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SolidWorks is one of the best software tools for designing and prototyping large mechanical products. It is also ideal for mechanics courses for beginners and professionals. In fact, there are not many CAD tools on the market that compare to SolidWorks in terms of modeling innovation, render quality, and assembly accuracy.
Unlike many other CAD tools, SolidWorks is a complete software package, making it ideal for most manufacturing departments. It is a high-tech simulation platform that uses integrated parametric innovations to extrapolate 2D designs.
It is also a very powerful three-dimensional CAD tool that provides analytical and intelligent technology to help users model various physical trends, such as flow, stress, vibration, deflection and temperature, to name a few.
However, there are other relevant programs you can use to explore this area, such as B. OnShape, Catia and FreeCAD. Whether you choose to use these software blocks in conjunction with SolidWorks or use SolidWorks alone, you will need a powerful SolidWorks computer or a high-end laptop to perform this task. And that is exactly why we are here to help you.
SolidWorksNotebook Computer Requirements
The fact is that SolidWorks comes with different tools, each with its own system requirements. Therefore, your laptop must meet certain minimum system requirements to meet basic 2D modeling and academic needs. If you want to do 3D modeling, simulation and rendering, there’s another basic requirement you need to meet.
| Minimum requirements for a notebook | Recommended Notebook Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 from 9. Revival | Intel Core i7 out of 10. Generation or better |
| Graphics card | 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX150 | 2GB+ NVIDIA Quadro or 4GB+ NVIDIA RTX |
| RAM | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SOLID STATE DRIVE | 1TB SSD or Dual Disk |
| show | 15.6 FHD (1920 x 1080) | 15.6 IPS type FHD / UHD (1920 x 1080) |
| Battery life | Up to 4 hours | Up to 8 hours |
Keep in mind that the choice of a SolidWorks notebook should depend on the intended use of the device and the level of expertise.
For example, if you’re a student or a 2D modeler, you can do without a consumer laptop, but if you’re a professional and tend to do mechatronics, a workstation capable of managing simulation and rendering at the same time as 2D/ 3D modeling, like Keyshot, is a must.
Keep in mind that while an expensive laptop may offer backwards compatibility, it is important to understand what features and specifications are important to make the software work. This means that certain aspects must be given priority, such as. B. a fast processor, an industrial GPU, a huge amount of RAM and a fast and functional SSD.
Our favorite SolidWorks notebooks
Now that you know the main requirements for a SolidWorks computer, take a look at some of the best SolidWorks 2021 laptops. These devices are specifically designed to work with demanding tools and applications such as SolidWorks. Of course, these laptops can be expensive and quite heavy, but that’s only because they are professional workstations with high functionality.
Acer Aspire E 15
Our first choice for the best laptop for SolidWorks is the Acer Aspire E 15, which is ideal for students and young professionals looking for their first taste of the software. This laptop uses a powerful Intel Core i7-8550U processor that can easily accelerate to 4.0 GHz.
Although this processor has only four cores, it is equipped with HyperThreading technology, allowing users to easily perform complex modeling tasks with SolidWorks and other related software. The laptop even has an 8 MB cache, which is another notable feature that allows for much faster calculations.
When it comes to graphics cards, NVIDIA’s GeForce MX150 is one of the best mid-range graphics cards in the consumer market. It even has 2 GB of VRAM memory, making it particularly suitable for simple 2D drawings and models. For the same reasons, it is one of the best laptops for engineering students.
- 15.6 Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080)
- Intel Core i7-8550U 1.8 GHz processor
- 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX150 GPUs
- 8 GB RAM
- 256 GB SOLID STATE DRIVE
- 15 hours battery life
Aker Predator Helios 300
If you’re looking for an affordable option for the best SolidWorks computer, we recommend the Acer Predator Helios 300, an incredibly powerful and powerful laptop with a gorgeous 1920 x 1080 display, a powerful processor, plenty of RAM and storage, and many other amazing features.
In addition, this laptop is equipped with a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor. Generation, who can drive just about anything. It also features 16 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM and 6 gigabytes of vRAM with an NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti graphics card. Today’s GPU may not be as fantastic as high-end gaming laptops, but it’s certainly good enough for SolidWorks.
We also like the screen resolution, which always gives a sharp image without stressing the graphics kernel. It even has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which, combined with the working memory, makes for a smooth gaming experience after working on projects.
- Full HD display (1920 x 1080)
- Intel Core i7 9750H CPU of the 9th generation. Revival
- NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti GPUs
- 16 GB RAM
- 256 GB solid state drive (expandable)
- Operating system Windows 10
Lenovo Ideapad L340
Third place went to the Lenovo Ideapad L340, another budget notebook that easily meets all the entry-level SolidWorks requirements. It is an amazing device that allows you to enjoy 2D and 3D modeling, basic drawing and rendering.
