best laptops for cad software
Engineering software are power-hungry beast. When searching for the best laptops for engineering you have to know what you're looking for…
Otherwise, you'll end up banging your head on the wall if your laptop for engineering doesn't give you enough power. (True story. I've actually seen that for real…).
Our Top 3
#1 – Dell XPS 15 | #2 – Acer Aspire 7 | #3 – Microsoft Surface Book |
 |  |  |
Great laptop with all the power you need | Ultra Powerful with Great Value | Built for engineering |
| 15.6″ QHD | 15.6″ HD | 13.5″ QHD |
| Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM |
| 256 GB SSD | 256 or 1000 GB SSD or HDD | 256 GB SSD |
| Up to 11 hours | Up to 7 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Buy on | Buy on | Buy on |
| Jump to our Review | Jump to our Review | Jump to our Review |
What do you need for the best laptops for engineering?
Laptops for engineers need to be powerful to run those demanding software. Of course you could get a laptop that gives you the most performance, but that might be an overkill. You'd be spending too much money for nothing.
But you do need quite a lot of power, so let's see what you should get.
In short…
- Get an i5 processor, preferably an i7
- You need at least 8 GB of RAM, maybe 12 or 16
- You need a dedicated graphic card
Click here to jump directly to our top list of the best engineering laptops.
Processor
A powerful CPU is an essential part of a laptop for engineering. The processor unit is responsible for mathematical calculations and those specialized software are making a lot of them. Engineering is a field where CPU power is required the most, on par with video editing and high-end graphic design.
If you're a student or using an engineering software is only part of your job, you can go with a laptop with an i5 processor. The Intel i5 will give you enough performance while saving you a good chunk of money.
An Intel i7 is recommended, but the i5 will also work
But if you are using engineering software all the time, definitely go with a laptop with an i7 processor. The i7 is a powerful CPU that will compute everything faster.
Please stay away from any i3 laptops or slower processor, they are just not powerful enough.
RAM
You need memory and quite a lot of it. Get at least 8 GB of RAM and if you can invest more money, get more RAM. You can't have too much of it.
While the minimum requirements are 4 GB for most laptops for CAD software – AutoCAD, SolidWorks, … – that just won't be enough.
Graphic Card
Get a good dedicated graphic card. If you're a student, you could go with an integrated graphic card since the latest ones will process 3D quite well, but I definitely recommend you go with a dedicated graphic card.
A dedicated graphic card will drastically improve the processing time. For an engineering laptop to run software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks, not only does it need the CPU to process calculations, but it also needs to process quite a lot of 3D data that requires a dedicated graphic card.
What happens if you don't have a dedicated graphic card in your engineering laptop?
Well, the graphics will be processed by the CPU & the RAM.
They're not made for that – even if they are quite good at it now – so they are slower at processing graphics and it leaves you with less memory & processing power for the rest.
Hard Drive
You need quite a lot of hard drive space to install those software, but most laptops nowadays will have plenty.
But do yourself a favor and get an SSD. They're so much faster, they are worth the investment.
Display
Here I'd recommend going for a 15-inch. A bigger screen is much more comfortable when working with a laptop for CAD.
If you are often on the road, you might want to sacrifice screen space for portability. Consider a powerful 13-inch or a 14-inch laptop and you'll still be able to work comfortably.
I wouldn't consider smaller notebooks if you really want the best laptop for engineering.
Recommended for you:
- Best i7 laptops
- Best Laptops for Programming
Specs for the Top 14 Best Laptops for Engineering
Graphics 13 to 17-inch Processor Intel i5, i7 RAM 8 to 16 GB Storage 256 to 1000 GB Battery life 4 to 12 hours OS Windows 10 Thickness / Weight 0.53 to 1.2″ / 1.9 to 6.6 lbs Price Range $$$ to $$$$$
Top 14 Best Laptops for Engineering
1 – Dell XPS 15 – 15″ QHD
"Great laptop with all the power you need"
As a laptop for engineering, you'll hardly find a better one. This one is made for it. It's not the cheapest laptop around, but it has everything an engineer needs. It's crisp, vibrant QHD 15-inch display that will be so easy on your eyes you won't be able to complain about overtime anymore. On the performance side, you cannot ask for more. The i7 processor combined with the 16 GB of RAM will take pretty much anything you throw at him and the NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphic card is simply one of the most powerful on the market. You can't go wrong with this one. If you want a cheaper version, go with the i5 version.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on NewEgg
| Graphics | 15.6″ QHD screen (3200 x 1800) with NVIDIA GTX 1050 |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.66″ / 4 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
the less expensive Intel i5 + 8 GB RAM
2 – Acer Aspire 7 – 15″ HD
"Ultra Powerful with Great Value"
If you're looking for a very powerful laptop for engineering that won't cost you an arm, the Acer Aspire 7 is probably your best choice. It's 15-inch laptop with an i7 processor that's equipped with one of the most powerful graphic card on the market. It'll definitely run any CAD program without any problem. It 'only' has 8 GB of RAM, but you can easily add up 8 more if you need too in the future. The design is pretty professional – no gamer-looking design here – and it's not as heavy as some of the most powerful laptops. All-in-all a great choice for a powerful, quality laptop that delivers a lot of value. Read our full review.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GTX 1050 |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 or 1000 GB SSD or HDD |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.94″ / 5.18 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
3 – Microsoft Surface Book – 13″ QHD Detachable
"Built for engineering"
This Microsoft Surface Book is a detachable laptop that is actually marketed as an engineering laptop. You don't get closer to what you need! The ultra-crisp QHD 13-inch screen is detachable to work as a tablet and the sensitive pen makes it a breeze to work with. Attach the comfortable keyboard and you end-up with a powerful, portable, full-working engineering notebook. Read our full review.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on NewEgg
Check price on Amazon
| Graphics | 13.5″ QHD touchscreen (3000 x 2000) with NVIDIA GTX 965M |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.9″ / 3.34 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
Intel i5 + 8 GB RAM
Recommended for you:
- Best i7 laptops
- Best Laptops for Programming
4 – Asus Zenbook Pro UX501VW – 15″ QHD
"Power, Quality & Value"
This Asus Zenbook Pro is simply one of the laptops for engineers with the best value. It's really an all-around quality laptop that deliver a lot of performance. The design is nice & solid and the performance is top-notch with an i7 & 16 GB of RAM. And with a 512 GB SSD drive, you have plenty of space and the ultra-fast loading speed you want. For a lighter laptop, go with the newer version.
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ QHD screen (3840 x 2160) with NVIDIA GTX 960M |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 5 to 7 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.8″ / 5.1 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
the newer & more powerful Asus Zenbook Pro UX550VE
5 – Asus VivoBook Pro M580VD – 15″ HD
"Power & Value 15-inch"
Again, Asus produced a laptop that delivers a lot of value. You'll hardly find a laptop that delivers more performance than this VivoBook M580VD. An i7, 16 GB of RAM, an SSD drive and one of the most powerful graphic card you can get, you can't really ask for more. Add to that a rather portable 15-inch in a sleek design and you've got on of the best laptops for engineering at an affordable price. If you don't need that much power, go with the i5 version for a more affordable option, but still powerful.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GTX 1050 |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 or 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 4 to 5 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.76″ / 4.8 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
the more affordable Intel i5 + 8 GB RAM
6 – Acer Aspire E5-575G-53VG – 15″ HD
"Budget Performance laptop for Engineering"
If you're looking for an engineering laptop and are on a budget, the Acer Aspire E5-575G-53VG is probably your best choice. It's a 15-inch laptop that will give you enough power with its i5 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, SSD drive and NVIDIA graphic card. It has a pretty good HD screen for the price and a long battery life. Read our full review.
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GT 940MX |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 1.2″ / 5.27 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
Intel i7 + 8 GB RAM
7 – HP OMEN 15t – 15″ QHD
"Powerhouse"
Some engineers need a beast to run their heavy programs. Well, this is it! Built for gaming, this laptop will easily be the laptop for CAD works that you need. It's not the slimmest laptop or the lightest, but that said, it's actually not that bad for that kind of powerhouse. With an i7, 16 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphic card, you'll hardly find a more powerful laptop on the market!
