10 Best Laptops For 3D Modeling And Rendering

Is your old laptop struggling to run graphics-intensive and performance-draining programs required for 3D modeling and rendering?

These tasks are handled using Maya, AutoCAD, Revit, and 3D Max. So you need a good GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) capable of handling such a workload so that your CPU and RAM (Random Access Memory) don’t have to take much load.

With a powerful GPU, you also need high RAM and ample storage, added with a higher screen resolution and a relatively large screen size. 

However, with so many intricate technical details to look out for in an expansive range of high-performance laptops available on the market, one might get overwhelmed. So, we have reviewed some of the best laptops out there suitable for your 3D printing and rendering jobs. We also have provided a detailed buyer’s guide in the end, which will help you choose the ideal laptop. 

Now, without further ado, let’s dig in!  

Top Laptops For 3D Modeling And Rendering

1. Apple ‎MK183LL/A

Apple is a premier name in the technology market and manufactures exquisite technological products for its consumers. Keeping up with this reputation, the company has developed a powerful workstation laptop in its Macbook Pro series. Powered by Apple M1 Max and M1 pro chips, it delivers lag-free performance, so you won’t have to worry about your creativity getting hampered. 

The flagship portable laptop by Apple is a finely engineered and highly octane workstation that is sure to thrill content creators and creative workers. Powered by a blazing-fast M1 Max and M1 Pro chip, 10-core CPU, and 32-core GPU, it delivers groundbreaking performance and next-level battery life of up to 21 hours. So, you can easily handle compiling code, 8K video editing, or rendering 3D images. 

In terms of display, it boasts a Liquid Retina XDR that delivers an incredible contrast ratio and extreme dynamic range. Amazing details in shadows, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors will take your viewing and working experience to the next level. 

Now, the greater the number of ports, the more feasible it will be to communicate with peripherals and networks. Likewise, it ensures greater connectivity with five ports, including HDMI, SDXC, Thunderbolt 4, a MagSafe power connector, and a headphone jack. 

Plus, the Force Touch Trackpad and Magic Keyboard with sturdy keys make for an effortless user experience. You will have no trouble flicking the cursor around the screen accurately and spend hours editing documents.  

The only drawback in this otherwise flawless device is its premium price, as with most Apple products. Some people might want a laptop with similar features but at a lower price. However, that won’t be too much of a problem as most Apple users understand the value they get from these products and consider them a viable investment. 

2. MSI ‎Creator 15

Being the world’s leading brand, MSI is the most trusted name in eSports and gaming. With unprecedented efforts and innovation, they stand by their principles of breakthroughs in design and rolling out the best product on the market in terms of performance and design. The Creator 15 A11UE-491 is no exception and can be one of the most reliable options. 

This high-performance gaming laptop comes with the latest 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor, delivering up to 4.6GHz dual-core turbo frequency. It gives a cross-generational processing power that’s ideal for your pro-level processing tasks and allows you to multitask seamlessly. 

Powered by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 dedicated graphics card, it is capable of delivering up to 2x rendering performance and 2x graphics memory. Editing 8K HDR videos and working with extra-large 3D models is snappier than ever. 

In terms of its visuals, striking visuals delivered by True Pixel OLED display can revamp your movie-viewing experience. The self-lightning pixels produce vibrant and realistic colors in video playback, so you can edit your high-resolution pictures with more intricacy. 

Apart from that, it’s integrated with the latest Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers a smooth browsing experience by maintaining a stable and smooth network, even in a crowded environment. Your creative genius never gets interrupted with its low latency and outstanding throughput.  

After months of testing the product, we could not find many drawbacks that can hamper your user experience. However, you might find the noise of the fan somewhat annoying at times, but other than that, if you want a good laptop for carrying high-performance intensive jobs, this will be a suitable option. 

3. GIGABYTE ‎AERO 15

For professionals seeking power and mobility to perform their 3D modeling and rendering jobs, the Gigabyte Aero 15 is one of the best models, thanks to its impressive specs. Its exceptional display and powerful CPU a scene-stealers that ensure your creativity is not compromised under any circumstances. 

