We have been posting a lot of reviews related to graphic designing, softwares and 3D arts. Mostly, we have covered dedicated machines in our guides for dedicated purposes and today we are going to add another useful review to that list.
Today we are going to discuss the best laptops for 3D modeling. Anybody who is associated with 3D design, animation and rendering, he would definitely understand the importance of a high-quality laptop. It is a well-known fact that not every single laptop can handle the softwares of 3D design and applications.
Therefore, it is pretty important to understand the importance of having a dedicated laptop for all the above-mentioned jobs. These jobs require a lot of skill and knowledge so in order to avoid being left out; you must choose a laptop that has the ability to handle these tasks properly for you. You only need a little knowledge about the 3D specs and you should be good enough to pick a suitable piece.
3D modeling is not an easy task at all because it requires graphically-intensive tasks and there is much more than just high resolution and quick processing. In this article, we will be focusing on the best laptops for 3D modeling by taking into account all the required features.
It is extremely important for 3D designers to invest in a high-quality laptop because they mostly use AUTOCAD, 3D Max and Maya as they are the main softwares for 3D design and modeling.
A simple laptop that doesn’t have higher processing power is going to find it very difficult to handle these softwares. Therefore, a high-quality and dedicated laptop is required to carry out these heavy tasks.
It is not only on human individuals who complete the tasks but on the computer which runs them, the modeling and rendering jobs are challenging. Your designs are impractical without a fast processor and an able graphics card even if they’re possible practically.
Recommended for you: Top 6 Best Laptops for Graphic Design to Buy in 2022
3D software requires a lot of power and that is exactly why you should be looking to get a fast processor. The processor is regarded as the life-blood of the device and it basically controls all the processes and proceedings of the machine. You should be using Intel Core i7 CPU however; i5 is also advisable.
RAM is also pretty important because it basically manages the multi-tasking of the laptop. A 16GB or 8GB laptop is going to work a lot faster than devices with low RAM memory. 8GB can do the job for you as far as 3D modeling is concerned. However, for ideal projects and heavy rendering, we would suggest you have 16GB RAM.
Top 6 Best Laptops for 3D Modeling
Acer Predator Helios 300
Price: $1,390
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If we are talking about 3D designing and modeling in general, then we must suggest the Acer Predator Helios 300. This device is widely regarded as one of the best machines for the purpose we are serving this guide.
It is not going to be cheap by any means but it is for sure that it will provide a lot of value for its money. It is an extremely capable machine that is ready to handle any type of 3D designing tasks. Initially, this machine was promoted as a gaming laptop; however, it is a well-known fact that gaming laptops are pretty good for 3D modeling, rendering and animations.
If we talk about its core features then it packs an 8th generation Intel Core i7 CPU. It is powered by Windows Operating System (OS) and comes with an integrated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card.
It has a 15.6-inch screen resolution that is perfectly adequate with 1920×1080 pixels. You’d enjoy a great viewing experience as the high-resolution capacity is going to allow you to see colors in great detail. It comes with a pretty user-friendly upgrading process and that is the thing most designers and artists like about this device.
You can upgrade its RAM pretty easily if you feel a decline in its processing and speed. It has a 144Hz refresh rate that is great for both gamers and for designers as well. This is an extremely fast rate and a massive plus point because it will automatically shorten the rendering time. If we put it simply, you won’t feel any trouble during your work sessions and gaming hours as well.
This is a much-recommended device for all the gamers and non-gamers like 3D designers in this list of best laptops for 3D modeling. It provides great value for money. The only loophole in this otherwise perfect laptop is its short battery life. It will only provide you with just above 6 hours per day.
Also, the device is pretty huge in its size so you definitely can’t categorize it as a slim and sleek device. Small issues such as lack of portability and short battery-life can be compromised for the ultra brilliant features this device is providing.
Benefits:
- Extremely rapid refresh-rate
- Port selections are decent
- Strong build quality
- Upgrades are easy
- Powerful processor
Drawbacks:
- Short battery life
- Lack of portability
- Bulky design that is not easy to carry around
ASUS ROG Zephyrus M
Price: $1,691.07
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Another impeccable piece of machine that was designed for high-end gaming besides the Acer Predator Helios 300 is this ASUS Rog Zephyrus M that is also pretty good for both gamers and 3D designers. It can be perfectly used for 3D modeling and high-end rendering, simulations and gaming that is the reason it is here in the list of best laptops for 3D modeling.
It also packs 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage and an Intel Core i7 processor along with NVIDIA graphics card. The only main difference between Helios 300 and Asus Zephyrus is the difference in price. Predator is almost half of the price the sale price of the Zephyrus M. Therefore, it becomes the most suitable option for budget-free customers that are looking to spend some cash on a high-end device.
