As a digital DJ, finding the best laptop for Traktor Pro 3 is crucial to ensure seamless and high-performance mixing during your live sets or studio sessions. With the vast number of laptops available, it can be challenging to identify the most suitable option that meets the specific requirements for running Traktor Pro 3 efficiently. Fear not, as I have reviewed an extensive spreadsheet of recent laptop releases, comparing specs and reviews (both professional and user-generated) to help you find the perfect match for your DJing needs.
Traktor Pro 3 requires a laptop with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM to handle multiple audio tracks, effects, and real-time processing without latency or performance hiccups. Additionally, DJs often prefer laptops with reliable build quality, a robust cooling system, and a high-quality display for clear visual feedback during live performances. Portability is another essential factor to consider, as you'll likely be transporting your laptop to gigs and events.
Having spent countless hours researching and comparing laptops while keeping in touch with the Traktor community, I am well-versed in the unique requirements and preferences of DJs using Traktor Pro 3. By focusing on these specific needs and factoring in various price ranges, I have narrowed down the top laptops to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best laptop for Traktor Pro 3, allowing you to focus on perfecting your mixes and captivating your audience.
Processor for Traktor Pro 3
There are many factors that contribute to the performance of a laptop, but nothing is more important than the processor. A higher-end CPU means that the rest of the hardware will be able to take advantage of all its resources, which will result in better overall performance.
Requirements
One of the most popular brands for laptops is Intel. For their latest generation of processors, Intel has released two series: Coffee Lake and Whiskey Lake. These two series differ in their core counts and price points. For Traktor Pro 3, Coffee Lake is the best option due to its higher single-core performance. The Whiskey Lake series offers more cores at a lower price point but does not perform as well on single-core tasks.
Recommendations
For an Intel processor, I recommend anything above i5-1135G7 as long as it's from the Coffee Lake series. This way you'll be able to have a smoother experience with Traktor Pro 3. If you're looking for a cheaper option, then I recommend anything from the i5-10300H line as long as it's from the Whiskey Lake series.
Picking a good graphics card
In the past, the best option for laptops with less than $1000 was to go with integrated graphics. However, as laptops have become more powerful and cheaper, it's now possible to get a laptop with a GTX 1650 card for under $1000. It's still not perfect – there are many instances where integrated graphics will be enough. But if you're using Traktor Pro 3 or work in audio production – you'll need a GPU that supports OpenGL 2.1 or higher.
Dedicated vs. integrated graphics
There are two main options: use an integrated graphics chip (included on all new laptops) or use a dedicated GPU (such as GTX 1650). You'll need to trade off your budget against performance – do you want your computer to work on audio processing smoothly, or do you want it to play games smoothly?
If you're looking for the best of both worlds – go for RTX A5000/A6000 cards. They're pricey but offer the best performance out of any consumer-grade card on the market.
The right memory
Minimum (8 GB)
8 GB RAM is the standard starting point for laptops. If you're not too demanding, it should be enough for Traktor Pro 3. But don't fool yourself – you'll need more if you want to take your DJ skills to the next level.
Recommended (16 GB)
If you're looking for a good balance between price and performance, then 16 GB should be your sweet spot. I've noticed that there's been a slowdown in the continuous climb of RAM capacities in laptops, so there's no need to sweat about getting 16 GB.
Best (32 GB)
If you're going over $2000, where 32 GB laptops are ubiquitous, then 32 GB is the way to go. You can't go wrong with future-proofing your laptop. And if you're a hobbyist who only needs a few tracks – then 8GB is fine as well. But I wouldn't recommend going below 8GB if you plan on running Traktor Pro 3 as a professional DJ, as this would most likely cause issues with latency and poor performance due to insufficient RAM resources.