Running heavy software fundamentally and, most importantly, requires a high-performance CPU and GPU. With the presence of the Intel Core i7-10870H CPU, performing CPU-intensive and high-end processing tasks becomes a breeze on this laptop. When needed, its base clocking speed of 2.6GHz can be turbocharged. It helps get things done faster, but it’s recommended not to do it unless required, as it makes the system unstable. 

Furthermore, it runs an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, one of the fastest GTX modules available. Integrated with 8GB of video memory, it helps you perform graphics-intensive 3D modeling and rendering tasks efficiently.   

Another critical aspect to look out for in a workspace laptop is its storage. In this model, you get an ultra-fast 512GB SSD module, which can further be expanded if needed. It also boasts a responsive 15.6 inch 4K display panel and DisplayHDR technology that amplifies your movie viewing, gaming, and working experience.  

Lastly, the Gigabyte gaming laptop features a long-lasting battery with 8 hours of extended backup. The existence of Azure AI helps optimize performances, and you can save batteries according to usage.  

You might not find it convenient to carry the laptop around effortlessly, as compared to some other models, it is a bit on the heavier side. Other than that, we have no further complaints regarding that workstation and the unit will definitely fulfill your every single need. 

4. Dell ‎Precision 7770

Dell is a well-known name and trusted brand amongst professionals, students, gamers, and casual users. Its exquisitely designed gaming laptops are suitable for gamers and rendering professionals to meet their working needs. The Precision 7770 model appeases the statements, and its features make it a perfect option for 3D modeling and rendering. 

This mobile workstation by Dell is a powerful machine run by an Intel i7 processor that ensures you are not facing any interruptions while working on your graphics-intensive tasks. Its four multithreading cores can clock up to 4.8 GB. This makes it easy to design with applications like Maya and AutoCAD, as well as play games like Minecraft and Fortnite, which require high-end specifications. 

Additionally, it comes with the NVIDIA RTX A5500 16GB GDDR6 GPU, one of the high-end GTX on the market. Its 64GB DDR4 RAM turns it into a capable multitasker, and a 512 GB SSD doesn’t disappoint in terms of storage space and accessibility. The device also comes with Windows 10 Pro edition, mainly suitable for professionals. 

Talking about the display, it boasts a 17.3-inch FHD touchscreen display and micro-edge bezels delivering a brighter display, making it ideal for gamers and designers alike. Also, with a 1.5mm key travel and ideal placement of keys, you can work for long hours without getting tired. The RGB backlit keyboard panels are well-spaced from the fingerprint scanner. 

Lastly, its powerful Li-ion battery runs for as long as 10 hours, which means it lasts a workday and longer flights.  

One of the primary disadvantages of this laptop is its portability. It’s a bit on the heavier side, and you might get sweaty carrying it around the whole time. Other than that, it lacks an Ethernet port, but you can use a Thunderbolt adapter to connect the laptop to another device. 

5. Apple ‎MKGT3LL/A

If price is not an issue for you and you prefer Apple over any other brand, the MKGT3LL/A may be the perfect option. This model was released alongside its 16-inch model in October 2021 and had certain differences in features from its sibling. So, let’s have a detailed look at its features. 

MKGT3LL/A, recently unveiled by Apple, is smaller than its sibling model and surely won’t disappoint you in terms of performance, display, and long battery life. The model is powered by the choice of M1 Max and M1 Pro, the most impressive chips manufactured by Apple so far. 

It is a compact device that provides a great selection of ports- offering one HDMI port, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 port, and an SDXC card slot. Being a truly professional laptop, it allows you to compile and test complex code, arrange elaborate music scores, edit 8K footage, and quickly render jobs.  

Additionally, its Liquid Retina XDR display takes your movie viewing, gaming, and working experience to a whole new level. However, delivering such exhilarating visuals can consume battery rapidly in many laptops, which is not the case with this model. A battery backup of 17 hours means your creative worm can function longer without any interruption.  

This particular model of Apple comes at a price lower than its 16-inch variant, but it still can still require some buyers to stretch their budget. You will find other models on the market with similar specifications, but this will certainly be a worthy investment if you are ready to invest such a large sum. Also, it does not come with a fingerprint reader, as with products in a similar range. 