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ QHD screen (3840 x 2160) with NVIDIA GTX 1050 |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD + 1000 HDD (7200 rpm) |
| Battery life | Up to 6 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 1″ / 5.2 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
# 8 to 14 Best Laptops for Engineering
8 – Dell Inspiron i7559 – 15″ HD
"For Power & Value"
If portability is not a factor, this Dell Inspiron i7559 will give you a lot of power for the price. It's i7 and NVIDIA graphic card ensures that CAD software will run smoothly and 8 GB is enough for most engineers. You have the choice between an i7 and a big hybrid hard drive or an i5 with an SSD. If you need a lot of space and power go with the hybrid. It's not as fast as a real hybrid, but it's the fastest you'll get for the price. Otherwise, get the SSD version.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GTX 960M |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 8GB SSD + 1000 GB HDD (5400 rpm) |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 1″ / 5.69 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
SSD Version Intel i5 + 8 GB RAM
9 – HP Envy 17t – 17″ HD
"Engineering Performance on a big screen"
This one is not for you if you plan to carry it around all the time, but for a workstation, you've got a great deal. The built quality is pretty good even if it's plastic, you get a huge 17-inch HD screen to work with, great performance specs and a big 7200 rpm hard drive. All this makes it a great 17-inch laptop for engineers.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 17″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GT 940MX |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 3 to 4 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 1″ / 6.6 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
10 – Asus Zenbook UX303UB – 13″ QHD
"Portable Performance Beast"
This is probably your best choice if you're looking for a portable 13-inch notebook that's powerful enough to run CAD software. A good and comfortable ultra-HD screen will be perfect for working comfortably and being able to carry it around. At 3.2 pounds, it's pretty light! But that doesn't mean that it's not powerful: an i7, 12 GB of RAM, a fast SSD and a dedicated graphic will power pretty much all your CAD software. Read our full review.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 13.3″ QHD touchscreen (3200 x 1800) with NVIDIA GT 940M |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 12 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.8″ / 3.2 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
11 – Samsung Notebook 9 – 13″ HD
"Premium Ultra-Light Hybrid"
If you're looking for one of the lightest laptops for engineering, this is it! At 1.9 pounds for a 13-inch, you'll hardly find something lighter. And they did not sacrifice on the quality, the performance nor the battery life. All that at a pretty reasonable price. Great product by Samsung!
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 13.3″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA 940MX |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.53″ / 1.9 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
12 – HP Spectre X360 15t – 15″ QHD Convertible
"High-Quality Hybrid"
If your budget is tight, you should skip this one. But if you're looking for a premium, high-quality 15-inch 2-in-1 laptop with top-of-the-line features, you'll hardly find better. Everything here is top-notch, from the vibrant 15-inch QHD to the performance and the audio system. For a 15-inch it's pretty light and thin and the battery lasts long. Such an amazing laptop both for quality and style! For a more affordable option, go for the HP Envy 15t.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ QHD touchscreen (3200 x 1800) with NVIDIA MX150 |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.7″ / 4.42 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
Powerful & more affordable HP Envy 15t x360
13 – Lenovo Ideapad 510s – 14″ HD
"Mid-range Quality & Power"
This one is a mid-range laptop that doesn't have the best dedicated graphic card, but still has enough power to run your CAD software. The processor, RAM and SSD will make up for it. The design is light & thin and it has a great look. And, as a 14-inch laptop, it's a great compromise between screen size and portability. Read our full review.
Pros
| Cons
|
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 14″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with Radeon R7 M460 |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 6 to 7 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.76″ / 3.7 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
14 – Lenovo Yoga 900 – 15″ HD Convertible
"Best Hybrid laptop for Engineering"
The Lenovo Yoga 900 is one of the best convertible laptops for engineering. It features decent performance with an i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a good graphic card. It's not the most powerful, but good enough for people that are using it to do general office and are occasionally using engineering software.
Buy on Amazon
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GT 940MX |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 6 to 8 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.82″ / 5.02 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Erik is the owner and main editor of lptps.com. He has been working in computers and information technology for more than 20 years. He's a business analyst, developer, and avid traveler.
best laptops for cad software
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