​The number of people using laptop computers is increasing at a rapid pace. Portability, ease of usage, and advanced features are some of the reasons why laptops are widely used. The reality is you won't find any field that doesn't use laptops. Whether it's education or business, there are portable computers to suit your specifics and workflow. This holds true for architects and 2D, 3D designers too. However, AutoCAD (design and drafting) chores warrant specialized types of Autocad laptops. You can't carry out architect designs and 2D, 3D designs on ordinary computers. In case you're looking for the best laptops for AutoCAD 2019 has to offer, find out the specs needed for running AutoCAD and then check the best laptops designed for such jobs.

bes laptop for autocad

Specs You Need To Run AutoCAD on Your Laptop

Some folks choose a common laptop to run design and drafting work. However, these folks end up wasting their time and money. Eventually, they've to switch to another laptop. It's best to be informed before buying ​laptops for a specific purpose. Here are important considerations when looking for a ​laptop for AutoCAD.

The Laptop Operating system

The operating system manages all the hardware and software of these ​laptops, including memory, files, and any other connected ​laptops. Both Windows and Mac OS operating system are ideal for design and drafting work. However, make sure that you've the latest version of either Windows or Mac OS operating system to ensure seamless performance when carrying out design tasks.

Other Laptop requirements

For running AutoCAD, a laptop computer should have 8GB of RAM and 2GB disk space. While a RAM of 2 to 4 GB could serve the purpose, you'll encounter problems as the files get larger. To do away with these potential issues, it's best to have the 6GB RAM.

Additionally, you need the Intel i7 or comparable processor. The i5 processor also works great, but the i7 processor is highly recommended. As far as a graphics card is concerned, integrated graphics are just okay. However, discrete graphics will deliver the best for applications like design and drafting. Coming to storage, it's best to have SSD (Solid State Drives) over HDD for higher and lag-free performance.

This is one of our favorite excellent performance good laptops for Autocad 3d* choices.


Our AutoCAD Laptop Recommendations

ASUS CUK ROG Strix Scar Edition - Our Top Autocad Laptop Choice

Laptop

CPU - ​9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750h Processor | RAM - ​16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM | Hard Drive - ​1TB PCIe SSD | Graphics Card - ​Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 8GB GDDR6 | Screen - ​240Hz 15.6” inches Full HD 1920x1080 IPS Type Display | OS - ​Microsoft Windows 10 Home | Battery Life - Up to 4hours | Weight - ​5.67 pounds

​Features

  • ​Rog intelligent cooling Thermal system
  • ​​anti dust technology
  • ​Gigabit wave 2 Wi-Fi 5

​What We Liked

  • ​Lots of power.
  • ​Awesome graphics

What Needs Work

  • ​Battery life could be better.

Following the huge success of ROG Strix GL502, Asus came up with the Scar Edition to match the needs of gamers and AutoCAD users. The system has all the necessaries of a perfect 2D, 3D design system. With a mind-blowing combination of performance and portability for Autocad, the laptop lives up to the expectations of users.

Featuring a sleek design and intriguing excellent display, the​se laptops seem to be a great fit for design enthusiasts. A fantastic keyboard and robust sound are its other important features. With a comprehensive list of features, it's easier to ignore the underwhelming battery power.

Coming to the price, the Scar Edition tends to be one of the more expensive ​laptops out there. Starting with the 15-inch GL503V display model, you can check more expensive ​laptops too. However, you get to cherish an Nvidia GPU (1060 GTX) and a strong 8th generation Core i7 processor.

The Scar Edition from Asus is a glamorous piece that fits gorgeous hardware components in a thin chassis. With a powerful processor and GPU, the system lets you carry out 3D, 3D design tasks effortlessly. All in all, these laptops are a ​best choice for someone who wishes to make the best use of his architecture skills.

Definitely this is one of the best laptops for Autocad choices as well.

More on Asus laptops here.


