it comes to CAD intensive work. The overall performance of your computer will depend upon the synergy of your CPU and your RAM. The more RAM your system has access to, the easier it can complete almost every task.

Random Access Memory is essentially the working memory for your computer. RAM is classed as volatile memory, and this means that when you switch your computer off, the data stored on your RAM is completely wiped. This is very different from your HDD and SSD, which both store memory that can be accessed even after your computer is switched on and off.

The reason RAM is so important is due to its incredible speed. High-end RAM like DDR4 works at a lightning-fast pace to support your computer. It works by holding the instructions and data that your processor needs when running your computer's programs. The more storage and the faster to access it is, the quicker your processor works.

The minimum RAM we would suggest for any kind of CAD or AutoCAD work is 8gb. 16gb seems to be the sweet spot, and 32gb is rarely seen on laptops due to the intense power requirements.

One of the components that has seen a huge amount of improvements over the last 10 years is the device we use to store everything. Split into two types, Hard Disk Drives, or HDDs and Solid State Drives, or SSDs. Previously, it would cost you an arm and a leg to afford a high capacity SSD.

In terms of performance, SSD is better in almost every way apart from the cost. They load things faster, allow you to speed up file transfer and boot-up times, and generally speed up your entire rig.

We advise to always aim for a good high capacity SSD. This is because even though it is nice to have 2TB storage on your HDD, saving the money and getting a high-quality 500gb+ SSD is always going to result in a smoother experience.

The perfect mix would be a 500gb+ SSD paired with a 1TB+ HDD; this allows for the best of both worlds. You gain the speed benefits from using an SSD and keep the vast storage potential an HDD allows.

Displaying your 2D and 3D models, on-screen requires a decent graphics card. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that CAD does not require as much GPU power as playing demanding video games or photo and video editing.

This means that if you do not need your laptop to run games or editing software, you may be better off saving money on your GPU and spending it on a better CPU, SSD, or RAM. These components are all much more beneficial to your laptop's ability to run CAD.

A faster GPU will lead to better frame rates, meaning 3D work will appear smoother, but asides from extreme 3D modeling, your graphics card does not need to be top of the range.

Although the quality of your keyboard has no impact on the actual performance of your laptop, I am still going to include it under the essentials. You are more than likely buying a laptop that can perform well while running CAD because you need it for work.

As someone who is on their laptop for upwards of 10+ hours a day, take it from me, get your keyboard right.

When looking for the best keyboard you possible, you need to consider the "throw" of the keys. The distance between them determines the throw of the keys on your keyboard. There is not a perfect formula here as different people have different size hands and flexibility. This means that the ideal keyboard can be hard to suggest.

We can, however, give an educated suggestion. We do this by taking the consensus of all of the people who have reviewed it and give you the average result. This means that if 90% of users love the keyboard, we can go ahead and assume that the keyboard is designed well and will appeal to most people.

Secondary Components and Features

These features are all still important, but if you are working on a budget, you may be able to save some money by compromising slightly on the following:

The size of your laptop's screen will be something that is defined by your needs and preferences. If you are planning on purchasing a laptop for CAD that will be a desktop replacement, you may opt for a bigger screen. If you are looking for something you can take with you when necessary, you might decide to go for a smaller screen.

The display is also as important as you want it to be. As a minimum, we would suggest that you go for high quality 1080p HD screen. In almost every task except high-end image editing, this screen will be more than capable. Remember, a high-quality 1080p HD screen made by a great brand can often outperform off-brand screens with a higher resolution.

One last thing to consider is whether you want your laptop to have a touch screen. Touchscreens are useful to lots of users, but they tend to come with a compromise; they are usually more expensive. A touchscreen display will cost you more than a standard screen for the same resolution and quality.

Another aspect that can range from very important to relatively un-important is battery life. For those who are looking for a workstation laptop, one that will be plugged in throughout most of the day, battery life will usually not be an issue. Longer battery life usually costs more, especially if you have a power-hungry machine.

If you need a portable machine, you might be better of choosing a machine renowned for battery life and take a small hit to your overall processing power. If you have deep pockets, you can find machines that have both excellent battery power and great processing power, just be ready or a higher price tag.

The importance of your laptop's design is, again, largely personal. We are guilty of finding pleasure in sleek, luxurious looking laptops, but we are massive computer geeks and review a lot of laptops!

Some design features, however, are more than just for aesthetics alone. Webcam location and thin bezels around your screens are both an example of where design meets practicality.

