Best laptops for SOLIDWORKS
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer crafting complex machinery or a budding student embarking on your CAD journey, SolidWorks reigns supreme as the industry-standard 3D modeling software. But taming this powerful tool requires a worthy steed, and choosing the right laptop for SolidWorks can be the difference between smooth sailing and choppy waters. This guide will navigate you through the hardware specs and key features you need to consider, ultimately steering you towards the ideal laptop that empowers you to unlock the full potential of SolidWorks and bring your visions to life. So buckle up, gearheads and design enthusiasts, as we dive into the world of the best laptops for SolidWorks!
SOLIDWORKS Laptop Requirements
- Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 (Home editions are not supported)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or higher (preferably with at least 4 cores)
- RAM: 16GB or more (32GB is recommended for larger assemblies and simulations)
- Graphics card: NVIDIA Quadro or RTX, or AMD Radeon Pro (4GB of dedicated video memory is recommended)
- Storage: Solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 250GB of free space
- Display: Full HD (1920×1080) resolution or higher
Best Laptops for SOLIDWORKS
- MSI Creator Z16P Professional Laptop ($1,599)
- HP Envy 16 Touchscreen Laptop ($1,899)
- Dell Precision 7670 Workstation ($3,320)
- ASUS Creator Laptop Q530 ($1,309)
- Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Mobile Workstation ($2,599)
- LG gram 17 Lightweight Laptop ($1,248)
- Acer Aspire 7 Laptop ($1,319)
1. MSI Creator Z16P Professional Laptop
| Model Name | CREATORZ16P040 |
| Screen Size | 16 |
| Color | Gray |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti |
The MSI Creator Z17P with its impressive specifications makes it an excellent choice for SolidWorks, a powerful 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. Here’s why it stands out as one of the best laptops for SolidWorks:
- High-Performance Processor: The 12th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor provides the necessary computational power for SolidWorks, ensuring smooth performance even when dealing with complex 3D models and simulations.
- Windows 11 Pro Operating System: The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro enhances the overall user experience, providing a stable and efficient environment for running SolidWorks. This ensures that the laptop is up-to-date with the latest software and security features.
- Visual Performance: The 16″ 165Hz QHD+ Touch Display is a key feature for SolidWorks users. The high refresh rate and QHD+ resolution offer a crisp and clear visual experience, crucial for precise design work. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides additional screen real estate, which is beneficial for handling large assemblies and detailed designs.
- Supercharged Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 ti graphics card is a powerhouse, capable of handling demanding graphics tasks. This is particularly important for SolidWorks, as it relies heavily on GPU acceleration for rendering and real-time visualization.
- Portability: Despite its high-performance components, the laptop is designed to be portable. The lightweight chassis and a sizable 90Whr battery make it suitable for professionals who need to work on the go, allowing SolidWorks users to take their work anywhere without compromising on performance.
In summary, the MSI Creator Z17P offers a well-rounded package of high-performance components, advanced graphics capabilities, a superior display, and portability, making it a standout choice for professionals working with SolidWorks.
2. HP Envy 16 Touchscreen Laptop
| Model Name | Envy 16-H100 |
| Screen Size | 16 Inches |
| Color | Natural Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i9 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Special Feature | HD Audio, Backlit Keyboard, Memory Card Slot |
| Graphics Card Description | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Dedicated |
The HP Envy 16, with its impressive hardware specifications, is a solid choice for running SolidWorks, a demanding 3D CAD design and engineering software. Here are several features that make it a good choice for SolidWorks:
- Powerful CPU: The 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H 14-Core Processor with a clock speed of up to 5.4 GHz provides ample processing power. SolidWorks benefits from a high-performance CPU, especially for complex simulations and rendering.
- Ample Memory: The upgraded 32GB DDR5 SDRAM at 4800 MHz ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of large CAD files in SolidWorks.
- Fast Storage: The 1TB PCI-E NVMe Solid State Drive offers fast data access speeds, reducing load times and enhancing overall system responsiveness, crucial for handling large SolidWorks projects.
- Dedicated Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with 8GB GDDR6 provides powerful graphics rendering capabilities. SolidWorks can leverage GPU acceleration for certain tasks, contributing to smoother 3D modeling and rendering.
- High-Resolution Touchscreen Display: The 16″ 120Hz WQXGA IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 provides a vibrant and detailed display. The 16:10 aspect ratio is advantageous for CAD work, offering more vertical screen real estate.
