The best laptops for architects are listed in this post, explaining which hardware components are ideal for architecture projects
If you work as an architect or you are studying architecture, you need a powerful laptop up to your requirements. In this list, we have some of the best laptops for architects, using modern hardware and with optimal display settings for your projects.
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Best Laptops for Architects: Overview
Technology has drastically changed how architects work and manage their projects. Programs like AutoCAD, Sketchup and 3d Studio Max are just a few examples of how architects can benefit from technology to enhance their projects.
Buying a laptop as an architecture requires a number of aspects to be considered. They are basically two: the hardware components (mostly CPU and GPU) and the display.
CPU for Architects
Software for architecture do not require an extreme processing speed to function, however, its advisable to have a mid to upper range processor on your laptop. Among these, I would recommend i5 or i7 processors from the sixth and seventh generation of Intel chips.
Dual core chips like the i5-7200U or the i7-7500U are an excellent idea, as they are pretty fast. If you want an even more powerful processor, a quad core like the i7-6700HQ will be more than enough for virtually all architecture related projects.
Graphics Card for Architects
I would recommend buying a laptop with a mid to upper range dedicated graphics card. That is especially the case if you work with software with 3d environments. These are especially resource demanding, and a dedicated GPU will guarantee that you can work on the viewport smoothly.
Laptops powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 940MX or superior should handle most architectural projects smoothly.
Display
The best laptops for architecture should also have a large display with a good resolution. Ideally one should be looking at 15 or 17 inch laptops, with IPS display and HD or Full HD resolution. However a higher resolution like QHD+ is also a good idea.
RAM and Storage
Ideally, if you are an architect, you should consider laptops with at least 8 GB RAM. When it comes to storage, a large SSD is ideal, but if your laptop has an HDD it will not impact the production of your architecture projects.
Choosing the Best Laptops for Architects
After considering the hardware specs above mentioned, you should also consider your needs. You can also yourself a few questions, regarding the specific type of project you most often work with.
If you are an architecture student in the first days, you may not need an extremely powerful machine. However, if you work with 3d renders and videos of your architecture projects, you will need a lotof processing power. That is also the case if your projects have a large number of elements.
You will also have to consider your budget. In this sense, quad core laptops usually tend to cost more than dual cores (with a very few exceptions). Also, laptops using solid state drivers usually cost more
than those with hard drive disks.
Below we have a list of the best laptops for architects in 2017, with models suitable to virtually all architecture projects:
Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6 Full HD, 7th Gen Intel Core i7, NVIDIA 940MX, 8GB DDR4, 256GB SSD, Windows 10, E5-575G-75MD
Click here to buy this laptop on Amazon.com
Processor | Intel Core i7-7500U |
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Display | 15.6 inches Full HD |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
Lenovo Ideapad 510 15.6″ Laptop, Silver (Intel Core i7-7500U, 12GB DDR4, 256GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, Windows 10)
Click here to buy this laptop on Amazon.com
Processor | Intel Core i7-7500U |
---|---|
Display | 15.6 inches Full HD |
RAM | 12 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
ASUS K501UW-AB78 15.6-inch Full-HD Gaming Laptop (Intel Core i7, GTX 960M, 8GB DDR3, 512GB SSD) Glacier Grey
Click here to buy this laptop from Amazon.com
Processor | Intel Core i7-6500U |
---|---|
Display | 15.6 inches Full HD |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |