Solidworks is a famous name in the engineering field. This is one of the most used CAD software.
This provides all of the necessary tools not just in design, but also in the following:
- Analytics
- Marketing
- Automation
- Management
- Simulation
The good thing about this is that it guarantees full productivity. On the flip side, due to its coverage, it won’t work on any laptop.
If you need to use it, you need to find one that follows its requirements.
To help you, we have provided five of the best laptops for Solidworks in this article.
Best Laptops for Solidworks
Solidworks System Requirements
Before we start, here is an overview of Solidworks’ system requirements:
- CPU Processor: AMD/Intel
- Clock Speed: 3GHz
- Operating System: Windows 10; 64-bit
- RAM: 16GB
- Internal Memory: 16GB
- Hard Disk Drive: SSD; 16GB
Along with these, having a graphics card is also necessary. There is no specific brand. You just need to know if it can provide OpenGL acceleration.
You also need to remember some notes.
One of the most important is Solidworks’ incompatibility with Apple. Though this works with Intel-powered Macs, experts do not recommend doing so.
Thus, you should look for Windows-run laptops in particular.
Speaking of Windows, you can’t settle for anything less than Windows 10. Windows 7 has officially stopped supporting the software.
This means that you will only be wasting money on the latter.
1. HP ZBook 15 G5
Starting, the first on our list is the HP ZBook 15 G5. This is a mobile workstation laptop.
This means that you can expect features that are not on a regular notebook.
This makes it better for CAD software like Solidworks.
Here are the technical specs of this model:
- CPU Processor: Intel Core i7-8850H
- Clock Speed: 2.3GHz
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit
- RAM: 64GB DDR4
- Internal Memory: 64GB
- Hard Disk Drive: 2TB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 + 4GB GDDR5
Specs-wise, this will already be a good match for Solidworks. It has a lower clock speed than suggested, though.
This means that you may have problems when working with really large parts. If you won’t be working with those, you will do just fine.
Here are the pros of using the HP ZBook 15 G5:
- Comes with an anti-glare design
- Powerful graphics
- Good-performing RAM
- Very large memory size
The cons, on the other hand, include:
- Does not have an optical drive
- Anti-glare design can hinder screen’s quality
This laptop is best if you’re working on regular-sized projects. The anti-glare design will also allow you to work for hours without worrying about overfatigue.
2. Razer Blade 15
Razer Blade 15 is famous for being the top-ranked Windows laptop for tech support. Experts also frequently include this in their best choices for Solidworks.
Unlike the former, this is a gaming laptop. Even so, expect that this will still be a good fit for the software.
For the specs of this unit, refer to the list below:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H
- Clock Speed: 5.0GHz
- Operating System: Windows 10
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Internal Memory: 16GB
- Hard Disk Drive: 512GB PCle NVMe
- Graphics: GeForce RTX 2070 MQ + 8GB RAM
The main asset of the Razer Blade 15 is its clock speed. This will guarantee a seamless designing experience with Solidworks.
This also provides an excellent graphics card. You may, however, find the storage lacking, when compared to others.
Below are the pros and cons that you should know. First, the pros are:
- Upgradeable SSD
- Comes with 1080p display
- Powerful Graphics
- Built with Anodized CNC Aluminum
- Customizable backlit color
For the cons:
- Decent-level storage
- Does not have a USB Type C connection
The Razer Blade 15 focuses on performance and graphics. Although this is a little tight on storage, this compensates for its upgradeable SSD.
You will, however, have to pay more for it.
3. Acer Predator Helios 300
The third laptop that we are going to focus on is from Acer. To be specific, we will talk about the Acer Predator Helios 300.
This is, again, a gaming laptop. Still, this offers above-average features for Solidworks.
Below are the details of this unit’s system:
- CPU Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H
- Clock Speed: 5.0GHz
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-Bit
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Internal Memory: 16GB
- Hard Disk Drive: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 + 6GB RAM
The specs of the Acer Predator Helios 300 are similar to that of Razer Blade 15. Meaning, this also offers excellent performance and graphics.
This, however, has a bigger advantage in terms of price.
