Best Laptop for Architecture Students

September 29, 2023

Both architects and architecture students lead dynamic and unpredictable lives. Their day may involve constant movement, navigating between different project locations, design studios, university campuses, and their own living spaces. In such a fast-paced environment, having a laptop that caters to their specific needs is essential to ensure a smooth workflow. A run-of-the-mill laptop simply won’t cut it for the demanding tasks that architecture students undertake.

Best Laptop for Architecture StudentsIn today’s modern architecture practices, professionals are required to work with heavy-duty software like Rhino, 3ds Max, ArchiCAD, Revit, or Vectorworks. These software packages are known for their resource-intensive nature, requiring a powerful laptop that can handle the complex calculations and intricate designs.

Architects, therefore, seek versatile “workstations” that possess extraordinary power and can effortlessly handle any workload thrown their way. Imagine the frustration of waiting for half an hour for a rendering to complete, when the best laptop for architecture students can accomplish the task in a mere five minutes. In the following list, we present the crème de la crème of laptops carefully selected for architecture students, creators, and creative professionals. These laptops push the boundaries of what is achievable in a compact and portable form, constantly raising the bar with each new iteration.

Prepare to be amazed by the most stunning, slim, and powerful laptops that cater to the needs of architects. Additionally, we have included a few affordable options for architecture students who may be on a budget. To conclude, we provide a comprehensive buyer’s guide that underscores why these resources are indispensable for creative individuals like ourselves, helping us excel in our chosen field.

List of the Best Laptops for Architects

Shall we begin our journey with a captivating buying guide or jump straight into the riveting list of the finest laptops for architects?

1

Dell Precision 7730 (Overall Best Laptop for Architects)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HWKHTGH/

Prepare to be astounded by the awe-inspiring Dell Precision Series, hailed as the unrivaled champion among 17-inch laptops for architects. This extraordinary machine reigns supreme in the realm of power and efficiency, effortlessly conquering even the most demanding software applications.

Should the price be of no concern, and your heart yearns for unbridled control and impeccable build quality, this laptop is a match made in heaven. Awe-inspiring from the first glimpse, it boasts an imposing presence, tipping the scales at 7.5 pounds. It exudes elegance and solidity, necessitating a sturdy backpack to accompany you on your architectural adventures. Surprisingly, despite its might, it manages to maintain a svelte profile, measuring a mere 1.2 inches thick.

Dressed in a sleek and modern ensemble, the laptop showcases a carbon-fiber lid, a metallic accent adorning the keyboard deck, and a resilient metal frame. The mesmerizing black-and-silver design serves as a visual feast. Ingeniously designed with dual vents to enhance cooling, it features a subtle LED battery indicator on the front. However, its glossy exterior is not impervious to the fingerprints of intrigued admirers.

Adorned with thoughtful conveniences, the laptop’s exterior reveals a smart card reader, an SD card slot, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. On the right side, you’ll discover two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, accompanied by a headphone/microphone combo jack. Meanwhile, the rear proudly showcases an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a mini DisplayPort, a power jack, and an additional USB 3.1 Type-A port.

Prepare to be captivated by the utterly remarkable display. Boasting a breathtaking 4K resolution, it transports you into a realm akin to a magnificent silver screen. Impeccably precise, it lavishly unveils every color and intricate detail with stunning clarity. Rest assured, the display leaves no room for compromise.

As your fingertips dance upon the chiclet-style keyboard, you’ll discover a world of comfort, even during marathon typing sessions. The keys, delicately backlit, are thoughtfully spaced to minimize errors and ensure a seamless typing experience. However, considering the grandeur of the laptop, some may find the keyboard slightly cramped. Yet, it compensates for this with a host of intuitive gesture features, including pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swiping for effortless program navigation.

Harnessing the boundless power of the Intel Core i9-8950HK CPU, equipped with its formidable six cores, this laptop is an unstoppable force. It fearlessly tackles the most arduous tasks, be it video encoding, 3D rendering, or any other demanding endeavor, catering to the needs of professionals and aspiring architecture students alike. Gaming, video encoding, CAD programs, or transferring files—no challenge is too great for this magnificent machine.

