Best laptop for Autodesk Revit 2021

As an architectural design enthusiast and avid laptop researcher, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for Autodesk Revit 2021 users. Revit, a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, demands a laptop capable of handling complex 3D models, renderings, and simulations. While some may be tempted to opt for a gaming laptop to tackle these requirements, certain key features and specifications must be considered to ensure optimal performance tailored to Revit users.

When reviewing an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, I compared specs and reviews from both professionals and users to narrow down the top laptops based on Revit-specific requirements and price ranges. In this process, I paid close attention to factors such as CPU performance, dedicated GPU, RAM capacity, and display quality. These components are crucial in providing a smooth and efficient workflow for Revit users, allowing them to create intricate architectural designs and renderings without suffering from lag or slow rendering times.

To further ensure that the laptop selection caters to Autodesk Revit 2021 users, I considered the system requirements outlined by Autodesk and the experiences of professionals in the field. By doing so, I've managed to compile a list of laptops that not only meet the minimum requirements but surpass them to accommodate the ever-growing demands of the architectural design industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student honing your skills, or someone exploring the world of BIM software, this guide will help you find the best laptop for Autodesk Revit 2021 and elevate your design experience.

Processor for Autodesk Revit 2021

Requirements

In terms of processors, Intel Core i5-1135G7 is a minimum for an Autodesk Revit 2021 laptop. In terms of recommendation, I would opt for Xeon W-10855M. And if you have the budget, then go for i7-11800H – that's the best CPU for Autodesk Revit 2021.

Recommendations

I'll recommend 3 processors – starting with Intel Core i5-1135G7 as a minimum requirement for Autodesk Revit 2021 laptops. The next option would be Xeon W-10855M – it's powerful and stable. Finally, the best CPU for Autodesk Revit 2021 laptops would be i7-11800H.

TL;DR

i5-1135G7 is a minimum requirement for Autodesk Revit 2021 laptops
Xeon W-10855M is a more powerful and stable option, but without ECC support it can't be my top pick
i7-11800H is the best CPU for Autodesk Revit 2021 laptops

The right graphics card

When working with models in Revit, the video card is solely used to display the model on the screen. While a more powerful video card may allow the model to be drawn at a higher FPS when rotating, zooming, or panning around the model, the video card requirements for Revit are relatively low.

A new generation of professionals

Many companies have made the transition to Revit 2021, and for them, upgrading their laptop to a certified Quadro card is worth it. The Quadro RTX 5000 is an excellent card for designers who are working on models in Revit 2021. It offers good performance for drawing models at a high FPS while also allowing you to get real-time feedback on 3D components in Revit.

My GPU recommendations for Revit 2021

For those of you who don't need a Quadro card, you'll be just fine with a GeForce RTX 3060. It offers a great performance for drawing models at a high FPS and is well-suited for 3D modelling and rendering tasks.

For the best graphics – no compromises

If you're working on Revit 2021 full-time, I recommend getting the RTX 3080. This card has the highest level of stability and provides the best experience when working with models in Revit 2021.

TL;DR

Quadro RTX 5000 is an excellent card for designers who are working on models in Revit 2021
GeForce RTX 3060 is an excellent card for drawing models at a high FPS and is well-suited for 3D modelling and rendering tasks
RTX 3080 is the best graphics card for full-time designers who are working on models in Revit 2021

Memory that will work optimally with Autodesk Revit 2021

Minimum (8 GB)

For some reason, 8 GB is the minimum RAM that Autodesk Revit 2021 supports. I'm not sure why, but that's the only option if you're on a tight budget. The thing is, 8 GB just doesn't cut it for this software.

Luckily, you can still install and run it on an 8 GB laptop with a trade-off: You'll have to use more complex/heavy projects with limited to no pre-loading.

I don't know how it works with other 3D design software, but this is the only time I've ever heard of such a low requirement.

If you don't want to compromise performance and speed for $300 savings – do yourself a favor and invest in 16 GB of RAM.

Recommended (16 GB)

I've been running Autodesk Revit 2021 on 16 GB for quite some time now, and I never felt like I was missing out on anything because of it. That said, I'm currently looking into upgrading my laptop to 32 GB because that extra RAM will come in handy down the line – as technology advances and software becomes more demanding, we'll need all the resources we can get our hands on.

I think 16 kg would be a good starting point for professionals using Revit 2021 as their main software – 16 GB laptops start at around $650 and can go up to $2500 or more depending on your preferences. In my opinion, that's worth it considering that RAM prices haven't been going up as much as CPUs or GPUs lately.

Best (32 GB)

In general, there's no benefit going beyond 32 GB of RAM for Autodesk Revit 2021 – you're just overkill'ing it unless you have a need for extra high-end apps running simultaneously or other high-end purposes. If your laptop doesn't have an extra slot for upgrades – going past 32GB will do nothing but increase your bill by a few hundred dollars. And if you're willing to spend money on other components instead of memory – do so! Invest in better CPU or GPU instead!

TL;DR

8 GB is the minimum requirement for Autodesk Revit 2021
16 GB is the recommended amount of RAM for Autodesk Revit 2021
32 GB is the best amount of RAM for Autodesk Revit 2021 (you can get more but it's overkill)

Choosing the right storage for Autodesk Revit 2021

General tips for choosing the right laptop

There are two types of storage you can get in a laptop: SSD and HDD. For the average professional, an SSD is more than enough to keep you happy. For example, I don't know any architect that has needed more than 256 GB of storage on their computer. On the other hand, an AutoCAD user might need more because they work with larger files all day long. But if you're an architect working with Revit, chances are you'll need less than 1 TB of storage space.

Different brands

Different brands of laptops have different SSD capacities available. Let's say that you're interested in Dell laptops – then your only option for 512 GB SSD is the Inspiron 15 5000 series. That's not true for Lenovo laptops though – Lenovo Yoga 730 has 1 TB SSDs available too.

Choosing the right size of SSD for your needs

You'll want to get at least 256 GB of storage on your laptop so that you have room for all your files and programs plus some extra space for future updates and downloads. But it's worth noting that even though 256 GB is technically enough for Autodesk Revit 2021, it might not be enough for AutoCAD 2022 or FL Studio 20 – especially if you're doing complex work with large files like renders or 3D models. If this sounds like your case, then go with 512 GB instead of 256 GB to be safe. It won't cost much more, but it will keep you from running out of space later on down the line.

TL;DR

when choosing a laptop for AutoCAD, don't settle for less than 512 GB SSD – but make sure it's big enough for future software updates and downloads
if you're an architect working with Revit, chances are you'll need less than 1 TB of storage space
different brands have different SSD capacities available – make sure you pick the right one for your needs

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Revit Laptop FAQs

Q: What are the minimum system requirements for Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop?

To run Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop, you will need a minimum of an i5-1135G7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD storage, and a GTX 1650 graphics card.

Which laptops are recommended for running Autodesk Revit 2021?

For a smooth experience with Autodesk Revit 2021, we recommend laptops with at least a Xeon W-10855M processor, 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, and a Quadro RTX 5000 graphics card. These specifications will provide you with better performance and render times.

Can I run Autodesk Revit 2021 on a budget laptop?

While it's technically possible to run Autodesk Revit 2021 on a budget laptop, it may not provide the best experience. Budget laptops often have lower-end components, such as slower processors and less RAM, which can result in slower rendering and lag. We recommend investing in a laptop that meets at least the medium system requirements for a smoother experience.

How much RAM do I need for Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop?

For optimal performance in Autodesk Revit 2021, we recommend having 16 GB of RAM. This will allow you to work with larger models and handle complex tasks more efficiently. However, if you're working on smaller projects or have a limited budget, 8 GB of RAM can still run the software, although you may experience slower performance.

What graphics card is recommended for Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop?

The recommended graphics card for Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop is the Quadro RTX 5000. This high-performance graphics card provides better rendering capabilities and smoother 3D navigation. If you're on a budget, the GTX 1650 graphics card can still run the software but may result in longer render times and reduced performance.

Is an SSD necessary for running Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop?

While not absolutely necessary, using an SSD (Solid State Drive) for running Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop is highly recommended. An SSD significantly improves the software's loading times, file access, and overall system responsiveness. We recommend having at least 256 GB of SSD storage for your Autodesk Revit projects.

Can I use Autodesk Revit 2021 on a MacBook laptop?

Yes, Autodesk Revit 2021 is compatible with MacBook laptops. However, please note that not all MacBook models meet the recommended system requirements for optimal performance. Ensure that your MacBook has a compatible processor, sufficient RAM, and a dedicated graphics card to run Autodesk Revit smoothly. Additionally, it's always a good idea to check Autodesk's official website for the latest system requirements and compatibility information.

What are the best laptops for Autodesk Revit 2021?

Based on our current recommendations, some of the best laptops for Autodesk Revit 2021 are:

ASUS Zenbook, priced at $640
HP Victus 15, priced at $880
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro, priced at RECOMMENDATIONS_ALL,600
ASUS ROG Strix Scar, priced at $2,310
HP Omen 17, priced at $3,470

These laptops offer a range of performance levels and price points to cater to different user needs and budgets.

Are gaming laptops suitable for running Autodesk Revit 2021?

Yes, gaming laptops can be suitable for running Autodesk Revit 2021. Gaming laptops often come with powerful processors, ample RAM, and dedicated graphics cards, making them capable of handling the demands of Autodesk Revit. However, it's essential to ensure that the specific gaming laptop you choose meets or exceeds the recommended system requirements to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

What processor is recommended for Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop?

The recommended processor for Autodesk Revit 2021 on a laptop is the Xeon W-10855M or i7-11800H. These processors offer a high number of cores and high clock speeds, enabling faster modeling, rendering, and multitasking capabilities. While the minimum requirement is an i5-1135G7 processor, upgrading to a more powerful processor will significantly improve your overall experience and productivity in Autodesk Revit 2021.

5 Best Laptops for Autodesk Revit 2021

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$680

1.acer Nitro 5

Autodesk Revit 2021 laptop

Pros

Terrific processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
Awesome graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
Terrific display (15.6)
Solid memory amount (32GB)

Cons

No IPS Panel (limited viewing angles)

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Alternatives

$730

HP Victus 15t

Pros

Low price
Strong entry-level gaming performance

Cons

Weak GPU yields unsatisfactory frame rates
Display and webcam could be better

$1,160

2.ASUS TUF Dash F15

ASUS TUF Dash F15: A budget-friendly and powerful laptop for all-purpose and gaming needs.

Pros

Lightweight and well-built
Good inputs and IO
High refresh rate screen options
Significantly more powerful than the previous generation

Cons

Some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
Ports mostly concentrated on the left edge
Be cautious of the FHD 144Hz panel option

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Summary

The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is a well-built and lightweight laptop that offers good performance at an affordable price. With options for a high refresh rate screen and a significantly more powerful processor than its predecessor, it is a compelling choice for those on a lower budget. However, be cautious of the FHD 144Hz panel option.

Reviews

Ultrabookreview

Asus TUF Dash F15 review