- Connectivity Options: The laptop features Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, and HDMI 2.1 ports, providing versatile connectivity for external displays and peripherals commonly used in SolidWorks setups.
- Portability: While not the lightest laptop, its dimensions of 9.94″ x 14.07″ x 0.78″ and weight of 5.91 lbs make it reasonably portable for professionals who need to work on the go.
- Backlit Keyboard and Webcam: These features contribute to a comfortable working environment, important for extended CAD sessions. The HP True Vision 5MP IR Camera with a privacy shutter enhances security during video conferences.
- Battery Life: With an 83Whr 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery offering up to 8 hours of battery life, the laptop is suitable for extended periods of work without needing frequent recharging.
- Wireless Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure fast and reliable wireless connectivity for cloud-based collaboration and data transfer.
- Included Accessories: The inclusion of a 200W AC Adapter and a free Vine Express 32GB USB Drive adds value to the package.
In summary, the HP Envy 16 combines a powerful hardware configuration, high-quality display, and thoughtful features, making it a suitable choice for professionals working with SolidWorks.
3. Dell Precision 7670 Workstation
| Model Name | Precision 7670 |
| Screen Size | 16 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 64 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA RTX A4500 16GB GDDR6 (4DP) |
| CPU Speed | 4.8 GHz |
The Dell Precision 7670 Workstation with the specified features appears to be a strong candidate for a laptop suitable for running SolidWorks. Here are some reasons why it’s a good choice for SolidWorks:
- Powerful Processor: The Intel Core 12th Generation i7-12850HX Processor with 16 cores and a maximum clock speed of 4.80GHz provides substantial computing power. SolidWorks benefits from a high-performance CPU, especially when dealing with complex assemblies and simulations.
- Dedicated Graphics: The inclusion of the NVIDIA RTX A4500 16GB GDDR6 GPU is a key feature. SolidWorks utilizes GPU acceleration for rendering and real-time rendering tasks, making the workflow smoother and improving overall performance.
- Ample RAM: The laptop comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM at 4800MHz. SolidWorks, particularly when working on large assemblies or complex simulations, can benefit from a generous amount of high-speed RAM.
- High-Resolution Display: The 16-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, anti-glare, and 500 nits brightness is well-suited for professional work, providing a clear and detailed view of 3D models and CAD drawings.
- Large and Fast Storage: The 1TB PCIe NVMe Class 40 Solid State Drive (SSD) ensures fast data access, which is crucial for large SolidWorks projects. The M.2 form factor is known for its speed and responsiveness.
- Windows 11 Pro: SolidWorks is designed to run on Windows, and having the latest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, ensures compatibility with the latest software updates and features.
- Reliable Connectivity: The Intel Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) AX211 and Bluetooth connectivity offer reliable wireless communication, and having a variety of ports, including DisplayPort (DP), enhances connectivity with external displays and peripherals.
- Long Battery Life: The 6-cell, 93 WHr Lithium-Ion battery provides decent battery life, allowing for productivity on the go.
- Warranty and Support: The 4 years onsite warranty is a significant benefit, providing peace of mind and support in case of any hardware issues.
In summary, the Dell Precision 7670 Workstation with its powerful specifications, dedicated graphics, ample RAM, high-resolution display, and reliable storage is well-suited for demanding SolidWorks tasks, making it a strong contender for one of the best laptops for SolidWorks.
4. ASUS Creator Laptop Q530
| Model Name | Creator Laptop Q |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i7 Family |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Graphics Card Description | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Dedicated |
The ASUS Creator Laptop Q530 with the provided specifications appears to be an excellent choice for running SolidWorks, a demanding 3D CAD software. Here’s why it stands out as one of the best laptops for SolidWorks:
- Powerful Processor: The 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13620H 10-Core processor with a base clock of 2.9GHz (up to 5.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost) provides ample processing power for running SolidWorks smoothly, especially when handling complex assemblies and simulations.
- High RAM Capacity: With 32GB DDR5 SDRAM operating at 4800 MHz, the laptop offers substantial memory to handle large SolidWorks projects without slowing down or experiencing performance bottlenecks.
- Fast Storage: The 1TB NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive ensures fast boot times, quick application loading, and swift data access, which is crucial for handling large SolidWorks files and projects efficiently.
- Dedicated Graphics Card: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GDDR6 graphics card provides excellent graphics performance, enabling smooth rendering and manipulation of 3D models within SolidWorks.
