18 June 2024
9 minute
read
Laptops for Architects
Written by
Steven Rubio
I asked the Instagram architecture community for their preferred laptops, and the responses were very interesting! I received more than 1000 responses of architects all around the world with the laptop that they loved to use for architecture purposes. So I decided to compile a comprehensive list of the top laptops architects are using, ranging from average to outstanding. I will analyze each option, allowing you to make an informed decision on your next purchase. So Get ready to upgrade your technology game and your design game!
Now if you have absolutely no idea what to look for when buying a laptop, what graphic card, ram size, storage SSD, or processor mean, I have already made a video explaining these terms in depth so looking for a computer doesn't turn into a specification nightmare. If you want to watch that you can click on the link in the description or in this little tag right here.
Now let's dive into what laptop architects are using right now and which one they are using the most!
First, Let's delve into the Razer Blade 15, the least voted laptop on our poll. Despite being the least voted, this laptop boasts a sleek design and cutting-edge specs that are hard to ignore. At the heart of the Razer Blade 15 lies an Intel Core i9 processor that can handle even the most demanding applications with ease. With 16GB of RAM and a 1tb SSD, this laptop can easily multitask and store all your important files without breaking a sweat. What's more, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card (which is insane if you ask me) propels this laptop to heights of excellence, making it perfect for rendering on programs like Lumion, D5 and others.
However, it's no secret that the Razer Blade 15 comes with a hefty price tag. At around $2,500, it might not be the most affordable option for everyone. But if you're looking for a laptop that's built to last and can handle anything you throw its way, then the Razer Blade 15 is definitely worth considering.
Now, on the other hand let's look at the Acer Nitro, a more affordable laptop option with a starting price of around $1,000. The device is equipped with an Intel Core i5-10300H processor, which provides excellent speed and performance, and 32GB of RAM, allowing you to easily multitask and have Photoshop, Google Chrome and Autocad open at the same time. Additionally, it boasts a 1tb SSD, providing ample storage space for all your files and documents. Remember that an SSD is a must these days for fast access to all of your information!
The Acer Nitro also features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, which delivers impressive rendering and gaming performance.
While the Acer Nitro has impressive specs, it is important to note that its design is bulkier than that of the Razer Blade, which may not be as visually sleek. However, the Acer Nitro's slightly larger size allows for enhanced cooling and improved performance during extended use. Additionally, the Nitro's design features a sturdy build with durable materials that ensure longevity, making it a reliable option for those seeking a high-performance architecture laptop with a robust design.
Now lets talk about a touchy brand within the architecture world: The Macbook pro M1. This is a great option for architects that are used to working with MacOS and don't want to switch to Windows despite hearing it every day from every architect around the world.. With an M1 chip, 32GB of RAM and 1tbssd of storage, this laptop has a sleek design and great performance, but the price may not be that affordable for some, and when I say some I mean the majority of people. It starts at around $2,299 and with higher specs can be at around $3200 or more.
Please do some investigation and understand which programs do not run on apple computers. This will help you have realistic expectations of what you can do as an architect with a Macbook.
So if you are a die-hard apple user and find it hard to switch, or you prioritize a sleek top of the line design more than program compatibility, the m1 is the best option for your architecture tasks.
Another great option for architects who are looking for a balance of price and performance is the Asus TUF. With its Intel Core i7-11 gen processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop is more than capable of handling complex design programs and multitasking with ease. Additionally, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 ti graphics card is perfect for rendering and running architecture software, providing architects with an immersive experience unlike any other. And the best part? With a starting price of around $1,000, the Asus TUF is a cost-effective choice that doesn't compromise on performance or features.
One big downside is the thermal issues many users report, specifically on how hot the laptop gets when using it at its maximum capacity. I would also recommend upgrading the RAM later on, and buying an extra SSD storage for more space and speed. The look of this ASUS is much more on the gamer side and has some robust details that maybe are not for everyone, so take that in mind as well.
Coming in next we have the famous Alienware - the Michael Jordan of laptops, if you will. I remember when I was in school and I dreamed of having this laptop, of course I never had the chance because it was too expensive. This bad boy's got all the fancy bells and whistles, including a sleek design that'll make your colleagues green with envy. Plus, it's packed with some serious hardware, boasting a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card or 3070 (depending on how you set it up), so it's guaranteed to handle all your rendering needs like a pro.
Some advantages over others that we have talked about are definitely the cooling system, the 300 hz refresh rate, which is very impressive and 72% sRGB color accuracy, which when you are an architect, comes in handy when representing your architectural ideas.
The only catch? It'll definitely cost you an arm and a leg. But hey, if you're willing to shell out some serious cash for the best of the best, Alienware is definitely the way to go.