6. ASUS Zenbook

ASUS is dedicated to designing and manufacturing products suitable for fulfilling all the needs of an individual. Whether you are a gamer, a professional, a college student, or need a system for casual use, they have everything under their umbrella. ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo is a perfect gaming laptop that delivers precision, performance, and power all at once. 

Right off the bat, this powerful gaming laptop gives us so many things to like. Its Intel Core i7-10750H CPU is the fastest processor for gaming and 3D modeling. A decent clocking speed of 4.7 GHz provides a significant turbo clocking rate for handling rendering tasks.  

Along with its turbocharging clocking speed and multithreading technology, the unit comes with a powerful 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. It helps in 3D animations and game development by running highly intensive CAD applications like Maya and CATIA and allowing a renderer to use the GPU accelerometer. 

As a renderer, you need to work on large data sets, and this is where the 16GB RAM support of this device comes in handy. Also, the space required to save a final 3D file can be a sizable one, but with the 1TB SSD, it will be a piece of cake. 

Last but not least, it comes with two 4K touch panels and its 15.6 primary display offers a total of 3840 x 2160 pixels, featuring a 60Hz refresh rate. Beyond that, its advanced, backlit keyboard and intuitive Screenpad Plus will be a treat for photography and drawing enthusiasts.  

3D rendering and modeling tasks require a user to spend a very long time working on a laptop, and hence it will be beneficial to have efficient battery life. However, the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo doesn’t provide that powerful of a battery, which can be an issue sometimes. Also, some users might find it a bit heavy to carry around. 

7. MSI ‎Creator Z16

A 3-fan behemoth, MSI Creator Z16 has unique features and will appeal to people interested in gaming and content creation. It aspires to be a premium segment leader by providing a modern-looking gaming laptop with a faster CPU, GPU, and unique display. Let’s find out what more this product has to offer. 

This model of MSI Creator Series is packed with a powerful processor, GPU, and stunning display that makes it suitable for playing any current games in 4K and running rendering applications. Its compact and slim size, with only 5.07 pounds, makes it easy to carry around. 

Talking about its display, its 16-inch screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which is lacking compared to models like Macbook Pro and Dell XPS. But, its sharp looks and screen size are enough for your gaming and rendering purposes. Plus, its 120Hz refresh rate takes an upper hand above all models within this range, providing you with a legitimate gaming experience.   

Creator Z16 is packed with powerful components within its thin chassis, which is meant for a professional audience. It gives an Intel Core i7-11800H, RTX 3060, 16GB RAM, and SSD Storage. So, working with massive data and storing large 3D render files is never an issue.   

Concerning ports, it is very limited in this gaming laptop. It doesn’t include an HDMI port, requires an A/C adapter to charge the device, and has a single Micro-SD device rather than a full-sized one.  Also, its touchpad is tiny and poorly implemented, which can be a significant issue. 

8. ‎ASUS Rog Zephyrus

ASUS’ gaming division- Republic of Gamers (ROG), came up with this unique gaming laptop recently and is equipped with everything you need to fulfill your gaming pleasures and rendering jobs. It includes top-of-line graphics, processor, memory, and HD display. However, its massive and bright secondary touch display is sure to grab your attention. 

As expected from a high-calibered gaming laptop, Asus Rog Zephyrus delivers in each performance aspect. Given the hardware it boasts, the laptop can easily handle complicated tasks, high-end gaming, and rendering tasks. It comes with the latest Ryzen 9 5900HX Processor, 1TB SSD storage, 16GB RAM, and RTX 3080 GPU, making it a beast. 

The secondary display or ScreenPad Plus is bound to empower some serious gaming enhancements. In terms of “enhancements,” dedicated panels track your in-game advancements. It is bound to be a massive help in your regular gaming bouts. The extra display makes it essential to place all its components meticulously to ensure a smooth user experience. 

In terms of battery backup, you get five to six hours to do your creative task, which can be sufficient for anyone on a single go. Also, its microphones and speakers are pretty impressive, which ensures your Zoom calls are much clearer. 

The powerful and high-end gaming laptop by Asus delivers an impeccable gaming experience but there are specific issues with this model. Firstly, the keyboard has been stiffed in a small area due to the integration of a large secondary screen. It, in turn, affects your working experience. 

