8+ Best Laptops for AutoCAD – Detailed Buying Guide!
AutoCAD is used by most interior designers, architects, and engineers thanks to its user-friendliness, and the fact that you’re able to do so much on just one app is incredible!

However, like any drawing software, AutoCAD is quite demanding. You need a laptop that can withstand it and its rendering without breaking down or freezing.
For that, you’d need a high-end laptop, which could be quite pricey. It’s challenging to find that perfect balance between high-quality components and a reasonable price point.
Because I’ve been through your exact same struggle when I started using AutoCAD myself, I’ve decided to create this list of the best laptop for AutoCAD based on their specs, reviews, and my own experience with laptops and AutoCAD.
So, are you ready to meet your next favorite laptop?
Top 5 Best Laptops for AutoCAD in 2021
Image | Products | Features | Price |
Acer Predator Helios 300 | Best Overall | ||
ASUS K571 | Runner Up | ||
ASUS ZenBook Pro Du | Best Display | ||
Acer Aspire 5 | Best For Students | ||
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S | Best Performance |
- The 8 Best Laptop for AutoCAD in 2021
- 1.Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Overall
- 2. ASUS K571 – Runner Up
- 3. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo- Best Display
- 4. Acer Aspire 5 – Best For Students
- 5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus S – Best Performance
- 6. Apple MacBook Pro 16 – Perfect For macOS Lover
- 7. Razer Blade 15 – Premium Pick
- 8. ASUS ROG Strix Hero Edition – High Value For Money
The 8 Best Laptop for AutoCAD in 2021
1.Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Overall

As a gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a powerful laptop that can handle any CAD software program, especially AutoCAD software, with no issues whatsoever, making it #1 in the list of the best laptop for autocad software. I would even go as far as saying that the Acer Predator Helios 300 is an apex predator in the world of laptops for AutoCAD, pun intended.
It comes with an Intel Hexa-Core 9th Generation i7 processor, known for being one of the most powerful processors on the market that doesn’t cost a fortune; it’s perfect for CAD software programs similar to our recommendations for laptops with desktop cpu.
In order to ensure your ability to use multiple applications simultaneously, it comes with 16 GB of RAM, so you’re guaranteed a smooth and seamless performance even when using AutoCAD software along with other applications.

Moreover, to store your files easily, it has 512 GB of PCIe SSD that is quite speedy when compared to other types.
The laptop’s NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU has 6 GB of VRAM that secures a fast and effortless rendering of your files even if you’re working on large 3D tasks.
Running on Windows 10 Home, you’ll be getting a versatile laptop that you can also use for other tasks or other CAD software programs without any restrictions.
On top of that, the Predator Helios 300 is 15.6 inches in size. It also comes with a widescreen IPS display with 144 Hz of refresh rate, 300 nits of brightness, and a Full HD display with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution.
Additionally, you’ll be getting a beautiful crisp display that is perfect for architects, engineers, or designers. It’s ideal for extended hours of usage, thanks to its high resolution that is easy on the eyes just like these best bang for buck gaming laptop.
Suppose you’ll be transferring your AutoCAD software files to a monitor, printer, or another device in general. In that case, you’ll have a vast range of ports to make that process a little easier as it incorporates Mini DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, USB-C, and USB 3.1 ports. These ports are typically present in the best monitors for AutoCAD.
Furthermore, the Predator Helios 300 provides the architect with 6 hours of battery life so you can work all day long without worrying about having to recharge your laptop. Sadly, though, the battery drains rather quickly if you’re using demanding programs, including AutoCAD.