This notebook uses an Intel Core i5-9300H processor, which has high processing power and can reach turbo speeds of up to 4.1 GHz. It also has an 8MG cache to efficiently speed up calculations on large fields. Of course, SoC HyperThreading also helps a lot.
The hardware also includes a mid-range NVIDIA GTX 1650 Club GPU with 4GB of vRAM. The graphics card and processor support Turing shading, making the laptop a good choice for professional performance and cooler gaming. The 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD are also available for rent.
- 15.6 Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080)
- 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-9300H processor
- VIDIA GTX 1650 GPU
- 8 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
- 9 hours battery life
Also check : Lenovo ThinkPad P53 i9 Mobile Workstation Notebook
Microsoft Surface Book 2
One of the best laptops for SolidWorks is also the Microsoft Surface Book 2, a high-end convertible laptop that offers robust features for software like SolidWorks. This is a detachable laptop that lets you enjoy rendering and modeling on the go.
With a powerful Intel Core i7-8650U processor running at 4.2 GHz, this ultraportable convertible can easily handle most CAD projects. It even features a high-end graphics card in the form of the GeForce 1060 GTX GPU, which comes with 6GB of vRAM and offers robust support for large builds.
The 16GB of RAM aren’t really scalable, but on their own they work very well for drawing, plotting, modeling and rendering assemblies of less than a hundred parts. Of course, the 1 terabyte SSD module is ideal for loading builds and storing renderings. Additionally, Windows 10 Pro runs much faster than traditional SATA devices.
- 15 3240 x 2160 Display
- Intel Core i7-8650U CPU at 1.9 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics Processor
- 16 GB RAM
- 1 TB SOLID STATE DRIVE
- 17 hours battery life
Also check : CUK ProArt StudioBook Pro 17 by ASUS
Dell Inspiron i7559
Another amazing choice is the Dell Inspiron i5577, which is an affordable choice for beginning engineers and mechanical students who want to approach SolidWorks in an affordable but effective way. It has a decent processor that supports basic graphic modeling and rendering as well as high quality 3D rendering.
Although the Intel Core i5-7300HQ is a 7th generation processor, it is still very powerful. Since it is a third generation laptop and does not support HyperThreading, it can reach a Turbo speed of 3.5 GHz. It also has 6MB of cache and a quad-core configuration, making it a commendable addition to the hardware.
You also have 8GB of RAM, which you can easily upgrade to 32GB. Not to mention that the 265GB SSD is also very functional, and the Windows 10 Home OS is also ideal for a work laptop. It also makes the Dell Inspiron one of the best cyber security laptops.
- 15.6 Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080)
- 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-7300HQ processor
- 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPUs
- 8 GB RAM
- 256 GB SOLID STATE DRIVE
- 12 hours battery life
Rice knife 15
You can also take a look at the Razer Blade 15, a great laptop that lets you model and draw SolidWorks projects. This new and improved laptop even works as a gaming device, so you can not only work, but also play.
It is equipped with a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H processor. It is equipped with a 3rd generation processor that works up to 5 GHz, making it ideal for fast computing. This 6-core chipset also supports HyperThreading, which should make basic modeling, drawing, and multi-sheet modeling easier, all without lagging or clipping.
Additionally, this notebook is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU to help you tackle large construction projects and accelerate 3D rendering with the graphics card. With CUDA cores and 8 gigabytes of vRAM, even assemblies of over 500 parts can be handled. Turing’s architecture and Max-Q’s layout are also designed with energy efficiency in mind.
- 15.6-inch full HD display (1920 x 1080)
- 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7-10750H Processor
- 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
- 6 hours battery life
Gaming Notebook MSI GL62M
Finally, there is the MSI GL62M gaming laptop, which is the perfect combination of performance and portability, making it one of the best computers for rugged users on the go. Despite its compact, one-inch-thick design, this notebook delivers performance and graphics power perfect for gaming and using SolidWorks.
It uses the GeForce GTX 1050Ti graphics card from the GTX 10 series, which means a 15% performance increase. It even features the innovative Cooler Boost 4, which allows you to harness the full power of the GPU.
In addition, the screen and display are remarkable with a 94% NTSC color gamut to bring more life and realism anywhere on the screen. You’ll also enjoy a smoother visual experience thanks to the high refresh rate. In addition, the Intel Core i7 processors of the 7. Generation is a definite plus. All in all, it’s a great laptop that’s worth every dollar.
- 15.6 Full HD display
- Quad-Core Processor i7-7700HQ
- GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4G GPU
- 8 GB RAM
- 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Windows 10 Home OS
How to find the best notebook for SolidWorks?