Below are the pros that you should know about this model:
- Equipped with the 4th Gen AeroBlade 3D Fan Technology
- Comes with an app for system control
- Powerful Graphics
- Customizable backlit color
The cons include:
- Decent-level storage
- No USB Type C
- No Thunderbolt Support
- Limited Connectors
Here, you can’t expand the SSD storage of the Acer Predator Helios 300. Meaning, this will only be best for average-sized engineering projects.
If you want bigger storage, consider Acer’s other gaming laptops. Most of them follow Solidworks’ requirements. They also have decent offers.
4. Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX531
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX531 is another gaming laptop. What makes this different is its ultra-slim design.
This also comes with memory-based features. Meaning, you can expect a great overall performance.
Here are the technical specs of this model:
- CPU Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H
- Clock Speed: 3.9GHz
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- RAM: 24GB DDR4
- Internal Memory: 16GB
- Hard Disk Drive: 1TB PCle NVMe SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 + 8GB GDDR5
In terms of memory, this has better offers than the previous two brands. Its graphics card also plays a big part in its quality.
The clock speed, although not a turbo system, is also above average.
Now, let us talk about the pros and cons of using the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX531.
For the pros:
- Ultra-slim design assures portability
- Powerful graphics
- Can switch between dedicated and integrated GPU
The cons that you need to know are:
- Some users have issues with the battery life
- Prone to coil whine
If you are looking for an SSD upgrade, this is also possible with this unit. This, however, comes with limitations. Its RAM is also not applicable to the said upgrades.
5. Dell G5 15
Finally, we have the Dell G5 15. This is a part of the brand’s Vulcan Series. Similar to the past 4 units, this is also for gaming-based purposes.
Below are the specs that you should expect from this:
- CPU Processor: Intel Core i7-9750H
- Clock Speed: 4.5GHz
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Internal Memory: 16GB
- Hard Disk Drive: 256GB PCle NVMe SSD + 1TB Hard Drive
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 + 4GB GDDR5
The best thing about Dell G5 15’s system is its hard disk drive. Apart from the 256GB SSD, this also comes with an additional 1TB hard drive.
This is perfect as designing requires storing a lot of files. Solidworks’ size will also not be a disadvantage.
Here are the pros of the model:
- Comes with a dual-fan cooling system
- Has an anti-glare LED backlight
- Powerful graphics
- Long battery life
For the cons:
- Heavy chassis
- Some users have issues with the backlight reflecting on the screen
Overall, this is a good choice if you value storage, graphics, and battery life. The Dell G5 15 performs best in these aspects.
If you constantly have problems with overheating, its dual-fan is also a good solution.
Things To Consider While Buying A Laptop for SolidWorks – Buyers Guide
Processor
When you buy a laptop, be sure to choose one with high-quality performance. Performance is key for doing work quickly and efficiently without it, your productivity will suffer immensely.
Frequency is measured in GHz, and it tells how fast your computer can run calculations. Solidworks is a frequency-bound application because it uses parametric modeling which means that almost all of its tasks are linear and need to be calculated one step at a time.
Tasks such as Modeling, Drawing, and Simulations are not possible without the right frequency rate. A minimum of 3Ghz with 2-4 cores is recommended for SolidWorks to perform its tasks properly, getting more done in less time.
Choose a CPU with a high clock frequency when doing more than one task at once.
A CPU with 2 or 4 cores means that the CPU is made up of mini processors. When you are looking for a new computer, think about the number of cores on your processor.
A processor with many cores can do many calculations faster than a single-core processor.
RAM
RAM is important when you are looking for a laptop for Solidworks. You want to have enough RAM so that you can store files or work temporarily.
There are two main types of RAM based on their size, Large assembly, and Small assembly. More RAM means you can store more files on your laptop.
- Large assembly
RAM with a large assembly size can store more heavily used files and programs. This is the best type of RAM to use when you are using Solidworks.
It will be able to handle complicated files without loading the laptop’s memory up too much. When your laptop’s memory starts running low, this type of RAM can help a lot.
