10 Best Laptops for SolidWorks in 2023 [Engineer’s Top Choice]

3 Top Picks for Best Laptop for SolidWorks

So, you want to buy the best laptop for SolidWorks? It is the best software for visual ideation, prototyping, modeling, and much more. But is every laptop able to handle SolidWorks without lagging? Nope.

So we came up with the best laptops, specifically considering the use of SolidWorks. In our view, LG Gram 17Z90P is the best laptop for SolidWorks and other engineering software as well. It possesses a fast CPU and GPU along with 16GB RAM and 2TB SSD for a seamless workflow.

If you are buying the most expensive laptop off the shelf, you are robbing yourself of the opportunity to have a great laptop within budget. All you have to do is to browse through this list to find the best laptop for SolidWorks that works for you. Now, let’s get to it!

Quick Comparison – Best Laptop for SolidWorks

IMAGE	PRODUCT	RATING	PRICE
Best Overall	LG Gram 17Z90P Processor: Intel Evo Core i7 Screen Size: 17 Inch RAM: 16 GB Storage: 2 TB	9.9	View on Amazon
Best RAM	Dell XPS 17 9710 Processor: Intel i7-11800H Screen Size: 17 Inch RAM: 32 GB Storage: 1 TB	9.8	View on Amazon
Best Display	ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 Screen Size: 16 Inch RAM: 32 GB Storage: 1 TB	9.7	View on Amazon
Runner- Up	Acer Nitro 5 Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H Screen Size: 17.3 Inch RAM: 16 GB  Storage: 1 TB	9.6	View on Amazon
Premium Option	ASUS ZenBook 13 Processor: Intel Evo Platform i7-1165G7 Screen Size: 13.3 Inch  RAM: 16 GB Storage: 512 GB	9.7	View on Amazon
Best Productivity	Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Processor: Intel 10th Quad Core i7 Screen Size: 15.6 Inch  RAM: 32 GB Storage: 1 TB	9.4	View on Amazon
Best Design	MSI Stealth 15M Processor: Intel Core i7-11375H Screen Size: 15.6 Inch  RAM: 16 GB Storage: 512 GB	9.5	View on Amazon
Best on Budget	Acer Predator Helios Processor: Intel i7-11800H Screen Size: 15.6 Inch RAM: 16 GB Storage: 512 GB	9.6	View on Amazon
The Powerhouse	Dell Inspiron 13 5310 Processor: Intel Core i7-11370H Screen Size: 13.3 Inch RAM: 16 GB Storage: 512 GB	9.8	View on Amazon
Best for Travel	MSI Pulse GL66 Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H Screen Size: 15.6 Inch RAM: 16 GB  Storage: 512 GB	9.6	View on Amazon

How Did We Test for SolidWorks Laptops?

We work the best as a team, so our team of three: Anthony Mark, James Ridge, and Ryan Miles compared and analyzed different laptops on the market. We had an access to a few on a test basis, so we performed hands-on tests in a few categories.

Memory

We tested the RAM by opening various tabs alongside making simple designs in SolidWorks. The RAM that didn’t lag without affecting graphics was chosen. Also, we kept the storage space in view as well.

CPU

We performed a CPU Stress test on all the laptops to check the processor performance online. It gave us an idea of how a laptop may handle a heavy workload in SolidWorks.

Graphics

For design purposes, a good GPU is essential. We used the Cinebench testing tool to bench all the graphics cards including NIVIDA GeForce. We also tried basic editing and rendering in SolidWorks to get the feel of actual performance.

Display

We tested the display based on screen size, brightness nit, color accuracy, vividness, and the overall resolution. We also performed a DCI P3 and Adobe RGB color gambit to pick the laptops with the best display.

First of all, it has an amazing 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU powered by the Intel Evo Platform. It ensures a smooth computing experience with a maximum processing speed of 4.1 GHz. For SolidWorks, such CPU speed gives an ideal performance best suited for design modeling.

Moreover, the LG Gram 17Z90P features a 17-inch wide display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It offers a 99% DCI-P3 gambit which is perfect for accurate model color and appearance in SolidWorks. It is supported by Intel Xe Graphics for a smooth 2D or 3D modeling experience while using different engineering software.

This laptop features 16GB LPDDR4X RAM which is one of the best in terms of speed. Its speed is 4266 MHz which delivers a high level of performance in designing, editing, and juggling between the two. The best feature so far is the 2TB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD storage which can store all sorts of design prototypes, images, files, and all the other data with plenty of remaining space.

