After almost 10 years on my desktop I think it is time for a new computer. I’ve never worked with a laptop for SU. Specs seem to have moved on massively since my old trusty and wondering what the collective advice would be. I think I would like a laptop this time to replace the desktop that could take an external keyboard and display on a big screen as I will almost always be working at my desk. I also wonder if it can display on my smart screen TV so I can have a more restful experience working at a distance. I think the reason I want a laptop for those few occasions when I need to work elsewhere. I don’t want a small screen as my vision isn’t that great. I believe the Open GL graphics or whatever has changed in the latest update. I am learning D5 rendering programme and need something that can cope with that. I would be grateful for advice on what the minimum spec should be particularly regarding memory, graphics card. processor etc. and if anyone can recommend a particular laptop.
Budget? I’m using a laptop, running d5 buttery smooth.
Mac or PC? most laptops these days have a usb c port those support docking stations like the thunderbolt or ?? those can support multiple monitor and hdmi for your TV. In the event the laptop doesnt have a lot of ports. You might want multiple monitors to be similar so things look the same. Im shopping my self but Im going Desktop and the best performance for Sketchup, Im willing to pay for speed. On your laptop RAM and graphics card are important.
Say maximum £1,000?
If you’re going to be using rendering software you’re going to need something with some beef. Set a budget and then get the biggest bang for your buck.
You could also consider Open Box for saving $.
From Braden’s first link:
Wow Thank you for taking the time to suggest these. It gives me a much better idea of what to aim for
The best you can get for your budget that’s brand new, will have something like:
- Processor: 13th gen i7 (Intel) or Ryzen 7 7700X (AMD)
- Graphics card: RTX 4070 (Nvidia)
- RAM: 16GB DDR5
- Main storage: 1 terabyte of SSD
So if you can find a laptop that has better specs than these for under a thousand pounds, that’s the one you want.
Thank you
Good stuff, ram is cheap try to get 32 gb if you can. I run 32 gb at home and 64 gb at work. Having said that I understand budgets are budgets.
I agree 32gb ram is probably preferred. His budget is in pounds so thats around $1300. Lots of gaming laptops out there that probably are well suited for SU Remember the single threading so the CPU can be misleading.
Usually the newest multi core CPUs do have the best single threaded performance. It is what it is.
In our parts refurbished “workstation” type laptops with a Nvidia graphics card can be had with about 900 euros.
Hey there, I use the Dell XPS 17 for SketchUp and V-Ray. It has 32GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics and an i7 processor. I bought it 2 and a half years ago and I’m pretty happy with it. The XPS range is a high performance collection and although they have phased out the XPS 17, it has been replaced with the new XPS 16. It’s worth noting that the ‘i’ intel generation of processors are also being phased out and have been renamed Intel Core and Intel Core Ultra. I would probably recommend Core Ultra for 3D modelling/rendering, starting with the 7 series. In terms of RAM I wouldn’t go below 32GB and I’m a firm fan of NVIDIA graphics.
Anita