You can also find laptops that are Rugged, these have been designed to bulk up the laptops physical protection from scratches and drops, they are great for mobile workers who use their laptops in settings like a factory.

As we have discussed, portability and weight are something to consider if you find yourself on the move with your laptop a lot. Space and weight-saving components generally cost more, so if you are happy to have a heavier laptop, you will potentially be able to save some pennies here.

If you are choosing a laptop for work, it makes sense that you pick a computer that has the potential for an extended warranty. Although we do judge laptops on their standard manufacturer's warranty, we will always suggest that you buy the extended warranty. This is why we rate our laptops on their overall warranty experience.

Almost all laptops come with a 12-month standard warranty, what we look at is how good their customer service is in the long run, how easy is it to get a repair done, how fast can they pick up and drop your laptop off.

1. MSI GL75 Gamer Notebook

MSI has been creating amazing laptops for years, and If you are a gamer, in particular, Im sure they are already on your radar. Luckily, for AutoCAD users, their top of the range gaming laptops actually perform incredibly when used for AutoCAD.

The GL75 boasts a 9th generation i7 processor, the fastest i7 chip to date. The 9750H chip, paired with a ridiculous 32gb DDR4 Ram, gives this laptop some serious firepower. To top that off, you get a 120hz full HD screen, supported by a ray-tracing capable RTX 2060 GeForce graphics card. With a 512gb SSD, this laptop is a desktop killing machine.

With great power, comes great responsibil I mean a high heat output. This is where MSI has outdone themselves. The dedicated thermal control fans and their 7 heat pipes disperse the heat output of the components exceptionally efficiently.

The thermal paste surrounding the CPU is top quality too, this means you should never have to worry about thermal under-volting.

The keyboard on the GL75 is comfortable too; the throw feels natural, the keys respond beautifully, and the whole thing comes paired with some cool customizable RGB lighting that you can get to change depending on your task.

Port-wise, you get an HDMI, a mini DisplayPort, a Type C, and 3 USB 3's. That is an impressive number of ports. One of the only things we can fault on this laptop is the webcam quality.

Battery life is also pretty awful, expect 5 hours light work while unplugged, with such high processing power, this is only to be expected, however.

To top everything off, when you purchase this laptop, you get a 3-year warranty and 3-year remote diagnostics.

If you need the best laptop for AutoCAD and 3d Max, we cant suggest a laptop more then this one.

2. Acer Predator Helios 300

Our second option for best laptop for AutoCAD is for those who want a seriously competent laptop that can handle most demanding tasks, with a bit of an easier to swallow price tag than our number one option.

Acer has always made aesthetically pleasing beasts, and the Predator Helios 300 is a showcase of that. The Helios is a beautiful machine to look at, with curves in all the right places and a beautiful RGB keyboard.

Pop the bonnet, however, and you will see the pure potential that resides inside this beautiful laptop. The Helios also uses the latest generation Intel processors, and the 9750H i7 is paired with 16gb of DDR4 ram and a 512gb SSD.

The graphics card is one of GeForces new 1660ti, in everything other than Virtual Reality, this card scores extremely close to the RTX 2060 in benchmarking. This combination makes the Helios an excellent choice for those with high demands from their laptops.

This combination allows the 15.6 full HD 144hz IPS screen to display images and designs in gorgeous high resolution.

The keyboard on the Helios is designed for gamers. Fortunately, keyboards designed this way are usually extremely satisfying to use. The RGB lighting paired with keys that have resistance and throw that feels just right; you will be comfortable using it for long periods.

As it is a gaming laptop, the cooling of the high powered components has been well thought out, the heatsink fans draw the hot air away and send it through vents that are located in the perfect position. This means your keyboard will not heat up under load.

All in all, if you can cope with the slight performance power drop, you are getting a laptop here that performs insanely well, for a price tag quite a bit lower then the MSI GL75.

3. Apple MacBook Pro

If you are a fan of Apple and their machines, you might be considering buying the MacBook Pro for your CAD work. Luckily for you, the 2019 version of Apple's famous laptop is more than capable and the best Apple Laptop for AutoCAD.

The MacBook Pro is an incredibly gorgeous machine; the display, which maxes at 500 nits, is easily one of the best displays on the market. The innovative butterfly keyboard is also, in our opinion, one of the best keyboard designs you can buy. With incredible feel thanks to the butterfly mechanism, typing on the MacBook Pro just feels right.

To power the Pro, Apple has implemented Intels 9th generation of i7 processors. This processor, paired with Apple's own ultrafast SSD allows for power that can handle almost anything.