Lastly, it has an AeroBlade 3D Fan Technology that will keep it cool at all times, even while it’s rendering a large AutoCAD software file.
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H 6-Core Processor |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory |
Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti |
Display | 15.6 Inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
- Powerful processor
- Great value for the money
- Beautiful display
- AeroBlade 3D Fan Technology
- Sleek design
- Battery drains quickly
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a laptop with a powerful processor, 16 GB of RAM, and an ample SSD storage, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is the one for you. It also comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU and a Full HD screen for a beautiful, high-quality display.
2. ASUS K571 – Runner Up

Following closely behind in the list of the best laptop for autocad, the ASUS K571 is another excellent choice for any AutoCAD software user, especially with its powerful processor and impressively high storage capacity. Besides, its display is a pleasure to look at.
First of all, the ASUS K571 carries an incredibly powerful Intel Core i7-9750H chip that can easily handle CAD programs and then some. Additionally, the laptop’s RAM of 16 GB provides the user with a seamless performance at all times, no matter what kind of application you’re running just like a day trading laptop.
Secondly, you’re guaranteed a large storage capacity that can save all your AutoCAD files, as well as personal data with no issues as the laptop has 256 GB of PCIe SSD storage and 1TB of HDD storage too. So, by purchasing the ASUS K571, you’d be getting the best of both worlds; the large capacity yet the low price of HDD, and the unmatched speed of SSD similar to these best laptops for hacking.

For seamless rendering, even when working with 3D drawings, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4 GB of VRAM can withstand anything you throw at it without any freezing or glitching.
Much like the previous product, the K571 runs on Windows 10 Home, which is always advantageous similar to these $500 gaming laptop.
If you’re looking for a display that’s easy on the eyes yet large enough for comfortably working on AutoCAD, the K571 has what you’re seeking. The 15.6-inch display is beautiful and crisp, especially with its FHD resolution of 1920 x 1080.
On top of that, the autocad laptop has a refresh rate of 120 Hz that is incredibly comfortable to look at when working with CAD programs. It also has a NanoEdge design with small bezels that provides it with a high screen-to-body-ratio, and therefore, a more modern look.
The K571 also has wide viewing angles and 250 nits of brightness so you can enjoy the beautiful display from any viewpoint.
Furthermore, the autocad laptop has multiple ports, including USB-C, USB-A, USB 2.0, and HDMI just like this top laptop for 600 dollars.

It also has 6 hours of battery life, which is quite average, especially when you consider that using demanding programs like AutoCAD software will most likely drain your battery quickly.
Finally, to ensure your laptop’s coolness while you’re using AutoCAD, it comes with ASUS IceCool Technology and a dual-fan cooling system.
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | Powerful Intel Core i7-9750h |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM |
Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD,1TB HDD |
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 with Windows 10 Home |
Display | 15.6 inches 120Hz Nano edge full HD display |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
- NanoEdge design
- Good value
- IceTool Technology
- Dual-fan cooling system
- Fast
- Short battery life
- Loud fans
Bottom Line
ASUS is really conquering the market with its high-quality laptops that are often quite affordable. The ASUS K571 is an excellent autocad laptop that can easily handle any CAD software. It comes with a powerful i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM that will withstand AutoCAD’s rendering with no issues.
3. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo– Best Display

If the display is the most critical factor for you, the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo will not disappoint as one of the best laptops for autocad. In addition to its outstandingly beautiful 4K display, it comes with extended battery life and a powerful GPU for a seamless performance along with a backlit keyboard.
The ZenBook Pro Duo gaming laptop is one not to be messed with, especially with its Intel Core i7-9750H chip. Besides, you don’t have to worry about your autocad laptop glitching or freezing thanks to its 16 GB of RAM. You’ll be getting a speedy performance no matter what you’re running.
This laptop is a premium-quality one with its 1 TB of PCIe SSD storage. Such capacity is nearly impossible to find in an SSD autocad laptop due to its high cost, but it’s clear that this isn’t a budget-friendly one.

