The computer realm is an ever evolving one and what may be popular one day could be the least popular device the next. Engineers, Designers, and architects have, over time, relied on AutoCAD to draft and render their models as they develop and create a myriad of designs and work on different projects. AutoCAD is Autodesk’s most popular software with the company developing different iterations of the software annually to cater to the ever-evolving demands of its users.
Previously most individuals would use desktop computers when working with AutoCAD, but as time has evolved, laptops are now the preferred devices as manufacturers are creating laptops that are just as capable as the desktop computers.
Check out our latest guide on the Best Laptops for CAD, freshly updated for this year.
While running AutoCAD on a laptop may have previously been a big challenge, today it is possible for a user to run the software on their laptop provided they have the right system requirements. AutoCAD is a software that has very low system requirements, which means most of the laptops available in the market can run it and deliver relatively decent performance and results.
System Requirements to Run Autocad
If the complexity of the projects run on AutoCAD did not give it away already, the software is relatively heavy which is why there are minimum system requirements needed for a user to properly run the software and maintain their workflow.
According to Autodesk, the minimum requirement include:
- At least 4 GB of random access memory
- 1920 x 1080 display resolution
- 4GB installation space
- Windows 10 (64-bit only), Windows 8 (32 & 64-bit) or Windows 7 (32 & 64-bit) operating systems
- Version 4.6 of .NET Framework and a certified graphics card such as the NVIDIA Quadro series cards.
While these may be the bare minimum as far as AutoCAD requirements go, it does not hurt to upgrade some of the specifications. For example, instead of settling for the minimum 4GB RAM you could opt for 8GB RAM which will ensure your both your laptop and software are functioning seamlessly. You could also ensure that your display screen is an HD resolution screen that has IPS (in-plane switching) screen technology to avoid experiencing issues such as poor color reproduction, viewing angle dependence amongst others.
Some of the laptops available in the market that AutoCAD users can consider purchasing include; MSI WE73 8SJ-078, ASUS VivoBook S, Dell Precision M7730, Lenovo ThinkPad P72, Acer Aspire 7, ASUS CUK ROG Strix Scar GL703GM amongst others. All the mentioned laptops meet and surpass the bare minimum requirements required to run AutoCAD.
Bottom Line
Running AutoCAD on a laptop is not an impossible fete to achieve, but one has to pay attention to crucial components such as having a high RAM, an FHD screen, a powerful processor, high storage capacity and most importantly a great graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card. Because AutoCAD software vary, each software determines the laptop requirements needed to ensure users have the essential speed and accuracy to render their graphics-related tasks.