With the potential for up to 64gb of DDR4 ram, using the MacBook Pro is immensely enjoyable, it boots up lightning-fast, deals with everything you can throw at it, then laughs and asks for more.

The graphics card in the MacBook Pro is the first on our list to deviate from the Nvidia crowd. The AMD Radeon Pro 5000M used in the MacBook Pro comes with 8gb of its own GDDR6 RAM; this adds to the smoothness when using the laptop as the graphics card rarely has to draw on the systems normal DDR4 ram.

The beauty of the MacBook Pro is its customization. You can opt for up to 8tb of SSD memory and up to 64GB RAM. Although we doubt you will need to every go this high, it is nice to have the option, and if you can afford it, why not?

The MacBook Pro also has one of the best battery lives we have seen in a laptop of its power and also has the best speakers we have ever seen on a laptop.

Apple is also aiming to bring their laptops into the new era of connectivity; instead of offering a huge range of ports from the last generation, they have instead opted for 4 USB-C ports.

Apple likes to give its premium products a premium price tag; however, you do get a great return from your money with an Apple Product. If you are fond of Apple Products, the 2019 version is one of their best iterations yet.

4. Dell G5 15

If you are looking for the best value laptop for CAD, the Dell G5 is hard to ignore. Dell has always made high-quality laptops, and the G5 is no exception. With a slick matte black design hosting the 15.6 FHD LCD screen, the design here is really nice.

Using an Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics card and a 256gb SSD backed with a 1TB HDD Dell uses the latest generation of i7 processor to decimate tasks that demand power. With 16gb DDR4 ram, everything you do on this laptop oozes speed.

The advanced thermal control and new dual-fan setup mean that your laptop stays cool no matter what you throw at your rig too. Dell also has some of the best customer support and the highest quality warranties offered in the laptop industry.

This makes Dell one of our favorite brands to suggest when it comes to work laptops. If you upgrade to the right package, you can even get next-day coverage on your work laptops.

This laptop doesnt break the mold, but dell knows what they are doing. For the price, you get a competent machine, built with Dell's bombproof technology, at a cost that betrays its ability.

5. ASUS Vivobook

If you love a laptop bursting with power but prefer the professional business look instead of the RGB style seen in most gaming rigs, the Vivobook is your best bet.

Under the sleek, sophisticated notebook façade sits the heart of a lion. ASUS has stuck a GTX 1650 GPU, a 9th gen i7 intel CPU supported by 16gb DDR4 Ram, a 256gb SD, and a 1tb HDD into a chassis that looks like it belongs on an executives desk.

The 15.6 FHD screen uses Asuss Nano Edge design, and this means you get more screen without needing a larger surface screen. This means that the screen goes nearly edge to edge and is utterly beautiful.

This laptop is aimed at the likes of Dells XPS 15, another high powered business notebook. Unlike the XPS 15, however, this laptop can handle AutoCAD, gaming, and photo editing with ease.

Another area that the Vivobook shines is in connectivity. Port-wise, you get a USB-C, USB-A, USB 2.0, and an HDMI port.

To top it off, the keyboard on the Vivobook is one of the most intuitive keyboard we have ever had the pleasure of resting our hands-on. During typing tests, we actually scored the highest we ever have on a laptop with the Vivobook.

Warranty wise, Asus has introduced something incredible. On top of your standard warranty, they have also given buyers a year of accidental damage protection. This enhanced warranty means that liquid spills electrical surges and drops are all covered during the first year.

The sleek Vivobook really brings that wow factor, with its elegance and power, we are sure it will appeal to a lot of you.

6. Asus Rog Zephyrus S Ultra Slim

If portability is high on your list of requirements, but you still need a powerful rig, the Zephyrus S is the best of both worlds as the best lightweight AutoCAD laptop.

Powered by an RTX 2070, which offers incredible graphics potential, the Zephyrus runs on an 8th generation i7 processor, the 8750H. With 16gb DDR4 ram and a 512gb lightning-fast SSD, however, there is no way you would ever tell the difference compared to a 9th gen i7.

The case is made by military-grade magnesium, making it a measly 4.6lbs and only 0.62 inches thick. This is incredible considering the power that this `machine can produce. The 15.6-inch screen is FHD has a 144Hz 3ms refresh rate and is just unbelievable in all light settings.

The illuminated 4way RGB keyboard is designed well too, with a great layout considering the tight real estate.