Moreover, it comes with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 2060 GPU with 6 GB of VRAM, so you’re guaranteed the best performance possible while using AutoCAD software.
Another reason I strongly recommend this one to professionals is that it runs on Windows 10 Pro that offers some extra security features that the Home version lacks.
Now’s the time for the most important feature: its outstanding display. The 15.6-inch screen has an impressive resolution of 3840 x 2160 and an nvidia geforce rtx 2060 so you’re guaranteed to see every detail of your drawing clearly without having to zoom in.
Furthermore, the 4K display is also a touchscreen so you can bring your AutoCAD software experience to a whole new level. Besides, it has NanoEdge design, meaning the bezels are small for the most comfortable viewing experience, especially considering that it has wide viewing angles.
If that’s not enough to convenience you, the ZenBook Pro Duo comes with ScreenPad Plus, which acts as an additional screen that you can use to multitask.

As for the build, it has an ErgoLift backlit keyboard design that lifts the keyboard by a small angle, making it comfortable to use for extended hours.
It also comes with 8 hours of battery life, so your computer will last through an entire day of usage on a single charge.
Furthermore, it has every port you can think of: USB-A, USB-C Thunderbolt 3 with DP1.4, and even HDMI.
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | Latest 9th generation Intel Core i7-9750H Quad Core |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM |
Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
Display | 15.6 inch 4K UHD |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
- 1 TB of SSD
- High-quality components
- 4K NanoEdge display
- Touchscreen
- Powerful GPU
- Windows 10 Pro OS
- ScreenPad Plus
- Expensive
Bottom Line
If you use AutoCAD professionally and are looking for one with the best display possible, the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is the one you’re seeking. The computer comes with a powerful CPU, GPU, and 16 GB of RAM. Not to mention, its display is 4K with NanoEdge design that can fit right into any setup.
4. Acer Aspire 5 – Best For Students

After the premium-level 4K laptop, it’s only fair to include the best option for students. If you’re studying architecture, interior design, or just exploring the world of CAD software programs, but you’re not willing to spend a fortune on a high-end computer; the Acer Aspire 5 is your best bet in the list of the best laptop for autocad.
Even though Acer’s Aspire 5 is quite affordable, it offers quality components that can easily compete with expensive computers.
Additionally, the Aspire 5 comes with 8 GB of RAM, a little low, to be fair. Keep in mind that this is better for light usage of AutoCAD rather than a professional one.
However, it’s storage capacity of 512 GB SSD makes up for its limited RAM capacity. You can store everything you need without sacrificing high speed.

