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Best Laptop for Solidworks

Discover the best laptops for SolidWorks with powerful performance, accurate graphics, and smooth 3D modeling. Find top picks for students, engineers, and professionals.

By Home Care RanksPublished 2 months ago 4 min read

If you're an engineering student, design enthusiast, or professional working on product development, SolidWorks is likely one of the tools you're using or will use.

It’s a powerful 3D CAD software used for modeling, simulation, and product rendering. While it can feel intimidating at first, mastering its fundamentals opens the door to high-level design work.

But to make the most of it, you need the right laptop one that’s powerful, stable, and built to handle complex 3D tasks.

Unlike gaming or video editing software, SolidWorks doesn’t rely heavily on CPU performance. Instead, it thrives on high-performance GPUs and sufficient RAM.

For smoother operation, aim for at least 16GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX or AMD Radeon series.

Also, consider laptops with SSD storage, a minimum 1080p display, and good battery life for on-the-go use. Based on deep research, here are our top 6 laptops for SolidWorks.

Best Value: Razer Blade 15 Base

The Razer Blade 15 Base stands out as a stylish yet powerful laptop that's ideal for intermediate SolidWorks users.

It features a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which delivers excellent performance for everyday CAD modeling and medium-complexity assemblies.

The star of the show is its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card capable of rendering designs and running simulations smoothly.

Its 15.6-inch display offers crisp visuals, and the sleek, sturdy aluminum chassis gives it a premium feel. Whether you're a student or a professional designer on a budget, this laptop brings an impressive balance of power, design, and portability.

While upgrading the RAM might be necessary for heavy workloads, the base model offers fantastic value for most SolidWorks projects without compromising style or reliability.

Best High-End: Dell XPS 15 9500

The Dell XPS 15 9500 is built for serious professionals who demand high performance and reliability. Powered by an Intel Core i7-10750H processor and a generous 32GB of RAM, it handles complex assemblies, high-poly modeling, and real-time rendering with ease.

The 1TB SSD offers ample space for storing large design files and accessing them quickly. It also features an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU that ensures smooth graphics performance while working in SolidWorks or similar CAD software.

The 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display is vibrant and color-accurate, ideal for those who also work on product visuals or presentations.

While it's on the premium side in terms of price, the Dell XPS 15 is future-proof and durable, making it an excellent long-term investment for engineers, architects, and designers who work on intensive projects.

Best Runner-Up: HP ZBook Firefly 15 G7

The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G7 is a lightweight mobile workstation designed for professionals who need power in a portable package.

It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD for fast boot times and responsive multitasking.

Though it uses integrated graphics, HP has optimized this machine for design workflows, and it still handles moderate SolidWorks tasks surprisingly well.

The 15.6-inch display is anti-glare and color-accurate, making it suitable for long design sessions. It also includes security features like a fingerprint reader and optional HP Sure View for screen privacy.

If you're working on medium-complexity models and frequently move between job sites or classrooms, this laptop is a reliable and professional option with a polished design and enterprise-level features.

Best Cheap: Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB

If you're just starting with SolidWorks and don’t want to spend too much, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB is a budget-friendly option that covers the basics.

It features an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD enough for very light 3D modeling, classroom assignments, and learning the basics of SolidWorks.

While it’s not built for complex assemblies or rendering, it runs smaller models reasonably well, making it ideal for beginners.

You also get a full HD 15.6-inch display, a backlit keyboard, and even a fingerprint reader features rarely seen at this price point.

For students on a tight budget or anyone needing a secondary CAD learning machine, this model is a great entry point.

However, upgrading the RAM and storage is highly recommended if you want to stretch its performance for more advanced work.

Best Mid-Range: Microsoft Surface Book 2

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that brings both power and flexibility to the table. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPU.

That means it can handle small to mid-sized SolidWorks projects with ease while also supporting other creative workflows like digital sketching or presentations.

The 13.5-inch detachable display offers excellent color and clarity, and its pen support is a bonus for designers who like to sketch ideas before modeling.

While not the most powerful in this list, its build quality, portability, and touchscreen capabilities make it an ideal pick for creative professionals, students, and freelancers who want a hybrid device that can travel with them anywhere.

Best Budget: Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming

Despite being marketed as a gaming laptop, the Lenovo Ideapad L340 is an excellent entry-level CAD machine.

It’s powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics card.

This combination is great for handling 2D drafting, smaller 3D assemblies, and light simulation work in SolidWorks.

The 15.6-inch screen offers good color reproduction and sharp visuals, while the full-size keyboard and decent battery life make it practical for long design sessions.

It also has solid thermals and a clean, professional look perfect for both work and play. For students and early professionals looking for a reliable SolidWorks laptop under a tight budget, this is one of the most well-rounded options out there.

Conclusion

So there you have it our top picks for the best laptops to run SolidWorks. Whether you’re just getting started or working on complex industrial designs, there’s a machine on this list that fits your needs and budget.

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Home Care Ranks

Home Care Ranks provides trusted reviews, in-depth buying guides, and expert information to help you choose the best products for your home. From cleaning tools to appliances, we rank what matters for smarter home care decisions.

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