Presenting you with the Best Laptops for Archicad to make your life easier and more productive. Further in the article, you will get a list of current top-notch laptops available in the market. Being the best doesn’t mean these laptops will cost you an arm and a leg. In our concluded list, you will get a chance to purchase the most efficient and feature-packed laptop at reasonable pricing.
Apart from the pricing factor, all the below-mentioned laptops are beast and unmatched in terms of performance, integration of counterparts, and warranty. So if you are facing any crashes or errors while using Archicad through your old laptop or system. Then trust us and scroll down the article to get the best Archicad laptop guide. Plus, you may also face software glitches or a lack of technical support from your existing laptop or PC system. So buying a new laptop will lead you to numerous promising benefits like:
- Access to the latest version of Archicad
- More storage space for larger projects
- The perk of experiencing more realistic graphics in Archicad
- Increment in productivity while working
- Improvement in multitasking capabilities
So if you have made up your mind about a new laptop purchase, then stick to this with us. Because just buying a brand new and latest laptop is not enough. As we know, Archicad is CAD software that needs a decent memory capacity to process complex information.
Let’s take a quick look at the system requirements your laptop. In addition, there are some hardware system minimum requirements that are an important ingredient in making a laptop legit for Archicad use.
- CPU Intel core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 Apple Silicon M1*
- Memory 16 GB RAM
- Hard Drive SATA SSD
- Graphic Card 2GB VRAM + DirectX 11
- Operating System Windows 11 64-bit + MacOS
Our recommended list of the Best Laptop for Archicad
- ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 Laptop
- Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop
- Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H
- ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop
- Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop
- Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop
1- Overall Best Laptop for Archicad: ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 Laptop
Our first laptop pick for Archicad is Asus ProArt StudioBook 16. This powerful workstation is specifically designed for content creators and professional creative users. So whether you are an architect or a 3D designer, this laptop is for you.
It is particularly built to provide you with a spellbound display, high-core processor, and cutting-edge performing graphic card. Featuring AMD Ryzen 7 5800H and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 microprocessor. Along with high performing processor and graphics card, it is also equipped with 32GB RAM.
It makes this laptop more secure and compatible with modern technologies. Speaking of this, you can use an advanced version of Archicad without any glitches. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphic card provides resilient graphic rendering service without any doubt. It means you can experience sharp and vivid graphics without any blurriness.
Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 has 1TB SSD hard drive memory to store data fastly. For convenient connectivity, it is equipped with multiple connectivity ports and express. For example, it features a USB 3.2 Gen 2, an HDMI slot, an Audio jack, and an SD express 7.0 card reader.
It also provides 100% original graphics with all minor details, giving you real-life experience. Dimensionless it measures 14.25 x 10.39 x 0.78 (LxHxW) with 16 inches screen display size. For resolution, it can reach up to 2560 x 1600 pixels for more solid and mind-blowing images and graphics. Real-time ray tracing provides cinematic process optimization. Lastly, this 4K OLED HDR display laptop is designed to cater to a creative audience with its latest tools.
Pros
- Window 11 Pro OS
- 3200 MHZ DDR4 memory
- 135W thermal solution
- 1Tb SSD storage capacity
- High-tec graphic card
Cons
- Trimmed Keyboard
2- Best Macbook for Archicad: Apple 2023 MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro Chips are pretty popular and demanding among users. The 16-inch MacBook Pro laptop with M2 Pro has a powerful, performance-driven CPU and GPU speakers with a mini-LED display.
M2 Pro is the improvised version of the MacBook Pro product line with innovative specifications. It complements both hardware choice and some technical features. For example, its cutting-edge performance is accompanied by a 1080p web camera.
The M2 Pro supports a 1080p resolution lens to save you from pixel faintness and image blurriness. Another specification that makes it worth it for professionals is its 12-core CPU. The minimum score required for Archicad is 8, so 13 cores are more than enough to go beyond perfection. Finally, it delivers next-level workflow with its next-generation chips integrated into the Macbook.
