9 Best Laptops for Architects (2024)

What is the best laptop for Architects and Architecture Students?

Architectural practice and coursework, is not like any other, for that you’ll require a laptop suitable for many activities. Therefore, I have listed the best laptops for Architects and Architecture students.

Architectural practice uses special software, these include Revit, Lumion, 3D Max, Artlantis, ArchiCAD, Rhino and Sketchup, just to name a few. You’ll need a laptop that is quick in rendering 3Ds and executing tasks. For architecture, you require a laptop with a GPU (at least 4GB), 16GB RAM, large HDD or SSD, powerful CPU and a decent screen size and resolution.

Criteria used for best laptops for architecture students: 16GB RAM and above, 1TB SSD Storage, 6GB GPU Memory, Core i7 (or equivalent and above).

You should also take a look at best laptops for Lumion and the best laptops for Revit.

List of the Best Laptops for Architects ( 2024):

Acer Predator Helios 16 Gaming Laptop 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Check This On Amazon
CPU	13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Display Size	16"
Display Resolution	2560 x 1600 165Hz G-SYNC Display
RAM	16GB DDR5
Storage Space	1TB Gen 4 SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	USB, Audio, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1
Dimensions (L x W x H)	14.15 x 0.98 x 10.88 inches
Weight	5.73 lbs
Advantages	Display Quality, Performance
Disadvantages	RAM

This Acer laptop, comes with a 16 inch display. A 16 inch screen, provides the right balance between productivity and portability. In addition to that, this computer has a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. This is 4 times higher than HD screens. You get a high contrast ratio, high brightness levels in addition to vivid and detailed graphics. For architects, this is extremely important when rendering and doing animations.

The Acer Predator is a top 16GB RAM laptop for architects. With this capacity of RAM, you are able to run several programs at the same time. You can also switch between them quite easily without having lags, freezes or even shutdowns.

This windows laptop also packs a 1TB SSD for storage purposes. With this capacity, you are assured of storage for many years. This computer can store thousands of files, photos, music and videos. You can also install several large programs in this laptop without running out of space.

Port options in this laptop include Ethernet, HDMI, Type C, headphone jack and USB Type A. As far as weight goes, this laptop comes in at 5.73 pounds. This provides portability since it wont strain you when carried in a backpack. Which means that it is highly suitable for architecture students.

This Acer laptop has an Intel Core i7 processor. This 13^th gen CPU has clock speeds for 2.6Ghz to 5 Ghz. This means that you get good performance when required and also good battery life when needed. This processor, easily handles large and complex models, millions of polygons in projects and thousands of details.

As for the GPU, you get an RTX 4060 dedicated graphics card. You get an advantage when doing renders and animations. The rendering times is significantly cut down. This enhances productivity when doing large projects. You also get a good user experience because of the high frames per second when panning, scrolling, rotating around your model in rendering software.

HP OMEN 16 16.1 FHD 165Hz Gaming Laptop (Intel 13th Gen Core i7-13700HX, 32G DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, Geforce RTX 4060 8GB)
Check This On Amazon
CPU	Intel 13th Gen Core i7-13700HX
GPU	Geforce RTX 4060 8GB
Display Size	16.1 inches
Display Resolution	1920 x 1080
RAM	32G DDR5 RAM
Storage Space	1TB SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	USB 3.2 Gen 1.0 Type-A 5 Gbps signaling rate (HP Sleep and Charge), USB 3.2 Gen 1.0 Type-A 5 Gbps signaling rate, RJ-45 Ethernet port,
Dimensions (L x W x H)	‎14.53 x 0.93 x 10.21 inches
Weight	5.4 pounds
Advantages	Performance
Disadvantages	Heavy

For Architecture students, the HP Omen 16 laptop is a powerful choice that is best suited for use. This laptop comes with an Intel Core i7 processor. This 13^th generation CPU, is able to handle all the Architecture software such as Lumion, Revit, ArchiCAD, Sketchup and more. BIM programs, are quite dependent on the CPU for good performance, which the Omen 16 provides.