SolidWorks is a CAD/CAM software used for computer-aided design and engineering. It is primarily designed to run under Windows, so if you want the software to work properly, you must consider the appropriate hardware configuration and requirements.
However, buying the best laptop for SolidWorks is not an easy task, especially if you tend to manage multiple projects at once. There are many things to consider and ultimately you need to find a powerful laptop that can handle the demanding work.
To help you out, here is a comprehensive buying guide that includes everything you need to know about buying a SolidWorks computer.
Intended use
First, what tasks will you be performing with SolidWorks? This is an important question that you need to answer to find the best laptop with the right specifications. Some of the laptops we tested above are more suitable for students and beginners, while others are more powerful and designed for professionals.
Think about it: If you only need to perform light tasks or if you can use earlier versions of Windows, you can get by with about 4 GB of RAM. On the other hand, if you need to manipulate complex assemblies with many parts, you may need 32 GB of RAM to perform these tasks.
Processor
A laptop processor is always one of the most important things to consider if you want to get quality performance from your device. A powerful processor speeds up the workflow considerably.
With this in mind, there are several factors to consider before you find a decent processor that will give you the performance you want. And if you want your laptop to run smoothly with SolidWorks, make sure your processor is running at a minimum speed of 3 GHz. This ensures smoother and faster operation.
hourly rate
Apart from the generation, number of cores and internal cache capacity, another important point regarding the processor is the clock frequency or clock speed. But what exactly is the speed of the CPU clock and why is it important for performance?
Simply put, the speed of the CPU clock is the time it takes a laptop computer to perform calculations. Basically, a higher processor clock speed results in significantly faster calculations. This is especially important in the case of SolidWorks, as it is a frequency reference software that uses parametric modeling.
Therefore, the best processors to use are high frequency processors like Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7, which work best with software like SolidWorks. Again, you need to consider the number of processor cores, because with a larger number of cores, different calculations can be performed faster than with, say, a larger number of cores. B. in the case of a single core processor.
Graphics card
A notebook graphics card is also an important factor for SolidWorks. Here you need a certified graphics card. You can find a comprehensive list of suitable options online and then compare them to the laptop you want to buy to see if it’s worth the investment.
For simplicity, turn to the NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, which has proven itself with SolidWorks, especially since it was designed specifically for workstations. This graphics card (and others like it) is designed to optimize laptop performance and create a latency-free work environment that will undoubtedly maximize your productivity.
Customer card
It may also be useful to look at consumer cards, which are cheaper options and ideal for those on a tight budget. Additionally, with a consumer card, there is no need to buy a supported card just to run SolidWorks, as the software is now compatible with consumer and gaming cards.
This means that a consumer card is only an option if you are not doing intensive rendering or simulation and if you are mainly doing simple modeling, drawing and design tasks that do not require a high-end graphics card. For these tasks, you can work with almost any AMD or NVIDIA graphics card, even a notebook gaming card like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti.
Note that if you need to work with large patterns and textures, you should look for a large vRAM. You may also need to work with RealHack if you need to use RealView with a game or consumer card.
Control panel
At the same time, there are also workstation cards that are more suitable for professionals who need to work with a mobile workstation or a high-end laptop. A good example is NVIDIA Quadro, which offers ultra-fast frame rates ideal for incredibly large and complex builds.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of using such a card is that it works perfectly without any problems, because this type of card is optimized against errors and mistakes.
While choosing a notebook card for your mobile workstation is fairly straightforward, you should make sure that the graphics card you choose has been tested and certified by SolidWorks. You should also keep in mind that GPU drivers are the cause of most graphics card size issues.
Even if you downloaded for example B. NVIDIA Quadro from the manufacturer’s official website, it may not work as expected, so you need to download an older version. This also applies to other portable workstations.
RAM
Another important factor in finding a reliable workstation to run SolidWorks on, or more generally the best laptop for CAD, is RAM or memory. What you want here is to find a good one the first time, so you don’t waste time updating your laptop’s memory over and over again.
That means you need at least 16GB of RAM if you want to run SolidWorks on your laptop and work with confidence. Keep in mind that 4 GB might be enough for a student professional CAD user, but you should invest in a large amount of RAM, even 32 GB if you have a limited budget.
In addition, there are two types of RAM, depending on its size:
Major junction
If you work with larger files and need to save them, especially in SolidWork, you need more RAM because it can handle complex files without having to boot up your laptop. This is also very useful when your laptop runs out of memory.
Small assembly
On the other hand, if you don’t want to do complex work and you mainly want to create simple works, you can opt for a small memory, which is much cheaper in terms of budget. This is the best choice for students and beginners. Just make sure it’s up to date so you can continue to use your laptop when your work becomes more demanding.
