Solidworks is a modeling process in 3-dimensional space. That concept alone means that the computers needed to do this will need to be somewhat strong to handle it. You could be searching for all kinds of computers, and the list is endless. However, we’ve compiled a list to make the decision-making process easier.
Below, not only do we recommend some great laptops that can get the job done, but we’ve included a helpful guide to help you understand what to look for in the best laptop for solidworks.
Top 7 Best Laptops for Solidworks
Table of Content
Like all of our lists, we’ve included a components list to help you understand the particular parts in each laptop. Here is what we recommend in terms of a computer for any kind of solidwork project.
Lenovo ThinkPad P15
Component List
- Processor: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-10750H
- Graphics: NVidia Quadro T1000
- Memory: 64GB
- Storage: 1TB
One of the most notable laptops for solidworks is the Lenovo ThinkPad P15. It is the best laptop for solidworks in our books due to the relevant features it has. It can already mesh well with any workstation; however, it has high-end processors, upgradable storage, and great display and graphics.
This particular laptop is designed with power in mind. It has an Intel Core i7-10750H, which can clock speeds of up to 5GHz. Its cache memory is notable too. It also is great for solidworks due to its Error Correcting Code.
HP ZBook 14u G6
Component List
- Processor: 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-8565U
- Graphics: 4GB AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200
- Memory: 32GB
- Storage: 2TB SSD
Another commendable choice for a good laptop for solidworks is HP’s ZBook. It can handle solidworks nicely but also any other demanding CAD-based software with relative ease. This laptop is huge in its own right for this industry as it brings computing prowess for enhanced professional productivity.
From a hardware standpoint, it has an i7 quad-core processor that can handle many applications with ease. Furthermore, HP offers certified AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200 that’s coupled with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM. This opens up all kinds of GPU-intensive tasks such as AI-Enhanced 3D modeling, photo editing, Ray tracing, and more.
Razer Blade 15
Component List
- Processor: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-10750H
- Graphics: 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Razer Blade is new and improved to the point that it’s a good choice as a solidworks laptop. Particularly, if you are looking for drawing and modeling-focused work. On top of it being good for those tasks, it’s a great high-end gaming laptop too.
It offers a 10th gen i7 processor, and the chipset offers 6 cores, making it capable of hyper-threading. It also means it can do basic simulations with no problems at all. All around, it’s a dependable laptop that can get the job done.
Dell G3 15
Component List
- Processor: Intel Core i9
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB
While you could pick any dell laptop for solidworks, a better option for Dell is to choose a Dell G3 15. It so happens to be the best computer for solidworks if you’re looking to use CAD programs such as solidworks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or other 2D and 3D modeling.
By all means, it’s a gaming notebook as well, but it has all the features and specs that it needs to be compatible with many different professions. It’s a solid investment if you’re the type to be doing all kinds of different tasks as it has the power to do all of it without too many problems.
Asus ZenBook
Component List
- Processor: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-10750H
- Graphics: 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Asus ZenBook is another great choice for a laptop for solidworks. It’s been designed to be a high-end professional notebook, making it great for this type of work. You can create simulations or perform rendering with it with no problem.
This laptop is powered by an i7 processor, and like the Razer Blade, it’s capable of doing some intensive GPU and CPU-demanding tasks.
Asus TUF FX505
Component List
- Processor: 2.3GHz AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
- Graphics: 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Compared to others on this list, the Asus TUF FX505 isn’t the most powerful notebook on the market for solidworks and other modeling work. That being said, it can still do the tasks just fine, and the price tag makes it a great budget option. Think of it as a beginner’s laptop for solidworks for those on a budget.
The processing system is capable of developing your basic mechatronics systems without too many issues. Furthermore, the laptop has enough features to enhance productivity when performing 2D and 3D modeling too.
MSI GL65
Component List
- Processor: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-10750H
- Graphics: 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
The final option for solidworks certified laptops that we recommend is the MSI GL65 Leopard, and it is built for commendable power. Right from the start, the processor is a 10th generation one and comes with a high-end graphics card. It can handle anything that you throw at it and output some amazing details too.
The Ultimate Guide To Buying the Best Laptop for Solidworks
While the best laptop for solidworks 2021 list provided above has some excellent choices, it’s worth going into certain qualities. What did we consider when putting together this list? What should you be considering when selecting the best laptop to run solidworks for you.
Below are some specifications that we’ve outlined and to help you consider which is the best option for you.
Budget
First and foremost, how much money you can afford to spend is crucial. You want to be making the most out of your investment and so it depends more on what kind of work you’re going to be doing with it.
RAM
The amount of RAM or memory is also key for a computer for solidworks projects. You want to be able to load applications without any issue nor run into too many problems with lag should you need to have several open at the same time. A good amount of RAM will generally start at 16GB but the more the better in terms of loading smoothness.
Processor
The best processor for solidworks is going to be an i7 version or later at the minimum. Solidworks demands a lot of power, and so you want a processor to be able to keep up with it. Also, note that laptops with more cores to it will be better since it’ll be able to keep up in the event of multiple applications running.
Battery Life
While not something mentioned much in this solidworks laptop recommendation, battery life is still pretty important. When rendering or performing other tasks, there is a lot of power being used up, and it’s key that your laptop doesn’t shut down in the middle of it all. Having a good battery health life will help and save you from carrying a charger around all the time.
Storage
Another good trait for a laptop for solid works is having good storage. It’s not a huge determining factor since this can be solved through external hard drives, but you still expect a good amount of storage to be available on the laptop itself.
Graphics Card
Graphics do play a big role the best laptop for solidworks 2021 has to offer since the work is on more of the creative side. The graphics cards of the laptops recommended above are high-end and can provide amazing graphics while you work.
Weight
Particularly important for those who travel or carry their laptop around, the weight of laptops can be another factor to keep in mind too. Most laptops aren’t particularly heavy but do keep it in mind if you’re going for a laptop that can be upgraded as the upgraded parts will contribute to the weight.
Display
The last factor to consider is the display. The more screen space that you have, the more you’ll have to work with. When it comes to laptops, it is a bit moot since the display sizes don’t differ as much. However, it can be a determining factor if you’re planning on additional monitors.
Conclusion
While each laptop mentioned in this list is fantastic for solidworks for any level of expertise, it ultimately comes down to your budget, portability preference, and your overall goals with working in this area.
Each of the options above is great for all kinds of things. For great power, you’ve got the Lenovo ThinkPad P15. For something more long-term, there is the Razer Blade 15. There isn’t a bad option when picking from this list.