Best laptops for Altium Designer | Taming the complexity of multi-layered PCBs requires a powerful workstation, and choosing the right laptop for Altium Designer becomes a crucial mission. Whether you’re navigating intricate schematics or pushing the boundaries of high-density layouts, your ideal machine needs to strike a delicate balance between raw performance, seamless software integration, and portability. But fret not, intrepid engineer! This guide will dissect the key considerations and unveil the top contenders in the laptop arena, guiding you towards the perfect partner for conquering your next PCB masterpiece.
Best laptops for electrical engineering students
Altium Designer laptop requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 or equivalent
- RAM: 8GB (16GB recommended for complex projects)
- Hard Disk Space: 10GB (SSD recommended)
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 640 series or AMD® Radeon® HD 7770, 1024MB (or more) graphics card or better, supporting DirectX 9.0c and Shader model 3 (or later)
The best laptops for Altium Designer
- SAMSUNG 15.6″ Galaxy Book3 Business Laptop Computer ($1,195)
- ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED ($1,970)
- Dell XPS 9710 17.0″ WUXGA Laptop ($1,803)
- HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop ($642)
- MSI Raider GE76 Gaming Laptop ($1,389)
1. SAMSUNG 15.6″ Galaxy Book3 Business Laptop Computer
| Brand | SAMSUNG |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Special Feature | HD Audio |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Business Laptop with the specified features makes a solid choice for Altium Designer, a powerful electronic design automation software. Here’s why it stands out as a good option:
Properties of Galaxy Book3
- Powerful Processor: The Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed of 1.70 GHz provides excellent processing power, crucial for running Altium Designer smoothly. Altium Designer often involves complex computations and simulations, and the Core i7 processor ensures efficient performance for these tasks.
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics: Altium Designer benefits from a dedicated graphics card, and the Intel Iris Xe Graphics in this laptop contribute to a seamless visual experience. This is especially important for tasks such as 3D PCB modeling and rendering, where a dedicated graphics card can significantly enhance performance.
- Ample Storage: With a spacious 512 GB SSD, you have enough storage to accommodate large Altium project files, libraries, and related documents. The fast read and write speeds of an SSD also contribute to quicker loading times of the software and projects.
- 16 GB RAM: Altium Designer can be memory-intensive, particularly when working on large PCB designs or running multiple design tools simultaneously. The 16 GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of large datasets, contributing to a responsive user experience.
- Windows 11 Pro: Altium Designer is designed to run on Windows operating systems, and having Windows 11 Pro enhances the overall compatibility and performance of the software. The advanced features of Windows 11 Pro can contribute to a more secure and productive computing environment.
- HD Audio: While not directly related to Altium Designer, HD Audio can be a nice additional feature, providing a better multimedia experience when taking breaks or working on other tasks that involve audio.
- 15.6-Inch Screen Size: The 15.6-inch screen size provides a comfortable workspace for designing PCBs. A larger display can be beneficial when working with intricate details in schematics or PCB layouts.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Business Laptop offers a well-rounded set of features, including a powerful processor, dedicated graphics, ample storage, and sufficient RAM, making it a suitable choice for professionals working with Altium Designer.
2. ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED
| Model Name | Zenbook Pro 14 |
| Screen Size | 14.5 Inches |
| Color | Tech Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i9 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard |
| Graphics Card Description | GeForce RTX 4060 Dedicated |
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 14, as described with its impressive features, could be considered a good choice for Altium Designer, a software widely used for electronic design and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) development. Here are several reasons why this laptop could be among the best for Altium Designer:
Properties of Zenbook Pro
- Powerful Processor: The laptop is equipped with the latest 13th generation Intel Core i9-13900H processor with a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz, which can be boosted up to 5.4 GHz. Altium Designer benefits from a powerful CPU for tasks such as compiling and running complex simulations, making this laptop well-suited for demanding design processes.
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Altium Designer can leverage GPU acceleration for certain tasks, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM provides significant graphics power. This is especially useful for tasks such as 3D rendering and simulations within Altium Designer.
