Revit and AutoCAD are the best software for architects, engineers, and design professionals in the building industry. People working on such software are fully aware that these programs require advanced systems with high-end specifications so that several different functions can be carried out simultaneously.
If you’re planning to buy a new laptop for running AutoCAD or Revit, then you must look for one that has enough storage space, powerful processor, and a good memory. After the integration of Revit and Lumion LiveSync, you’ll need even more powerful and advanced laptop to run the software.
In this post, we’ll help you pick the best laptop for AutoCAD and Revit, based on the official system requirements of these programs. With these powerful machines you won’t have to wait for the software to load and it will run smoothly throughout your tasks.
Our top picks for the Best Laptops for Autocad and Revit:
There were times when most of the architects used only desktop PCs for their work, but now they are relying on laptops too because of the portability issue. The good thing is that these days laptops are equipped with all the high-end specs that we find in a desktop PC, the only thing is that they are expensive. Since you’re going to make a big investment, you must compare the top models available on the market.
1. MSI GL65 Leopard
Best Overall
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H (2.6-5.0 GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 (8GB GDDR6)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Display: 15.6” FHD IPS 144Hz
- Battery Life: Up to 6 Hours (51Whr)
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home (Multi-Language Pack)
The MSI GL65 Leopard has it all; Power, Utility, and Portability. You can best believe that AutoCAD and Revit won’t be a problem for this insane machine. The 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor along with the RTX 2070 will make sure you get all the processing and rendering power you need and then some.
The Leopard is durable and can survive some decent punishment. It can also be controlled more thoroughly through the exclusive ‘Dragon Center’ software for a more hands-on experience. The fans won’t bother when you’re working as the machine is very quiet. It has some weight to it but it won’t affect portability. The keys can be RGB customized as well.
While it does have a 512GB SSD, some users may feel the need for more storage; that is expandable. The Leopard takes a dive when it comes to its battery life which is no more than 6 hours. But this is far from surprising considering the fact that it features a 10th-gen i7 processor and a power-hungry graphics card.
Overall, if you’re looking to buy a powerhouse laptop capable of handling very demanding tasks, including 3D modeling and rendering, at a competitive price, then look no further than the MSI GL65 Leopard!
2. Acer Predator Helios 300
Best Value Laptop
Specifications:
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H (Up to 4.6GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB GDDR6)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Display: 15.6” FHD IPS LED-Backlit (144Hz)
- Battery Life: Up to 6 Hours
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home
The name says it all; Acer Predator Helios 300 preys upon software like AutoCAD and Revit. With an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 and an RTX 3060, the Predator Helios 300 is here to make an impact and take the throne. It offers amazing value for all the features it packs, which makes the Predator Helios 300 truly a full package machine.
The Predator features the ‘PredatorSense’ software which allows for easy monitoring, system control, and overclocking. With so much power at its disposal, multitasking is a breeze. The laptop is lightweight at almost 5 lbs and is easily portable. While the name is extreme, the Predator has a very professional look making it more than suitable for offices and other workplaces.
The Predator suffers from mediocre battery life and build quality but don’t let that discourage you from the fact that the Predator packs an absolute punch with all its features. With so much to offer at such a fair price point, the Predator is surely a laptop that stands out from the rest.
3. Acer Nitro 5
Best Budget CAD Laptop
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H (Up to 4.5GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB GDDR6)
- Memory: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
- Display: 15.6” FHD IPS (144Hz)
- Battery Life: Up to 11 Hours
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Acer Niro 5 is everything one could ask for in a laptop; powerful processor and graphics card, decent RAM, amazing display, and battery life. It has pretty much everything and comes at a price point that you may not believe. This thing is a STEAL!
The Nitro 5 has you covered when it comes to AutoCAD and Revit. But don’t limit yourself to those two only as this thing can go extreme. You can even play your favorite AAA titles with ease thanks to the RTX 3050 card. The NitroSense UI gives a more personal control of the different settings for the laptop. The battery life is amazing as well, which gives up to 11 hours of standard operating time.
The Nitro 5 does come with low SSD storage at just 256GB. This is to be expected from a budget laptop, however, it is expandable. The fans can get loud but usually won’t be much of a bother if you’re looking for a serious performance laptop on a budget.
4. MSI Creator 15
Pro WorkStation Laptop
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H (Up to 5.1 GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
- Memory: 32GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Display: 15.6” 4K UHD
- Battery Life: Up to 7 Hours
- Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
MSI Creator 15 is yet another great laptop from MSI. There is no shortage of processing power and capabilities thanks to the 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER graphics card. You can pretty much use this machine for any sort of work including AutoCAD and Revit.