Enthusiastically endorsed by industry experts, the Nvidia Quadro P5200 GPU stands as a testament to its unparalleled performance. Bolstered by 8GB of GDDR5 memory, it effortlessly handles the most graphics-intensive programs and the latest games, unleashing their full potential at the highest settings.

However, with a tinge of disappointment, we must address the battery life. While respectable, it falls short of the expectations set by this remarkable laptop. Under continuous use at moderate brightness, the battery bids adieu after approximately four hours. While not abysmal by any means, other models within this price range offer more enduring stamina.

Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of amazement and innovation as you embark on your architectural journey with the Dell Precision Series, a laptop that defies limits and ignites your creative spark.

Pros
  • Super fast processing power
  • 64GB of RAM
  • Really Vibrant 4K Display
  • Nvidia Quadro Graphics Card
  • Plenty of Ports
Cons
  • Battery life isn’t that great
  • Heats up easily

 

2

Lenovo ThinkPad P72 Mobile Workstation (Best Lenovo Laptop for Rendering)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXWD7KK/

Introducing the latest incarnation of the renowned ThinkPad, this version retains its classic design elements—a sleek dark soft-touch finish, a fiber cover, and a slim magnesium chassis. Weighing a solid 7.2 pounds, its weight distribution ensures a secure grip without the fear of it slipping away. Its robust construction is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use. The sides and back of the laptop are adorned with a range of ports for convenient connectivity.

On the rear, you’ll find Thunderbolt 3 ports, which offer the option to enhance connectivity through a Thunderbolt 3 docking station. The well-positioned large exhaust vents ensure efficient cooling, keeping the laptop running smoothly. The full-sized keyboard extends generously, with a speaker grill adding a touch of elegance between the keys and the display. These powerful dual 2W speakers, accompanied by Dolby Premium Sound, deliver an impressive audio experience without any distortion, even at high volume levels.

ThinkPad keyboards have earned a reputation for their exceptional quality, and this model lives up to that legacy. The keyboard provides a comfortable and precise typing experience, complete with a dedicated numeric keypad. The keys offer a satisfying depth, though if you prefer shallower keys, this particular model might not be the best fit. Notably, nestled between the B, G, and H keys lies Lenovo’s iconic TrackPoint, a delightful feature for those who enjoy its unique usage.

The laptop boasts a brilliant display capable of delivering a stunning 1080p resolution. However, if you prioritize battery life, opting for the 1080p display is a wise choice. The display supports the entire 100% RGB color gamut and offers a remarkable 10-bit color depth. With its matte antiglare finish, you can enjoy clear visibility from any angle. These exceptional display features make it a top contender for architecture students and professionals seeking mobile workstations.

While it lacks the Dolby Vision technology found in some models, the display still impresses with its sharp visuals. Although it may not boast HDR or OLED capabilities, it consistently delivers exceptional results. The vibrant colors and intricate details ensure that all the subtle elements of your maps and designs are brought to life.

Now, let’s dive into performance—the primary reason you’re considering this laptop. Prepare to be amazed, as it is an absolute powerhouse in terms of execution. If you crave even greater performance, you have the option to upgrade the RAM to an astonishing 128GB (the base model comes with a respectable 16GB). The six-core CPU effortlessly handles resource-intensive 3D rendering applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, allowing you to seamlessly edit videos while compiling others in the background. Its unrivaled functionality sets it apart, catering to the demanding needs of professionals in various fields. And let’s not forget the mighty NVIDIA Quadro P5200 with its impressive 16GB DDR5 graphics memory.

This graphics card stands as one of the most powerful options available, effortlessly handling the most demanding computer programs and games. Combined with the dedicated 16GB memory, it ensures a future-proof graphics solution.

However, it’s important to note that this laptop prioritizes performance over power efficiency. The Intel Xeon E-2186M CPU, a robust 45W hexacore chip, isn’t known for its battery-friendly characteristics. The Nvidia Quadro graphics card also contributes to power consumption. While the substantial 99Wh battery helps mitigate the drain, it’s wise to expect a few hours of battery life at best, considering the energy demands of the stunning 4K display.

