Welcome to the new era of CAD (Computer Aided Design). It's 2022, and the world is moving towards a new era of technology. SOLIDWORKS 2022 is the latest software released by the company. And it's certainly nothing like its predecessor! With its improved features, faster performance and streamlined interface, it's sure to make an impact.
But to take full advantage of this powerful CAD software, you'll need the right computer to run it. That's why I'm here today – to help you find the best laptop for SOLIDWORKS 2022. In this guide, I'll discuss the key specs and features that a laptop should have in order to work with this software. I'll also list my top recommendations according to budget and other important factors. Let's get started!
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 |
6 Best Laptops for SOLIDWORKS 2022
GIGABYTE A5 K1
Pros and cons
- Splendid graphics card (RTX 3060)
- Excellent display (15.6 IPS)
- Average processor (Ryzen 5 5600H)
- Not the best memory amount (16GB)
Alternatives
HP Victus 15
- Very good display (15.6 IPS WA)
- Large 1TB SSD
- Unexceptional processor (i5-12450H)
- Unremarkable graphics card (GTX 1650)
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i
Pros and cons
- Exceptional display (14 IPS)
- Featherweight (2.86 lbs)
- Average processor (i7-1195G7)
- Average graphics card (Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs)
Alternatives
Acer Nitro 5
- First-class processor (i5-12500H)
- Terrific graphics card (RTX 3050)
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
Pros and cons
- Decent processor (Ryzen 9 5900HS)
- Fair graphics card (RTX 3060)
- No IPS Panel (worse viewing angles)
Alternatives
GIGABYTE AERO 17 XE5
- Excellent processor (i7-12700H)
- Superb graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- Run-of-the-mill memory amount (16GB)
- Average battery life (334min)
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4
Pros and cons
- Awesome processor (i7-12700H)
- Very good graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- Run-of-the-mill battery life (305min)
- Weighty (5.28 lbs)
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Strix G15
- Up to the mark processor (Ryzen 9 5900HX)
- First-class graphics card (Radeon RX 6800M)
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Pros and cons
- Up to the mark processor (Ryzen 7 5800H)
- Good graphics card (RTX 3070)
- Middle-of-the-road memory amount (32GB)
- Heavy (5.37 lbs)
Dell XPS 15 9520
Pros and cons
- Terrific processor (i9-12900HK)
- Very good display (15.6 OLED Touch)
- Average graphics card (RTX 3050 Ti)
- Substandard memory amount (64GB)
Alternatives
Lenovo ThinkPad P15
- Exceptional display (15.6 OLED Touch)
- First-class memory amount (128GB)
- So-so processor (Xeon W-10855M)
Table of the Best Laptops for 11 Best laptop deals for SOLIDWORKS 2022
Laptop | Price (approx) |
GIGABYTE A5 K1 | $790 |
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i | $960 |
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 | $1460 |
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 | $1750 |
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | $1790 |
Dell XPS 15 9520 | $5800 |