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If you are an architect, engineer, interior designer, construction manager, artist, or student, the best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering is, without any doubt, a must-have. From AutoCAD to SolidWorks, Blender to Maya, these laptops will help you run every program with ease. Show
The software required for 3D design and rendering is resource-intensive, and you will need a laptop that can meet the basic requirements in terms of performance. If you purchase a laptop that is powerful enough to handle any tasks, you will be able to create designs more efficiently and without any lag. There are also other essential features to consider, such as the display, storage, and connectivity, which will determine the speed and quality of your 3D designs. In this article, we look at the important information that you should know before purchasing a laptop along with the 10 best laptops for 3D modeling and rendering that you should consider. Top 10 Best Laptops for 3D Modeling & Rendering OverviewOur list of the top 10 best laptops for 3D modeling and rendering in 2021 is based on features, specifications, real-world performance, popularity, user reviews, and compatibility with 3D modeling software such as AutoCAD, Blender, etc.
Also see our feature on the most powerful laptops. What is the best laptop for 3D modeling?The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo is out pick for the best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering in 2021 overall. Thumbnail Best Overall Best Value Best Budget-Friendly Best 2-in-1 Best Compact Best Affordable Macbook Title ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop, 15.6 4K UHD NanoEdge Touch Display, Intel Core i7-10750H, 16GB... Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop | Intel i7-11800H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060... HP Pavilion 15 Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD Storage, Full... Alienware Area 51M Gaming Laptop, 17.3" 300hz 3ms FHD Display, Intel Core i7-10700K, Nvidia GeForce... Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen 13.4 inch FHD Thin and Light Laptop - Intel Core i7-1185G7, 16GB... 2021 Newest Dell Inspiron 15.6" HD Laptop, Intel 4205U Processor, 8GB DDR4 Memory, 1TB HDD, Online... Prime Status - - Reviews - - 803 Reviews - 108 Reviews - Star Rating - - - - Display 15.6 4K UHD NanoEdge touch main display 15.6-inch Full HD display with 144Hz refresh rate 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display 17.3" QHD Display 13.4" FHD touchscreen display 13.0-inch QHD (2560x1600) LEDbacklit display with IPS technology Processor 10th generation Intel Core i7 11th generation Intel Core i7 11th Generation Intel Core i7 11th generation Intel Core i7 11th generation Intel Core i7 Apple M1 chip Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB/RTX 3070 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GPU Intel Iris Xe Inter Iris Xe Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics Apple M1 GPU RAM 16GB 16GB 16GB 32GB 16GB 8GB Storage 1TB NVMe SSD 512GB SSD 512GB NVMe SSD 1TB NVMe SSD 512GB SSD 256GB/512 GB SSD Price $2,299.99 $1,377.00 $974.89 $2,345.00 $1,638.24 $499.00 Buy Now Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Best Overall Thumbnail Title ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop, 15.6 4K UHD NanoEdge Touch Display, Intel Core i7-10750H, 16GB... Prime Status Reviews - Star Rating - Display 15.6 4K UHD NanoEdge touch main display Processor 10th generation Intel Core i7 Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB/RTX 3070 RAM 16GB Storage 1TB NVMe SSD Price $2,299.99 Buy Now Buy on Amazon Best Value Thumbnail Title Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop | Intel i7-11800H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060... Prime Status - Reviews - Star Rating - Display 15.6-inch Full HD display with 144Hz refresh rate Processor 11th generation Intel Core i7 Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GPU RAM 16GB Storage 512GB SSD Price $1,377.00 Buy Now Buy on Amazon Best Budget-Friendly Thumbnail Title HP Pavilion 15 Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD Storage, Full... Prime Status Reviews 803 Reviews Star Rating Display 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display Processor 11th Generation Intel Core i7 Graphics Intel Iris Xe RAM 16GB Storage 512GB NVMe SSD Price $974.89 Buy Now Buy on Amazon Best 2-in-1 Thumbnail Title Alienware Area 51M Gaming Laptop, 17.3" 300hz 3ms FHD Display, Intel Core i7-10700K, Nvidia GeForce... Prime Status Reviews - Star Rating - Display 17.3" QHD Display Processor 11th generation Intel Core i7 Graphics Inter Iris Xe Graphics RAM 32GB Storage 1TB NVMe SSD Price $2,345.00 Buy Now Buy on Amazon Best Compact Thumbnail Title Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen 13.4 inch FHD Thin and Light Laptop - Intel Core i7-1185G7, 16GB... Prime Status Reviews 108 Reviews Star Rating Display 13.4" FHD touchscreen display Processor 11th generation Intel Core i7 Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM 16GB Storage 512GB SSD Price $1,638.24 Buy Now Buy on Amazon Best Affordable Macbook Thumbnail Title 2021 Newest Dell Inspiron 15.6" HD Laptop, Intel 4205U Processor, 8GB DDR4 Memory, 1TB HDD, Online... Prime Status - Reviews - Star Rating - Display 13.0-inch QHD (2560x1600) LEDbacklit display with IPS technology Processor Apple M1 chip Graphics Apple M1 GPU RAM 8GB Storage 256GB/512 GB SSD Price $499.00 Buy Now Buy on Amazon How to choose the best laptop for 3D modelingBefore buying a laptop, you must understand that having the best and