In summary, the featured ThinkPad represents the quintessence of performance and durability, tailored to meet the needs of architects and power users. While it may not excel in power efficiency, its exceptional capabilities and construction make it a formidable companion

Pros
  • High processing power
  • Nvidia Quadro Graphics Card
  • Comfortable trackpad
  • 4K anti-glare, vivid screen
  • Dolby Audio
Cons
  • Big and heavy
  • Battery drains out fast

 

3

HP ZBook Studio 15 G5 Mobile Workstation (Best Laptop for Architecture Students)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L318G72/

Introducing our top pick for the most student-friendly HP laptop designed for architects. We’ve chosen this model because it strikes a great balance between affordability and performance. While it may use slightly older processor models to keep the price tag affordable, it still delivers impressive power. Not only does it perform well, but it also looks stunning in its silver and dark design. Unlike the previously mentioned laptops, this one features a 15.6-inch display that manages to keep the weight fairly lightweight, making it much easier to carry around.

In terms of connectivity, it offers a card reader, Thunderbolt 3 port, USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 port. As for performance, the Intel Core i7-8750H is a significantly powerful hexacore chip with 6 CPU cores. These cores have a clock speed range of 2.2 to 4.1 GHz. When it comes to RAM, it can be upgraded to a maximum of 64GB. Additionally, it provides M.2 2280 slots for SSD customization, allowing you to tailor the laptop to your needs.

The HP laptop offers various SSD options, including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or even up to 2TB. What’s impressive is that the CPU doesn’t overheat excessively even during intensive workloads. Although the clock speed can reach up to 3.9GHz, it settles back to around 1.9GHz once the workload decreases. HP made no compromises when it comes to design and equipped this portable laptop with the powerful CAD-optimized NVIDIA Quadro P1000. While it may be slightly slower than the fastest Quadro cards on the market, it still performs exceptionally well with CAD applications.

Furthermore, the GPU performance doesn’t suffer when running the laptop on battery power. You can also enjoy playing almost all of the latest games, although not at maximum graphics settings or in 4K resolution. The laptop boasts a bright 4K display with excellent contrast levels. In fact, it’s one of the top recommendations in the market today in terms of color accuracy and detail reproduction.

With 96% coverage of the sRGB color space, this portable notebook brings out every little detail in vivid color. It also features Bang & Olufsen audio speakers positioned between the keyboard and display hinges, delivering surprisingly excellent sound quality. It surpasses the sound quality of the previously reviewed Lenovo laptop and is on par with the Dell Precision.

Thanks to its 97Wh battery, this laptop offers excellent battery life. It outperforms both the Lenovo and Dell laptops mentioned earlier, regardless of the software being used. So, you can rely on it to support your work for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.

Pros
  • Very Upgradeable
  • Hexacore CPU
  • Best mobile workstation with Intel Core i7 (8th Gen)
  • CAD-optimized Nvidia Quadro Graphics Card
  • Bang And Olufsen speakers
  • 4K display
  • Less heat emission
Cons
  • The screen might be small for some
  • Slightly outdated graphics card

 

4

MSI WE63 8SJ-235 15.6″ Mobile Workstation (Most Balanced Laptop for Architects)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D4YZYM9/

This laptop stands out as a well-balanced choice for architects. Despite its powerful performance, it remains relatively lightweight and comes at an affordable price. Its sleek gunmetal finish gives it a sophisticated gaming laptop look and feel.

Weighing just 1.89kg and boasting a slim design, it’s impressively light and portable. To enhance user comfort, the bottom of the laptop features a soft felt material that not only feels great on your lap but also provides a secure grip, preventing any slipping. In terms of connectivity, it offers a generous selection of ports including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB Type-C 3.1, SD card readers, HDMI, and a mini display port, catering to all your connectivity needs.

The 15.6-inch screen sports a 1920×1080 resolution with an anti-glare feature, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. The color quality is exceptional, achieving an impressive 94% NTSC color gamut, which means every intricate detail on your architectural designs will be clearly visible.

This versatile workstation is highly upgradeable, allowing you to expand the RAM up to a maximum of 32GB and the storage capacity up to 1TB SSD. The hexacore processor can reach a maximum clock speed of 4.1 GHz when necessary, but it also efficiently cools down during less demanding tasks.