The MSI Creator 15 has all the makings of the best workstation laptop. It has a straightforward look, is lightweight and portable, has versatile connectivity, and the build quality is just excellent. This makes the MSI Creator 15 a very worthy choice for a workstation laptop or a gaming laptop.
The downsides to the Creator 15 are its subpar battery life and it can run quite hot. But, all in all, the laptop is very solid. It’s a bit on the premium side but the quality of the machine is equally stellar.
5. Microsoft Surface Book 3
Portable and Powerful
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti
- Memory: 32GB DDR4
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Display: 15” 4K Touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 17.5 Hours
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home
Microsoft Surface Book 3 is probably the most elegant 2-in-1 laptop from Microsoft yet. But looks aren’t the only thing the Surface Book 3 is good at, it can hang in there with the best of the best laptops in the market and can even surpass them, doing it in style.
The Surface Book 3 features a 10th Gen Intel processor along with the GeForce GTX 1660Ti graphics card, both of which provide ample processing power for your AutoCAD and Revit needs. The 32GB DDR4 RAM makes sure your workflow remains smooth and steady. The 15” 4K display makes everything look even more spectacular. And if that wasn’t already impressive enough, the Surface Book 3 boasts a solid battery life of up to 17.5 hours.
There’s so much packed into the Surface Book 3 considering it’s a 2-in-1 laptop but all of this won’t come cheap. What’s more, is that the associated add-ons that bring the best out of the Surface Book 3 are sold separately. However, if money isn’t an issue then getting the Surface Book 3 will do you wonders.
6. 2020 Apple MacBook Pro
Best MacBook for CAD
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 (2.0-3.8 GHz)
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Display: 13.3” QHD IPS LED-Backlit
- Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours
- Operating system: macOS
MacBooks are phenomenal and that goes double for the 2020 Apple MacBook Pro. This thing not only looks amazing but also gets things done lightning fast. With a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and the Intel Iris GPU, there is no shortage of processing power when it comes to the 2020 Apple MacBook Pro.
The sleek, slim, elegant, and professional design of the MacBook Pro makes it one of the best choices for your office, workplace, or business meetings. It’s extremely lightweight and portable and at the same time doesn’t take up too much space either. The overall build quality is solid and has a premium feel to it like all the other Apple products. The battery life is pretty decent but what stands out the most is the ability to charge the Macbook through multiple USB-C ports.
The 2020 Apple MacBook Pro won’t give you even the slightest bit of trouble with AutoCAD and Revit as it can handle the job. The MacBook, however, is a bit on the premium side but the laptop is well worth it in the end.
7. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15
Best Versatile Laptop
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10870H (Up to 5 GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Display: 15.6” OLED 4K UHD Touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 5 Hours
- Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
Taking a look at the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 may very well be taking a glimpse into the future. This laptop screams ‘futuristic’ with its dual 4K touchscreens. The 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor along with the GeForce RTX 3070 makes for a powerful combo for the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 that can handle everything thrown in its way.
The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 was made for multitasking. With so much accessibility and utility, you will find it very easy and comfortable to get your tasks done much more quickly and smoothly. The laptop is very durable and has a premium build quality making it a tough nut to crack. While the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 may be packing so many features, it is surprisingly lightweight which makes it easier to carry around as well. It also comes with a detachable palm rest as well as a Stylus pen.
The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 does have its limitations in the form of poor battery life, awkward keyboard placement, and some questionable temperature readings. It doesn’t come cheap but considering the number of features it has, the price point seems fair.
8. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10510U (Up to 4.9 GHz)
- Graphics: Intel UHD Integrated Graphics 620
- Memory: 16GB DDR3
- Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD
- Display: 14” FHD
- Battery Life: Up to 19.5 Hours
- Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
From the Lenovo ThinkPad series, comes the sleek and versatile Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. While the ThinkPad X1 Carbon doesn’t have the most appealing look, it does have a professional vibe to it. When it comes to processing power, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is more than capable of handling its own weight. This makes using AutoCAD and Revit a breeze for these software users.
The Thinkpad X1 Carbon is small, lightweight, and portable making it one of the go-to laptops for travel. Not only that, but the laptop is extremely durable as well going through some rigorous military-grade testing. However, what stands out the most about the X1 Carbon is its long battery time of up to 19.5 hours of operating time. And it supports fast charging, making things even better.
The only downsides to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon are its high price point, and lack of a dedicated NVIDIA/ AMD GPU. But other than that, it’s a solid option for anyone looking for a professional laptop.
9. Dell XPS 15 9500
Specifications:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H (Up to 5 GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti (4GB GDDR6)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Display: 15.6” 4K UHD Touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 11 Hours
- Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
Saying that the Dell XPS 15 9500 is a work of art is a massive understatement. The XPS 15 9500 is a super slim, premium, and very professional-looking laptop. The 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and the GeForce GTX 1650Ti are only two of many things that make this laptop a must-have.
