People use AutoCAD for a range of different reasons. Some are recent users who decided to dive in headfirst, while others garnered a lot of professional experience with the software from their job.
Regardless of what your story is, one thing is certain: sure: running software like AutoCAD requires a high-end laptop. However, picking one premium laptop out of a flooded market is not easy. To help with that tough decision, we put together a comprehensive guide that lists some of the best machines out there.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
We searched through dozens of machines before finding four that meet our standards for performance, battery life, processor, RAM, storage, graphics card, and display.
- Do you want a laptop that can quickly deliver a multitude of frames? Consider the Asus ROG Strix Scar III.
- If you need a powerful laptop with a lot of room for expansion, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is the choice for you.
- MSI GF75 Thin 9SC-027 17.3″ is ideal if you want a system with massive RAM that can handle heavy multitasking without lag.
- Dell G5 15 Gaming Laptop is a great option if you’re looking for a laptop that comes with a modern hardware configuration.
Who Should Get This?
A lot of project managers, organizations, and engineering professionals use AutoCAD software on a large scale basis for various applications.
The software allows users to quickly implement design changes in a way that saves time for the designer. In addition, it helps engineers reduce errors and improves the accuracy of their work.
It also cuts out common data transfer issues thanks to the simple file-sharing system.
What’s more?
The software has a data scanning facility that helps calculate the exact cost of products and the number of materials needed.
The above benefits show how AutoCAD software plays a vital role across various industries, and why it needs a strong machine to run. If you’re looking for laptops that you can use for minor tasks like writing or data entry, this article may not necessarily be for you.
Best Laptops for AutoCAD: What to Consider in 2020?
Graphics Card
Graphics cards are used to render your files faster and with better graphics. A high-end model will greatly increase the performance of your device.
Display
The display is vital for AutoCAD software. Your laptop should have sharp, stunning colors. To do that, look for laptops with full HD and IPS technology.
RAM
The RAM installed on a laptop determines the performance. For AutoCAD software to perform well, you need at least 16GB of RAM. However. , if you’re going to do basic CAD work, you can get 8GB instead.
Processor
If you want your software to run smoothly, you need to go for the fastest quad-core processor possible. Those on a budget should at least look for an 8th Gen Intel’s quad-core i7 processor or 9th Gen Intel’s quad-core i5 processor. However, if you can go all out regardless of your budget, it’s best to get a 9th Gen Intel’s quad-core i7.
Storage
There are two types of storage space: HDD and SSD. SSD is always a better option due to its quick read and write speed. It also tends to improve your laptop’s general performance. However, if you must go for an HDD because of your budget, it’s best to get at least 256GB.
Best Laptops for AutoCAD: Our Picks for 2020
1. Asus ROG Strix Scar III
The ASUS ROG Strix III is a laptop you can count on for exceptional performance and RGB. The gadget comes with ROG’s Keystone profile technology, and it ups the ante with lighting that goes all the way down to the base.
The device has a 240Hz display, which opens up an entirely new world for AutoCAD users. This model has a 15.6in FHD display, which makes it ideal for any AutoCAD user, and it comes with a powerful 9th Gen octa-core Intel Core i9-9880H CPU.
There is also a lot of speed here, as a result of the massive 32GB of RAM. The 1TB SSD even allows you to store all your data in one place, and the 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU offers premium performance.
What We Like:
- Great CPU speeds
- 240HZ refresh rate
- All-out RGB lighting
- FHD display
- Portable
What We Don’t Like:
- Plastic chassis
2. Acer Predator Helios 300
With the processor (9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H) that clocks up to 4.5GHz, the Acer Predator Helios 300 can easily handle your AutoCAD software. Multitasking is smooth on this device thanks to the 16GB of RAM.
The 256GB of SSD may not impress you if you have a lot of things to store on your computer, but the laptop is expandable. It comes with an extra empty slot where you can add an SSD or HDD. The Acer Predator has a powerful 6GB of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU that offers a solid graphics experience.
The laptop also has precise colors thanks to the 15.60-inch full HD widescreen IPS display and the 1920×1080 pixels of resolution. The battery life lasts about 6 hours on a single charge.
What We Like:
- Comfortable keyboard
- Good battery life
- High-performance system
- FHD widescreen with IPS display
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor sound system
3. MSI GF75 Thin 9SC-027 17.3″
The MSI GF75 Thin 9SC is an all-purpose laptop with a screen size of 17.3-inches. The model comes with a full HD IPS display that offers accurate and bright colors for running your AutoCAD software. The Cooler Boost 3 technology gives a better working experience by keeping the system cool and generating a much better performance.
This laptop comes with no lag due to the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-950H processor and massive 16GB of RAM. The device also has a 4GB of Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics processor. The device comes packed with 512GB of SSD, which allows you to store a lot of files. l The battery life is admirable, lasting up to 7 hours on a single charge.
What We Like:
- It’s portable
- Good battery life
- Great GPU performance
- Respectable contrast ratio
What We Don’t Like:
- Narrow bezels
4. Dell G5 15 Gaming Laptop
The Dell G5 15 has a great design. It comes in two colors; one with a black lid and the other with a striking metallic white lid. The light blue Dell logo blends nicely with the background white and the silver hinge.
If you like to peek into the interior, there’s a clear plastic window underneath the device. The device has an attractive keyboard that’s black and has blue accents around the touchpad and keys. One snag is that the laptop weighs about 6lbs, which makes it hard to carry around. The device doesn’t feature the fanciest screen, but it provides full HD 1920×1080 resolution and IPS technology for a sharp and bright picture. The backlit keyboard and four-zone customizable lighting also let you work in the dark.
The left side of this model has a substantial port selection that includes Thunderbolt 3 support, USB 3.1 Type-C port, USB 3.1 Type-A port, and a headset jack. On the right side, you’ll find an SD card slot and a second USB 3.1 Type-A port. The G5 15 uses a 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H processor, a 256GB SSD with a 1TB HDD, and 8GB of memory.
What We Like:
- Sturdy build
- Solid full HD
- Easy to configure
- Good battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s a bit heavy
AutoCAD Tips That Will Help You Define Boundaries
- Use the Dimbreak tool if you notice dimension lines crossing to maintain your associative dimension and create smart breaks.
- Use a closed polyline to apply a hatch pattern if you want to define a boundary.
- You can set your resolutions and customize your PDF outputs with the ribbon export.
- Use the intuitive search bar to look for any term in the Autodesk Content Explorer.
Bottom Line
We hope that this buying guide on the best laptops for AutoCAD helped you make the right choice. This buyer guide will give you a clearer picture of what you should look out for. All you need to do is go for the best laptops for AutoCAD that best fits your needs and budget.
What are your thoughts about our picks? Did we leave out your favorite model? Which one will you try out first? Hit us up in the comments section.
Chris is a lifelong tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests including coding, data analysis, traveling, and more. He used to work as a software programmer immersing himself in the world of codes, now he finds it more interesting talking to real people.