latest 3D software wont suffice if you dont have the proper hardware to run it smoothly. To help you find the right one, here are a few technical jargons that you have to be familiar with before buying a laptop for modeling and design, such as: sponsored message Display Designers are spoiled for choice when it comes to displays. The combinations of features such as the screen size, resolution, color accuracy, and refresh rate make each laptop unique, and it can be challenging to find the right one. You will need a laptop with a bright display (preferably over 300 nits bright), color-accurate (minimum 62.5% sRGB), and a high resolution (at least Full HD). The refresh rate refers to how many times per second it draws a new image on the screen, but it is an optional feature. Most laptops come with a 60Hz refresh rate but a laptop with a higher refresh rate will be more responsive and work smoothly. CPU sponsored message The CPU is the most crucial part of a computer, and this is especially true if you plan to use 3D modeling and rendering software. You might work with Blender, Revit, 3DS Max, AutoCAD, or other similar software that puts a significant strain on your laptops processing power. For your laptop to handle these demanding tools, it will need a robust and powerful CPU. There are three popular brands to choose from regarding processors: Intel, AMD, and Apples proprietary M1 chips on MacBooks. These chips are similar in terms of performance, and we recommended getting the latest generation processors as it offers a significant upgrade over its predecessors. RAM Random Access Memory or RAM determines whether you have a responsive, hassle-free experience while designing and 3D modeling. It is like the computers short-term memory that stores all of the data you are actively working with to be stored and accessed easily, allowing your device to perform faster. About 8GB of RAM is minimum, but 16GB RAM or more will be perfect for optimum performance. If your device is low on RAM, you can always purchase additional memory if supported. Pro tips: The more RAM your laptop has, the faster it will perform. Storage Storage is another vital aspect when it comes to selecting a laptop. You can choose from the traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), and NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express SSDs), with each having its pros and cons. sponsored message HDDs are usually cheaper, but they come at a cost as they are slower and less durable than their SSD counterparts. On the other hand, an SSD is much faster but expensive. NVMe is the quickest type of drive available right now. It is about 3-6 times as fast as SSDs and 5-10 times faster than HDDs. A minimum of 512GB of storage is recommended if you work with sizeable 3D modeling files, but as it was with RAM, the more storage you have, the better. If you ever run short on storage, you can purchase an external HDD or SSD to store your files securely outside your laptop. The Top 10 Best Laptops for 3D Modeling & Rendering1. Asus Zenbook Pro Duo (Editors Choice)The best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering in 2021 overall Display: 15.6 4K UHD NanoEdge touch main display | Processor: 10th generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 6GB/RTX 3070 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD A dual-display is perhaps one feature that you never knew you needed, and even though it steals most of the spotlight, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is a more than capable device when it comes to performance. It ticks all the boxes for what a designer needs, from the 15.6 4K touchscreen display with bright and vivid colors to the powerful 10th gen Intel i7 processor that packs a punch. The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo also has an additional touchscreen display with 4K resolution. Although it might not be what you need, it is certainly a handy addition and lets you multitask seamlessly. This is especially important if you are working on multiple resource-intensive design tasks at once. Its unmatched ability to multitask, run demanding software, and rendering simultaneously makes it the best laptop 3D modeling and rendering for us.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop, 15.6 4K UHD NanoEdge Touch Display, Intel Core i7-10750H, 16GB...
$2,299.99 Buy on Amazonsponsored message 2. Acer Predator Helios 300The best value for money laptop for 3D design Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display with 144Hz refresh rate | Processor: 11th generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD Acer is popularly known for its high-performance gaming laptops that deliver superior performance on a budget, and the Acer Predator Helios 300 is no exception. Armed with the latest Intel Core i7 processor with a speed of up to 4.60GHz and RTX 3060 which features NVIDIAs award-winning RTX architecture, this device has more than enough power to run demanding 3D design apps with ease. It features one of the most responsive displays around with a 15.6-inch Full HD unit that has a 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time so that you can work, play and create without any delays. The Acer Predator Helios 300 also comes loaded with 512 GB of SSD storage that you can upgrade if you ever need more storage. The Acer Predator Helios 300 certainly doesnt disappoint when it comes to price or performance. It is one of the most powerful laptops you can buy for 3D modeling and rendering without burning a hole in your pocket.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop | Intel i7-11800H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060...
