As someone who has spent countless hours working with CAD software, I know that finding the best laptop for SOLIDWORKS 2022 can be a daunting task. It's not just about getting a powerful machine; it's about finding the right balance of performance, portability, and price. With an ever-growing number of laptops available on the market, it's essential to know which ones will deliver the optimal SOLIDWORKS experience.
To help you in your search, I've meticulously reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet, comparing recent releases and their specs, as well as evaluating professional and user-generated reviews. I've narrowed down the top laptops for SOLIDWORKS 2022 based on criteria specific to the application, such as CPU performance, dedicated GPU, and high-quality display options, all while keeping an eye on various price ranges.
When it comes to running SOLIDWORKS 2022, it's crucial to have a laptop that can handle complex assemblies, large part files, and resource-intensive rendering tasks. Users who frequently collaborate with team members or participate in design competitions like Formula SAE or Solar Decathlon will appreciate a reliable machine that minimizes downtime and maximizes productivity. With this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the best laptop for your SOLIDWORKS 2022 needs, ensuring smooth performance and an enjoyable design experience.
The best processor that will work optimally with SOLIDWORKS 2022 in 2022
If you're looking for a laptop for SOLIDWORKS 2022, then you need to pay attention to the processor. This is especially true if you want a powerful and reliable workstation.
In late 2022, the laptop processor landscape will be quite different than what it is now. Apple has released their own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules that offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has also managed to take 20% of the CPU market by releasing their 6th generation Ryzen processors. Intel's 13th-gen processors have yet to reach laptops, where 12th generation is currently Intel's latest offering. Both Intel and Apple's silicon chips have adopted hybrid performance/efficiency core designs (based on big.LITTLE). If you need a good battery life in a PC laptop, then Ryzen models are the best choice.
When it comes to 3D modeling with SolidWorks, you don't need the most powerful CPU available – but you still need something that can keep up with your workflow. Fortunately, the latest Intel and AMD processors are more than capable of handling the software. You should look for a CPU with multiple cores and hyperthreading, as well as a high frequency (measured in GHz). To get an idea of the performance of each processor, you can compare benchmarks such as PassMark and Cinebench R23.
If you're on a tight budget, then an Intel i5-10500H should be enough for most tasks in SolidWorks 2022. For a better experience, I'd recommend going for an i5-11400H or an i9-11900H if you can afford it. Of course, these are just recommendations – you may find that another processor performs better for your particular use case.
The best graphics for SOLIDWORKS 2022 in 2022
The GPU market is constantly changing, and as of late 2022, Nvidia's RTX 30 series of cards are the current top choice for laptop GPUs. These cards offer good performance-per-watt and can handle 3D modeling in SolidWorks with ease. However, it's important to remember that a dedicated GPU is not necessary for most 3D modeling tasks.
If you do decide to invest in a dedicated GPU, it's important to know how to determine if it is actually fast enough for your workflow. The best way to do this is to look at benchmarks from a trusted source such as 3DMark. This will give you an idea of the actual performance of the GPU, which can help you make an informed decision.
To make things easier, we've compiled a table of recommended GPUs for 3D modeling, VR, and gaming. This table includes the minimum, recommended, and high-end GPUs based on their benchmark scores:
| Minimum | Recommended | High-end |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 3050 | GeForce RTX 2060 | GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q |
Ultimately, your choice of GPU should be based on your budget and your workflow. If you don't plan on doing any gaming or VR, then the minimum recommended card should suffice. But if you want to get the most out of your laptop, then investing in a higher-end GPU may be worth it.
The right memory
As of late 2022, memory technology has advanced significantly, making DDR5 RAM more accessible than ever. SolidWorks is a memory-hungry application, so you'll need at least 16 GB of RAM for daily use. 32 GB would be ideal if you're working with complex models or rendering, while 64 GB is an option if you want to future-proof your machine. However, the difference between DDR4 and DDR5 is not as significant as it used to be, so don't feel obligated to get the latest standard if it's outside your budget.