Also, due to lack of space, the touchpad has been shifted to the right side. So, it might be difficult for left-handers to work with it.  

9. Razer Blade 15

This feature-packed gaming laptop by Razer Blade is perfectly suitable for 3D modeling and rendering jobs without any hassle. Featuring an excellent processor and powerful battery, it ensures you are within your working deadline. 

Razer Blade 15 comes with an Intel Core i7-10750H CPU which can clock up to 5GHz with a turbocharger. So, 3D modeling on platforms like AutoCAD, ANSYS, and others is a child play on this device. Its 8GB VRAM and GeForce RTX 2070 GPU are equally powerful. With the graphics processor at the helm, you can easily run modeling software like Blender. 

In terms of storage, it brings 16GB of storage on which you can multitask efficiently. Besides that, the graphics speed is boosted with a 512GB SSD unit that is expansive, and fast, and boots up the Windows 10 OS faster than usual. 

With a 15.6-inch Matte panel and a 144Hz refresh rate, the system is great for 3D modeling, courtesy of a 1920 x 1080 pixels overall resolution. Additionally, its battery backup is nearly 6 hours, which allows you to work for a more extended period.  

The significant disadvantage of the system is that it can get very noisy at times. 3D modeling tasks require concentration and attention to detail, so you might not want anything to disrupt that. Also, it might not be as handy compared to other systems in the list. 

10. Dell ‎‎XPS 17

If you are looking for portability and love working on the go, then Dell XPS 17 is an excellent choice. It is a compact in size and lightweight device. Also, it comes with a 17-inch display screen added with a powerful processor and GPU that runs your 3D modeling applications like AutoCAD without breaking a sweat.   

A power-packed processor is crucial for any gaming laptop to be used for rendering and 3D modeling jobs. Its core i7 processors ensure that your creative juices never stop flowing in your head and work longer. Also, its stunning display comes with a UHD-plus display, making you much more productive. 

Now, with this laptop, take your creative game to a new level through a powerful NVIDIA RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 GPU. It will deliver an AI acceleration to most high-performance apps, thereby boosting their performance and allowing you to complete the tasks effortlessly.  Also, its 32 GB RAM, 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive makes sure you never run out of storage space.

Added to it, the device has 2 Thunderbolts, a Full-size SD card reader, a 3.5mm microphone jack, and a wedge-shaped lock slot means you always remain connected.   

Despite being a powerful laptop with an average battery life, the device heats up after intensively using it for one or two hours. It can be a significant issue when working on large rendering tasks. You will need to purchase separate laptop cooling pads available on the market. Other than that, its touchpad can feel wobbly at times. 

Best Laptops for 3D Modeling Comparison Table

Laptops for 3D Modeling and Rendering Buying Guide

Now that you have an idea about the type of laptops needed to perform rendering jobs, it’s time to choose one that suits your purpose. However, you are bound to get baffled by many technical details and components to look out for in a system, starting from the keyboard, CPU, GPU, display, and many more. 

So, let us take you on a journey where you will learn about each and become capable of making a suitable choice. 

1. CPU and RAM

Using a poor-performing system can be agonizing, especially when working on graphics-intensive modeling software. For example, 3D modeling or rendering requires huge scenes and models that take a considerable amount of your time. So, first and foremost, you need a good processor (CPU) with how much RAM it holds. 

The smoothness with which you perform your rendering tasks depends primarily on the processor’s number of cores. For beginners, you at least need the latest-gen Intel Core i5 or AMD A8 processor. Some entry-level i5 models have two cores, so keep an eye on that. For laptops running on AMD, you can have the A8 or A10 series. 

As far as RAM is concerned, 8GB will be adequate, in our opinion, yet you can look for upgrades. 

If you are a professional renderer, we highly recommend you go for AMD’s FX series and Intel Core i7 processors. Also, if possible, look for ones with 16GB RAM. You already have seen most gaming laptops with a similar configuration on our list. 

Additionally, the latest models of Apple MacBooks come with M1 Pro or M1 Max chips that deliver similar efficiency as Intel i7 processors. 