The Aspire 5 also comes with a high-quality GPU, which is the NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with 2 GB of VRAM for the smoothest rendering possible, especially for 3D projects.
Like most computers on this list, the Aspire 5 runs on Windows 10 Home and has a 15.6-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution.
What’s different and unique about the Aspire 5’s display is its technologies. The display has full hd IPS technology, 250 nits of brightness, and narrow bezels that look modern.
Moreover, the Aspire 5 is quite gentle on the eye, thanks to two factors. Firstly, it comes with Acer’s Color Intelligence Technology that adjusts the colors and brightness of your screen according to what you’re displaying. Secondly, it comes with BlueLightShield so that you can minimize your screen’s blue light emission, eliminating eye strain, even after hours of continuous usage.
For the most versatile connectivity options, it comes with a variety of ports: USB-C, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, and HDMI.
I’m leaving this computer on the highest note possible, which is its outstanding battery life. The Aspire 5 can last up to 9.5 hours, incredible for any computer, let alone an affordable one!
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10210u Processor (Up to 4 2GHz clock speed) |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 Memory |
Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM |
Display | 15 6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
O.S. | Windows 10 Home |
- Affordable price
- Easy to set up
- Outstanding performance
- BlueLightShield
- Excellent battery life
- Only 8 GB of RAM
Bottom Line
The Acer Aspire 5 is an affordable computer with top-end components. Its Intel Core i5 chip and 8 GB of RAM make for speedy performance, even while running AutoCAD. Besides, it’s perfect for long days thanks to its extended battery life and BlueLightShield, so you can permanently say goodbye to eye strain.
5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus S – Best Performance
The ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop is yet another good one on this list. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking a speedy performance and a beautiful display that can truly boost your designing process.
First of all, let’s talk about performance. It has an Intel Core i7-87500H chip. Being Hexa-Core, you’re guaranteed seamless, speedy performance, whether you’re drawing in 2D or 3D.
Speaking of 3D drawing, the ROG Zephyrus S boasts a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GPU with Max-Q and 8 GB of VRAM. If 3D drawing is your thing, this laptop will be your next greatest friend.
More on that, it comes with 16 GB of RAM that can handle multiple apps simultaneously without freezing. It also has 512 GB of SSD hard disk storage that is quite ample and speedy, which is expected from a good laptop.
Running on Win 10 Home, the ROG Zephyrus S will provide you with the versatility you need. You have the freedom to install and download any application or file you want without being restricted by your OS.
It’s worth mentioning that it is incredibly portable and durable thanks to its magnesium alloy body, and it’s also quite lightweight at just 4.3 pounds.
Additionally, it’s slim enough to easily fit in a bag without taking too much space. That’s a massive advantage if you’ll be traveling or commuting, and you want a laptop that can handle hours on the road without getting damaged or being too heavy or too bulky.
Being a gaming laptop, the 15.6-inch screen provides a wonderful IPS display with 144 Hz of refresh rate and a response time of 3 ms. Not to mention, it has slim bezels and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
You’re guaranteed a quality, crisp display that is comfortable on the eye. In other words, the ROG Zephyrus S will bring your designs and drawings to a whole new level, and it’ll significantly boost your productivity.
Sadly, though, the computer falls short when it comes to battery life. On average, it can last around two hours, which is quite restricting. You need to make sure there’s a power outlet near you at all times.
However, a redeeming factor to this laptop is that it stays cool even when you’re using demanding programs like AutoCAD thanks to its ROG Active Aerodynamic System.
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | 8th generation Intel Core i7 Processor 8750H (upto 3.9GHz clock speed) |
RAM | 16GB 2666Hz DDR4 |
Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 |
Display | 15.6” full HD 144Hz IPS Type Display |
Operating System | Win 10 Home |
- Excellent display
- Narrow bezels
- Incredibly fast performance
- Active Aerodynamic System
- Slim and portable
- Short battery life
- Loud fans
- Screen bleeds
Bottom Line
With the ROG Zephyrus S, you’re guaranteed a speedy performance even when running multiple tabs besides AutoCAD. The laptop also has a beautiful display with a better refresh rate and a powerful GPU that can significantly boost your drawing with minimal effort.
6. Apple MacBook Pro 16 – Perfect For macOS Lover
Many people prefer Apple macbooks, and I can’t blame them, to be honest. The MacBook Pro 16 is an incredible laptop when it comes to performance and durability. If you’re an Apple lover yourself, the MacBook Pro 16 will exceed all your expectations.
To start off, the MacBook Pro 16 comes with two processor configurations: Intel core i7 and Intel core i9. For AutoCAD software, the i9 chip is overkill; that’s why I recommend the i7 one as it should be more than enough.
Moreover, it has 16 GB of RAM that’s also configurable up to 64 GB. The 16 GB configuration should be your greatest bet, as spending extra money on better capacity is not really necessary for CAD programs in general.
For storage, it has 512 GB of ultrafast SSD that’s also configurable up to 8 TB. Having an SSD is a significant advantage because it’ll make for faster performance. Additionally, such capacity can store all your AutoCAD software files and then some.
If you’ll be 3D drawing on AutoCAD, it has an excellent GPU for that. The AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4 GB of GDDR6 will handle anything you throw at it, as well as Intel UHD Graphics card 630, that’s ideal for smaller, less demanding tasks.
As an Apple laptop, the MacBook Pro 16 runs on macOS, which can be regarded as a blessing or a curse. If you’re used to Windows devices, switching to macOS could take a little while for you to get used to. However, if you’ve always been a macOS user, this laptop is your next friend.
Regarding display, it has a 16-inch display with IPS and True Tone technologies that can really improve your designing experience. In addition, it has 500 nits of brightness, ideal for working in brighter rooms or outdoors.
Not to mention, it has a display resolution of 3072 x 1920, quite high for a 16-inch one, which means you’ll be getting a quality display that’s perfect for AutoCAD.
It has four USB-C ports that can be used for charging, DP, and USB 3.1 for the most convenient connectivity.
Finally, the MacBook Pro 16 can last you two whole days with its incredible battery life of 11 hours. You wouldn’t need to worry about recharging your laptop anytime soon.
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | Ninth-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM |
Storage | Ultrafast SSD |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
Display | Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology |
Operating System | macOS |
- Extended battery life
- 3072 x 1920 display resolution
- Portable
- Bright, crisp display
- 16-inch screen
- Expensive
- Overheats
Bottom Line
If you favor macOS over Windows, the MacBook Pro is the one for you. The computer also offers excellent, speedy performance with its i7 chip and 16 GB of RAM. Not to mention, the laptop could last you two whole days of usage with its incredibly extended battery life.
7. Razer Blade 15 – Premium Pick
If you have a few extra dollars in the bank that you’re willing to spend on a quality gaming laptop, the Razer Blade 15 is the greatest for you. Originally a gaming computer, you’ll be getting excellent performance with its powerful processor and good-capacity RAM. This is a laptop that will last for years without a scratch.
First and foremost, the Razer Blade 15 boasts an Intel Core i7-9750H. Being 9th generation with six cores, you’ll be getting powerful, speedy performance from this chip.
Additionally, this gaming laptop comes with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD. These two capacities ensure a seamless performance, even if you’re running multiple programs simultaneously. Your laptop can easily handle whatever drawing software you throw at it.
When it comes to graphics, it has NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 2070 GPU with Max-Q and 8 GB of VRAM. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or artist, the GPU ensures a smooth software performance while rendering an AutoCAD file.
The 15.6-inch portable laptop runs on Win 10 Home, quite standard for a gaming laptop.
What’s not quite standard, though, is the laptop’s excellent display. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, the Razer Blade 15 has a refresh rate of 240 Hz, which is quite high, ensuring a beautifully smooth display.
It also has an edge-to-edge display, meaning the computer has narrow bezels for the most comfortable display possible even through extended hours of using AutoCAD on windows.
It has connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Type-A and Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, HDMI, and Mini DP. To be fair, that’s not the most inclusive range of ports out there for CAD, but it’ll get the job done.
While it’s windows battery life is not explicitly stated on the official website, it’s quite good for a gaming laptop. It can last around five to six hours on mixed usage. Sadly, for Advanced autocad usage, so the battery won’t last that long.
Finally, if you want to take it a step further, it also has an i7-10875H chip configuration with eight cores, but that’ll come at a price. A bank-breaking price, to be specific.
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | Gen 9th Intel Core i7-9750H 6 core w/ 2.6GHz clock speed |
RAM | 16GB RAM |
Hard Disk | 512GB SSD |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 2070 RTX Max-Q, |
Display | 15.6″ FHD 240Hz matte display |
O.S. | Win 10 |
- Great build quality
- Excellent performance
- Crisp display
- Thin and lightweight
- Powerful GPU
- Mediocre battery life
- Expensive
Bottom Line
More often than not, investing that extra money in a quality laptop will save you a lot of money and effort in the long run; for that, the Razer Blade 15 is your greatest bet. The computer has a powerful CPU, GPU, and 16 GB of RAM; together, they guarantee a smooth CAD performance while using AutoCAD or any CAD software program, to be honest.
8. ASUS ROG Strix Hero Edition – High Value For Money