Lenovo ThinkPad P50 - #2 Autocad Laptop

Laptop

CPU - ​Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 Quad-Core Processor | RAM -​ 16GB DDR4 | Hard Drive - ​​256 GB SSD M.2 Opal2 | Graphics Card - ​​Nvidia Quadro M2000M 4GB GDDR5 | Screen - ​15.6" inches FHD (1920x1080) IPS display | OS - ​Windows 7 Professional 64-bit upgradeable to Windows 10 Pro | Battery Life - Up to 1​3 hours | Weight - ​6 lbs

​Features

  • ​Backlit Keys
  • ​​Finger Print Reader
  • ​​Mini DisplayPort

​What We Liked

  • ​Decent battery life
  • ​Super fast
  • ​Easy to upgrade

What Needs Work

  • ​​Should come standard with Win 10 but at least you get a free upgrade.

When you're looking for a no-compromise performance for laptop CPU processor and graphics tasks such as 3D modeling or 4K video editing display, you actually need a mobile workstation such as the ThinkPad P50. With Nvidia Quadro graphic card and Intel Xeon (optional) CPU, this 15.6-inch display laptop is powerful enough to run quick programs with ease. Priced ​reasonably, this wonderful system is a ​best choice of 3D Autocad designers and architects.

As far as display is concerned, the P50 outsmarts many other comparable ​​laptops with intriguing visuals. Whether it's body or design, th​ese laptops are crafted to perfection in almost all corners. Plus, the all-day battery life lets you carry out labor-intensive chores without any kind of interruption. Just start the ​laptops and you're all set to completing major tasks as you want.

The ThinkPad P50 delivers top-class and best performance with a snappy keyboard for effortless typing along with world-class hardware components. Additionally, you get to choose SSDs and hard drives with options to have one of each. Available at a modest price, th​ese high-end ​laptops are ​best for anyone looking for Autocad performance and portability with longer battery life.

More on Lenovo laptops here.


MSI CUK GP73 Leopard Laptop

Laptop

CPU - ​Core i7-8750H Hexa-Core (6 Cores) 2.2 - 4.1GHz processor | RAM - ​16GB (8G*2) DDR4 2400MHz| Hard Drive - ​​128GB M.2 SATA + 1TB (7200RPM) | Graphics Card - ​​NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050Ti 4G GDDR5 | Screen - ​17.3" inches Full HD eDP Non Reflection 72% NTSC display | OS - ​Microsoft Windows 10 Home | Battery Life - Up to ​8 hours | Weight - ​6 lbs

​Features

  • ​Steel Series Full-color backlight
  • ​Anti-Ghost key+ silver lining
  • ​​USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C *1

​What We Liked

  • ​Excellent power
  • ​Looks cool!
  • ​Great build quality

What Needs Work

  • ​Some users reported issues with the battery at times.

Fueled by the fastest performance and advanced technologies, the MSI CUK GP73 Leopard ​laptops are best suited for gamers and AutoCAD designers. Since these laptops are particularly designed for gamers as well as 3D-modelers, the visuals are just amazing. In fact, the 17.3-inch excellent display takes you to a new virtual world with mind-blowing display features. Equally appealing are the keyboard and chassis that allow for the best seamless typing and effortless portability.

Available at a decent price, the ​laptops do not pinch the pocket of professionals who're looking for a top-class ​laptops in their genre. In fact, the GP73 Leopard happens to be one of the most economical laptops for design and gaming professionals. The Intel Core i7 8750 processor performs optimally as required. Also, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU processor makes it easy to process and store larger files that you may need for  the best architecture designs.

The latest architecture of DDR4-2400 memory is the highlight of these ​laptops. Plus, the longer battery life ensures that you can carry out graphics-intensive chores without any sort of disturbances. According to many Autocad computer and design experts, the GP73 Leopard delivers a lot more than its price.


Dell XPS 15 9570 Laptop

Laptop

CPU - ​4.1 GHz Core i7 Family processor | RAM - ​16 GB SDRAM| Hard Drive - ​​512 GB 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe Solid State Drive | Graphics Card - ​​NVIDIA GeForce | Screen - 1​5.6 inch display | OS - ​Windows 10 | Battery Life - Up to 8 hours | Weight - ​6.25 lbs

​Features

  • ​border less display
  • ​​anti reflective screen

​What We Liked

  • ​Decent battery life
  • ​Awesome display

What Needs Work

  • ​Some users reported issues with ​freezing at high loads.