- Small assembly
Solidworks needs 4-8GB of RAM for tasks that include rotating models, simulations, and renders. If you are only doing simple parts and assemblies, start with 8GB.Storage
SolidWorks is a data-intensive program due to the number of components it requires. It creates drawings, graphics, and other files that require storage space for processing performance.
SSDs provide accelerated retrieval speeds that allow them to run high memory programs without lags or delays in loading time on your laptop screen.
Data can be adequately stored with either an HDD or SDD. However, those who need speed should opt for SSDs that will better suit their needs when it comes to storing files for SolidWorks.
Display
The best laptop for Solidworks needs to have a good display. This is because you will be looking at the screen all day long. If the display is bad, it won’t be good for you.
When deciding on a laptop, check how many pixels it has and if it’s full HD or not. You should also look at the brightness, contrast, and color reproduction of the laptop’s display when deciding which one to buy.
Battery Life
For travelers and commuters, consider a laptop with long battery life. It is best to carry a backup battery or portable charger if you need to use your laptop outside of your home.
Operating System
One of the most important parts of a laptop is its operating system, which runs applications and manages hardware.
Windows 10 Operating System is a highly recommended and widely used option for SolidWorks. It’s not just the best choice for your day-to-day workstation, but Solidworks also recommends it when using their server products.
FAQ
Which graphics card is best for Solidworks?
In the world of high-performance 3D rendering, NVIDIA Quadro and AMD Radeon Pro series are certified graphics cards for Solidworks. These powerful processors can handle complex designs with ease while also providing superior performance.
The NVIDIA Quadro RTX series is the latest GPU with the NVIDIA Quadro P series being perfect for those who are on a budget, but they’re not as new and powerful as the RTX model. The NVIDIA Quadro T series is more for mobile workstations. AMD Radeon Pro WX and W series are certified, with the W being the latest.
Graphics cards for gaming and media applications are not the best choice for running Solidworks. They are meant to display a low number of polygons but at a high frame rate.
CAD programs need polygons with detail, but the image does not change rapidly so it doesn’t matter as much if you can see it quickly. Using a certified graphics card and driver will make your machine more stable when running Solidworks.
Solidworks is a program that doesn’t take advantage of multiple graphics cards. But Solidworks Visualize does. You can use more than one card to make your rendering faster, but you need to use the same type of card for each one you have.
How much RAM do I need for Solidworks?
A minimum of 8GB of ram is recommended for Solidworks. Having 16GB is enough memory for basic rendering, and simulations, and modeling.
If your assemblies grow in size you will need to increase the RAM. Look for a laptop that offers upgradable RAM.
Is i5 good for Solidworks?
The Core i5 is a good processor for laptops but it is a bit slower than the Core i7. I5 Processors are still great for general applications for SolidWorks.
Is MacBook pro good for Solidworks?
Unfortunately, Solidworks does not work on Macs.
Is there a Mac version of SolidWorks?
You cannot run Solidworks on macOS. You need to install Windows on your Mac using an application such as Boot Camp or Parallels first.
Is a gaming laptop good for Solidworks?
Infinity gaming laptops are great for SolidWorks, but Asus TUF Gaming Laptops can also be a smart choice if your budget is not too high.
They have reliable GPU memory, additional inbuilt VRAM, and dedicated RAM to launch heavy applications quickly.
Is Solidworks free for students?
If your school has Solidworks, then you can install a free license. Your instructor will tell you where to download it.
Do you need GPU for Solidworks?
The best choice of GPU to use for SolidWorks is the workstation-grade model. These GPUs have the best performance and include AMD Radeon Pro and NVIDIA Quadro. We recommend NVIDIA because their CUDA cores allow for better GPU accelerated rendering.
Is CPU or GPU more important for Solidworks?
While a certified video card is important, SOLIDWORKS still relies on your CPU. A faster processor will give you more performance gains than an upgraded graphics card.
Summary: 5 Best Laptops for Solidworks
Solidworks has pretty high requirements. You can’t settle for a simple laptop under $500. Though expensive does not always mean high-quality, expect that you need to invest quite a lot.
To summarize, here are the five best laptops for Solidworks discussed in this article:
In making your final choice, you should take your needs and budget into account. It can also help if you prefer a specific brand.