Equipped with the powerful NVIDIA Quadro P2000 graphics card, this laptop is one of the most capable options available. Moreover, it is ISV-certified, ensuring optimal performance with a range of applications such as AutoDesk, Siemens, and Adobe. Additionally, this laptop is VR-ready, making it capable of handling and executing VR applications.

Considering its high performance, it’s not surprising that the battery life is slightly lacking. You can expect approximately 3.5 hours of battery life at maximum, but when utilizing the NVIDIA Quadro card, the battery life may be reduced to around an hour. It is highly recommended to keep the laptop plugged in while using graphics-intensive programs to maximize performance.

Pros
  • NVIDIA graphics card
  • Upgradeable configurations
  • Felt bottom
  • ISV certification
  • Can be used as a gaming laptop
  • Plenty Of USB ports
  • Light laptop for architecture students
Cons
  • Low Battery Life
  • The display isn’t 4K

 

5

Dell XPS 9570 (Best Mid-Range Laptop for Architects)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DKW14Q6/

The Dell XPS 9570 is a highly recommended and budget-friendly laptop choice for architects. Its sleek design features a single aluminum unibody shell and a carbon fiber keyboard deck, all built into a durable and sturdy structure. Weighing only 4 pounds, it is incredibly lightweight and portable. The keyboard is illuminated and the keys are well-spaced, providing a comfortable typing experience. While it doesn’t include a number pad, the matte overlay on the touchpad complements the touchscreen nicely.

In terms of connectivity, it lacks an optical drive but offers a good selection of ports, including two USB 3.1 ports with PowerShare, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Thunderbolt 3 port, a headset jack, and an SD card slot. The fingerprint sensor, cleverly positioned on the power button, works flawlessly and adds an extra layer of security.

The UHD 4K resolution display truly impresses with its vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and stunning clarity. It covers 100% of the Adobe RGB color gamut, ensuring accurate and vivid color reproduction. The touchscreen itself is edge-to-edge and features an anti-glare coating, making it one of the best touchscreen displays available.

When it comes to performance, the XPS 15 is more than capable of handling demanding tasks like 4K media editing. The 8th-generation H-series processor provides a seamless user experience. While it may not match up to an Intel Core i9 processor, the 32GB RAM does a commendable job of handling most applications.

In terms of graphics, the XPS 9570 features NVIDIA GeForce graphics instead of the QUADRO series. While it is a powerful graphics processing unit, it may not be ideal for playing the latest games in 4K. However, it performs exceptionally well at 1080p resolution with high settings.

The 97WHr battery offers decent performance and provides approximately 4 hours of battery life, which is an improvement compared to previous models. If you prioritize longer battery life, a MacBook Pro may be a better option for you.

Pros
  • 4K touchscreen display
  • Great processing power with 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H
  • Fingerprint reader on the power button
  • Lightweight
  • Decent battery life
Cons
  • Bad webcam placement
  • No Quadro Graphics card

 

6

Microsoft Surface Book 2 (Most Versatile Laptop for Architects)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076J15LKM/

The Microsoft Surface Book is a sleek and premium laptop made entirely of aluminum. It offers a unique and versatile dual-mode usage that sets it apart from its predecessors. One of the key features is its ability to detach the display from the keyboard, allowing it to function as a standalone 15-inch tablet. Alternatively, you can fold the display back behind the keyboard, transforming it into a touchscreen studio.

While the detachable display adds flexibility, it does make packing the laptop into a bag a bit more challenging. The backlit keyboard is responsive and comfortable, and the audio speakers are integrated into the main body of the laptop, delivering quality sound.

Where the Microsoft Surface Book truly excels is in its display quality. Pixel-by-pixel, it outperforms other laptops in the 1080p category. Though it falls short of 4K resolution, it offers exceptional contrast and clarity, ensuring an immersive experience whether you’re working, watching movies, or gaming.

The 3:2 aspect ratio of the display may take some getting used to, but it provides a great canvas for using the Microsoft Surface Pen for drawing and sketching. The pressure sensitivity on the screen is precise, and any mistakes can be easily corrected using compatible software. There’s minimal lag when using the pen, making it an excellent tool for artists and designers.

In terms of performance, the Microsoft Surface Book is a powerhouse and can give many gaming laptops a run for their money. With its Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, it can handle CAD-related applications and most games at 1080p resolution without any drop in performance.