The good and all new Dell XPS 15 9570 laptops surpass its predecessors and provides a little more than its 2-in-1 sibling. Housed with a 6-Core i7 processors, this 15.6-inch display laptop comes with some stunning additions and good for Autocad. As well as the 16GB RAM, the system includes an Nvidia 1050 Ti (GTX) with the Max-Q design.

If you've used earlier versions of Dell XPS, you can find noticeable upgrades in this newer model. Despite the surprising features, the​se laptops retain ​their affordability. While it's not so cheap, the additions that come with th​ese laptops  are good enough to outshine the price.

Coming to design, Dell manages to maintain strong design ethos. Featuring an aluminum lid (CNC machined), a carbon-fiber composite (black) palm rest, and narrow bezels around the display, the model succeeds in drawing laptops the attention of users. Additionally, it happens to be a thin laptop with a sleek design that's easy to lug around.

Dell has ditched the infrared camera setup (found in the 2-in-1 model). The remaining webcam is still placed at the bottom of the display for best results. However, that's understandable due to the infinity edge design of the screen. ​The XPS 15 laptops find its way in the hands of many AutoCAD experts.

More on Dell laptops here.


Lenovo Legion Y7000 Laptop

Laptop

CPU - ​Intel Core i7-8750H Processor | RAM - ​16 GB DDR4 RAM | Hard Drive - ​​1 TB HDD + 128GB PCIe SSD | Graphics Card - ​NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Discrete Graphics | Screen - 15.6" inches FHD display | OS - ​Windows 10 Home | Battery Life - Up to ​8 hours | Weight - ​5.2 lbs

​Features

  • ​backlit full sized keyboard
  • ​​dual-channel cooling system
  • ​number pad

​What We Liked

  • ​Fast
  • ​​Relatively light compared to other in this category

What Needs Work

  • ​Some users reported issues with the battery at times.

Quality Autocad, gaming and 3D designing are almost impossible at an affordable price. However, the Lenovo Legion Y7000 defies this impossibility and presents ​amazing ​laptops that will compel you to bite your fingers out of surprise. Featuring a powerful 1060 GTX GPU and Core i7 CPU processor, the system comes packed into a stylish chassis.

You also get 16GB RAM, 6GB of VRAM, a 1 TB HDD, and a 256 GB SSD. Other popular features include a colorful 15.6-inch display and a comfy keyboard that lets you input characters like a breeze. However, th​ese wonderful ​laptops ​are not free from flaws.

The awkwardly placed webcam and irritating speakers are minor cons that the brand needs to work on. The​se laptops present a good selection of ports for streaming designs and games. You've one USB port (3.1) on the left side and the other port on the right side.

The backside of the ​laptop holds all of the goodies, and this includes one mini-display port 1.4, one USB Type-C port, Ethernet port (RJ45), an HDMI port 2.0, and a lock slot. The laptop has a decent battery life to complete your design chores on time. If you're searching for ​low-priced ​laptops for Autocad and 3D designing and related chores, then look no further than the Y7000.

Other Lenovo Laptops here too.


Apple Macbook Pro 15 Laptop

Laptop

CPU - ​9Th-generation 8-Core Intel Core i9 Processor | RAM - ​16 GB| Hard Drive - ​​512 GB | Graphics Card - ​​Radeon Pro 560x Graphics with 4GB of video Memory | Screen - 1​5 inches display | OS - ​MacOS | Battery Life - Up to 1​0 hours | Weight - ​4 lbs

​Features

  • ​Retina display
  • ​​Touch Bar and Touch ID
  • ​Ultrafast SSD

​What We Liked

  • ​Easy to use.
  • ​Fast
  • ​Great for graphics apps

What Needs Work

  • ​​If you want to also use for games, not a great option.

Apple has always been touted for launching new and better versions of its ​laptops. The Macbook Pro 15 is no exception to this tradition. Featuring more powerful hardware components with an improved keyboard, the Mac book Pro has everything a high-end Autocad user may wish.