If you're looking for a workstation-class laptop, then make sure it has at least two slots for RAM modules – this way, you can upgrade the amount of RAM in the future without having to replace the entire module (which is often not cost-effective). Additionally, keep an eye out for RAM modules with low latency (CL), high frequency, and single rank design for better performance.
To help you make an informed decision about the right RAM for your laptop, here's a quick breakdown of what to expect at each price point:
| Price Range | Memory Type | Minimum RAM | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | DDR4 | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Mid-Range | DDR4 | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| High-End | DDR5 | 32 GB | 64 GB |
Answering Your Burning SOLIDWORKS Laptop Questions
Q: Which laptop is best for SOLIDWORKS 2022?
The best laptop for SOLIDWORKS 2022 depends on your specific needs and budget. However, we can provide some recommendations based on the current market. The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71, priced at $730, offers a good balance of performance and affordability. For a higher-end option, you can consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i, priced at $960. If budget is not a concern and you want the maximum performance, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and ASUS ROG Strix G15 G513RM, both priced at RECOMMENDATIONS_ALL,500, are excellent choices.
What are the system requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop?
The system requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop are as follows:
- Graphics: Minimum requirement is a GeForce RTX 3050, medium requirement is a GeForce RTX 2060, and maximum requirement is a GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q.
- Memory: Minimum requirement is 16 GB, medium requirement is 32 GB, and maximum requirement is 64 GB.
- Processor: Minimum requirement is an Intel Core i5-10500H, medium requirement is an Intel Core i5-11400H, and maximum requirement is an Intel Core i9-11900H.
Can I run SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a gaming laptop?
Yes, you can run SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a gaming laptop. In fact, some gaming laptops offer powerful hardware that can handle the demanding requirements of SOLIDWORKS. Just make sure the gaming laptop meets the recommended system requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2022, including the graphics card, memory, and processor specifications.
How much RAM is recommended for SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop?
The recommended amount of RAM for SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop is 32 GB. This amount of memory will provide smooth performance and allow you to work with large assemblies and complex designs without experiencing slowdowns. However, if you work with extremely large datasets or perform simulations, you might benefit from having 64 GB of RAM.
What graphics card is recommended for SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop?
The recommended graphics card for SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop depends on your usage and budget. For optimal performance, we recommend a GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q. However, if you're on a tighter budget, a GeForce RTX 2060 or even a GeForce RTX 3050 will still provide a decent level of performance for SOLIDWORKS 2022.
Is an Intel Core i5 processor sufficient for running SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop?
Yes, an Intel Core i5 processor can be sufficient for running SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop, especially if you're working with smaller assemblies and less complex designs. However, to ensure smoother performance and better multitasking capabilities, we recommend considering an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, especially if you work with larger assemblies or perform computationally intensive tasks.
Can I use a MacBook for SOLIDWORKS 2022?
Officially, SOLIDWORKS 2022 is not supported on macOS, so running it directly on a MacBook is not possible. However, you can use virtualization software or dual boot your MacBook with Windows to run SOLIDWORKS 2022. Keep in mind that running SOLIDWORKS on a MacBook may have limitations, and it's essential to ensure your MacBook meets the recommended system requirements, especially in terms of graphics card, memory, and processor.
Are gaming laptops suitable for running SOLIDWORKS 2022?
Yes, gaming laptops can be suitable for running SOLIDWORKS 2022. Many gaming laptops offer powerful hardware, including high-performance graphics cards, ample memory, and fast processors, making them capable of handling the demands of SOLIDWORKS. Just ensure that the gaming laptop meets the recommended system requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2022 to ensure optimal performance.
Can I use a touchscreen laptop for SOLIDWORKS 2022?