While the 16GB RAM might be considered modest by some standards, it can handle heavy-duty tasks. However, if you have multiple resource-intensive programs running simultaneously, it may experience some slowdowns.

Despite its impressive power, the Surface Book remains remarkably quiet due to its separate placement of the GPU and CPU. Additionally, its battery life is exceptional, offering up to 7 hours of usage, which is quite remarkable for a laptop, let alone a 2-in-1 device. This extended battery life can be attributed to the increased capacity of the display.

Pros
  • Superb battery life
  • Visual Clarity
  • Highly Versatile Modes Of Working
  • No lag while using the surface pen
  • Looks very modern
Cons
  • The screen is a little small
  • Resolution is not 4K

 

Buying Guide

CPU

When it comes to running demanding CAD and modeling software, a high-performance CPU is crucial. You want a processor that can handle the intensive tasks of drafting and rendering smoothly. Opt for a quad-core or higher CPU with a higher clock speed. The more CPU power you have, the faster your software will run. Think about getting as much CPU power as possible.

RAM

Architectural software can be quite resource-intensive, and insufficient RAM can lead to sluggish performance, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously. While 8GB of RAM is the minimum requirement, we highly recommend getting 16GB or more to ensure smooth multitasking and seamless operation.

Storage space

Best Laptop for ArchitectureHard Disk Drive Storage

Architectural models and 3D drafts consume a significant amount of disk space. To ensure you have ample storage for all your files, opt for a hard disk with at least 1TB of storage capacity dedicated solely to your architectural work. If you run out of space, you can always invest in an external hard drive.

However, traditional hard drives have their limitations and are prone to physical damage. The internal environment of your laptop may not always be the safest place, and in case of any mishap, you risk losing all your data.

SSD

Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer faster speeds and higher reliability compared to traditional hard drives. Since CAD software also requires substantial disk space, it makes sense to install it on an SSD for faster loading times. You can even store your essential libraries and frequently accessed files on the SSD. Consider getting a hybrid HDD and SSD setup, allowing you to store non-essential files on the HDD and prioritizing important ones on the SSD.

Screen Size

Having a larger screen provides a better viewing experience when working with 3D maps, models, or designing interior spaces. A larger screen allows you to see more details without constantly scrolling or adjusting the viewport. We recommend a screen size of at least 15 inches, but ideally, go for 17 inches or larger.

This means that MacBooks, MacBook Airs, and Chromebooks are not suitable choices. While there are gaming laptops with powerful specs, they often lack the screen size required. Many creative professionals opt for multi-screen setups using external GPUs to achieve the desired screen real estate.

When working with applications where precise details matter, having a high-quality graphics card with sufficient graphics memory is crucial. Antialiasing, in particular, needs to be flawless in these cases.

Best for Architecture StudentsIf you’re involved in rendering and editing 3D models, it’s recommended to have a graphics processor with a minimum of 2GB of dedicated memory. For students, any graphics card above the Nvidia 960M range should suffice.

However, there is a specific range of graphics cards designed specifically for workstation laptops: the Nvidia Quadro or AMD FirePro series. These cards are optimized for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-generated imagery (CGI), digital content creation (DCC), and more. Even the CAD software companies themselves recommend using these specialized graphics cards.

Thanks to their enhanced Error-correcting code (ECC) memory and floating-point precision, the margin of errors and glitches while using these graphics cards is minimal. Fortunately, there are many laptops available that meet these requirements, and some of them are surprisingly affordable without emptying your wallet.

Final Verdict

And there you have it! We’ve reached the end of our list showcasing the top laptops for architects, both for students and professionals in the field. It’s important to keep in mind that each laptop offers a unique combination of features tailored to different requirements. Make sure to thoroughly review the specifications to determine which one suits you best.

We understand that architecture students or aspiring designers might be constrained by a limited budget. But remember, every great architect has started somewhere. Begin your journey with a laptop that aligns with your financial means and explore the possibilities. Many successful architects have faced the same challenges and found ways to excel. Choose wisely and design magnificently.

1 Comment
  1. Thank you for the information; it has helped me broaden my horizons.

Leave a reply

Best Goods for You
Logo
Reset Password
Shopping cart