The gigabit wave 2 Wi-Fi card gives you unrivaled Wi-Fi connectivity, too, giving the highest possible range and lowest chance of drop out on the market.

Port-wise, the ROG Zephyrus S has all the connectivity needed for working on the go. With Type-C ports available and multiple USB 3.1 Ports.

This is by far the best laptop on the market currently if you have that specific need for portable yet powerful.

7. MSI GS65-430

If money isnt an issue and you want one of the most powerful laptops on the planet, then the MSI GS65 is the laptop we would suggest, and that isnt just because we dream of owning one.

By using one of the best graphics cards NVIDIA has to offer, the RTX2080, this laptop can handle anything. To power that incredible graphics card MSI have used a 9th gen i7 CPU, alongside 32gb of DDR4 RAM, backed by a ridiculous 1tb SSD.

The result is simply mind-blowing. You could run your AutoCAD software while downloading a movie while editing photos and playing videogames at the same time, and the GS65 wouldn't even break a sweat. Displayed on the incredible 230Hz refresh screen, everything looks absolutely stunning.

The keyboard, designed by keyboard pro's Steel Series has anti-ghosting keys and mechanical switches, allowing for a typing experience that borders on the divine.

The triple boost fans provide excellent heat dispersion too, so when you are running this beast at full power, you do not need to worry about your laptop warming up.

Obviously, for a machine this capable, you get a high price-tag, and it is a high price tag indeed. However, if you dont mind the cost, and simply want the best money can buy, this is a machine that can handle anything and handle anything in style.

Who Should Invest in an AutoCAD Laptop

If you are a designer, student, engineer, or construction professional, you may work with CAD and AutoCAD every day. Due to the high demands of the software, many people are constrained to their desktop, as they usually have more power.

If you want the ability to take your work home or on the move with you, investing in an AutoCAD laptop is the best way to do so.

CAD vs. AutoCAD: Whats the Difference?

CAD or computer-aided design is the generic term given to software that allows the user to produce 2D or 3D designs. AutoCAD is the name of the specific software that has seen mass adaptation since it was released in 1982. It is now used by the majority of engineers across the Construction, Manufacturing and Infrastructure industries.

AutoCAD Software & Downloads for Students

Students can access free AutoCAD software through AutoDesk for a free 30-day trial. According to the company, "Design and shape the world around you with AutoCAD software.Create precise 2D drawings and 3D models, work with designs across platforms and on any device, and enjoy greater flexibility with the new AutoCAD web and mobile apps.

You simply need to create an account and enter your current requirements/operating system to be matched with the correct license.

Basic AutoCAD Laptop Troubleshooting

Problem: Layer Settings wont save

Sometimes, when you save and re-open a specific drawing, you might find that the layer setting has reverted to its original. When this happens, enter the command VISRETAIN; in the prompt box, set the value to 1. This should fix the problem after you have saved, closed, and re-opened the drawing.

Problem: Dialog Box Missing after opening a file

If you have tried to open a file and your dialogue box is not appearing, or you are being asked to type in the file pathway, do not worry, there is a simple solution. Enter the command FILEDIA and set the value to 1 to fix this.

People Also Ask [FAQs]

How long do AutoCAD laptops last?

AutoCAD laptops are usually built with high-quality components; this means they should usually last you as long as you look after them. Keep your laptop away from dusty areas and away from heat sources to give them the best chance at a long life.

Which processor is better for AutoCAD?

Top of the range processors like the 9th gen i7 are the best choice when it comes to AutoCAD laptops; they provide the processing power needed to run high demand software like AutoCAD.

What graphics card is best for AutoCAD?

Any mid-range graphics card should be enough to run AutoCAD if you want a really smooth experience. However, we suggest going for at least a GTX 1660ti or above.

Why are AutoCAD laptops and computers expensive?

The cost of a computer is equal to the sum of its parts. Unfortunately, to run CAD software, you need high-end components. CPUs, SSDs and large amounts of RAM are all costly components. This means the average price for a computer that can run CAD is substantially higher than normal computers.

Are gaming laptops good for CAD?

Gaming laptops are typically perfect for CAD, due to the high demand of AAA+ games, most gaming laptops come with more than enough power to run CAD software.

Conclusion

There we have it. Hopefully, after reading this article, you are now armed and ready with the knowledge necessary to buy the perfect laptop for your CAD and AutoCAD needs. If you are still a little bit confused or unsure which model to go with.

Our number one pick and best overall for all aspects of CAD is the MSI G75. This laptop will tackle anything you can throw at it and costs considerably less than some of its competitors.