2. Graphics Card

Most of us assume that graphics cards are only suitable for gaming but are indispensable for ones used by designers. Almost all popular models make good use of it. If you are into professional 3D modeling, it is important to have a graphics card. 

Laptops without a GPU struggle to run massive textures and detailed graphic design involved in a complex GPU rendering project. For running these, look for the latest GPUs like Nvidia Geforce GTX 1070, Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080, or Nvidia Geforce GTX 2060 ideally. If you opt for Radeon GPUs, the R9 series will be an ideal option. 

3. Display

Operating rendering software on a small screen is a difficult task as it involves a ton of tools, menus, and color palettes. So, the general thumb role for a renderer is higher the resolution, the better. Most laptops available on the market run on 1366×768, which is good enough for web browsing, but not for serious designing tasks. 

So, we always recommend you go for screens with a resolution of 1600×900, or 1920×1080. Also, a 15-inch screen is a cardinal for the purpose. In case you are a professional and work on multiple rendering tasks at a time, connecting your laptop with a 4K monitor or TV can also be viable. 

4. Storage

Laptops usually are built with two kinds of storage: Solid-state drives (SSD) and Hard disk drives (HDD). Most commonly available laptops come with hard drives, which are more affordable than solid-state drives but much slower.  

Look at the capacity first to smoothly work on 3D rendering projects and store massive amounts of data that comes along. Powerful laptops with 1TB HDD should be enough for this purpose. Also, we suggest looking for models with SSD, which makes the loading and rendering of projects much faster. 

What are the key specifications to look for in a laptop for 3D modeling?

A high-performance processor (preferably quad-core or higher), ample RAM (16GB or more), a dedicated graphics card with VRAM, and a fast SSD are crucial for smooth 3D modeling.

Can I use integrated graphics for 3D modeling on a laptop?

While integrated graphics can handle basic 3D tasks, a dedicated graphics card is recommended for complex 3D modeling to ensure optimal performance.

Which processors are best for 3D modeling laptops?

Processors from Intel Core i7 or i9 series, or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 series, are excellent choices for 3D modeling laptops due to their high processing power.

How much RAM do I need for 3D modeling on a laptop?

A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for 3D modeling. For more complex projects, 32GB or higher may be beneficial.

Do I need a 4K display for 3D modeling on a laptop?

While a 4K display offers higher resolution and clarity, it’s not essential for 3D modeling. A high-quality, color-accurate Full HD (1080p) display can also be suitable.

Can gaming laptops be used for 3D modeling?

Yes, many gaming laptops with powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards are suitable for 3D modeling. However, consider factors like color accuracy for professional work.

Should I prioritize portability or performance for a 3D modeling laptop?

This depends on your specific needs. If you need to work on the go, consider a balance between portability and performance. For stationary work, prioritize performance.

Conclusion

With suitable configurations, performing high-end rendering tasks feels like a breeze. Even gaming laptops having an Intel Core are capable of running specialized software. So, we recommend you have a detailed look into each of the features to ensure that it suits your needs. 

Besides the components mentioned above, you should also look for the number of ports your laptops have. The greater the number, the more you remain connected. 

Before we wrap up this guide, we would like to mention some of our recommendations. If budget is not an issue, you should definitely check out the Apple ‎MK183LL/A, the latest and premium model of the company. Also, if you don’t want to spend much, we recommend you go for the Gigabyte ‎Aero 15 laptop. Its top-notch configurations surely won’t disappoint you. 

We hope you’ve got all the information needed. Stay tuned for more informative guides like this. Till then, take care!

Related Articles

10 Best Digital Notepads

11 Best Laptop Stands 

8 Best iPad Pro Drawing Case Options for Artists

7 Best Mouse for CAD Software Users

The 5 Best Tablets for Architects  

10 Best Laptops For SketchUp

Simply the Best Mouses for Photoshop  

8 Best Graphic Tablets for Beginners 

15 Best Monitors for Architects And Artists

XP Pen Artist 24 Pro Review | Huge Affordable Drawing Tablet for Pros 

11 Best Drawing Tablets Today

50 of the Best Gifts for Architects

9 Best Desktop Computers For Architects

13 Best Revit Tutorials, Courses & Training Right Now

11 Best Laptops For Architects