- High-Quality Display: The 14.5-inch WQXGA+ OLED NanoEdge touchscreen with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio ensures a clear and vibrant display. This is beneficial for working on intricate designs and viewing schematics with precision.
- RAM and Storage: The laptop comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM, providing ample memory for multitasking and handling large PCB design projects. Additionally, the 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD offers fast storage access, contributing to quick loading times of large design files.
- Wireless Connectivity: The Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities provide fast and reliable wireless connectivity, which is essential for collaborating on projects, downloading updates, and accessing online resources seamlessly.
- ASUS DialPad: The ASUS DialPad can be a valuable asset for Altium Designer users. Its customizable controls allow for instant adjustments in creative applications, which could include changing brush size, saturation, or other parameters within the design software.
- Windows 11 Home: The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home, providing a modern and user-friendly interface. Altium Designer is compatible with Windows, and having the latest operating system ensures optimal performance and compatibility.
In summary, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 offers a powerful combination of a high-performance processor, dedicated GPU, excellent display, sufficient RAM, fast storage, and additional features like the ASUS DialPad, making it a strong contender for professionals and enthusiasts working with Altium Designer.
3. Dell XPS 9710 17.0″ WUXGA Laptop
| Model Name | XPS 9710 17 |
| Screen Size | 17 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | Backlit Kyb,Fingerprint |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
The Dell XPS 9710 appears to be a strong contender for Altium Designer based on its key features:
Properties of XPS 9710
- Powerful Processing Capability: The laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i7-11800H Octa-Core processor, which boasts a high base clock speed of 2.30GHz (up to 4.6 GHz with Turbo Boost). Altium Designer, being a complex PCB design software, benefits significantly from a powerful CPU to handle computations, simulations, and rendering tasks efficiently.
- Dedicated Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 4GB GDDR6 is a dedicated graphics card that enhances the laptop’s performance for graphics-intensive applications. Altium Designer utilizes GPU acceleration for tasks like 3D PCB visualization, and the VR-ready capabilities further contribute to a smooth design experience.
- Ample RAM for Multitasking: With 32GB DDR4 SODIMM RAM, the laptop provides substantial memory for handling large PCB designs and running multiple applications simultaneously. This is crucial for maintaining smooth workflow and responsiveness when working with complex projects in Altium Designer.
- High-Speed Storage: The inclusion of a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD ensures fast data access and storage. Altium projects often involve large files, and the high-speed SSD contributes to quick load times for projects and faster data transfers.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: The laptop offers 4 Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C) ports, which can be beneficial for connecting to external displays, storage devices, or other peripherals. Altium Designer users may find this useful for expanding their workstation and connecting additional hardware seamlessly.
- Quality Display: While Altium Designer’s interface may not heavily rely on display quality, the 17.0″ Wide UXGA (1920×1200) WUXGA display could provide a comfortable and spacious working environment. A higher resolution can be advantageous when working on intricate PCB layouts.
- Portability with Decent Battery Life: The laptop features a 6-cell 97 WHr battery, providing a balance between portability and sufficient battery life. This is important for users who need to work on the go without constantly relying on a power source.
- Windows 11 Home: Altium Designer is compatible with Windows, and the inclusion of Windows 11 Home-64 provides a modern and secure operating system environment.
In summary, the Dell XPS 9710, with its powerful hardware configuration, dedicated graphics, ample RAM, high-speed storage, and versatile connectivity options, offers a robust platform for running Altium Designer efficiently and effectively.
4. HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop
| Model Name | TPN-Q279_598U1AV |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard |
| Graphics Card Description | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Dedicated |
The HP Victus 15 offers a robust combination of hardware specifications tailored for Altium Designer, making it a strong contender for the title of “Best laptops for Altium Designer.” Here’s why:
Properties of Victus 15
- Powerful Processor: The AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor with its 6 cores and 12 threads, coupled with a high base clock speed of 3.3 GHz (up to 4.55 GHz max boost clock), ensures smooth operation of Altium Designer, especially when handling complex PCB designs and simulations.