The design is pretty simple and doesn’t have something that costs extra. So, it is completely up to you if you’re okay with the less stylish design then you can pay a few extra bucks for it. It is a bulky machine and weighs just a little less than Helios 300.
The design is ultra-slim and the aluminum brushed finish also gives it a pretty sophisticated look. The weight is around 5 pounds and it is heavy because the machine comes packed with 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD storage. This is a huge advantage as it saves you from running in the search of extra space and storage capacity.
Also, you wouldn’t need to worry about the safety and protection of this device because the company has taken care of it already. This device comes with protection features that allow the increase of airflow and helps in reducing the temperature.
It also plays a vital role in improving the overall stability of the device. However, the cooling fan will produce a sound that might become bothering at times. You’d also get a pretty average battery-life just like the Predator Helios 300.
Benefits:
- Genuine premium-level laptop
- A lot of storage capacity
- Graphics performance is supreme
- Protection system against head & dust
- Slightly thin in terms of build
Drawbacks:
- Protection fan can make noise
- Battery life is average
New Apple MacBook Pro
Price: $2,499
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Apple laptops or simply known as MacBooks are not specifically designed for gaming and they are mostly used by high-end professionals for their office work. Also, MacBooks are a pretty great source of achieving effective results in 3D modeling and designing.
The MacBook Pro is one of the best laptops for 3D modeling and animation work when it comes to Apple machines. As you know already, MacBooks and Apple products are quite expensive and not in everybody’s reach. However, you can get the assurance of high-quality results with this device.
It comes with an insane Intel 9th generation Core i9 processor. Apple products are known for being ahead of its time. Here we are witnessing the example in the shape of the i9 processor while the majority of the customers around the world are still using i3s, i5s and i7s.
If you’re buying this Apple MacBook, you’re basically adding a powerhouse to your working equipment. With these kinds of features, you’re going to get a powerful performance with 16GB short-term and 1TB long-term memory.
It is going to provide a lot of value for its high-price and you won’t miss any single working detail while working on this beauty.
The new Apple MacBook Pro is also a pretty great attraction because of its high-quality graphics and visual pleasure. You’d get an amazing high-pixel-count with its retina display just like the other MacBooks. It has the ability to provide great coloring detail with the help of 3072×1920 pixels per count.
You get what you pay for is a perfect example of the Apple MacBook Pro because not everyone can afford to have such a luxurious machine. The AppleCare protection plan is well equipped to save you from unpleasant events such as drops and spills. It is relatively lower in weight than that of Helios 300 and Zephyrus M whilst it provides great battery life in 11 hours.
There are other additional luxuries in this machine and we shall start the list with Touch Bar, Touch ID, Ultra-fast SSD, speaker system and force-canceling woofers. It also comes with a magic keyboard for instant and comfortable typing. Overall, this device can’t be questioned for its ability to handle 3D modeling tasks.
Benefits:
- Retina Display
- The audio system is improved
- Battery life is great
- CPU is upgraded
Drawbacks:
- Very much expensive
Lenovo ThinkPad P71
Price: $1,966.99
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Lenovo has been making huge strides in almost every single industry and their ThinkPad P71 is also pretty great for modeling and animating 3D designs. This machine comes with a large 17.3-inch screen that allows you to enjoy colors in great detail.
It can also be upgraded pretty easily but we would suggest you to go with the 16GB RAM along with 500GB HDD and 128GB SSD model. You can also choose a lower RAM/Processor in its different available models. You can also opt for P71 ThinkPad with 64GB RAM which is an insane speed and carries the ability to run and precede all of your programs at once.
It also comes with a built-in graphics card and that makes it a pretty suitable device for animation and 3D rendering. People mostly go for NVIDIA GeForce GPUs but artists that are looking for video editing and animations would go for NVIDIA Quadro GPU.
When it comes to 3D animations and rendering experts, they know the importance of a high-quality laptop with stunning graphics. Graphic cards are basically installed in the computers to boost the quality of viewing and that is why the Quadro GPU is higher in price than the ones with GeForce. It is because; they are focused on running professional and heavy applications.
If we talk about its core features then the ThinkPad P71 comes with a great resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. You can imagine the quality with a 17.3-inch screen. You’d also get a fingerprint reader on its backlit keyboard along with a NumberPad as well. There are two Thunderbolts 3, four USB 3.0 Type-As and a docking connector with Mini DisplayPort1.2. You’d also get the HDMI port for external connections.
