If you are looking for a high performance laptop to run SketchUp and work on 3D modeling projects, you have landed on the right page. A powerful laptop with a fast processor, ample RAM, and a high resolution display is essential to run the resource intensive programs like SketchUp with ease.
According to a 2018 survey, 93% of architects and engineers use laptops with at least Core i7 processors for their 3D modelling work. Additionally, 64% of the respondents said 16GB RAM or higher was optimal for smooth performance in programs like SketchUp.
With the right laptop option, you can work smoothly on architectural designs, 3D videos, scenes, walkthroughs and renderings for your projects in SketchUp. Therefore, consider investing in the best laptop for sketchup and rendering with at least 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, SSD storage and high resolution 15-15.6 inch display. These specifications will ensure a lag-free experience while using SketchUp.
In this buying guide, we have handpicked best laptops for Sketchp and rendering:
Best Laptops for Sketchup: Detailed Buying Guide
After researching through more than 40 laptops, we have shortlisted these best laptops for Sketchup:
1. Microsoft 12.3″ Surface Pro
The Microsoft Surface Pro, with its 10th Gen Intel Core Processor, is superbly capable of running Sketchup, an intensive 3D modeling software. Its 16GB memory storage bolsters performance, enabling the smooth execution of complex tasks. The 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen enhances user experience, enabling precision and detail in design. Additionally, its versatile USB-C and USB-A ports aid in data transfer, and the device can charge up to 80% in just over an hour, supporting extended work sessions. The enhanced dual far-field Studio Mics offer improved audio performance, useful during collaboration and presentation.
2. HP OMEN 15 Gaming & Entertainment Laptop
The HP OMEN 15-1013dx-plus is a formidable choice for Sketchup users, thanks to its cutting-edge hardware. The Core i7 processor, coupled with 16GB of RAM, provides high performance for intricate 3D modeling tasks. The dedicated NVIDIA RTX 3070 Graphics Card ensures smooth rendering of detailed designs. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS Display, backlit keyboard, and included Dockztorm USB Hub enhance productivity. With 512GB of storage, this laptop offers ample space for multiple project files, while its Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth capabilities ensure seamless connectivity.
3. HP ENVY 13 Laptop
The HP Envy 13, powered by a Core i7 processor, is a competent choice for anyone looking for best laptops for Sketchup and rendering. It is capable of handling basic to moderately complex projects. Its 8GB of RAM is ample for multitasking, while the 256GB of storage is sufficient for a variety of project files. The 13.3-inch screen size is portable, yet large enough for detailed work, and the integrated graphics card ensures smoother graphical execution. Its fingerprint reader provides an added layer of security, and the device operates on Windows 10 Home, a widely-used and familiar operating system.
4. Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S, powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, delivers excellent performance for Sketchup. With a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, graphics-intensive tasks are effortlessly managed. Its 15.6″ Full HD IPS LED-backlit display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures crisp, seamless visuals. The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD provide speedy operation and ample storage. It incorporates Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro for optimal network management and has advanced cooling features for sustained performance.
5. Dell G7 17.3″ FHD 300Hz
The Dell laptop with a large 17.3-inch screen is ideal for someone looking for best laptops for Sketchup rendering. It comes with a larger display for detailed design work. It comes with a dedicated graphics card which allows for smoother rendering of Sketchup projects. With 16GB RAM and a 512GB hard disk, it provides ample memory and storage for multitasking and project files. Operating on Windows 10 Home, it provides a user-friendly interface for software operation. Its three USB ports and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance its usability by ensuring easy data transfer and internet connectivity.
6. Acer Nitro 5 AN517-54-77KG Gaming Laptop
The Acer AN517-54-77KG, equipped with an Intel Core i7-11800H Processor, delivers high performance for Sketchup, supported by 16GB of DDR4 RAM for efficient multitasking. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti ensures smooth rendering and performance. Its 17.3″ Full HD LED-backlit IPS display offers a superior visual experience. The laptop provides 1TB NVMe SSD storage, ample for various project files. Killer DoubleShot Pro enhances speed and control over Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Acer CoolBoost technology enhances thermal performance, supporting heavy usage.
7. Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop
The Lenovo Legion 5 15 is a high-performance laptop ideal for Sketchup, with its AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and 16GB DDR4 RAM ensuring smooth operation. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card delivers excellent detail and visual fidelity. The 15.6″ FHD IPS display offers clear, vibrant visuals for intricate design work. Its Legion TrueStrike keyboard enhances usability, while the 512GB NVMe SSD storage provides ample room for projects. It includes robust connectivity options, including WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, HDMI, and more.
8. Dell Inspiron 13 5310
The Dell Inspiron 13 5310, powered by a Core i7 11370H processor and 16GB of RAM, offers impressive performance for Sketchup users. The 13.3-inch screen with 16:10 QHD display, along with an anti-glare coating, provides vivid visuals. Its integrated graphics card allows for smooth execution of Sketchup projects. The laptop has a 512GB hard disk, sufficient for multiple project files. Fast charging and WiFi 6 add to the convenience, and its lightweight, compact size makes it highly portable.