Moreover, M2 Pro comes with improvised architecture for breakthrough execution. For a permanent memory solution and storing more stack of data, it comes with a 16 GB dual channel memory lane.
Also, it comes with an insane level of diversity to uplift the creativity mode of designers and 3D architects. It means its operating system supports software like Adobe Creative and Microsoft 365 with other iPhone and iPad apps.
For seamless connectivity, it supports 4x Thunderports, an SDXC card slot, and a 1x HDMI slot. In addition, it also includes a headphone jack with MagSafe charging port. For wireless connectivity, it features a Wi-Fi 6E module and Bluetooth 5.3. To ensure your every input is registered via the keyboard, it is put forwards with the magic keyboard.
Pros
- Apple M2 Pro(12-core processor)
- 96GB unified memory
- 1 TB SSD
- Wifi 6E & Bluetooth networking
- 1080p webcam
Cons
- RAM upgrade is expensive
3– Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is best for professional designer or CAD engineer who needs to use the Archicad tool to adhere to important product design. Lenovo Legion 5 pro promises to provide all the tools and features that will help you to make progress with your project.
It is equipped with one of the flagships of AMD Ryzen with an Nvidia graphic card from the 30 series. A combination of AMD Ryzen 7 5800H and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 is deadly for your competitors.
Crash any AAA title game like Call of Duty and God of War with its 16GB dual channel RAM. Craft 3D anomalies or designs like Marvel with the help of its high-end hardware collection. For vivid and high resolution, it impresses its user with 2560 x 1600 resolution.
Lets did not forget its legit 16: 10 aspect ratio, which makes it more suitable for professional as well as gaming use. It represents a compact framework due to its slim display bezels.
Plus, it comes with a 546cd/m2 brightness level, ensuring you can easily do outdoor work in extreme sunlight exposure without applying much stress on your eyes. Some other features that feel like a breeze are its super powerful integrated speakers for amplifying audio.
For writing purposes, it is stitched with a large keyboard accompanied by Numpad. Thus, including all main standard, action, and programmable keys. Not only functional, but also the keys are concave, thus providing 100%anti ghosting and N key roller. For connectivity, it supports USB 3.2 Gen and C-Type with 1x DisplayPort.
Pros
- Ethernet connection
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
- 16GB dual-channel RAM
- 546cd/m2 brightness level
Cons
- Comparatively Expensive
4- ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop
Another AMD-powered laptop with exceptional coprocessor and display features is from Asus. Undeniably Ausu is the most reliable brand that has been serving its customers for years and experimenting with its products.
Likewise, Rog Strix Scar 15 is from the Asus Rog series with fewer tweaks and innovations than its predecessor. The Strix Scar 15 supports AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor in fusion with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080. Unlike the previous G533QR model, which was equipped with 3070 graphics card.
This 8-core and 16-thread core improved multitasking and productivity. It means you can enjoy your working hours in Archicad while enjoying your music on Spotify. Plus, it supports Windows 10 Operating system and is equipped with a 90Wh battery.
Its keyboard base is armed with optical-mechanical keys. The keyboard itself is a full-size keypad with all standard and numeric keys. Not only usually functional keys but it is also equipped with five hotkeys. By this, you can quickly access the performance mode, and it also makes your access to Archicad software easy.
Coming towards the design, it is display screen features a 2560 x 1440 resolution with a 15.6 FHD display. Plus, 300Hz more than its predecessor makes the visuals feel like part of reality. And there is no way back after pressing the power button On.
The range of ports includes 4x Thunderport, 1x HDMI port, USB type-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Designing-wise, it is manufactured with aluminum and plastic material for a solid look. In short, it is not only efficient in performance but also more cost-effective in price than its Scar 17 successor.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphic card
- 1 TB SSD
- 2560 x 1400 resolution
- FHD display
Cons
- No webcam
5- Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop
In my experience, the Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop is a real powerhouse that effortlessly handles Archicad tasks.