Yes, you can use a touchscreen laptop for SOLIDWORKS 2022. SOLIDWORKS supports touch input, allowing you to interact with your designs using touch gestures and the stylus. However, keep in mind that touchscreens are not a necessity for SOLIDWORKS, and most users still prefer to use a mouse and keyboard for precision and efficiency.
What are the minimum storage requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2022 on a laptop?
The minimum storage requirements for SOLIDWORKS
5 Best Laptops for SOLIDWORKS 2022
1.ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71: Powerful and lightweight, but lacks in display brightness and audio quality.- Sleek, lightweight design
- Powerful overall and gaming performance
- Excellent battery life
- Very comfortable keyboard
- Weak speakers
- Display could be brighter
- No headphone jack
Summary
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71 is a sleek and lightweight laptop that offers excellent power and longevity with Intel's new 11th Gen chips. It has a comfortable keyboard, great overall and gaming performance, and impressive battery life. However, it falls short in terms of speaker quality, display brightness, and lacks a headphone jack.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Victus
- Strong entry-level gaming
- Solid productivity performance
- Display and webcam could be better
- Too much pre-installed software
2.Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i: Stylish Design, But Lacks Keyboard and Clickpad Quality.- Relatively bright touchscreen
- Attractive chassis design
- Lightweight and portable
- Strong GPU performance
- Shallow and weak keyboard feedback
- Slippery and awkward clickpad
- Lack of integrated SD reader, USB-A, or HDMI ports
- Difficult end-user serviceability
Summary
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i impresses with its classy leather-clad design and bright touchscreen. It is lightweight, offers strong GPU performance, and has good battery life. However, the shallow keyboard and weak clickpad, along with the lack of key features like an integrated SD reader and USB-A ports, make it a bit disappointing.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53
- Superb 1080p gaming performance
- Strong productivity capabilities
- Poor webcam, touchpad, and speakers
- Some games appear washed out on display
3.Dell G16
Dell G16: Impressive display and performance, but lacks portability and power efficiency.- Impressive IPS panel with high refresh rate and accurate colors
- Strong performance and good cooling
- Relatively affordable
- Upgradable RAM and SSD slots
- Heavier and thicker than competitors
- Thunderbolt 4 only available on more expensive models
- No SD card reader
- Very short battery life
Summary
The Dell G16 offers an impressive IPS panel with high refresh rate and accurate colors, along with strong performance and good cooling. However, it falls short in terms of portability, power efficiency, and lacks a Thunderbolt 4 connector on basic configurations.
Reviews
Alternatives
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE5
- Highly responsive 165Hz panel
- Wide color gamut
- High power usage at idle and low load
- No card reader
4.ASUS ROG Strix G15
ASUS ROG Strix G15: Unleash high performance gaming with RTX 3070 and Ryzen 5000 CPU.- High performance CPU and GPU
- Good workmanship and design
- High refresh rate display
- Stable construction and user-friendly maintenance
- Skimpy connectivity
- Potential coil whine in certain situations
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a powerful gaming laptop equipped with an RTX 3070 GPU and a Ryzen 5000 CPU, delivering exceptional gaming performance. With its high refresh rate display and solid construction, it offers a great gaming experience. However, its limited connectivity and potential coil whine in certain situations are minor drawbacks.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Envy
- Plenty of CPU and GPU power
- New 120Hz screen refresh rate
- Merely adequate base screen
- Optional OLED has fewer pixels than before
5.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A mid-priced powerhouse for SOLIDWORKS 2022.- Strong overall performance
- Display is big, bright, and fast
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 is armed with a 13th-gen Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 graphics, making it a strong and capable laptop for SOLIDWORKS 2022. With its big, bright, and fast display and per-key RGB lighting, it offers an immersive experience. However, there is some flex to the keyboard deck and the battery life is poor.
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Expandable working memory
- Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
- High noise level
Table of the Best Laptops for SOLIDWORKS 2022
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71 | $730 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i | $960 |
| Dell G16 | $1,510 |
| ASUS ROG Strix G15 | $1,750 |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | $3,390 |