Now, lets talk about the GPU. This windows architecture computer, features a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Now, visualization and rendering software highly depend on the GPU for smooth operation. This powerful GPU, results in faster rendering times, in addition to improved frame rates.

Speaking of the display, this HP Omen 16 laptop features a 16.1 inch display. This display size, enables you to be productive, and at the same time be portable enough to be carried around. This is especially important if you are a student moving from one class to the other. As far as the resolution goes, the computer comes with a Full HD display. Which means that you get better details, vivid colors, high brightness levels in addition to a high contrast ratio.

For architecture students, multi tasking is an important part of daily life. You can be doing research, have Revit open, have several pdfs all open at the same time. Switching rapidly between these programs should not result in performance issues. This Omen 16 laptop comes with 32GB of RAM. This is more than enough to enable you to run multiple programs at the same time, and switch between them intuitively without running into performance issues such as lags and freezes.

As far as storage goes, this architect’s laptop, has 1TB SSD. The first advantage is the SSD results in better performance compared to HDD. The SSD results in faster boot time, in addition to programs opening faster and programs being more responsive. The 1TB is enough for some people, however, the good thing is that you can increase this capacity using either an internal or external storage expansion.

This windows laptop weighs 5.4 pounds, and can be easily carried around without much strain. Port options in this laptop include Type C, USB A, headphone jack, Mini Display and HDMI. These port options, enables you to connect various peripheral.

 

ASUS Flagship ROG Zephyrus M16 Gaming Laptop 16 QHD+ IPS 240Hz 13th Gen Intel 14-core i9-13900H
Check This On Amazon
CPU	13th Gen Intel 14-core i9-13900H Processor
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB
Display Size	16" QHD+
Display Resolution	(2560x1600) IPS
RAM	32GB DDR5 SDRAM
Storage Space	1TB Solid State Drive
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	1 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-C 3.2, 2 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Dimensions (L x W x H)	9.69 x 13.98 x 0.88 inches
Weight	‎4.64 pounds
Advantages	Lightweight, Good performance, Quality Display
Disadvantages	Price

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022) Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 240Hz IPS QHD Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, Intel Core i9 12900H, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD
Check This On Amazon
CPU	12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H Processor - 24M Cache, up to 5.0 GHz, 14 cores (6 P-cores and 8 E-cores)
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 16GB GDDR6
Display Size	15.6”
Display Resolution	Quad HD (2560 x 1440) IPS Type Display with 100% DCI-P3
RAM	32GB DDR5 4800MHz
Storage Space	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	Ethernet, HDMI, Audio
Dimensions (L x W x H)	‎13.94 x 10.2 x 1.07 inches
Weight	‎5.07 pounds
Advantages	Performance, Storage, Screen Quality
Disadvantages	Expensive

The Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 laptop is a good choice for most architects who want a quality laptop. This laptop is well designed, with good build quality, has a long battery life and gets good performance.

With this laptop, you get an i9 processor. With this 12^th generation CPU, you can run both large and small projects comfortably on your laptop. When handling complex and detailed projects, there are some laptops that slow down and hung which reduces productivity. This laptop does not do that.

When it comes to the GPU, this Asus laptop packs an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 dedicated graphics card. When rendering scenes, you get faster results, detailed photos in addition to high frame rates when panning and rotating your model in visualization software.

This laptop comes with a 15.6 inch display. This is the most common size of laptop in the market today (for a reason). Most architects find this size and the right one for being productive, and at the same time being portable enough to be comfortably carried around.

With the 2560 x 1440 pixels of resolution, the Strix 15 gives you detailed images and videos, a high contrast ratio in addition to high brightness levels. Port options in this laptop include USB Gen 1 Type , Type A, HDMI, Ethernet, headphone jack. With these ports, you can connect many peripherals, storage expansions and extra devices to your laptop.