Storage
In addition to RAM, there is also RAM to consider. Basically, you have to choose between hard drives or HDDs and solid state drives or SSDs. For those with a basic understanding of laptops, an SSD is obviously the best choice – with one drawback, the extra cost.
Fortunately, SSDs are becoming more and more affordable. Most modern laptops are also easily equipped with solid-state drives, especially those designed for CAD. You can also use the SSD to quickly boot versions of operating systems like Windows 7 and 10.
Simply put, an SSD offers much better performance. Even a small SSD is better than a large hard drive. If your budget is tight and you can’t invest in a large SSD, a combination of hard drives and SSDs or even external drives is a good option.
However, it is important not to fall into the misconception that a 7200 rpm drive with higher capacity and seemingly higher speeds is better than, say, a 5400 rpm drive. Even a slow SSD will perform better and faster than the fastest hard drive you can find, and speed and performance are what you need when working with SolidWorks.
Screen size and quality
The screen may not matter much if you don’t play games or watch movies, but since you spend hours looking at your laptop at work, you should still look for a high-quality screen that meets your needs in terms of panel type, color gamut, resolution, contrast, and brightness.
It doesn’t have to be a 4K display, which is excessive for SolidWorks. The quality of the screen should be just decent and comfortable for several hours of uninterrupted work. For example, if you want to work on color-sensitive projects or prefer wide viewing angles, Full HD IPS panels are a good choice for your SolidWorks workstation.
Additionally, 4K displays can be quite problematic for SolidWorks versions released before 2019, as SolidWorks must work with many custom fonts and fields, which often causes display issues, especially if you are using Windows Scaling. If you don’t want to worry about IPS scaling issues, a full IPS display is your best option.
Besides the resolution, it also depends on the contrast and brightness of the screen, here the rule is: the better the better. For example, 350 CD is better than 300 CD, and the 800:1 contrast ratio is ideal if you want the best laptop for CAD.
Battery life
Finally, you should look at the battery life of the laptop. However, keep in mind that hardware-intensive applications like SolidWorks will drain your laptop’s battery quickly. So you will have to seek the best possible autonomy and even then expect that the reality will not be as ideal as the announced autonomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important part of a notebook for professional use of SolidWorks?
Since SolidWorks is a CPU-intensive tool, the most important component to focus on is the laptop processor. Here, higher tracking speeds of the turbo are required to enable faster calculations. Other considerations are a decent cache, and if you want to do complex simulations, you may need ECC memory as well.
What is the best graphics card for SolidWorks’ high-performance features?
When it comes to choosing a graphics card, the best options are those that offer the best performance, especially when it comes to SolidWorks, workstation models. Additionally, if you want accelerated rendering, look for an NVIDIA graphics card with CUDA cores, for example. B. NVIDIA Quadro. You can also choose AMD Radeon Pro or AMD Fire Pro.
Can I use SolidWorks on a laptop with a built-in graphics card?
The good news is that with an integrated graphics card like the Intel HD 4000, you can efficiently perform a variety of SolidWorks operations and systems, such as 2D drawing, stress analysis, fluid dynamics modeling, and more, provided you have a powerful processor to meet your needs.
However, a dedicated GPU is still the best option as it minimizes the load on the CPU. It also enables 3D visualization and modeling, as well as working with photorealistic models and other assemblies.
Do I need more than 16GB RAM to run SolidWorks on my laptop?
If you mainly want to do basic operational analysis, drawing, modeling, simulation and rendering, then 16 GB RAM is more than enough. But if you get bugs in your constructs, and if those constructs get bigger and bigger with more and more complex prototypes, you should consider expanding the memory.
What is the purpose of the SolidWorks laptop cache?
A decent cache on your processor is very useful, as it makes it easier to select compute data from RAM and much faster to process. In fact, cache access is faster than memory access, which means that if you want to run SolidWorks efficiently, you need a laptop with at least 6 MB of cache memory for faster calculations.
If my laptop chipset doesn’t support HyperThreading, will SolidWorks performance suffer?
It is interesting to note that HyperThreading is not particularly useful for SolidWorks, because you need to work mainly with sequential operations, i.e. tasks that use a single thread. HyperThreading is only useful for large assemblies, multi-sheet drawings and solid rendering.
How can I improve the performance of SolidWorks on my laptop?
One of the best ways to optimize SolidWorks performance on your notebook is to select the optimal performance in Visual Effects. Increase the CPU clock speed, disable expansion modules, enable Rigid and you get 10-15% more optimized performance.
Overview
That’s it! We hope this review and buying guide will help you find the best SolidWorks computer you need to work on different projects.
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