Finding a budget-friendly laptop for AutoCAD that has 16 GB of RAM and an i7 chip is not an easy task. However, the ROG Strix Hero Edition is here to save the day. In addition to its speed, the laptop also offers a beautiful quality display.
As a windows gaming computer, you can rest assured that the ROG Strix Hero is powerful enough that it can handle AutoCAD along with other applications simultaneously. For that, it comes with an Intel Core i7-8750H chip and 16 GB of RAM.
Moreover, it has 128 GB of PCIe SSD as well as 1 TB of FireCuda SSHD storage. Having two types of memory in the same device ensures that you’ll be getting the greatest of both worlds as SSD is known for its speedy and reliable performance, while the SSHD one has a good capacity.
Regarding the GPU, it comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti that has 4 GB of VRAM that guarantees a seamless 3D drawing process.
Speaking of GPU, when combining it with the 15.6-inch FHD display, you’ll be getting a display that’s hard to beat, especially at such a price point.
The windows laptop also comes with 300 nits of brightness, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and 3 ms of response time. Not to mention, it has an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. By this point, it goes without saying that it’s display will leave you in awe.
Furthermore, the ROG Strix Hero runs on Win 10 Home OS that’s loved by many. For connectivity, it has USB 3.0, a USB 3.1-C, USB 2.0, Mini DP, and RJ45 LAN ports.
On average, the laptops lasts about 6 hours on a single charge, quite good for an affordable laptop. However, keep in mind that the demanding nature of AutoCAD will drain the battery a lot faster than you’d expect.
Hardware Specifications | |
Processor | 8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8750H |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM |
Storage | 128GB PCIe SSD + 1TB FireCuda SSHD |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB |
Display | 15.6” FHD 120Hz 3M |
O.S. | Windows 10 |
- Affordable
- Sharp display
- Powerful GPU
- SSD and SSHD storage
- Overheats
- Loud fans
Bottom Line
The ROG Strix Hero Edition offers quality components without breaking the bank for CAD. The CAD laptop has an Intel core i7 chip, 16 GB of memory, and 128 GB of SSD memory. What’s more, it also has 1 TB of SSHD storage and a beautiful IPS display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz making it a great choice for CAD.
How to Pick a Laptop for AutoCAD
Knowing the demanding nature of AutoCAD, it requires a powerful processor with ample RAM capacity in order to run smoothly. Also, if you’ll be drawing in 3D cad, you’d need an excellent GPU that can keep up with your cad tasks.