The build quality is overall pretty strong because the design is overwhelmingly heavy. It weighs more than 7 pounds and it would be a daunting task to carry it around every time.
This is perhaps the only major loophole of this device along with average resolution on Webcam. This laptop, for obvious reasons, cannot become your travel buddy however; people that are in love with Quadro graphics have decided to compromise on the ultra-heavy design.
Benefits:
- Quadro graphics are a big plus
- Ultra-large display
- Unlimited ports
- Battery life is good
Drawbacks:
- Average resolution
- Extremely heavy in size
MSI GT63 TITAN-052
Price: $2,333.86
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As we have discussed before, laptops that are suitable for gaming and other related activities are mostly good enough to carry out 3D modeling and rendering tasks. Such is the case with MSI GT63.
This amazing device is extremely suitable for tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, rendering etc. Features are good enough for these demanding applications and it comes with an 8th generation i7 GPU along with NVIDIA GeForce GTX1080 graphics card. This beauty from GeForce is good enough to carry out the video editing requirements.
It comes with a 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD Storage along with 1TB HDD. It has two display options at 17.3-inch and 15.6-inch display. The laptop weight rises up to around 6.5 pounds on the 15.6-inch screen on a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.
The video editors will also enjoy the advanced audio technology along with its variety of ports. The GT73 comes with 1 SD, 3 USB-3 Ports, a Killer LAN along with an HDMI and USB Type-C. There is a mini display as well along with an AC power port. You won’t feel any shortage of connectivity options as far as your video and audio equipment is concerned.
You must keep your charger all the time with you because the battery life is not so great and the heavy cumbersome design can also be described as one of the discrepancies of this machine.
Finally, the price is expensive-almost the same as the MacBook Pro price, and some users feel the value is not justified by the high cost. However, the undisputed fact is that video editing is a fantastic option in this device, particularly because of the high-end audio functions. So, it is a member from Apple in the list of best laptops for 3D modeling.
Benefits:
- Unlimited ports
- The color boosting feature is great
- It has 6-core processors
- The audio quality is stunning
- It comes with an Anti-glare screen
Drawbacks:
- Battery life is not great
- Pretty expensive
Dell Laptops
Price: $1,179
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There are lots of fans of Dell laptops because these machines from Dell are actually spread everywhere. They are great for both office and household use.
We are going to talk about another powerful device from Dell that is pretty suitable for all the 3D designers that are looking for a laptop at an affordable price. This member in the list of best laptops for 3D modeling is not only extremely good for 3D modeling but also comes at a very reasonable price.
You might feel that the i5 processor is a bit slower but it is still good enough to carry out heavy 3D modeling tasks. The price is also reasonable for its 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD along with 1TB HDD.
The GTX 1060 Graphics Card is suitable for carrying out a wide variety of 3D modeling activities. Running on the Windows 10 OS, it has a well-designed keyboard, superior connectivity and graphics are absolutely breathtaking.
It’s not as impressive as Helios 300 or MacBook Pro, but once still pretty decent in terms of performance. Dell has done everything possible to provide this device’s users with a more realistic visual input.
The two front-firing speakers in this device are another additional luxury because such a high-quality sound can’t be expected from such an affordable device. Waves MaxxAudio Pro has powered these speakers and they have the ability to give you precise and accurate results in terms of sound quality. The 2×2 WiFi antennas also play a pretty vital role in improving the speed and stability of the device.
To maximize the airflow throughout the device and for better display positioning, you get a mono-hinge design in this laptop and this function is also going to protect the machine from overheating and let it remain cool. It doesn’t matter if you’re working for long hours, you won’t feel any heat disturbing the progress of the machine.
It weighs around 6.3 pounds so you cannot call it a lightweight device. There is a problem with the i5 processor as it struggles with compatibility issues with the devices that are made with an i7 or higher processor. These issues shouldn’t be exaggerated because the available features are pretty good in this price range.
Benefits:
- Extremely affordable
- Design is pretty sleek
- The cooling feature is impeccable
- The keyboard is brilliantly engineered
- Loading is very minimal
Drawbacks:
- Heavy in size
- Processor and RAM is not ideal
Conclusion:
After reviewing all these devices that are pretty capable in their own respective ways, we have decide to name the Acer Predator Helios 300 as the most recommended laptop for 3D modeling and designing.
It comes with all the heavy and required features as the processing power and RAM memory are in abundance. Gamers will also enjoy the company of this laptop as well as the 3D artists.
All the devices in this list are pretty good performers and you can choose the most suitable device for you according to your needs, requirements and budget. They all vary in their price, performance and features. Good Luck!