First off, the laptop boasts a lightning-fast 12th Gen Intel 14-Core i7 CPU, making it one of the speediest processors you can find in a laptop. This translates to smooth sailing for Archicad, even when dealing with intricate and elaborate models.
Equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, the laptop delivers top-notch graphics and performance for Archicad. The RTX 3070 Ti adds an extra layer of realism and impressive lighting effects through ray tracing, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Featuring a 15.6-inch QHD display that refreshes at 240Hz, this laptop is tailor-made for Archicad enthusiasts seeking sharp and seamless visuals. The icing on the cake is the display’s 100% P3 color gamut, ensuring accurate and vibrant color reproduction for your Archicad projects.
With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a spacious 1TB PCIe SSD, the laptop provides ample room and speed for Archicad users dealing with hefty data loads. Should the need arise, you have the option to upgrade the RAM to a whopping 64GB and the SSD to a spacious 2TB.
The laptop’s sleek and robust design, crafted from CNC aluminum and featuring a Chroma RGB keyboard, is a sight to behold. Despite its power, it remains svelte and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 4.4 lbs and measuring a mere 0.67 inches in thickness. This portability makes it a breeze to tote around and use in various settings.
Pros
- 12th gen Intel 14-core i7 CPU
- NVMe 1TB SSD
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU
- QHD 240HZ refresh rate
- Wide range of connectivity ports
Cons
- Battery life is not good
6- Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop
The Dell XPS 17 9720 laptop is from the Dell XPS laptop series with predecessor models like XPS 15, XPS 13, and XPS 14. So it would also be the best decision if you already have a Dell laptop and want to upgrade it.
This model is powered by Intel Core i9 12900HK, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. This high-potent duo is ready to fuel your creativity so that you can unleash your core potential.
It comes with 1TB SSD storage space and 32GB DDR5, providing you extra spacious space and memory for accounting and holding all your important data without any failure.
Moreover, its 17-inch screen display provides a large canvas to craft creativity and play with characters. Simultaneously, you can easily use vore multiple applications and windows at once. So if you are a content creator, professional engineer, and architect, then this screen is best for you.
Furthermore, the screen size is accompanied by UHD+ 3840 x 2400 inch pixels display. This resolution provides highly dense pixel density suited for 3D designers, videographers, and graphic designers. In addition, the UHD is tailored to top-notch color accuracy, contracts, and different color gradients.
On top of that, its 17-inch screen display is troublesome, hence providing fun and more convenience while working. For connectivity, it has ports like Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C, DisplayPort, a microphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader.
For the operating system, it supports Windows 11 Pro, the latest flagship of Micrsoft. In addition, it provides you with advanced security and increases your productivity.
Pros
- Intel Core i9 12900HK
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
- 17-ich screen display
- DDR5-32GB RAM
- UHD+ 3840 x 2400
Cons
- Not good quality webcam
Best Laptops for Archicad Buying Guide
Are you still confused and need a buying guide to make a final decision? We can feel you because there are millions of powerful laptops available in the market. So to save you from choice paralysis, we have enlisted some important components of the laptop. These components play an important role in making or breaking a laptop’s performance. So let’s cut to a chase and scroll down to know about these important factors.
CPU
You guessed it right. First and foremost, factors that directly influence the performance of a laptop or any workstation. Infact, it determines the credibility of the computer and laptop. The minimal CPU requirement for Archicad is an Intel core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 Apple Silicon M1. But we have concluded some laptops in the above list that offers more than that. For example, Razer Blade 15 features a 12th Gen Intel 14-core i7 CPU. This CPU is more than enough for your daily as well as Archicad requirements.
RAM
RAM also termed Random Access Memory, is another important aspect of computer performance. It allows the laptop algorithms to work properly by providing them enough space for executing data and instructions from the CPU. So, it is understood that a complicated task needs more RAM than regular tasks. Therefore, for Archicad, 16 GB RAM is a must-have memory requirement.