$1,377.00 Buy on Amazon3. HP Pavilion 15 2021The best budget-friendlylaptop for 3D modeling Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display | Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD Finding a high-end laptop in the sub-$1000 segment is quite the challenge, but it is a task in which the HP Pavilion 15 2021 edition excels. With its latest 11th gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and Intel Iris Xe graphics, it can efficiently run any 3D design software from AutoCAD to Blender. This HP Pavilion 15 2021 laptop features a 512 GB NVMe SSD, which gives you enough space to store your projects. It also has a beautiful FHD display with 178° viewing angles and audio by sound experts B&O for an unparalleled design experience on a budget.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: 803 Reviews HP Pavilion 15 Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD Storage, Full...
$974.89 Buy on Amazon4. Razer Blade 14The best laptop for 3D modeling in terms of performance Display: 14 QHD 165Hz | Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8GB | RAM: 16 GB | Storage: 1TB SSD If you seek power, precision, and performance, the Razer Blade 14 combines everything you need from your laptop in one well-rounded package. It is one of the most powerful laptops available today thanks to its latest generation AMD Ryzen 9, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, and 16GB RAM making it capable of running the most demanding 3D design software without any hitch. In terms of display, it has a 14-inch panel with QHD resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color space, and a 165Hz refresh rate that is perfect for 3D modeling. Combined with THX spatial audio, long-lasting battery life, and vapor chamber cooling for maximized thermal performance, the worlds most powerful 14 gaming laptop offers a truly immersive experience while designing.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Razer Blade 14 Gaming Laptop: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 8 Core, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, 14" QHD 165Hz,...
$2,199.99 Buy on Amazon5. Dell Inspiron 17 7000The best 2-in-1 laptop for 3D design Display: 17.3 QHD Display | Processor: 11th generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD If you are an avid designer and a touchscreen laptop is more suited for your needs, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 is a great choice. It is a 2-in-1 laptop which means that you can use it normally or as a tablet with a stylus. With the latest Intel Core i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 32GB RAM, this powerful laptop can crunch any task that you throw at it. The massive 17.3 QHD screen is one of the best displays among all laptops with life-like and subtle colors, and with its 1TB of SSD storage, you will have plenty of space to store all your 3D design files. Since some 3D modeling applications such as AutoCAD offer mobile apps and support for touchscreens, you can get the best of both worlds with this hybrid laptop. The Dell Inspiron 17 7000 is a versatile device, and it is highly recommended for those artists who work on a variety of different design software, including those for 3D modeling and rendering.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Dell Inspiron 17 7000 2-in-1 Touchscreen Business Laptop 17.3" QHD, Intel Core i7-1165G7, Window 10...
$1,599.00 Buy on Amazon6. Apple MacBook Pro 2020The best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering by Apple Display: 13.0-inch QHD (2560×1600) LEDbacklit display with IPS technology | Processor: 10thgeneration Intel Core i5/i7/Apple M1 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics/Apple M1 integrated GPU | RAM: 8GB/16GB | Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD If you prefer macOS over Windows and Apple over any other brand, then the Apple MacBook Pro 2020 is the best laptop that you can buy for 3D modeling and rendering from the Cupertino-based tech giants. It is the latest and the most powerful Apple laptop that you can buy with its 10th gen Intel Core i5/i7 processors or Apples exclusive M1 chip, which has better single-core and multi-core performance than its Intel counterparts. Also, powering the macOS Big Sur in tandem with the processor is up to 16GB of RAM, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics/Apple M1 integrated GPU for graphics. The MacBook Pro offers 2.8x the CPU performance of the previous generation, 5x the graphics speed, and up to 20 hours of battery life the longest of any Mac ever. So you can go through lengthy work sessions undisturbed without ever having to worry about your battery draining or laptop lagging. Another helpful feature is that MacBooks can run iOS, so you can open the AutoCAD mobile app to improve your workflow. The MacBook Pro is one of the best options in almost every aspect, from the 4K retina display and performance to the battery, and even though it might be a bit expensive, it wont disappoint you.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: 2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Intel Processor (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage) - Space Gray
Buy on Amazon 7. LG Gram 17 2021The best laptop with a 17-inch screen for 3D design Display: 17 QHD (2560 x 1600) display | Processor: 11th generation Intel Evo i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB RAM | Storage: 2TB SSD The laptops on this list have mainly featured mid-sized displays, but as a designer, you might need a screen that is even bigger to help you work with fine detail. This is where the LG Gram 17 2021 comes in with its 17-inch display. The LG Gram 17s IPS LCD has a QHD resolution with DCI-P3 99% color expression. This big and beautiful display produces crisp images rich in color with an outstanding level of depth, and it is perfect for those designers that will be working with a high level of detail while creating 3D models. It does not miss the mark in terms of performance either with the latest 11th generation Intel Evo i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphic, 16GB RAM, 2TB of SSD storage, and up to 19.5 hours battery life with a single charge. So whether you are creating 3D models or multitasking, with the LG Gram 17, you can work without worrying about lag or lack of storage.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: Sale LG Gram 17Z90P Laptop 17" IPS Ultra-Lightweight, (2560 x 1600), Intel Evo 11th gen Core i7 , 16GB...