Now with the Acer Predator! This laptop is an absolute powerhouse, with impressive specs that will handle any task with ease. Its 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, and 16GB of RAM make it a good option for architects on a budget.
Some things I don't like is the colored keyboard and the angled design features, it's maybe too robust for my personal taste. Also the fan noise and overheating that some users report is kind of a bummer.
While some might not be the biggest fan of its design, the Predator's performance more than makes up for any aesthetic shortcomings. Plus, it's a fantastic option for those seeking a high-performance laptop without breaking the bank.
If you end up choosing the acer predator, I would recommend increasing the RAM memory and SSD storage so it can run smoothly through all of your architecture tasks.
Next on our list is the Dell XPS series. It's a beast of a laptop that can handle all your architecture software like a pro. The Dell XPS 15 or 17 is the one I would recommend the most. It's got a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI graphics card , and 32gbs of RAM. The cool thing about this is that if you go into Dells website you can customize your laptop and improve the specs.
Probably one of the biggest differences from all the competitors on this list is the design. The display comes with a very high color accuracy and an infinity edge display wich overall gives you much more screen real estate for your day to day work.lBut of course, as all of the laptops with these perks, they come at a really high price. And fully specd can go for around 2900 bucks, without considering you are probably going to have to buy a port station due to the lack of ports the laptop originally has. In the future months, this probably might be the laptop that Ill purchase so i can work remotely and not always have to be tied to my PC desk setup in my studio.
The MSI Creator 17 laptop is a robust machine designed for professional use, especially by architects and designers. It features a 17.3" UHD 120Hz 100% AdobeRGB Display that can deliver stunning visuals, and an Intel Core i7-11800H processor paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics and 16GB of RAM to ensure high performance for demanding tasks.
However, the laptop's cooling system can be inadequate at times, leading to potential overheating issues during prolonged use. The display may also fall short of its advertised precision in some situations, which could be a concern for architects and designers who rely on accurate color representation.
The base model comes with a 512GB NVME SSD storage and an RTX 3060 graphics card, which may not be enough for professionals with higher performance needs. Additionally, fully spec'd models can run for a higher price, around $2500 USD.
In terms of performance, the RTX 3060 graphics card scored 17,169 points in the PassMark benchmark, which meets the minimum requirements for many architectural design software applications. However, professionals who require more computing power may need to opt for higher-end models.
Overall, the MSI Creator 17 laptop is a solid choice for architects and designers who need a high-performing machine that can handle demanding tasks. However, users should be aware of its cooling limitations, potential display issues, and the need for higher specs at an increased cost.
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a solid gaming laptop that also packs a punch for architects looking for a powerful machine. With its AMD Ryzen 7-5800H processor and 16GB of RAM, this laptop can handle heavy-duty programs like Lumion or D5 with ease. The 165Hz QHD IPS display with NVIDIA G-SYNC and 500 nits of brightness is a nice touch for architects who require color accuracy in their work.
While the RTX 3060 graphics card is good enough for most tasks, architects may want to opt for the more powerful RTX 3070 if they plan on working with larger files or more complex scenes. Battery life is not the best, so it's recommended to have the laptop plugged in when doing intensive work.
At a starting price of $1,449 and maxing out at $2,000, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro offers great value for its specs. Overall, it's a solid choice for architects who are looking for a powerful laptop without breaking the bank. It's no surprise that this laptop was one of the most voted on in the Instagram poll due to its great specs at an affordable price point.
And finally, we have the grand champion of our Instagram poll, the ROG Zephyrus.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is a high-performance laptop that architects may want to consider for their workflow. With an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor and a GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, architects can run software like Lumion and Revit with ease. The laptop also comes with a 15.6" 165Hz QHD display, which can make designs and renderings appear sharp and vibrant.
One of the standout features of this laptop is its slim design. It's not as bulky as traditional gaming laptops, making it easier to carry around for on-the-go work. However, it's important to note that it doesn't come with a built-in webcam, which could be a deal-breaker for some architects. Additionally, some models don't have expandable RAM, so users may want to choose the model with enough memory for their needs.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is a great option for architects looking for a high-performance laptop with a slim design. Its powerful hardware can run software smoothly, and its high-quality display can make designs appear crisp and detailed. While it has some drawbacks like the lack of a built-in webcam and non-expandable RAM, it's still a solid choice. It's also worth noting that it was highly voted for in our Instagram poll, likely due to its impressive specs and price at around 2,000 USD.
Now of these ten laptop options here are some side by side comparisons. But its important to note that having a good or bad laptop is also dependant on what you will use it for. Just like all architects are not alike, all laptops are made for specific needs. Some are more centered in having great displays, others better portability and access, while others are centered in being a beast in terms of graphics card and rendering purposes.
So ask yourself, which computer is best for my needs?