Connectivity
Connectivity determines the compatibility of a laptop or workstation with other peripherals. For example, some crucial ports or connectivity sockets are USB Type-C, USB 3.1, Displayport, HDMI port, and PCIe lanes. Likewise, some other ports like audio jack and Thunderport. For wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi module 6E and Bluetooth are important.
Operating System
Operating system means the way you will interact with your laptop. In general, OS determines the environment you are gonna work in. So the last the window, the more tools you can enjoy. For example, Windows 8 is not capable of using Archicad because of its outdated updates. So to make proper utilize of Archicad or other sensitive software like AutoCAD or Solidworks, your system must have Windows 10 Pro. For example, Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 supports Windows 11 pro OS.
Storage Capacity
This factor is highly important because it decides the amount of data your device can hold. The more the storage capacity, the more data it can hold, and vice versa. Plus, not only does the capacity of the driver matter but the type too. Among all the types of hard disk, Solid State Drive (SSD) is the most popular and preferred one. Because it is versatile and can withstand for many years. For Archicad minimum 350 MB capacity of a solid-state drive is required. However, all the laptops included above have at least 1TB drive capacity.
FAQs
Archicad is one of the most widely used 3D architectural design software that requires a powerful laptop with a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, speedy RAM and enough storage space. According to the official Archicad system requirements, the minimum specifications are: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, 8 GB RAM, 5 GB free disk space, and OpenGL 4.0 compatible graphics card with 2 GB VRAM.
However, for optimal performance and smooth rendering, it is recommended to have a laptop with higher specifications, such as: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, 16 GB or more RAM, SSD storage, and NVIDIA or AMD graphics card with 4 GB or more VRAM. Some examples of laptops that meet or exceed these requirements are: Dell XPS 15, HP ZBook Studio G5, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, and Lenovo ThinkPad P15.
Architecture students use laptops that can run various software applications for design, drafting, modeling, rendering, and presentation. These software applications may include AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. Therefore, architecture students need laptops that have similar specifications as the ones mentioned above for Archicad.
However, depending on the level of complexity and detail of their projects, they may not need the most expensive or powerful laptops available. Some budget-friendly options that can still handle most architectural tasks are: Acer Aspire 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, Dell Inspiron 15, and LG Gram.
To choose a laptop for architecture, you should consider the following factors:
Your budget: How much are you going to spend on a architecture laptop? You can find laptops for architecture in various price ranges, from under $500 to over $2000. However, you should also consider the cost-effectiveness and durability of your laptop. A cheap laptop may not last long or perform well enough for your needs, while an expensive laptop may have features that you don’t really need or use.
Your software: What software applications do you use or plan to use for your architectural projects? Different software applications have different system requirements and compatibility issues. You should check the official websites of the software developers to find out the minimum and recommended specifications for your laptop. You should also make sure that your laptop can run the software smoothly and without errors or crashes.
Your portability: How often do you travel or move around with your laptop? If you need a laptop that is easy to carry and transport, you should look for a laptop that is lightweight, compact, and has a long battery life. However, if you mostly work at a desk or in a studio, you may prefer a laptop that has a larger screen size, better keyboard and trackpad, and more ports and connectivity options.
Your preference: What are your personal preferences for your laptop? This may include the brand name, design, color, operating system, warranty, customer service, and other features that matter to you. You can also test out different laptops in person at a local store or online through virtual demos.
Yes, a MacBook is a good laptop for architects. MacBooks are known for their powerful processors, long battery life, and high-quality displays. They are also relatively portable, so they are easy to take to class and to the library.
In addition, Apple has recently released a new line of MacBooks with the M2 chip, which is even more powerful than the previous generation of MacBooks. This makes the MacBook a great choice for architects who need a laptop that can handle demanding software like Archicad.