- 8GB is enough for casual use of Traktor Pro 3, but you'll need more if you plan on taking your DJ skills to the next level
- 16GB is the sweet spot between price and performance, so it's a good balance between price and performance
- 32GB is good for future-proofing your laptop if you're going over $2000 for a laptop, as 32GB is becoming ubiquitous for this price range
Picking a good storage
Choosing the right storage device
We'll break down the choices by capacity, since that's where the difference lies. Here are the most common capacities found in laptops today:
256 GB SSD – this is the bare minimum for professionals that are doing nothing but DJing with Traktor Pro 3. That's also plenty of space for other applications, but you'll need to be mindful of how much space is being used.
512 GB SSD – this is an excellent amount of storage space, if not the most optimal. You should have more than enough room for everything you need, but there's always room for improvement. If you have an extra $200 or so, upgrading to a 1 TB SSD will offer significant benefits to your workflow.
1 TB SSD – these are the best laptops for Traktor Pro 3 DJs. If you can afford it, I highly recommend getting a laptop with a 1 TB SSD – these are rarer and often more expensive, but they're worth it. And if you're willing to pay even more money (or if you don't mind waiting), 2 TB or 4 TB laptops might be your perfect fit!
2 TB SSD – the newest laptops come with this size by default, but they're usually pricey and less practical than other options unless you know what you're doing.
4 TB SSD – this size of storage is only really practical for studios that use specialized software or need to archive uncompressed audio files or video footage.
- 256 GB SSD is a bare minimum for DJs
- 512 GB SSD is an excellent amount of storage space, but you can always get more!
- 1 TB SSD is the best size for DJs, but 2 TB and 4 TB are also available for professionals and studios
How to choose the right display for playing Traktor Pro 3?
A laptop's display is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a laptop. However, for Traktor Pro 3, the display is not the main thing.
Display type
TN panels are very affordable and make for an excellent budget display. The only thing they lack is viewing angles. If you're looking for something more professional-grade, then look for IPS panels.
If you want to go all out, OLED screens are now available in top-of-the-line laptops. I would avoid them though, as their prices are exorbitant.
Screen size
Laptops come in different sizes and resolutions – this means that you'll have to pick one that's appropriate for your needs. The two main options are 15" and 17". For music production, you might need a 17" screen so that you can see waveform transients better – or maybe you want to work on images too? In that case, go with a 15" laptop with Full HD resolution. But beware – higher resolutions mean more battery drain, so if you need to squeeze every last minute of battery life out of your laptop – then just stick with a FHD panel and get a smaller device.
- go with a FHD panel and get a smaller device for music production
- go with a Full HD or 4K panel if you need to work on images too
Traktor Pro 3 FAQ
What laptop is best for Traktor Pro 3?
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best laptop for Traktor Pro 3. It has a fast processor, plenty of RAM, and excellent graphics.
What laptop specs do I need for Traktor Pro 3?
You will need at least an 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a dedicated GPU to run Traktor Pro 3 without any issues.
What laptop is best for DJing with Traktor Pro 3?
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best laptop for DJing with Traktor Pro 3, as it provides the best performance and a long battery life.
Can you run Traktor Pro 3 on a laptop?
Yes, you can run Traktor Pro 3 on a laptop. You will need an 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor or better, 8GB RAM, and a dedicated GPU for the best performance.
How to choose a laptop for Traktor Pro 3?
When choosing a laptop for Traktor Pro 3, make sure to get one with at least 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a dedicated GPU.
Do I need an i7 to run Traktor Pro 3?
No, you do not need an i7 to run Traktor Pro 3. An 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor is enough for running Traktor Pro 3 with no issues.
Does Traktor Pro 3 work on Macbook?
Yes, Traktor Pro 3 works on Macbook. However, you will need to make sure that your Macbook is powerful enough to run the software, as it is a resource-intensive program.
What laptops can run Traktor Pro 3?
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best laptop for Traktor Pro 3. Other laptops that can run the software include the ASUS Zenbook 13 UX325EA-EH71, ASUS ROG Strix Scar, Lenovo ThinkPad P16, and Dell XPS 17 9720.