- High-Resolution Display: The 15.6″ FHD OLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 600 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures accurate color representation and sharp visuals, enhancing the user experience when working on detailed designs in SolidWorks.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: The laptop offers various connectivity options including USB Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI v2.1, and LAN ports, allowing users to easily connect peripherals and external displays for enhanced productivity.
- Portable Design: Despite its powerful hardware, the laptop remains relatively lightweight at 3.97 lbs and features a slim profile, making it convenient for professionals who need to work on SolidWorks projects on the go.
- Other Features: Additional features such as the full-size backlit keyboard with a fingerprint reader, Dolby Vision support, and a 3DNR FHD webcam with Privacy Shutter enhance usability and security, making it a comprehensive package for SolidWorks users.
Overall, the ASUS Creator Laptop Q530 combines robust performance, high-quality display, ample storage and memory, and versatile connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for professionals working with SolidWorks.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Mobile Workstation
| Model Name | ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Mobile Workstation |
| Screen Size | 16 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| CPU Model | Core i7 Family |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Hard Disk Size | 1TB SSD |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8GB GDDR6 |
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Mobile Workstation with the specified features is an excellent choice for SolidWorks for several reasons:
- Powerful Processor: The Intel Core i7-12800H processor with 14 cores (6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores) and 20 threads provides exceptional processing power. This is crucial for handling complex SolidWorks models and simulations efficiently.
- High Memory Capacity and Speed: With 32GB of DDR5-4800 memory, the laptop offers ample memory for running SolidWorks smoothly, even with large assemblies and high-resolution models. The DDR5-4800 RAM ensures fast data transfer speeds, reducing loading times and enhancing overall performance.
- Fast Storage: The 1TB SSD M.2 PCIe NVMe Opal2 storage drive provides fast data access and retrieval, which is essential for loading SolidWorks files quickly and improving overall system responsiveness.
- High-Resolution Display: The 16.0″ WQXGA IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and anti-glare technology ensures crisp and clear visuals. The 500-nit brightness and 165Hz refresh rate further enhance the viewing experience, making it easier to work on detailed SolidWorks designs with accurate color representation.
- Dedicated Graphics Card: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti with 8GB GDDR6 memory delivers powerful graphics performance, enabling smooth rendering and manipulation of 3D models in SolidWorks. The dedicated graphics card ensures that complex designs and simulations are handled efficiently without slowing down the system.
- Portable and Durable Design: Despite its powerful hardware, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 is relatively lightweight at just under 4 pounds and has a slim profile, making it highly portable for professionals who need to work on the go. Additionally, ThinkPad laptops are known for their durability and reliability, ensuring long-term performance and peace of mind for SolidWorks users.
Overall, the combination of powerful hardware components, high-resolution display, dedicated graphics, fast storage, and portable design makes the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Mobile Workstation an excellent choice for SolidWorks users who require top-notch performance and reliability in their professional workflows.
6. LG gram 17 Lightweight Laptop
| Model Name | 17Z90R-A.AAB7U1 |
| Screen Size | 17 |
| Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | Anti-glare |
| Graphics Card Description | NVIDIA RTX3050 Dedicated |
The LG gram 17 appears to be an excellent choice for running SOLIDWORKS due to its powerful specifications and features tailored for intensive tasks like 3D modeling and rendering. Here’s why it stands out:
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor: The latest generation Intel Core i7 processor provides substantial processing power necessary for running SOLIDWORKS smoothly, even when dealing with complex designs and simulations.
- 16GB MHz LPDDR5 RAM: With 16GB of high-speed RAM, the laptop can handle multitasking efficiently, crucial for working on large SOLIDWORKS assemblies or switching between multiple design files without slowdowns.
- 17″ WQXGA Non-Reflective IPS Display With DCI-P3 99%: The spacious 17-inch display with a high-resolution WQXGA panel and wide color gamut ensures accurate color representation, crucial for precise visualization of CAD models and designs.
- 1 TB NVMe Gen 4 M.2 SSD: The large NVMe SSD offers ample storage space for storing SOLIDWORKS project files and provides lightning-fast read/write speeds, reducing load times and improving overall system responsiveness.
- Dolby Atmos: While not directly related to SOLIDWORKS, the Dolby Atmos audio enhancement can provide an immersive experience when viewing presentations or training videos related to SOLIDWORKS.
- MIL-STD-810H: The MIL-STD-810H certification ensures that the laptop is rugged and durable, making it suitable for use in various environments, including workshops or construction sites where SOLIDWORKS might be utilized.