This laptop comes with 1TB SSD of internal storage. For the start, this is enough storage for files, photos, videos and documents. As time goes by, you will have to expand this capacity using an expansion drive.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-46-R0EQ Gaming Laptop AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Octa-Core CPU NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU 15.6 QHD FreeSync 165Hz IPS 32GB DDR5 1TB Gen 4 SSD
Check This On Amazon
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Octa-Core
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU
Display Size	15.6 inches
Display Resolution	2560x1440 pixels
RAM	32 GB DDR5
Storage Space	1TB Gen 4 SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	1 - USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C & USB Charging, 2 - USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports (One Featuring Power-off Charging), 1 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port, 1 - HDMI 2.1 Port with HDCP Support, 1 - Ethernet (RJ-45) Port, 1 - Headphone/Microphone-in Jack
Dimensions (L x W x H)	14.31 x 10.74 x 1.16 inches
Weight	‎4.19 pounds
Advantages	Good performance
Disadvantages	Quite expensive

The Acer Nitro 5 is a mid range architecture laptop that comes with a Ryzen processor and mid range graphics card. The advantage of this laptop, is the fact that it is affordable and has a long battery life. In addition to that, you get a large storage capacity.

This Acer laptop, comes with an Ryzen 7 6800H processor. This high end processor that can handle all the architecture programs available in the market today. This laptop, enables you to run complex and large projects in Revit without having any performance issues.

The Nitro 5, comes with a RTX 3070 Ti dedicated Nvidia GeForce Graphics card. This is a mid level GPU that is not suitable for rendering very large projects. It is suitable for architecture students and designers.

As far as multi tasking is concerned, this laptop packs 32GB of RAM. This means that you can run multiple programs at the same time without running into lags, or the computer hanging when switching between programs.

This laptop comes with a 15.6 inch display, in addition to a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The 15.6 inch screen, is large enough for productivity. With the Full HD resolution, you get to enjoy vivid colors, detailed graphics, in addition to a high contrast ratio and brightness.

Architecture requires at least 1TB of internal storage. This laptop provides just that. With the 1TB, you are able to store thousands of files, documents, photos and videos. You can also comfortably install large programs in your laptop.

You get ports such as USB Type C, Type A, Mini display port, HDMI in addition to a headphone jack.

acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS Octa-Core CPU NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Check This On Amazon
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS Octa-Core
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Display Size	17.3"
Display Resolution	QHD 165Hz IPS Display
RAM	16GB
Storage Space	1TB Gen 4 SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	hdmi, usb, Ethernet, Audio
Dimensions (L x W x H)	15.76 x 1.1 x 11.55 inches
Weight	6.61 lbs
Advantages	Performance
Disadvantages	Weight

The Acer Nitro 17 laptop is a powerful machine that is stylish and has a long battery life, with the ability to be used by architects for modeling, rendering and designing. This laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor. This CPU ensures that the performance is top notch when handling large projects in your BIM programs.

Speaking of the graphics card, the Nvidia RTX 4060 discrete GPU, can handle large and complex animations, renders and scenes. This GPU, significantly reduces the time it takes to render a scene. This also results in faster frame rates in models with thousands of polygon count.

When it comes to the display, this Acer Nitro 17 laptop has a 17.3 inch screen. With this, you get a portable and productive laptop. The screen is large enough for a smooth workflow, in addition to being lightweight for easy movement. Anything smaller than 14 inches leads to straining when modeling your designs. Anything larger than 17 inches leads to problems with weight and portability.

This laptop has a storage capacity of 1TB. This capacity, is enough if you’ll not have large programs and thousands of video and photo files in your laptop. The good thing is that the storage capacity of this laptop can be increased using and expansion card.

The SSD also ensures that you get faster program launches and extremely fast boot times.

MSI 2023 Cyborg 15.6inch 144HZ FHD Gaming Laptop, 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
Check This On Amazon
CPU	13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
Display Size	15.6/inch
Display Resolution	‎1920 x 1080 Pixels
RAM	32GB DDR5 RAM
Storage Space	2TB NVMe SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	HDMI, Ethernet, Audio
Dimensions (L x W x H)	14.2 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
Weight	‎4.1 pounds
Advantages	Lightweight, Good performance
Disadvantages	None

The MSI Cyborg is an Architecture multi tasking laptop with 32GB RAM and 2TB of storage. This is a powerful laptop that is future proof and can be used for several years to come. This laptop comes with an Intel Core i7 processor. This 13^th generation CPU ensures that you get good performance without issues such as lags when dealing with large scale projects.

