How to Choose a Laptop for CAD Applications 2017

Here we will discuss the ingredients needed for a laptop for Solidworks. We will focus on the best laptop for CAD, because of the much needed mobility for everyone from freelancers to professional CAD designer, illustrators etc. SolidWorks due to its industry-wide reputation & fundamental design has become the unofficial de facto for AutoCAD software benchmarks.

So let’s dive straight in and talk about criteria. SolidWorks design is so refined, it caters to a large user-base. From newbies to advance modelers and engineers, SolidWorks has a massive following. And that’s one of the things any person thinking of buying a laptop for SolidWorks needs to think about. What’s the use? For educationists and newbies, a single core processor (>1.8 GHz) with 4GB of RAM is enough to get the software up and running.

Check the CPU. Generally you will want to buy the fastest processor you can afford, but there are exceptions. For example, if you mostly do 2D CAD work, buying a high-end processor will most likely be a waste of money; a solid dual-core machine should suffice. For 3D work, the more cores the better; you will want at least a quad-core processor with a 2.6-GHz processor frequency or greater. Modern CAD software will take full advantage of the extra cores and speed, enabling you to render more designs in a shorter period of time.

Look at the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory). CAD software will utilize a significant amount of RAM, and you'll want a minimum of 3GB in your machine. For the best productivity, you'll want at least 4GB and a 64-bit operating system (32-bit operating systems won't be able to detect more than 3GB of your RAM). More RAM will enable you to work with more applications and projects simultaneously.

Browse through the graphics chipsets or graphics cards available in the prospective machines. If you are doing mainly 2D work, a lower-end card with 256-512MB of VRAM (Video RAM) should be sufficient. For serious 3D CAD modelling, you will want a higher-end graphics card with at least 512MB of VRAM.

Check the available hard drive space. Project files and data generated by CAD software will become quite large over time, so you'll want ample storage capacity, especially if you intend to undertake multiple projects. A good place to start is 320GB; a 1 Terabyte (roughly 1000GB) or larger hard drive should provide you with all the space you'll need. An SSD (Solid State Disk) drive will offer superior performance and shock resistance in a smaller form factor, while costing considerably more. If you decide on a standard or notebook hard drive, you'll want to look for one that operates at 7200RPM or greater, allowing quick file access.

Scrutinize screen size and battery life. A 15-inch screen will remain portable while offering decent screen real estate to remain productive. Look for a screen offering 1600 x 900 or 1920 x 1080 resolution. If you intend to do CAD work where there are no easily accessible electrical outlets, buying an additional external battery pack will allow you to remain productive, as CAD applications are notoriously hardware-intensive, which quickly drains your battery.

Here i listed top 5 best laptop for CAD Work 2017