As far as connectivity is concerned, it has 2 USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support which is a plus. Also, two USB-A, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader is present for connecting a projector, or other devices easily. What’s more? It has Wi-Fi 6 for efficient online connections. This laptop is also lightweight and quite portable for travel.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	17-inch
Refresh Rate	60 Hz
Resolution	2560 x 1600
RAM	16 GB
ROM	2 TB
Weight	2.98 lbs
Colors	Silver, Black
Material	Nano-carbon magnesium
Dimensions	14.97 x 10.24 x 0.7 inches

It is another great option for SolidWorks, especially if your work involves mechatronic systems. Dell XPS 17 has a sleek and durable design for daily use. The 17-inches full HD display is the show-turner with a touchscreen. No more frustration over design mishaps because the touch screen makes it super easy to adjust and edit in SolidWorks.

The screen brightness is 500 nits which makes it a good choice for outdoor use. it has a NIVIDA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU for vivid and realistic graphics. It makes rendering and editing a design faster and increases overall productivity. 

The 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor is best for smooth performance. The octa-core 16-thread CPU is enough for heavy designing. It not only works great with SolidWorks but also for PhotoWorks for detailed photorealistic 3D rendering.

Most importantly it has a 32GB high bandwidth DDR4 RAM so you can keep up with multiple tabs while working on SolidWorks. A 1TB SSD memory is also available to transfer and store files with a fast transfer speed. What’s more? It has 4 Thunderbolt3 ports, an HD RGB IR camera, and a fast WiFi 6. The variety of connectivity options makes it easier to connect to various devices on the go.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	17-inch
Refresh Rate	60 Hz
Resolution	1920 x 1200
RAM	32 GB
ROM	1 TB
Weight	5.51 lbs
Colors	Platinum Silver with Black Palm Rest
Material	Metal
Dimensions	14.74 x 9.76 x 0.77 inches

It is a great laptop for creative work especially designs for professionals. This laptop is equipped with a display having 2560 x 1500 resolution for the best visuals in SolidWorks. To top it off, the screen is also anti-glare with a 98.8% Adobe RGB for realistic colors and picture definition.

In addition to that, it has a NIVIDA GeForce RTX3060 graphic card which ups the game. The overall rendering and editing experience on SolidWorks is so much smoother. It also works great for other engineering software for designing like AutoCAD, Solid Edge, Fusion 360, etc.

An important part of a laptop is its CPU and with AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, this laptop can bulldoze any amount of workload. It works fast with a high clock speed and has ample power for demanding tasks like 3D graphics, video editing, and prototyping. The design is also sleek and ergonomic, so it has good thermal cooling in case there is a load on the CPU or GPU.

Last but not the least, it has ample storage and RAM to run SolidWorks without any issues. The 32GB DDR4 RAM is more than enough to handle all the different tasks at the same time. So, to maintain this workflow a 1TB SSD is installed to store all the important files and even use this laptop on the go. However, it may feel a little bulky to carry around.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	16-inches
Refresh Rate	60 Hz
Resolution	2560 x 1600
RAM	32 GB
ROM	1 TB
Weight	5.29 lbs
Colors	Black
Material	Metal
Dimensions	14.25 x 10.39 x 0.78 inches

The Acer Nitro 5 is a full design studio, gaming PC, and utility laptop, all in one. This is for professionals who need a solid system for heavy software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. It has a 17.3 inches wide display so every design detail is easy to see. The 16:9 aspect ratio and 144Hz refresh rate are what make the rendering process smooth.

It has the latest NIVIDA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti which delivers amazing visuals for 3D modeling and animation. It even has a 4GB dedicated VRAM which allows you to multitask between designs seamlessly. The GPU architecture has a Ray Tracing core, Tensor core, and DirectX12 multiprocessor that tackles all heavy tasks like nobody’s business.

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Moreover, this laptop can tackle even the most demanding projects on SolidWorks thanks to its awesome octa-core Intel Core-i7 11800H processor. It is coupled with 16GB DDR4 RAM that works on a speed of 3200MHz and an SSD storage of 1TB. Such spacious storage and working memory ensure maximum productivity with no lags.

