SolidWorks is one of the premier programs used by those studying to be in or working with the manufacturing industry. The high-end modeling program has a wide range of different applications, and it’s extremely useful for anyone who needs to extrapolate 2D designs.
When looking for a laptop that can power SolidWorks, there are several features you need to keep an eye on. That includes internal specs, a strong battery, and ample processing power. The following items have all of those and more. We’ll take a deeper look below.
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Who Should Get This
These laptops are obviously geared toward anyone who works with SolidWorks. That includes students who need to use the program, as well as those in the modeling or manufacturing industries. Hobbyists who actively use the program will also enjoy the following models as well.
Every laptop in this guide comes with great specs and a lot of extra processing power. For that reason, they’re also good for gamers or people who need some extra punch. If you want great specs or a high-end computer for your daily needs, every model in this guide will deliver.
Best Laptop for SolidWorks: Our Picks
All of the laptops covered in this section have specific traits that make them particularly useful for SolidWorks.
1. Surface Book 3
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: Fast interface. Responsive. Strong standby mode. Tough shell and powerful graphics. Bright screen.
- Screen Size: 13.5 inches
- Battery Life: 15 hours
- Weight: 3.62 pounds
Out of all the great SolidWorks laptops, the Surface Book 3 takes the cake. This multifaceted model does just about everything you would want from a portable computer and then some. It’s fast, comes with a powerful processor, offers multiple ports, and stays on all day.
The shell is surprisingly tough for a lighter model, and it offers a large screen without ever being too big or hard to carry around. It’s not the most portable option, but the wide, high-quality display works with the strong graphics to make everything come to life.
The only issue some people might have with this option is the price. This is an incredibly expensive laptop, but if you want incredible specs you won’t mind the inflated tag.
2. Dell XPS 15
- Best For: Processing Power
- Key Features: Excellent memory. Expandable. Glossy, 4K display. Glare reduction. Thunderbolt 3 port.
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
The XPS 15, which comes from one of the best laptop companies on Earth, makes this list through its combination of processing power, bright display, and excellent screen. The glossy display looks fantastic thanks to the 4k capabilities and active glare reduction.
On top of that, this comes with strong RAM and a Thunderbolt 3 port. There’s a lot of power and versatility packed into the attractive shell. It’s also fully expandable if you want to get even more memory than what comes in the box.
This laptop, while useful for SolidWorks, is not very portable. While it’s a great pick for a more stationary computer, the sheer weight makes it a rough choice for those who need to take it around.
3. Razer Blade 15
- Best For: Gaming
- Key Features: 10-generation Intel Core i7 processor. WiFi 6 capabilities. Thunderbolt 3 port. Backlight customization.
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Battery Life: 6 hours
- Weight: 7.43 pounds
Gaming laptops, due to their strong graphics and internal specs, often make great SolidWorks options. That’s definitely true for the Razer Blade 15, a lightweight model that packs a strong punch in terms of both graphics and performance.
This model comes fully equipped with a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor that’s backed by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 with Max-Q design. That creates exceptional performance. You can work hard with this model, and then play your favorite titles when you want to relax.
This laptop’s biggest weakness is the battery life. Six hours isn’t the lowest charge around, but you’re going to want to stay by an outlet if you plan on putting in some long hours with SolidWorks.
4. HP ZBook Firefly
- Best For: Battery Life
- Key Features: Bright display and large screen. Core i7 processor. Responsive, tactile keyboard. Long lasting battery.
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Battery Life: 14 hours
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
If you’re in the market for a SolidWorks computer that you can use just about anywhere, it’s hard to beat the ZBook Firefly. Coming from HP, this option has a stunning 14-hour battery. That, combined with its relatively lightweight design, creates a rather portable larger model.
The interior specs are as strong as you would imagine, while the larger screen excels for just about any task you throw at it. The keyboard feels great, there are two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and the entire machine handles rendering without any issues.
The main drawback you’ll find when using this laptop is the fan. It can be a bit noisy when put under a lot of stress. However, that’s a minor complaint against the strong specs.
5. Acer Predator Helios 300
- Best For: Speed
- Key Features: 10 generation processor and RTX 20-series GPU. Great cooling technology. 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard.
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Battery Life: 6 hours
- Weight: 5.07 pounds
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is another gaming-focused laptop that happens to excel when used for SolidWorks. The 10th generation processor and RTX 20-series GPU are both wonderful, especially when backed by the highly effective cooling system.
The 15.6-inch screen makes everything pop in full resolution, while the Bluetooth technology increases functionality. There’s also a good amount of durability with this device, which means you won’t have to worry about it getting scratched up in your bag or breaking during a bump.
This laptop lacks a Thunderbolt 3 port, which some people might not like, and the customer service could be much better. If you have an issue, it might be best to go it alone.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad L340
- Best For: Budget
- Key Features: Responsive keyboard. Upgradable memory. Strong display. HyperThreading support. Lower price point.
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Battery Life: 9 hours
- Weight: 4.84 pounds
There aren’t too many affordable SolidWorks laptops out there, but the IdeaPad L340 is up to the task. This model, outfitted with a strong keyboard, crisp display, and upgradable memory, does a decent job of giving you a workstation that doesn’t completely break the bank.
This has a 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processor in addition to 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD. The Dopoundsy audio technology works beautifully, while the sharp graphics work no matter what you’re doing on the laptop.
As this is a budget-friendly model, it’s important to understand that you won’t get a ton of power here. It serves well for entry-level SolidWorks tasks, but you’ll eventually have to upgrade if you want to get more serious.
Choosing a Laptop for Solidworks: What to Consider
Specs
When running SolidWorks, power is the name of the game. Your laptop shouldn’t just power the program, it should power the program smoothly.
For that, you want a strong internal processor, ample memory, and great graphics. That trifecta will give you excellent results no matter what you need from your device. It will cost you more upfront, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Size
Anytime you buy a laptop, no matter what you’re getting it for, you want to focus on its size. Smaller options are much more portable and easy to carry around, while larger ones are easier to see and have much more impressive displays.
The size you get comes down to how mobile you are in your daily life. If you don’t mind lugging around something a bit bigger, go large. If you need to move around a lot, small is key.
Additional Features
When getting a computer for a single program, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and only buy it for features that help power that software. However, every modern laptop is outfitted with a wide range of different characteristics.
That includes connectivity options (WiFi and Bluetooth), extra ports, high-quality webcams, backlit keyboards, and more. Understand what you want to use your laptop for beyond SolidWorks and buy accordingly.
Useful Tips and Resources
SolidWorks is a great program, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to use. There are many ins and outs that newcomers need to learn, and it can be quite overwhelming at first. If you’re a beginner and want a leg up, this tutorial is a great place to start.
A big reason the above machines made our list is their premium speed. However, there’s nothing wrong with making a great computer even better. This guide breaks down some tips for users who want even more speed.
Conclusion
SolidWorks is a great program, but it takes a good amount of power to work properly. If you need to use it, it’s hard to get better results than with what we’ve listed above. Each machine comes with its own properties, so do your research and figure out what traits are best for your lifestyle.
What laptop do you use for Solidworks? What specs does it have and how well does it run the program? Let us know in the comments below.
