Ahoy, 3D hobbyists, novices, and professionals! Have you ever encountered a gigantic task in Autodesk 3ds Max that lagged and stuttered even on the beefiest PC money can buy? Sure, you have! 3D rendering is an incredibly taxing process, which requires top-notch components in order to deliver fluid performance. Let me guess. You're here for the best laptop for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023?
That's what we'll try to figure out together, my friend. In this post, I'm going to guide you through all the technicalities of the laptop buying process. We'll begin with careful spec requirements breakdown and recommended parts. And at the end, you'll find a list of laptops that can handle 3D modelling and animation quite easily. So, are you ready? Let's dive into the details.
Powerful Processors
The processor is the brain of your laptop, and when you're shopping for a laptop to run [Autodesk 3ds Max 2023](autodesk 3ds max 2023 product page), you'll need to be sure you get one that can handle the demands of the software. The processor is the most important factor to consider when choosing a laptop for 3D rendering and animation, so it's important to make sure you get the right one for the job.
The good news is that there's a wide range of processors available in the market today, from Apple's M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M2 system-on-chip modules for their MacBooks to Intel's 13th generation Core processors for Windows laptops. AMD has also managed to take 20% of the CPU market with their 6th generation Ryzen processors. Intel's and Apple's chips adopted hybrid performance/efficiency core design, so depending on the task it can shift to either performance or energy efficiency mode.
Although Autodesk recently released a 64-bit version of 3ds Max, 32-bit Windows laptops are still perfectly capable of running the software. You should, however, keep in mind that a powerful processor is not the only thing that matters. You'll need to consider the entire system, including the graphics card, to get the best performance out of 3ds Max. So if you're looking for a laptop with a long battery life, it might be better to go for an [AMD Ryzen 5/7](amd ryzen 5/7 processor specs page) or Intel Core i5/i7 processor, since these are more energy efficient than their Intel H-series and AMD X-series counterparts. However, these processors have lower single-core performance which could result in longer render times.
In terms of benchmarking, I usually use Cinebench R23 to compare different processors since it's one of the most popular tools used by 3D artists. I also look at other benchmarks such as [PassMark and Geekbench](a comparison of passmark vs geekbench benchmarks) to get a better idea of the laptop's overall performance.
Based on my research, here's what I recommend for different budget levels when it comes to 3ds Max laptops:
| Budget | Processor | Expected Price |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Intel Core i5-10500H | $800-$1000 |
| Recommended | Intel Core i5-11400H | $1000-$1200 |
| High-end | Intel Core i9-11900H | $1400+ |
Graphics Power
Choosing the right laptop graphics card for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 is an important decision to make, as this application requires dedicated graphics power for decent performance.
Currently, Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market, but their latest RTX 30 series cards are yet to be available on laptops. Nvidia has also discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, making it difficult to know exactly how much wattage is used by the GPU in a laptop.
You should choose either a macOS or Windows platform to run 3ds Max, as it is available on both. You will need a dedicated graphics card to get good performance with 3ds Max, though you can get by with an integrated GPU if your budget is limited or you're only using it for general purpose applications such as web browsing or video editing.
When comparing laptop GPUs, use the PassMark Gpu test scores as they are more readily available than notebook hardware benchmarking sites.
The best laptops with Nvidia RTX series graphics will cost upwards of $2,000+, so here are some reasonable expectations for each price range:
| Price Range | Graphics Card | VRAM | PassMark |
|---|---|---|---|
| < $700 | GeForce RTX 3050 | 2GB | 2800 |
| $700-$1200 | GeForce RTX 2060 | 6GB | 5400 |
| > $1200 | GeForce RTX 2080 | 8GB | 8400 |
In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-end laptop with a top-notch graphics chip, you'll need to budget accordingly. However, you can still get good performance out of 3ds Max with any of the aforementioned graphics cards, depending on your needs.
Ram Power
For Autodesk 3ds Max 2023, the amount of RAM you have in your laptop is one of the most important aspects that affect performance. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end – 32 GB or more. The latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5 memory modules, although DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.
3ds Max is a RAM-hungry application, and it's not uncommon to see artists working with 32 GB of memory. However, if you're on a budget, 16 GB should be enough for most projects. When choosing RAM for your laptop, it's important to consider how much you need and how much your budget allows. If you're an artist who likes to work with complex scenes and assets – 32 GB would be ideal. But if you're working on a budget – 16 GB will be more than enough for most projects.
While the general rule of thumb is to get as much RAM as possible, that's not always the case when dealing with laptops. If you're working on a tight budget, it might be better to spend your money on other components instead of getting the latest DDR5 memory modules. The other components that can affect performance are the CPU, GPU, and storage (M.2 SSD).
The following table shows the recommended RAM amounts for 3ds Max laptops depending on your budget and laptop price range:
| Price Range | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| Low-end | 8 GB |
| Mid-range | 16 GB |
| High-end | 32 GB or more |
Based on our research and experience, we recommend having at least 16 GB of RAM for mid-range laptops, 32 GB for high-end laptops, and 64 GB for the ultimate workstation setup. DDR5 is not recommended unless you are working on an ultra-high-end setup.
6 Best Laptops for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023
$2001.MSI Sword
Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 laptop- One of most affordable laptops with an Intel i5 processor
- Mighty 1TB SSD
- Numpad
- Backlit keyboard
- Its screen gives away its price
Alternatives
$680HP
- Strong entry-level gaming
- Solid productivity performance
- Display and webcam could be better
- Too much pre-installed software
$1,2302.Dell G15
Dell G15 is a decent laptop for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 on a budget.- High CPU performance
- Smooth gaming performance
- Excellent battery life
- Space for two NVMe SSDs
- Dark display poor in contrast
- Low color space coverage
- PWM flickering
- No frame to install a second SSD
Summary
The Dell G15 offers smooth gaming performance, high CPU performance, and excellent battery life. However, the display is a letdown, with low color space coverage, dark contrast, and PWM flickering.