One cool thing about this laptop is its red-backlit keyboard. It looks good in the dark and also compliments the black finish of the laptop body. It also has a NitroSense UI with a dedicated keyboard button to visualize different laptop aspects like fan speed, loading performance, temperature, and other things. It is best to adjust the workload even when the battery is running low and use the laptop a little longer.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	17.3-inches
Refresh Rate	144 Hz
Resolution	1920 x 1080
RAM	16 GB
ROM	1 TB
Weight	6 lbs
Colors	Black
Material	Metal + Plastic
Dimensions	15.89 x 11.02 x 0.98 inches

1. Acer Predator Helios

It is one of the best laptops for SolidWorks if you are on a budget but still want to get things done perfectly. This laptop comes with impressive power and speed which makes it not only a good laptop for engineering designs but also for gaming. The 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H CPU can conquer any given task in minimum time.

Just like Asus ProArt StudioBook 16, the Acer Predator Helios also has a NIVIDA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU to handle all the designing and creative tasks. Moreover, it also has 6GB of dedicated DDR6 VRAM only for graphics. It is additional to the overall 16GB DDR4 RAM. The 6GB of dedicated RAM makes a huge difference when demanding tasks like rendering are done at higher FPS.

Talking of FPS, the screen refresh rate is 144Hz along with an Overdrive response of 3 microseconds. It helps with editing and making 3D animations in SolidWorks at a better pace than any other. The 15.6 inches Full HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio gives the best visual experience for working with small designs.

Fast internet is a must for seamless work on SolidWorks. So, this laptop has Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro with Ethernet E2600 and Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i to browse without any lag. What’s more? It has an RGB keyboard to add fun as well as allow workflow in low-light conditions.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	15.6-inches
Refresh Rate	144 Hz
Resolution	1920 x 1080
RAM	16 GB
ROM	512 GB
Weight	5.07 lbs
Colors	Black, Pearl White (Limited edition)
Material	Metal + Plastic
Dimensions	14.31 x 10.04 x 0.9 inches

It is a lightweight laptop having a  durable build quality. It is the best laptop for SolidWorks if you travel a lot and have to do office work on the go. Even though it is quite slim, there is no compromise on the performance. It is specially designed for graphics and creativity and suits the design needs perfectly.

The nano edge bezel 13.3-inch display with a wide viewing angle is a treat for the eyes due to its 400 nits crisp brightness. Even the small details in any image on SolidWorks won’t be missed. For design purposes, it has Intel Iris Xe graphics that give vivid and crisp colors while meeting all GPU needs.

Furthermore, it has a backlit chiclet keyboard with decent travel. It not only looks great but also is best for visibility in a low-light environment. The precision touchpad feels awesome and makes working with SolidWorks and even CATIA so much fun. In addition to that, a 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD can handle the workload quite easily.

This best laptop for SolidWorks is equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor. It is a powerhouse to do multiple tasks with speed and precision. And of course, Asus Zenbook 13 has Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5 for fast connections even in low signal areas. Its efficiency and performance make it a top choice for SolidWorks and other browser-based software.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	13.3-inches
Refresh Rate	60 Hz
Resolution	1920 x 1080
RAM	16 GB
ROM	512 GB
Weight	2.51 lbs
Colors	Pine Grey, Lilac Mist
Material	Metal
Dimensions	11.97 x 7.99 x 0.54 inches

It is a full-featured laptop for ultimate productivity, suited for engineers and professionals. In terms of durability, it has a sleek design with an aluminum finish to last for a long time. The 15.6 inches full HD display is a good option for creative work. 

Additionally,  it has a quite fast and efficient 10th Generation Intel Core-i7 10510U processor. This quad-core CPU can work at a maximum speed of 4.9 GHz which is essential for working with SolidWorks at times. It is paired with Intel UHD Graphics for the best outcomes. Such enhanced processing gives an edge to finish projects earlier.

Another good feature of this laptop is its 32GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCle NVMe SSD storage. It may sound mundane but it is important so that there are no lags while designing or rendering. Also, with this much storage, you can store all the files, pictures, and videos and still have plenty of space left.

Connectivity ports are a great plus since USB-C ports are a necessity these days. Lenovo ThinkPad E15 offers one USB 3.1 Type-C, two USB 3.1, one USB 2.0, and one HDMI 1.4b for easy connections with other devices like projectors or hard drives. It also has one RJ-45 and one Audio Combo Jack to seal the deal.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	15.6-inches
Refresh Rate	60 Hz
Resolution	1920 x 1080
RAM	32 GB
ROM	1 TB
Weight	4.19 lbs
Colors	Black, Silver
Material	Metal
Dimensions	14.48 x 9.64 x 0.74 inches

To begin with, this laptop has a good 15.6 inches FHD display with a wide viewing angle. So, you can see all the files and designs in full detail with vivid colors. The MSI Stealth 15M has a maximum brightness of 279 nits which is not the best but is enough for working on SolidWorks.

