SOLIDWORKS is a premier CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) software, esteemed worldwide by millions of engineers.
Mechatronics systems journey through SOLIDWORKS from inception to realization. It orchestrates project management, ideation, modeling, prototyping, and evaluation phases.
Engineers lean on it to craft mechanical, electrical, and software components. Running SOLIDWORKS, or its equivalents, demands robust hardware, owing to its intensive nature.
Choosing a suitable laptop entails scrutinizing storage, processor count, graphics capability, and display prowess for optimal performance.
Our buying guide simplifies this selection process, showcasing top contenders. Delving deeper reveals the crucial need for ample graphics RAM and flash memory.
SOLIDWORKS’ myriad features impose distinct system prerequisites for seamless operation.
Factors to be Considered Before Buying
Here’s a concise overview of factors to consider when buying a laptop for SolidWorks:
- User Experience: Look for smooth performance with high RAM (16GB+) and a powerful CPU (Intel i7 or Ryzen 7). A good trackpad and keyboard are essential for comfort.
- User Reviews: Check feedback from other SolidWorks users on performance and reliability.
- Overheating Issues: Choose laptops with efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating during intensive tasks.
- Build Quality and Design: Opt for durable materials and a lightweight design for portability.
- Brand Reliability: Stick to trusted brands like Dell, Lenovo, or HP for better support and optimized drivers.
These factors will help ensure a suitable laptop for SolidWorks.
List of Best Laptops for SolidWorks in 2025
MacBook Pro with M2 Chip
The MacBook Pro M2 is Apple’s latest and most powerful MacBook Pro. It is powered by the M2 chip, a next-generation Apple silicon chip that offers up to 18% faster CPU performance and up to 35% faster GPU performance than the M1 chip.
The M2 chip also features a new 10-core CPU with 8 performance cores 2 efficiency cores, and a new 10-core GPU.
The MacBook Pro M2 comes in two sizes: 13-inch and 14-inch. The 13-inch model has a Retina display with True Tone, while the 14-inch model has a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion.
Both models have up to 24GB of unified memory and 2TB of SSD storage.
The MacBook Pro M2 also features a new active cooling system that helps to keep the M2 chip running at its peak performance. This makes it a great choice for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.
Pros
- Powerful M2 chip
- Long battery life
- Stunning display
- Active cooling system
- Configurable up to 24GB of unified memory and 2TB of SSD storage
Cons
- No Touch Bar (13-inch model)
- No SD card slot (14-inch model)
- Expensive
HP ZBook Studio G9
The HP ZBook Studio G9 is a powerful mobile workstation designed for creative professionals who need the best possible performance on the go.
It is powered by up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX A5500 or GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU, making it capable of handling even the most demanding tasks, such as 3D rendering, video editing, and data science.
The ZBook Studio G9 also features a 16-inch WUXGA display with a 165Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and other visually demanding applications.
It also has a comfortable keyboard with backlit keys, a large touchpad, and various ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and USB-A.
If you are a creative professional who needs a powerful and portable workstation, the HP ZBook Studio G9 is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Stunning display
- Comfortable keyboard
- Large touchpad
- Variety of ports
- MIL-STD 810G tested
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Thermal throttling
Dell Precision 7760
The Dell Precision 7760 is a powerful mobile workstation designed for demanding creative and engineering workflows. It is powered by up to an 11th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA RTX A5000 graphics card, making it capable of handling even the most complex tasks.
The Precision 7760 also features a 17.3-inch UHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a backlit keyboard, and different ports for connecting peripherals.
Overall, the Dell Precision 7760 is a great choice for those users who need a powerful and versatile mobile workstation. It is not the most affordable option but it offers excellent performance and features.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Versatile features
- Durable build quality
- Long battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Not very portable
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 is a powerful mobile workstation designed for those professionals who need reliable and versatile machines at work. It is powered by up to a 12th-gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX A2000 graphics so it can handle even the most demanding tasks, such as CAD, video editing, and 3D rendering.
In addition to its powerful performance, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 is also built to last. It is MIL-STD 810G tested for durability and features a carbon fiber-reinforced chassis. It also has a spill-resistant keyboard and a ThinkShutter privacy cover for the webcam.
The ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 is a great choice for professionals who need a powerful and reliable mobile workstation. It is available in many configurations, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Durable construction
- Versatile features
- Long battery life
- Secure Login
Cons
- Expensive
- Hefty weight
- No SD card reader
MSI Creator Z17
The MSI Creator Z17 is a powerful laptop designed for creative professionals. It features a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU, making it capable of handling demanding tasks.
The 17.3-inch QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals. It includes useful tools like a built-in colorimeter and a Pantone Validated display, which help with photo and video editing.
The laptop is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry. With a backlit keyboard and multiple ports like Thunderbolt 4, it’s a great choice for anyone in creative work.
Pros
- Powerful for creative tasks
- Great battery life
- Excellent display
- Sleek and portable design
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the absolute best for hardcore gamers
Asus TUF Dash 15
The Asus TUF Dash 15 is a thin and light gaming laptop that packs a punch. It is powered by up to an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, which can handle even the most demanding games.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display has a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay, and the keyboard is backlit for gaming in low-light conditions.
The TUF Dash 15 is also MIL-STD 810H certified, making it durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. It has a battery life of up to 16 hours, so you can game all day long without having to worry about running out of power.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Portable design
- Durable build quality
- Long battery life
- Backlit keyboard
Cons
- Loud fans when gaming
- Expensive
FAQs
What kind of computer do you need to run SOLIDWORKS?
Each computer running SOLIDWORKS Visualize or SOLIDWORKS Visualize Boost must meet these requirements: Windows 10 (64-bit) Minimum Dual-core CPU.
Can a gaming laptop be used for SOLIDWORKS?
The Infinity Gaming Laptops certainly have the hardware level to provide a smooth experience with SolidWorks, in certain aspects of SolidWorks it can be better than a CAD Workstation.
How many cores do you need for SOLIDWORKS?
Power users typically favor between 4 and 12 cores, though recent tests have found that optimal performance scalability is 8 cores.
Are gaming laptops good for SolidWorks?
Yes, gaming laptops can be good for SolidWorks. They typically have powerful processors and graphics cards that can handle the demands of the software.
Conclusion
In 2025, there are lots of really good laptops made especially for people who use SolidWorks. These laptops are super powerful and can handle all the detailed 3D design work, simulations, and making things look real.
In this review, we looked at the best ones. They have strong processors, plenty of memory for doing lots of things at once, and great graphics cards for making everything look amazing. Plus, they’ve got really fast storage, comfy designs, and lots of ways to connect to other devices.
These laptops are like a perfect mix of power and style, making them awesome tools for creative minds!