How much RAM is required for Traktor Pro 3?
For running Traktor Pro 3, you will need at least 8GB RAM.
How to use Traktor Pro 3 on a laptop?
To use Traktor Pro 3 on a laptop, you will need to install the software and configure your system’s audio settings. Make sure to follow the steps outlined in the user manual. Once you have everything set up, you can start mixing and producing music!
null
Table of Best Laptops for {topic}
Laptop | Price (approx) |
6 Best Laptops for Traktor Pro 3
1.Lenovo ThinkPad P16 G1
Traktor Pro 3 laptop- Solid processor (i7-12800HX)
- Superb memory amount (128GB)
- Stupendous 8TB SSD
- Numpad
- No IPS Panel (worse contrast)
- Its screen gives away its price
Alternatives
ASUS Zenbook
- Fast processor
- Excellent battery life
- Soldered RAM that cant be expanded
- Weak Wi-Fi connection
2.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16
Traktor Pro 3 laptop- Solid processor (Ryzen 9 6900HX)
- Awesome graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- Terrific display (16)
- Exceptional memory amount (64GB)
- Bulky (5.48 lbs)
- No IPS Panel (inferior color reproduction)
Alternatives
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71
- Sleek, lightweight frame
- Powerful overall and gaming performance
- Weak speakers
- Display could be brighter
3.HP 17
Traktor Pro 3 laptop- Superb memory amount (64GB)
- Featherweight (0.37 lbs)
- Enormous 4TB SSD
- Numpad
- Substandard processor (i7-1255U)
- No IPS Panel (limited viewing angles)
Alternatives
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
- Fast GeForce RTX 3060
- High refresh rate IPS panel with full sRGB coverage
- Chassis base and lid exhibit some flexing
- No per-key RGB lighting
4.ASUS ROG Strix Scar
ASUS ROG Strix Scar packs a punch with its Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti combo, but struggles with heat and noise emissions.- Powerful Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti combo
- Sturdy construction
- Fast Wi-Fi 6E
- Excellent response times and no PWM
- High heat and noise emissions under load
- Battery backup could have been better
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 G533 is a powerful gaming laptop that boasts of Intel Alder Lake Core i9-12900H and a 150 W Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. However, it suffers from high heat and noise emissions under load, and its battery backup leaves much to be desired.
Reviews
Alternatives
Dell XPS 17 9720
- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
- Performance not completely stable under combined load
5.HP Omen 17
HP Omen 17: A QHD Gaming Laptop with Great Display and Expandable Memory.- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Advanced Optimus
- Expandable working memory
- High noise level
- Clattery case
- Meager battery life
Summary
The HP Omen 17 is a high-end QHD gaming laptop that comes with advanced Optimus and expandable working memory. However, it has a loud fan noise and a meager battery life.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
- Impressively thin and elegant design with dual displays and top-end performance.
- Refined two-screen layout.
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout.
- Expensive, especially as configured.
6.Dell XPS 17 9720
Dell XPS 17 9720: Excellent display and high-quality case but underwhelming graphics performance.- 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 boasts of an excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB, high-quality case, Thunderbolt 4 & PCIe 4.0, very high system performance, and a fast card reader. However, its graphics performance is lower than its predecessor, its performance is not completely stable under combined load, it's not Wi-Fi 6E compatible, and its webcam is only 720p.
Reviews
Alternatives
MSI Titan GT77
- Chart-leading CPU and GPU performance
- Cherry MX mechanical keyboard
- Bulky and heavy
- Extremely pricey
Table of the Best Laptops for Traktor Pro 3
Laptop | Price (approx) |
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 G1 | $290 |
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16 | $700 |
HP 17 | $1,330 |
ASUS ROG Strix Scar | $2,310 |
HP Omen 17 | $3,470 |
Dell XPS 17 9720 | $5,600 |