Beyond that, it features a fast 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11375H CPU and a NIVIDA GeForce RTX3060 GPU which work so well together. The quad-core processor allows for hyper-fast computing, for instance, designing or rendering, at a maximum turbo speed of 5.3 GHz. Similarly, the GPU is well-versed in powerful graphics performance, and handling tasks without any hitch at high fps.

MSI has exclusive cooling technology which allows heat dissipation and keeps the laptop cool by actively pumping out heat. It has the best fans and heat pipes to let the airflow make the system cooler. The cooling fans are powered by a durable motor that is capable of working at high RPM with minimum noise. It not only extends the battery life but also maintains the laptop’s performance.

Also, the Thunderbolt4 support with a responsive keyboard and a wide range of I/O ports make MSI Stealth 15M a top choice for the best laptop for SolidWorks. The data transfer rate of 40GB per second is a cherry on top.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	15.6-inches
Refresh Rate	144 Hz
Resolution	1920 x 1080
RAM	16 GB
ROM	512 GB
Weight	3.73 lbs
Colors	Carbon Grey, Pure White
Material	Metal
Dimensions	0.63 x 14.1 x 9.76 inches

This laptop has a relatively small screen (13.3 inches) just like Asus Zenbook 13 but it has long battery life. The display is QHD which means a 1440p resolution. It feels great to work with on this screen, especially due to its detailed oriented, color-correct screen with wide viewing angles.

Speaking of RAM, it has 16GB DDR4 running memory which is enough for the extensive performance needed by SolidWorks and can handle multitasking well. It has the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11370H processor to deal with all your software tasks. It can reach up to 4.8GHz of clock speed in turbo mode.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3510 comes with a 512GB SSD which ensures fast boot time with plenty of space to store all the important files and software. It is also super portable and can be used to do work on SolidWorks on the go.

Unlike other laptops in the Dell Inspiron series, this one has a NIVIDA GeForce MX450 graphics card which is incredible for creative work. So, you can work on engineering software like SolidWorks without having to think about laptop compatibility and the ability to run those designs.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	13.3-inches
Refresh Rate	60 Hz
Resolution	2560 x 1600
RAM	16 GB
ROM	512 GB
Weight	2.78 lbs
Colors	Peach Dust, Platinum Silver
Material	Metal
Dimensions	8.27 x 11.68 x 0.68 inches

Another good option to consider for the best laptops for SolidWorks is the MSI Pulse GL66. It has a NIVIDA GeForce RTX3070 GPU which is perfect for working with designing software including SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, etc.

Apart from its GPU, it has the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H that ensures high performance without any lags. It is complemented with 16GB RAM to handle different prototyping and designing at the same time. Although the storage space is only 512GB, it is sufficient for saving all the .sldprt or SLDASM assembly files.

Beyond that, the MSI Pulse GL66 has an awesome 15.6 inches FHD display with a refresh rate of 144Hz. Such a refresh rate can handle animations quite well even at high frames per second. You can run multiple images smoothly at the same time without any lags.

It is a lightweight laptop with a durable but sleek build. The keyboard also has decent membrane keys with a red backlight with decent key travel. However, this laptop doesn’t have Thunderbolt 4 support which can be annoying for a few users.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size	15.6-inches
Refresh Rate	144 Hz
Resolution	1920 x 1080
RAM	16 GB
ROM	512 GB
Weight	4.63 lbs
Colors	Black, Titanium Grey
Material	Metal
Dimensions	14.13 x 0.94 x 10.2 inches

Conclusion

All in all, we tried to cover all the specs that make a laptop best for SolidWorks with multiple options. If you want an all-rounder then consider LG Gram 17Z90P. If you also want a touchscreen then Dell XPS 17 9710 can be a good choice. For the best graphics and display, Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 and Acer Nitro 5 are great.

Also, Asus Zenbook 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad E15 are satisfactory portable options. However, if productivity is your goal then there are no better laptops than Acer Predator Helios and MSI Stealth 15M. So it all adds up to your work requirements and what feature you want to prefer in a laptop for SolidWorks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)