Reviews
Alternatives
$1,140ASUS TUF A15
- Rock-solid Nvidia graphics
- Fast and versatile AMD processor
- Middling build quality
- Mediocre connectivity
$1,3503.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a powerful choice for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023, but with average battery life and no Thunderbolt support.- High-quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display
- Relatively easy serviceability
- Integrated numpad
- Very fast charging
- Low resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
- Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
- Moderate-heavy uneven
Summary
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro with 150 W TGP GeForce RTX 3070 Ti and AMD Zen 3+ CPU is a very fast machine with a high-quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display and MUX support. However, the laptop has a low-resolution webcam, moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding, and no Thunderbolt support. Moreover, it has warm CPU/GPU temperatures when gaming and only average battery life.
Reviews
Alternatives
$1,300ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
- Faster than most other GeForce RTX 3060 laptops.
- 300 Hz IPS panel w full sRGB coverage.
- Chassis base and lid exhibit some flexing.
- No per-key RGB
$1,6004.GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 is a high-performance laptop ideal for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023.- Highly responsive 165Hz panel with a wide color gamut
- High system performance
- PCIe 4.0 SSD and a free M.2 2280 slot (PCIe 4.0)
- Individual key lighting
- High power usage at idle and low load
- No card reader
- Only one USB-A port
Summary
The GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 is a powerful laptop that boasts impressive gaming and non-gaming performance, a 165Hz panel with a wide colour gamut, two PCIe 4.0 SSD slots, and a solid battery life. It is perfect for running Autodesk 3ds Max 2023.
Reviews
Alternatives
$1,800ASUS ROG Strix G15 G513RM
- Fair design and solid build quality
- Good inputs and IO
5.ASUS ROG Strix Scar
ASUS ROG Strix Scar - A Performance Powerhouse with Emissions Concerns- Sturdy construction
- Excellent response times and no PWM
- Unhindered Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti performance
- High heat and noise emissions under load
- Battery backup could have been better
- Limited display angle
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 G533 with its upgraded Intel Alder Lake Core i9-12900H and a 150 W Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti is a solid performer, perfect for the enthusiast gamer, but suffers from emission and power draw issues.
Reviews
Alternatives
$2,500Acer Predator Triton 500
- high performance capabilities
- excellent, bright 240-Hz display
- soldered-in RAM
- inaccessible SSD
$5,6006.Dell XPS 17 9720
Dell XPS 17 9720 is a powerful laptop with an excellent display but has some graphics issues.- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Thunderbolt 4 PCIe 4.0
- Very high system performance
- Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
- Performance not completely stable under combined load
- Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible
- 720p webcam
Summary
The Dell XPS 17 9720 with Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 is a powerful combination that provides excellent display quality, high-performance system, and good speakers. However, the laptop suffers from reduced graphics performance compared to its predecessor, and its cooling is weak, which may lead to instability under combined loads.
Reviews
Alternatives
$7,500ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
- Dual-screen design provides extra screen real estate
- Top-of-the-line gaming performance with RTX 3080 Ti GPU and Ryzen 9 CPU
- Expensive price tag
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
FAQ
What laptop is best for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023?
The best laptop for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 is one with an Intel Core i7 processor, at least 16GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 2060 or better graphics card. A 500GB SSD is sufficient for running the software, but larger drives are recommended for maximum performance.
Which laptop is best for 3ds Max 2023 under $2,000?
For 3ds Max 2023 under $2,000, our top pick is the Dell G15 5520. It has a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, and a 500GB SSD.
What laptop specs do I need to run Autodesk 3ds Max 2023?
To run Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 on a laptop, you will need an Intel Core i5 processor at the minimum, 16GB of RAM, a GeForce RTX 2060 or better graphics card, and a 500GB SSD.
What are the requirements for running 3ds Max 2023 on a laptop?
To run 3ds Max 2023 on a laptop, you need a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor or better, 16GB of RAM, GeForce RTX 2060 or better graphics, and at least 500GB SSD.
Can I run 3ds Max 2023 on a laptop?
Yes, you can run 3ds Max 2023 on a laptop provided it meets the requirements mentioned above.
Is Core i7 enough for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023?
Yes, Core i7 is enough for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023, however, higher-end processors such as the Intel Core i9 are recommended for maximum performance.
Is 500 GB SSD enough for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023?
Yes, 500 GB SSD is enough for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023. However, larger SSDs are recommended for maximum performance.
Is RTX 3060 good for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023?
Yes, RTX 3060 is a great graphics card for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023. It provides great performance and is more than enough for most tasks.
What is the best laptop for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023?
The best laptop for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023 is the ASUS ROG Strix Scar. It has a 9th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, GeForce RTX 2080 graphics, and a 1TB SSD.
How to choose a laptop for 3ds Max 2023?
To choose the best laptop for 3ds Max 2023, you need to consider your budget, desired performance level, and required features. Consult the table of recommendations to get an idea of what laptops are available for different price points. Make sure to check the processor, graphics card, RAM, and storage size requirements for running the software.
Table of the Best Laptops for Autodesk 3ds Max 2023
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| MSI Sword | $200 |
| Dell G15 | $1,230 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | $1,350 |
| GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 | $1,600 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar | $2,310 |
| Dell XPS 17 9720 | $5,600 |
