Laptop for architecture, engineering and design students

Architecture, engineering, design and media courses use programs that a normal student laptop can't run well: AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, SolidWorks, the Adobe programs and 3D rendering. These need a stronger laptop.

What it needs

• A dedicated graphics card. This matters most for 3D and rendering. An Nvidia RTX card, as found in creator and gaming laptops, is what most of these programs are made to use.
• 16 GB of memory at least, 32 GB is better. Large drawings, models and video eat memory.
• A strong processor: Intel Core i7 / Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen 7 and up.
• An SSD of 1 TB: project files, renders and the programs themselves are big.
• A good screen: 15–16 inches, sharp and with accurate colours for design and photo work.

Gaming laptop or creator laptop?

Gaming laptops have the same RTX graphics and are often the best value for 3D and rendering. Creator laptops, like the ASUS ProArt, add a more accurate screen and a quieter, slimmer body. Both run the course programs well.

Before you buy

• Check your course's list: some programs (like Revit and SolidWorks) need Windows, not a Mac.
• Think about the years ahead: the final years of a course use bigger projects than the first. A laptop with 32 GB, or one that can take more memory, lasts longer.
• Carry a charger: strong laptops use a lot of power when rendering.

Is a gaming laptop OK for architecture?

Yes. Its RTX graphics card and processor are what AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and rendering programs need. Choose one with 16 GB of memory or more.

Is a MacBook good for architecture?

Some programs, such as Revit and SolidWorks, don't run on a Mac. Check your course's list before you choose.

Which laptop for a student who mostly writes?

See our guide: Best laptop for students in Malta.