The tools that you will be using for 3D modeling are all graphics-intensive. These programs include Auto CAD, Maya, 3D Max, and Revit among others. You will require a good GPU to ensure that the workload on your CPU and your RAM is significantly reduced. Modern 3D modeling software allows you to use multiprocessors making it easy for you to create models in a short period.
While GPU is important, you need large storage and enough RAM. Again, get a computer with a high screen resolution and a relatively large screen size.
We’ve done extensive research on the marketplace and below are the best laptops for 3D modeling.
Our Recommendations
- Asus ROG G752VY – Best Overall
- Aorus X5Sv5-SL1 – Best For Home Decor
- Vaio Z Canvas – Best In Innovation and Quality
- Dell Precision M5510 – Best In Offering Varied Print Services
- Asus ZenBook Pro – Best In Customer Service
1. Asus ROG G752VY
Intro
This is a powerful laptop designed to get the job done. The choice of hardware and other specifications for this laptop truly makes it amazing. It comes packed with Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and 16GB RAM to ensure it works smoothly without freezes. If you have any modeling software that is RAM and graphics-intensive, this laptop will handle it. It is stocked with NVIDIA GTX 980 M.
Pros
Each laptop comes equipped with a 128GB SSD making it easy for you to transfer files and load applications. This is on top of the large 2TB SATA HDD. This not only enhances the speed of the computer but also ensures that you get enough storage. The laptop sports a full HD 17.3-inch screen. Even better, it has USB 3.0, USB 3.1 ports, and Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity. This computer is the complete package for 3D modeling.
Cons
With a screen size of 17.3 inches, the laptop is quite heavy, but it comes in handy as a desktop replacement.
2. Aorus X5Sv5-SL1
Intro
This is one of the popular 15-inch laptops for 3D modeling. The laptop is an absolute sensation for rendering thanks to its great graphics. With NVIDIA GTX 980M with 4GB video memory, this laptop takes on any 3D modeling app you use.
It comes with 16GB RAM, which is enough for any software, but you can upgrade this up to 64GB.
Pros
Each unit comes with a 15.6-inch display with 4K resolution letting you design the intricate details of your models. It is offered with 256GB SSD for fast transfer of data and 1TB SATA for large file storage. Aorus has made this laptop easy to use with all features allowing you to use the heaviest software for modeling. Being a brand recognized for gaming laptops, you know the quality is great.
Cons
The microphone and the speaker quality are poor. Again, the unit is almost 6 pounds heavy which is relatively heavy.
3. Vaio Z Canvas
Intro
This is a laptop affiliated with Sony, and this makes it a trusted brand. It comes with great hardware and other specifications, making it ideal for 3D modeling. For starters, it is powered by Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM. It has a 250GB SSD. For graphics, it is fitted with Intel 5200 graphics card.
Pros
The unit has a 12.3-inch display which is large enough for precision design and small enough to enhance portability. It comes with a digitizer pen making it highly useful as a tablet. It allows great connectivity with USB 3.0, Rj45 Lan, and Bluetooth 4.0. This is a compact package with a high-definition screen and a powerful processor to offer unrivaled performance. It gives great value for money.
Cons
The laptop does not offer a standalone GPU, something which is frustrating to some artists. If you need depth and power when rendering, this is a minus.
4. Dell Precision M5510
Intro
This laptop gives you a great balance between form factor, performance, and price. The Dell Precision M5510 will give you all the features you need for 3D modeling and more. It features a NVIDIA M1000M graphics chip. It sports Intel Core i5 offering a balance between performance and practicality. Each unit has a 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This is an i5 based laptop.
Pros
It is fitted with 8GB RAM, which is just enough for 3D modeling. You can upgrade the RAM. It further comes with 500GB SATA for all your data storage needs. The Dell Precision M5510 is a cost-effective unit designed for 3D modeling professionals. It runs those CPU and GPU-intensive applications. It is a well-balanced system with a dedicated card. It is sleek and with a good appearance.
Cons
This laptop would have been better with Core i7 and a RAM of at least 16GB for faster performance.
5. Asus ZenBook Pro
Intro
Asus has designed great laptops, and the ZenBook Pro is one of them. This laptop sports a great appearance with all the features a 3D modeling professional would need. It is stocked with Intel Core i7, and 16GB RAM, making it easy to multitask. For graphics, it is fitted with Nvidia GTX 960M for graphics-intensive software.
Pros
For professionals who use 3D modeling software every day, the perfect combination of features on this laptop will give you all the performance you need. It has a 15.6-inch screen with a great 4K display. With a 512GB hard disk, you can store all your files without a struggle.
This laptop offers the best performance and value for money. It falls under the system requirements of most 3D modeling software and more. Its spectacular 4K resolution enhances the intricate design.
Cons
The unit sports a glossy finish and its speakers are below par.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot more laptops that are great for 3D modeling. While the minimum system requirements will need much less than the specifications on the laptops above, you will need the best features you can for the application to run smoothly. CAD software will install without a problem in a 4GB RAM software; a 16GB RAM laptop will work better as the applications will run without freezing.
In short, you will need good quality graphics, good memory, and good screen resolution. Most laptops above have a 15.6-inch screen which is great for portability and precision design. A bigger screen will be better, but a screen less than 12 inches will not be ideal.