Not only that, but there are also other factors that can significantly affect your choice, like display resolution and battery life. So, allow me to walk you through the most important specs of a laptop for AutoCAD software.
Processor
Choosing the perfect processor for you depends on whether you’ll be drawing in 2D cad or 3D cad.
If you’ll be drawing in 3D, it goes without saying that you’d need an i7 processor. Also, having an i7 processor would make 2D drawing a lot easier and smoother, especially if you’re working on a large project.
However, i7 chip could be quite pricey, that’s where Intel core i5 or 7th gen Intel core i7 come into action. Having a laptop with an i5 chip could be quite limiting, to be honest. I would only recommend going for an Intel core i5 or Intel core i7 chip if you’re a student or if you don’t use AutoCAD professionally.
There’s also the option of an i9 chip, but that’s way too powerful for AutoCAD software and just a waste of money, in this case.
To wrap things up, I’d strongly recommend going for an i7 processor for the greatest software experience possible.
RAM
A computer’s RAM is a significant indication of whether your device can handle multiple tabs or apps simultaneously or not.
How much RAM?
For the most seamless gaming and cad software experience possible for graphics intensive tasks, I strongly recommend going for a 16 GB RAM or greater.
Nonetheless, you could opt for 8 GB, but keep in mind that your laptop won’t run CAD as smoothly as you’d wish, especially if you’ll be working on large scales CAD projects.
Additionally, always make sure your computer’s RAM is upgradable, so it’d be future-proof in case you need an update within the next few years. CAD programs are developing by the day, and their requirements are increasing, and it’s better to stay safe with an upgradable RAM for CAD.
Storage
Choosing the perfect storage for you is entirely subjective; it depends on what you’re using AutoCAD for and what other CAD programs you’re using.
If you’re only using AutoCAD and drawing in 2D, going for 256 GB of storage should be more than enough. However, that’s not really the case, is it? If you use AutoCAD, you’re likely an interior designer, architect, or an engineer, which means you’ll use other CAD programs too.
Suppose you’ll be using Adobe Photoshop or Revit as well, I strongly recommend going with 512 GB of storage. Additionally, if you’ll be using 3D Max, for example, you’d need 1 TB of storage or at least an external hard disk to store all your files, but that’s not very convenient.
It’s worth mentioning that going for an SSD rather than an HDD one could really boost your CAD productivity because of how speedy SSD are with CAD.
Graphics Card
AutoCAD is not really GPU intensive, meaning it depends more on your chip rather than your graphics card.
However, it still requires a GPU to run smoothly. More often than not, the built-in GPU of your lapy is able to tackle AutoCAD with no issues.
Issues may arise if you’re using other CAD programs that are GPU-intensive. For example, using Revit or 3D Max requires a decent graphics card, especially if you’ll be 3D modeling and graphics intensive tasks.
Display
It’s quite evident that you need the best display possible if you’ll be spending hours on AutoCAD.
AutoCAD 2022 requirements include a display resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is the resolution of most pc on this list. As you see in the requirements, AutoCAD could also run on a 4K screen for the greatest resolution possible.
It goes without saying that having a good-resolution screen is a lot easier on the eye because you’ll be able to see all the details possible without having to constantly zoom in and out of your drawing.
Moreover, some laptops come with eye-care technologies like Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free, which are a massive advantage if you’ll be spending extended hours in front of your screen as they prevent eye staring or fatigue.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor if you’ll be drawing on the go. You’d want one that can handle AutoCAD without the battery draining quickly so that you could use it all day long without running into any issues.
However, if you’ll mostly be working from your office with a power outlet nearby, your battery life isn’t as crucial.
Generally, try going for a battery life of 6 hours or more for the most convenience possible.
O.S.
Choosing between Windows and macOS strictly depends on the user. Switching from one OS to another could be a little difficult because you’re not really used to your new OS.