The XPS 15 9500 features a vibrant 4K display as well as a touchscreen for easier accessibility. The Aluminum casing gives the laptop a premium feel and makes it amazingly durable. The laptop is light and easily portable. The battery time isn’t too shabby either, giving up to 11 hours of operating time.
The Dell XPS 15 9500 does have some touchpad issues and the fans can create some noise but it’s hard to ignore all the other good stuff that it brings to the table. The XPS 15 9500 comes at a high price point and may not be everybody’s cup of tea for that reason alone. But anyone willing to spend some extra bucks is going to find out firsthand why they just may have made one of the best decisions of their life.
10. ASUS ROG Strix G15
Specifications:
- Processor: 5th Gen AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Up to 4.5 GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB GDDR6)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Display: 15.6” FHD IPS (300Hz)
- Battery Life: Up to 11 Hours
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home
ASUS ROG Strix G15 is pure power. When a laptop boasts a 5th Gen AMD Ryzen 9 processor along with a GeForce RTX 3070, you know that the brand isn’t messing around. The ROG Strix G15 is a monster machine that leaves no stone unturned.
AutoCAD and Revit may as very well be warm-up practice for the ROG Strix G15, no kidding. It’s entirely possible that no matter what you do, the laptop may still have some extra processing power to spare and then some. For what it’s packing inside, the laptop is amazingly lightweight which makes for comfortable portability. The 300Hz FHD display will make everything look and feel ever so smooth. The battery also runs quite nicely for up to 11 hours on a full charge and standard operation.
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 does a whole lot of things right but watch out for that price tag as this isn’t a budget-friendly or even a mid-range option. The ROG Strix G15 is premium stuff and is all you’ll be needing for the foreseeable future once you get your hands on it.
Choosing the best laptop for Revit and AutoCAD
Finding a good laptop is a difficult task because there are so many options available. The big companies like Asus, Acer, Dell, and others are manufacturing a huge variety of laptops and this is making the buyers confused. In case you’re thinking about the factors to consider for choosing the best laptop for Revit and AutoCAD, we have done a research and jotted them down. Following are the things to look for:
CPU
The AutoCAD and Revit software require powerful processors to run smoothly. If you can afford, a quad-core processor with the highest clock speeds would be perfect. The higher the clock frequency, the more functions it will be able to perform per minute. The number of cores also affect the performance of the software. The current version of Revit is more dependent on the multi-core CPUs but it is still frequency bound.
A CPU with multiple cores and high clock speeds is an ideal one and is far better than a single core with low clock frequency. However, a single core with high clock frequency is better in performance than multi-cores with low clock frequencies. If you’re a student and want to go with the small models, then Intel core i5 or Core i7 HQ is good. If you’re a pro and want to design complex models, then you must choose Intel Xeon for rendering and Intel Core i7 HK or Core i7 HQ for drafting.
RAM
To run AutoCAD or Revit smoothly, a large RAM is needed. A minimum of 8GB RAM is required if you’re a student and higher if you’re a professional and working on large projects. Autodesk states that Revit central file of 100 MB consumes around 2GB RAM when opened. If you’re opening larger files of 200 MB or more, then a lot of RAM will be required because of the consumption. At least 16GB RAM is perfect for doing your work with peace.
Storage
Revit and AutoCAD need a large amount of storage to perform the functions accurately. An SSD is very much required as it promotes first read and write speeds and access the data very fast too. A laptop having 256GB data or more is recommended with both SSD and HDD. For HDD, there must be at least 7200 RPM.
Graphics Card
Graphics card plays an important role in the performance of software like Revit and AutoCAD. Consumer graphic cards are affordable but if you want to perform professional tasks, you must go for the quadro-cards. The quadro-cards are perfect for running simulations and rendering, but they are expensive too. For students working on small projects, Intel HD, Nvidia GeForce 940M, and MX150 are good. For professionals working on heavy duty tasks, GTX 960M, 1050M, and 1060M are perfect.
Display quality
Since you’re going to work for hours, you must make sure that the display is full HD 1080p resolution and is a matte one. The display screen must be kind to your eyes as you’ll be staring it continuously for many hours.
Bottom Line
If you are on the market to buy a laptop for AutoCAD or Revit, you must first determine your needs first. You can make the right choice only if you know the requirements. Other things to decide along with compatibility are portability, ergonomic design, good capacity, and display size.
Finding a good laptop for running AutoCAD or Revit is a challenging task and that’s why we have reviewed the best 7 products. You must choose one of these advanced and powerful laptops for amazing display and graphics experience.