- Ample Memory and Storage: With 16GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe M.2 Solid State Drive, this laptop provides sufficient memory and storage capacity to handle large project files and data sets efficiently, facilitating seamless multitasking and quick data access.
- High-Performance Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU with 4GB GDDR6 memory delivers excellent graphics performance, crucial for rendering high-resolution PCB layouts and 3D models in Altium Designer. The 144Hz FHD display further enhances the visual experience, ensuring crisp and smooth gameplay.
- Connectivity Options: The laptop offers a range of connectivity options including SuperSpeed USB Type-A and Type-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 6, facilitating easy integration with external devices and networks, which is essential for collaboration and accessing online resources while working on Altium Designer projects.
- Enhanced User Experience: Features like a backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad, anti-glare display, and Windows 11 Home operating system contribute to an enhanced user experience, providing comfort during extended work sessions and a visually pleasing interface for improved productivity.
Overall, the HP Victus 15 combines powerful hardware specifications, high-quality display, and versatile connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts looking for a reliable laptop to run Altium Designer efficiently.
5. MSI Raider GE76 Gaming Laptop
| Model Name | Raider GE76 12UE-871 |
| Screen Size | 17.3 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i9 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | Numeric Keypad |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
The MSI Raider GE76 Gaming Laptop, equipped with an Intel Core i9-12900H processor, GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, and a 17.3″ 144Hz FHD display, offers an impressive combination of power and visual fidelity, making it an excellent choice for Altium Designer users.
Properties of Raider GE76
- Processing Power: Altium Designer is a resource-intensive application, especially when handling large PCB designs or complex simulations. The Intel Core i9-12900H processor provides ample processing power to handle such tasks efficiently, ensuring smooth performance without lags or delays.
- Graphics Capabilities: While Altium Designer is primarily CPU-bound, having a dedicated GPU like the GeForce RTX 3060 can still provide benefits, particularly during tasks like 3D modeling or rendering. The RTX 3060 offers enough graphical horsepower to accelerate these tasks, enhancing productivity and workflow.
- Large Display with High Refresh Rate: The 17.3″ 144Hz FHD display of the GE76 ensures a spacious workspace with crisp visuals and smooth motion, which is crucial for working on intricate PCB designs and schematics. The high refresh rate minimizes screen tearing and provides a more fluid user experience, aiding in precise editing and viewing.
- Ample Memory and Storage: With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, the laptop offers sufficient memory and storage capacity to handle large Altium Designer projects comfortably. The fast DDR5 memory ensures swift data access and multitasking capabilities, while the spacious SSD provides ample space for storing project files and libraries.
- Thunderbolt 4 and Cooler Boost 5: Thunderbolt 4 connectivity allows for fast data transfer and versatile peripheral connections, facilitating seamless integration with external devices such as monitors or storage drives. Additionally, the Cooler Boost 5 cooling system ensures optimal thermal management, preventing overheating during extended design sessions and maintaining peak performance.
- Windows 11 Home: The inclusion of Windows 11 Home enhances the overall user experience with its modern interface, improved security features, and compatibility with the latest software updates, ensuring smooth operation of Altium Designer and other productivity tools.
In summary, the MSI Raider GE76 Gaming Laptop offers a compelling combination of high-performance hardware, expansive display, ample memory and storage, and advanced features, making it a top choice for Altium Designer users seeking a powerful and reliable workstation for their design projects.
Conclusion – Best laptops for Altium Designer
Choosing the best laptop for Altium Designer ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. Whether you prioritize raw power, portability, or value, understanding your workflow and what aspects of Altium are most demanding for you will guide you towards the optimal machine. Remember, balancing your requirements with the ever-evolving world of technology will guarantee a satisfying experience with Altium Designer for years to come. So, dive deep into your needs, research current offerings, and invest in a laptop that empowers your creativity and propels your future projects to success.