I strongly recommend sticking with whichever OS you’re more comfortable with to avoid any unnecessary headaches.
When it comes to AutoCAD, there’s no right or wrong.
FAQs
What Does Laptops Need to Run AutoCAD?
A pc would need a powerful i7 chip, 16 GB of RAM, a 4k-resolution display, and a large storage capacity in order to run AutoCAD smoothly. However, AutoCAD can run on lower requirements than that if you’re bound by a budget, just don’t expect the greatest performance.
Is i5 Enough for AutoCAD?
That heavily depends on what you’ll be drawing on AutoCAD and what plugins or extensions you’ll install. I would generally say yes, Intel core i5 is enough for AutoCAD, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Is 4 GB of RAM Enough for AutoCAD?
Definitely not! The minimum requirements on AutoCAD 2021 is 8 GB of RAM. It’s even recommended to go for a 16 GB RAM for the greatest experience possible in CAD and gaming.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect laptop for AutoCAD is not as easy as you’d think. There are many factors that you need to consider when picking your next laptop, like its processor, RAM, storage, and display. Over the article, I’ve walked you through my top 8 picks, and in case you’re in need of a memory refresh, here’s a quick best laptops recap.

The Acer Predator Helios 300 laptops for gaming and CAD is easily my top choice for multiple reasons. The gaming pc has a powerful i7 chip and 16 GB of RAM for the smoothest AutoCAD experience you could ask for in laptops.
Following closely behind, the ASUS K751 is the runner-up amongst the other best laptops. The K751 also has an i7 chip and 16 GB of RAM. Additionally, it has a beautiful crisp display that’s perfect for AutoCAD and gaming laptops.
Lastly, the gaming ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo has the top most display out of all the best laptops on this list. Its 4K resolution, along with its NanoEdge display and the fact that it has a touchscreen, can really boost the AutoCAD drawing experience along with gaming. Not to mention, it has a storage capacity of 1 TB, a massive CAD advantage when compared to its competitors. Also, before you go, make sure to check out these chromebooks!
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About Author
Dean Colin
Dean Colin is an avid reader and an internet enthusiast who is the man behind TheBestLaptops.net where he reviews cutting edge technology.