- Flexibility Connectivity: The presence of Thunderbolt 4 and other ports allows for easy connectivity to external displays, peripherals, and storage devices, enhancing productivity when working on SOLIDWORKS projects.
Overall, the LG gram 17 offers a compelling combination of performance, durability, and connectivity features that make it well-suited for demanding tasks like running SOLIDWORKS efficiently.
7. Acer Aspire 7 Laptop
| Model Name | Aspire 7 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 4 TB |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 64 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Graphics Card Description | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Dedicated |
The Acer Aspire 7 with the specifications we provided is a strong contender for the title of “Best Laptops for SOLIDWORKS” for several reasons:
- Processor: The AMD Ryzen 5 5625U is a robust 6-core processor with a high clock speed of up to 4.3 GHz and 12 threads, making it well-suited for handling the multi-threaded workloads typical of SOLIDWORKS tasks, such as rendering and complex simulations.
- Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 4GB of GDDR6 memory is a capable GPU for running SOLIDWORKS, especially for tasks involving 3D modeling and visualization. This graphics card supports real-time rendering and acceleration, which can significantly improve performance and responsiveness in SOLIDWORKS.
- Memory and Storage: With 64GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop provides ample memory to handle large assemblies and complex simulations in SOLIDWORKS. The 4TB PCI-E NVMe SSD ensures fast data access and storage, reducing load times and improving overall system performance, which is essential for smooth operation of CAD software.
- Display: The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with 300 nits brightness offers a clear and detailed view of your designs. The anti-glare feature minimizes reflections and improves visibility, which is beneficial for long hours of CAD work.
- Connectivity and Ports: The inclusion of USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports provides flexible connectivity options for peripherals and external devices. The HDMI port is useful for connecting to external monitors or projectors, which can be useful for presentations or working with multiple displays.
- Build and Battery Life: The laptop’s build, with a 50 Whr battery, is designed to be portable yet powerful. Its relatively lightweight design (4.74 lbs) and battery capacity offer a good balance of performance and mobility, making it suitable for both office and on-the-go work.
In summary, the Acer Aspire 7’s combination of a powerful processor, capable GPU, substantial RAM and storage, high-quality display, and versatile connectivity options make it an excellent choice for running SOLIDWORKS effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best laptop for SolidWorks involves considering various factors such as processing power, graphics capabilities, RAM, and storage. The ideal choice depends on the specific requirements of your SolidWorks projects and your budget constraints. Always prioritize a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, a powerful multicore processor, and sufficient RAM to ensure smooth performance while working on complex 3D models. Additionally, it’s advisable to check for compatibility with SolidWorks system requirements and consider user reviews for real-world performance insights. By making an informed decision based on your unique needs, you can enhance your SolidWorks experience and streamline your design and engineering tasks with a laptop that meets the demanding requirements of this powerful CAD software.
FAQs
A good laptop for running SOLIDWORKS should have at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated GPU like the NVIDIA Quadro or RTX series for rendering. A fast SSD and a high-resolution display are also recommended for smooth performance.
For SOLIDWORKS, 16 GB of RAM is generally sufficient for most tasks, including part design and assemblies. However, for handling large assemblies, simulations, or rendering, 32 GB or more is recommended to ensure smooth performance and avoid slowdowns during complex operations.
Good specs for SOLIDWORKS include a high-performance CPU (Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7), 16-32GB of RAM, a dedicated GPU like NVIDIA Quadro or RTX series, at least 512GB SSD storage, and a Full HD or 4K display. Ensure the system meets official SOLIDWORKS certification for optimal performance.
For SOLIDWORKS, Intel Core i7 and i9 processors or AMD Ryzen 7 and 9 are the best options. These processors offer high clock speeds and multiple cores, which enhance performance for 3D modeling and rendering tasks. Choose models with higher single-thread performance for optimal results in SOLIDWORKS.
Yes, adding more RAM can make SOLIDWORKS faster, especially when working with large assemblies or complex models. RAM helps handle data-intensive tasks and prevents the system from slowing down due to excessive reliance on virtual memory. However, performance also depends on the CPU and GPU for optimal speed.
Yes, an Intel Core i7 is a good choice for running SOLIDWORKS, especially for most design tasks. It offers strong single-core performance, which is essential for modeling and simulations. For optimal performance, pairing it with sufficient RAM (16GB or more) and a dedicated graphics card is recommended.