9. HP 2022 Elitebook 840 G9
The HP Elitebook 840 G9, powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U 10-Core processor, delivers exceptional performance, making it one of the best laptops for sketching rendering. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD ensure smooth operation and ample storage. Its 14-inch WUXGA anti-glare display, powered by Intel Iris Xe Graphics, provides sharp visuals. The laptop comes with a multitude of features, including a fingerprint reader, spill-resistant and backlit keyboard, and high-definition audio. It operates on Windows 11 Pro and offers multiple connectivity options.
10. Dell Inspiron 16 5620
The Dell Inspiron, equipped with a 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1255U processor, provides robust performance making it one of the best laptop for running Sketchup. Its 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 512GB NVMe SSD offers ample storage for project files. The GeForce MX570 Graphics card and Intel UHD Graphics coprocessor support smooth graphics performance. Its 16.0-inch FHD+ Anti-Glare display provides clear and comfortable viewing. Furthermore, it includes Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast, reliable connectivity.
11. Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2
The MacBook Pro, supercharged by Apple’s M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, delivers powerful performance for Sketchup users. It boasts up to 18 hours of battery life, ensuring extended, uninterrupted work sessions. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides stunning visuals, essential for detailed design work in Sketchup. It comes with advanced camera and audio features for quality conferencing and presentations. The laptop also offers robust connectivity options, including MagSafe, Thunderbolt 4, SDXC card slot, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E. The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID enhances usability and security.
12. HP Envy x360 Convertible 15-inch Laptop
The HP ENVY x360 Convertible 15-es2026nr is a versatile device for Sketchup, equipped with a 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor that adapts for superior multitasking. The 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD offer fast operation and ample storage. Its 15.6-inch FHD IPS touchscreen provides vibrant, detailed visuals, while the convertible design ensures flexibility. With Intel Iris Xe graphics, it delivers impressive performance for creating and entertainment. HP Fast Charge allows quick recharging, boosting productivity.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Best Laptops for Sketchup
Here is a detailed buying guide for the best laptop for SketchUp:
- Processor: The processor is the most important component for a SketchUp laptop. An 8th or 9th gen Intel Core i7 processor is recommended for handling the rigors of SketchUp and other 3D modeling programs. The higher the processor generation and core count, the better.
- RAM: SketchUp is a demanding program that requires at least 16GB of RAM for optimal performance. More RAM allows SketchUp to load larger models with many components without any lag. Go for a laptop with 16-32GB RAM.
- Graphics card: An NVidia graphics card with at least 4GB of dedicated VRAM helps SketchUp render and visualize 3D models faster. Look for laptops with GTX 1050 Ti or higher graphics.
- Display: A 15-15.6 inch full HD (1920 x 1080) display or higher resolution is ideal for viewing SketchUp models and drawings in detail. Touchscreen is a nice bonus feature.
- Storage: An SSD drive with at least 256GB capacity is recommended for loading models and plugins quickly. A secondary 1TB HDD is good for additional storage of SketchUp files.
- Other features: At least 8-16GB of USB ports, HDMI port for external displays, backlit keyboard for easy typing, and a durable case for withstanding regular use.
- Budget: You can find a good SketchUp laptop starting at around $1000. However, for premium specs like 32GB RAM and NVidia RTX graphics, expect to pay $1500 and above.
In summary, focus on getting a laptop with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16-32GB RAM, dedicated graphics card, high resolution display, and ample SSD storage to enjoy an ideal SketchUp experience. The above buying guide highlights the most important aspects to consider for the best SketchUp laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are detailed FAQs on the best laptops for SketchUp:
Q: What is the minimum RAM required for SketchUp?
A: 8GB RAM is the minimum requirement for running SketchUp. However, 16GB RAM is recommended for an optimal experience with large and complex 3D models. RAM helps SketchUp manage the multiple processes of opening, editing and rendering 3D objects.
Q: Which processor is best for SketchUp – Intel i5 or i7?
A: An Intel Core i7 processor is strongly recommended for SketchUp over an i5. The higher core count and faster clock speeds of i7 CPUs give it a noticeable edge in handling complex SketchUp tasks like 3D design, modeling, rendering and animation.
Q: Should I get a Mac or Windows laptop for SketchUp?
A: Both Mac and Windows laptops can run SketchUp. However, Windows laptops tend to offer better specs at comparable prices. Plus, most plugins and extensions for SketchUp are developed for the Windows platform. So overall, a Windows laptop is a better option for maximum compatibility and performance with SketchUp.
Q: Does touchscreen help in SketchUp?
A: Yes, a touchscreen can be quite useful when working in SketchUp. It allows you to pan, zoom and rotate models intuitively with touch gestures. You can also select and manipulate 3D objects directly on the screen. While not essential, a touchscreen enhances the SketchUp experience, especially on 2-in-1 laptops.
Q: Does SketchUp work with Nvidia GTX graphics cards?
A: Yes! Nvidia graphics cards, especially newer GPUs like GTX 1050 and above, help boost the performance of SketchUp. They handle the graphics intensive tasks like rendering, visualization and animation faster compared to integrated graphics. So a laptop with a dedicated Nvidia GTX graphics card is ideal for a smoother workflow in SketchUp.