$1,755.88 Buy on Amazon8. Dell XPS 13 9310The best compact laptop for 3D rendering and modeling Display: 13.4 FHD touchscreen display | Processor: 11th generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD If you love working on the go and portability is the feature you are looking for, then the Dell XPS 13 9310 is an excellent choice. The laptop itself might be compact in size and portable, but it comes with a 13.4 Full HD display with a brightness of 500-nits through which you can see every detail in superb clarity. The Dell XPS 13 9310 does not compromise performance either with the latest Intel i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and 16 GB of RAM, which is fast enough to fulfill all your design needs. You cannot find any better laptop for artists looking for a slim and elegant device that is fast enough to keep up with 3D design software.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: 108 Reviews Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen 13.4 inch FHD Thin and Light Laptop - Intel Core i7-1185G7, 16GB...
$1,638.24 Buy on Amazon9. MSI GL65The best gaming laptop on a budget for 3D design Display: 15.6 Full HD display with 144 Hz refresh rate | Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD Like Acer, MSI is another brand famous for making value for money laptops, and the MSI GL65 is one of the best budget gaming/performance laptops you can buy. Originally designed for gaming purposes, the MSI GL65 has the right 3D modeling and rendering credentials. The 15.6-inch display boasts a 144Hz rapid refresh rate and 100% sRGB color gamut for a smooth and lag-free experience with bright and color-accurate visuals. Powering the device is the perfect combo of 10th Generation Intel Core i5 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 that can handle any 3D design application with a breeze. The only feature where the GL65 couldve done better is the battery. It only lasts four hours on a single charge which can be a hurdle if you are working on the go, but as for the specs, it is the best in its price range.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop: 15.6" Display, Intel Core i5-10300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 16GB RAM,...
$1,136.99 Buy on Amazon10. Apple MacBook Air 2020The most affordable laptop by Apple for 3D modeling and rendering Display: 13.0-inch QHD (2560×1600) LEDbacklit display with IPS technology | Processor: Apple M1 Chip | Graphics: Apple M1 GPU | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB/512GB SSD The MacBook Pro is more than capable of running complex 3D modeling applications. Still, If you want an Apple laptop that is more compact but does not compromise on performance and is significantly cheaper, the Apple MacBook Air is a solid alternative. Looking beyond the slimmer and more lightweight design, it has the same powerful Apple M1 chip and GPU, but the 8GB RAM onboard the MacBook Air can only be extended up to 16GB, compared to the Pros 64GB. The battery life is just 15 hours as well rather than the Pros 20. You wont notice much difference between the two laptops as they come with the same processor, GPU, display, and ability to run iOS apps. The MacBook Pro has better performance, and the MacBook Air is lighter and more affordable. It comes down to whether the price is more important to you or the slight performance improvement.
Learn More Latest Price on Amazon: 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13 Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage,...
Buy on Amazon Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the best monitor arms for a standing desk?The iMovR Tempo Heavy-Duty Single Monitor Arm, iMovR Tempo Light Single Monitor Arm, and Ergotron LX Monitor Arm are the best monitor arms for a standing desk. What is the best monitor arm for an ultrawide?Designed for monitors weighing from 13.2 to 33 pounds, the Loctek Monitor Mount Heavy Duty Gas Spring is the best monitor arm for ultrawide. What are the best monitor arms for heavy monitors?3M Dual-Swivel Monitor Arm and Ergotron LX Desk Mount LCD Arm are the best monitor arms for heavy monitors. These are sturdy and reliable monitor arms with flexible height adjustment options. Do monitor arms damage desks?Monitor Arms have a weight limit set and, if you exceed that, they can damage the desk. However, if you mount the arm to the desk and only attach an amount of weight per the specifications, there won't be an issue. What is the best dual monitor arm for gaming?The Vari Dual-Monitor Arm is best for gaming as it offers all the ergonomic and gaming benefits of dual-screening. The height adjustment range is also pretty good, and you can easily rotate both the monitors horizontally and vertically. Related Posts:Top Laptops
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View All Buying Guides The Top 10 Best Laptops for 3D Modeling & RenderingFinding the best laptop for 3D design can be complicated, especially for designers if you arent tech-savvy with the numerous acronyms, jargon, and limitless variety of different laptops that can quickly overwhelm you with too much information at once. This is why we put together the list of the most powerful laptops that we could find for every requirement, use, and budget. We hope that this article has helped you find the right laptop for your needs that you will be using for 3D modeling and rendering purposes. Happy designing! Related Articles |