The best thing about Pro 15 is it fits the best needs of many types of users. Whether you want a laptop for business, games or AutoCAD chores, the Pro 15 is able to cater to the requirements of all users. With an enticing 15-inch display, this Mac Book brings a level of performance that's difficult to find in most of its competitors.

The base model comes with a 2.2 GHz, Radeon Pro 555X GPU, 6-Core Intel i7 CPU processor, 256GB SSD, and 16GB DDR4 memory​. One good thing about this Mac Book is you can mix and match various components to your needs. For example, if you need a lot of video editing or 3D modeling, you can upgrade to better processors and display. However, you can do a lot of design and drafting tasks with the existing processors. Plus, the battery life is good enough to work for a long time.

More on Apple laptops here.


Asus VivoBook Pro Laptop

Laptop

CPU - ​8th generation Intel Core i7-8565u Processor | RAM - ​16GB DDR4 RAM | Hard Drive - ​​256G M.2 SSD + 1TB HDD combo | Graphics Card - ​​ NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB discrete graphics | Screen - 1​​5 inches display | OS - ​Windows 10 Home | Battery Life - Up to ​5 hours | Weight - ​4.85 lbs

​Features

  • ​Lightning-fast dual band 2x2 Wi-Fi 5
  • ​ergonomic backlit keyboard

​What We Liked

  • ​Flawless graphics
  • ​Super fast charging

What Needs Work

  • ​Battery life is a bit short but at least there is fast charging.

It's a 15.6-inch notebook for highly creative professionals such as Autocad architects on a budget. While many folks would love the power and performance of Dell's XPS laptops and Apple's Mac Book Pros, most of them can't afford the high price. If you happen to be one of these professionals, then you should be happy to know that the Asus VivoBook Pro presents features comparable to Mac Book and XPS laptops at an economical price.

You get the 7th generation Intel Core CPU processor with a colorful display. Plus, the ​laptop includes an Nvidia GeForce 1050 GTX GPU for complex tasks. As far as storage capacity is concerned, the system has a 24GB DDR4 RAM. Also, the best speedy performance lets you carry out intensive tasks without any issues.

The keyboard and design are just as amazing as you may expect. However, a weak battery and slow SSD are the downsides of this laptop. Although these minor cons may not come in your way when performing complicated Autocad chores, they do affect prolong working. In the end, the Asus VivoBook is a low-priced laptop for professional use, but it isn't free from flaws.

Other Asus laptops here too.


Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop

Laptop

CPU -​ 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H 6-Core Processor | RAM - ​16GB DDR4 2666MHz DRAM | Hard Drive - ​256GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Graphics Card - ​​NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Overclockable Graphics with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM | Screen - ​15.6​ inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS display | OS - ​Windows 10 Home 64 Bit | Battery Life - Up to 7 hours | Weight - ​5.5 lbs

​Features

  • ​Backlit Keyboard 
  • ​​Dual All-Metal AeroBlade 3D Fan Cooling

​What We Liked

  • ​Efficient and speed
  • ​Price
  • ​​Decent battery life

What Needs Work

  • ​Some users reported issues with the ​cooling at times.

Many Autocad laptops in the market are promoted as best deals. However, most of these ​laptops don't live up to their promises. This is more so with respect to laptop computers meant for graphic design and AutoCAD chores. In such a situation, the Acer Predator Helios 300 turns out to be an ideal laptop that thrives to fulfill the needs of architects, gamers, and video editors in all respects.

​The Helios 300 laptops offer a really powerful Nvidia GeForce GPU for a much low price compared to other brands out there. You also get 6GB of RAM with the GPU that's impressive for designing and drafting. In case your files are larger, you may upgrade this flexible system. The laptop has a 15.6-inch, 1080p display.

Although the display lets you enjoy sharp pictures ideal for architecture and 3D designing, it lacks luster. The keyboard is ​one of the best and the battery life is longer. If you assess the features of the laptop with the price, you'll conclude that you get to enjoy a lot more than what you shell out. The Predator Helios 300 is actually one of a kind laptop that's ideal for users of all levels and experience, especially AutoCAD designers.