When it comes to the graphics card, this MSI laptop has a dedicated RTX 4050 GPU. With this GPU, you are assured of reduced rendering times when using programs such as 3DS max and Lumion. To add to that, you get faster frame rates when using these programs.

Now, lets talk about the main advantage of this MSI laptop. Here, you get 32GB of RAM. With this capacity, you can run multiple programs at the same time, and switch between them intuitively without running into performance issues. The 32 GB RAM also enables you to load more and larger assets into your models.

The MSI Cyborg is a 2TB architecture laptop that can be used for storing large programs, files, photos, videos and documents. With the 2TB SSD, you get the ability to retain your work for several years without the need to delete files to make space for some more. The NVMe SSD, leads to faster boot times, programs will also launch faster as a result.

This windows laptop, only weighs 4.1 pounds. This means that you can easily commute with this computer, and carry it in your backpack without much strain. Port options for connecting your peripherals include USB, Ethernet, headphone jack and more.

 

MSI Titan GT77 17.3 UHD 120Hz Gaming Laptop Intel Core i7-12800HX RTX 3070 Ti 32GB DDR5 1TB NVMe SSD
Check This On Amazon
CPU	Intel Core i7-12800HX
GPU	RTX 3070 Ti
Display Size	17.3"
Display Resolution	4K UHD, 120Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3
RAM	‎32 GB DDR5
Storage Space	1 TB SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	USB, Ethernet, Audio
Dimensions (L x W x H)	‎15.63 x 12.99 x 0.91 inches
Weight	13.95 pounds
Advantages	Performance
Disadvantages	Very Heavy

One of the most powerful computers in this list of best laptops for architecture students is the MSI GT77 laptop. This premium laptop packs an Intel core i7 12^th generation CPU. This processor, can reach a clock speed of 5 Ghz and a minimum of 2.6Ghz. This wide range of clock speed provides enough performance when needed, in addition to having the ability to conserve power. The processor handles BIM programs such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and Revit without any performance issues.

Speaking of the graphics card, the MSI packs an Nvidia RTX 3070. This comes with 6GB of GDDDR6 VRAM. The line of graphics card is able to handle architectural graphic intensive software for rendering and animation.

This 17 inch MSI architecture laptop has a screen resolution of 4K pixels. The larger display, can significantly improve your productivity since you have larger screen space to work with. However, you get a slight increase in weight because of this. The 4k display assures you of great details, vivid colors in addition to a high contrast ratio. This laptop can also be used in bright rooms and opposite windows since the screen has low reflectivity and anti-glare.

Most of the time, architects have several programs running in the background at the same time. This Top 32GB RAM architecture laptop, gives you the ability to run many architecture programs at the same time. You can have Revit open, Lumion with LiveSync, pdf files and several browser tabs all open at the same time. You can switch between the, easily, without running into performance issues such as lags and freezes.

One huge advantage about this laptop, that I like, is the large storage capacity of 1TB SSD. If used moderately for normal files, photos, music, videos and storage, this capacity can last for several years without the need for an upgrade. In addition to that, the SSD leads to faster boot times, and programs generally open faster.

This windows laptop weighs 14 pounds. You get ports such as USB, Ethernet, HDMI and headphone jack.

HP Victus 16-E0161NR AMD RYZEN 7 5800H 3.2GHZ 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz 512GB PCIe NVMe 16.1” FHD 144HZ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
Check This On Amazon
CPU	AMD RYZEN 7 5800H
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
Display Size	16.1”
Display Resolution	1920 x 1080 pixels
RAM	16GB DDR4
Storage Space	512GB PCIe NVMe
Operating System	Windows 11
Ports	USB, Ethernet, Audio, HDMI
Dimensions (L x W x H)	23.5 x 13.82 x 2.8 inches
Weight	‎7.78 pounds
Advantages	Good performance
Disadvantages	Heavy