Recommended Professional Laptops
Recommended Professional Laptops
So my cousin asked me to search for a laptop because he wants to handle some freelance Autodesk projects, mainly using Revit 3-D and AutoCAD. But since I mostly purchase gaming or consumer laptops, I have no clear idea what to look for. I understand that MSI and Asus offer professional-grade machines, but is there a starting point for reference? Things like laptop GPUs and CPUs differ from desktop specs, and he should ideally use a desktop for heavy AutoCAD work. I don’t want him to face the hassle of finding a desktop GPU during the current shortage. But what should I focus on with a professional laptop CPU and GPU?
I don’t have a fixed budget yet, but I think he might receive some reimbursement or help for this task. I’d suggest aiming for at least around $2500.
For professional laptops, consider the Dell Precision workstations and HP Z book series. They generally run standard CPUs but provide workstation-grade graphics (usually an nVidia Quadro or AMD Radeon PRO card) with approved drivers for CAD applications.
Lenovo offers several options you might find useful.
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thi...2WSP17P7N1
What Quadro specification would match the MSI laptops we discussed? I recall they had the Quadro 3000 line in the price range we're considering.
The comparison table you referenced shows how different models compare.
I believe the specific Quadro card chosen doesn’t significantly affect Autocad or Revit, as both systems are more constrained by CPU and memory capabilities.
Based on the guidelines for Autodesk software, the Quadro RTX 3000 would suffice.
For context, the desktop RTX 2060 uses a similar GPU, making it a strong option overall.
Puget systems manufactures such computers.
Their page on hardware for Autodesk AutoCAD provides detailed guidance.
Single-thread performance is the key specification, so it’s worth checking what Intel 11th generation offers.
Graphics performance might not be the main concern, especially for gaming.
Integrated graphics could suffice.
A workstation card would likely be the best choice, and they are in stock.
Because portability isn’t a priority, a desktop setup offers better value for your budget.
It could be beneficial to configure an AutoCAD PC built by Puget.
I believe my cousin is seeking something more portable, so a desktop isn't the best option. I'd suggest a desktop for this application, but given the current situation where finding GPUs is difficult, a laptop seems more practical. Especially since he wants to begin using it immediately, I wouldn't want to wait six months for a GPU to arrive. Time is valuable.
Some of the workstation laptops are acceptable.
The screen size is 15 or 17 inches. 17 inches offer more display area, better cooling, and are usually heavier. The choice depends on whether portability is important or not.