More on Acer laptops here.


Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition Laptop

Laptop

CPU - ​8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor | RAM - 16 GB DDR4 | Hard Drive - ​​128GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB FireCuda SSHD | Graphics Card - ​​GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB graphics | Screen - ​15.6” inches 120Hz 3ms Full HD IPS-Type Panel display | OS - ​Windows 10 | Battery Life - Up to 7 hours | Weight - 5.7 lbs

​Features

  • ​Aura RGB lighting keyboard
  • ​​anti-ghosting technology
  • ​​802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi

​What We Liked

  • ​Excellent power and speed
  • ​Decent price
  • ​Cool design

What Needs Work

  • ​Some users reported issues with ​the wireless adapter at times.

When manufacturers are building laptop computers specifically for gamers and AutoCAD designers, the Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition is one model that should be taken seriously. ​Th​ese affordable ​laptops provide all you need in a high-end professional laptop. With an Nvidia 1060 (GTX) graphic card and extras like a snappy keyboard and a faster response rate display, the system will let you create the latest 3D and other designs smoothly.

While the visuals may not be so appealing, the performance and price should keep most of the professionals happy. The chassis is completely made out of plastic, but the ​laptops feel solid nonetheless. One of the highlights of this amazing laptop is the fast 120Hz refresh rate that allows you to do the job quickly, thus saving your precious time.

The anti-glare finish does a wonderful job, but the display screen isn't as vivid and vibrant as you may expect. However, the HD resolution works fine for designers and gamers alike. Its 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM provides enough space for ​storage capacity. The Asus ROG Strix Hero Edition is an all-around laptop meant for gamers as well as architects and 3D modelers who want a best high-performing ​Autocad laptops without bursting their pocket.

More Asus laptops recommendations.


Acer Aspire 7 Laptop

Laptop

CPU -​ 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H 6-Core Processor | RAM - ​8GB DDR4 2400MHz Memory | Hard Drive - ​128GB SSD & 1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive | Graphics Card - ​​NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM | Screen - ​15.6 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display | OS - ​Windows 10 | Battery Life - Up to 7 hours | Weight - ​5.18 lbs

​Features

  • ​Fingerprint Reader
  • ​​USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port
  • ​​Backlit Keyboard

​What We Liked

  • ​Fast running
  • ​Price

What Needs Work

  • ​​A little under powered for big jobs

Coders and 3D design enthusiasts should be happy to learn that Acer has refurbished its best line of Aspire laptops. You can now find a completely regenerated version of Aspire 7, thanks to all new updates made in design and hardware elements. With a modest price, th​ese top-level ​Autocad ​laptops include Intel Core HQ processor, Nvidia 1050 along with Ti (1050) graphics di​splay.

The DDR4 RAM and dual storage facility are its other features that you may want to know. The unit comes with a backlit keyboard, a brushed aluminum shell, and a matte IPS screen display. Nicely crafted with bewildered design lines, the visuals of the​se laptops are enticing as well as alluring. Users, especially design professionals get to enjoy a lot more than they might expect with this superb 15.7-inch display laptop.

The IPS display along with the latest hardware components let you carry complex coding and AutoCAD design tasks. While you may use the business laptop ​for educational purposes, the ​laptop is a favored choice of architects and gamers. Additionally, the system is light in weight, which makes it easy to carry wherever you wish. The longer battery life and numerous ports add to the growing popularity of this affordable laptop.

More Acer laptops recommendations here.


Best AutoCAD Laptops Bottom line

autocad laptops

Picking an ideal laptop computer for a particular purpose can be really pressing. As well as normal features, you need to check additional features that a particular purpose and workflow may warrant. In such a scenario, it would be ​best to rely on ​laptops that are particularly meant for intended purposes. If you're in the market to buy the best laptop for AutoCAD, you should get familiar with the laptops ​specifications needed for AutoCAD chores. Once you get familiar with the specifics, check out popular laptops meant for design and drafting jobs as detailed below. Within no time, you could be able to choose the right ​laptops for AutoCAD.

We hope this top laptops for Autocad article helped you choose!