ChairsideCAD has a number of interesting features, and there are many PC builds out there to match. However, if you’re going to use ChairsideCAD on a PC – you need a really solid build to meet the workflow requirements. I have assembled the best laptops for ChairsideCAD, and now you can follow my advice and pick up the right machine for your needs.
Let’s jump right in.
This article also might be interesting for you: Best Laptops for Dental Students & Professionals
- ChairsideCAD is the first complete open-architecture CAD software platform for single-visit dentistry
- the chairside workflow is highly automated, intuitive and optimized for practice use
- wizard-guided workflows, while experts can select free design sequences for greater flexibility
- automatic design proposals is simple
Requirements for a Exocad ChairsideCAD laptop
Major Processor for Exocad ChairsideCAD
The Exocad ChairsideCAD software will benefit from a fast processor with multiple cores. The more cores the better.
Requirements
In this case, it’s important to have a computer with a higher clock speed and a high number of cores. In the case of Intel Core processors, that means an H-series.
Recommendations
A powerful Intel Core i9-11900H will do the trick, especially if you need to make heavy use of the software’s 3D scanning capabilities. For a slightly less expensive option, consider an Intel Core i7-10900H or an Intel Core i5-11400H.
- when it comes to 3D scanning software, more cores are better
- powerful Intel Core i9 is a good start for heavy use of 3D scanning capabilities
- for less money, consider Intel Core i7 or Intel Core i5 processors with 9th generation architecture
Major Choosing a memory
Minimum (8 GB)
8 GB used to be the standard for RAM capacity for the longest time. In 2022, 16 GB is becoming the new de facto choice for budget laptops, starting at around $650. If you can’t go above that, 8 GB is still alright. In fact, it might be a wise choice if you’re prioritizing the CPU, which is much more critical for Exocad ChairsideCAD.
Recommended (16 GB)
If you aren’t limited by a very tight budget – you’ll most likely end up with a 16 GB laptop. It just seems to do the job for most laptops under $2k. That’s the sweet spot for work, gaming, and everything in-between. These days a fast SSD can soften the impact of running out of RAM. That might be one of the reasons why I’ve noticed a slowdown in the continuous climb of RAM capacities in laptops. Especially if you’re buying a bulkier laptop that can be easily upgraded, there’s no need to sweat about getting 16 GB.
Best (32 GB)
If you’re only running Exocad ChairsideCAD, 32 GB is only necessary if you typically use lots of sample-based instruments (each running Multi-GB orchestral libraries & ROMpler style plugins, for example). But I doubt any of us are running Exocad “naked”. I’d guess you’ll have a browser running in the background and then a couple more applications on the side. In that case, 16 GB, while perfectly capable, is not optimal for the best laptop for Exocad ChairsideCAD. That’s why I recommend 32 GB for anyone going over $2000, where 32 GB laptops are ubiquitous. On top of that, 32 GB is a sure-fire way to future-proof your laptop.
- 16 GB is a good start for laptops under $2k
- 32 GB is optimal for work and gaming laptops under $2k and over $2000, respectively
- if you need more than 32 GB, consider 64 GB for work or 128 GB for gaming (or just go for a higher end laptop)
Major Graphics card
Exocad ChairsideCAD is a relatively lightweight application that benefits more from an entry-level graphics card than an expensive, powerful one. That said, the latest gen cards will work just fine.
If you’re on a tight budget, the cheapest card I recommend is the GTX 1650 – which is fast enough for modeling with basic CAD software.
A good card for the job is the RTX 3050, which is a high-end GPU that will work well with Exocad ChairsideCAD.
If you’re looking to spend more, the RTX 2060 is a powerful GPU that’s perfect for heavy-duty work with complex models.
- for Exocad ChairsideCAD, you’ll need a basic GPU such as GTX 1650 or RTX 3050
- for Exocad ChairsideCAD, you’ll need a high-end GPU such as RTX 2060 or better
Optional requirements for a Exocad ChairsideCAD laptop
Optional Choosing the right storage for Exocad ChairsideCAD
Choosing a laptop with a good storage size
Since we’re on the topic of professional laptops for Exocad ChairsideCAD, it’s worth mentioning that choosing a laptop with a good storage size is crucial. Even if you don’t know how much space your workload will take up, it’s worth investing in an SSD to avoid any nasty surprises down the line.
Should I get 256 GB or 512 GB?
It’s easy to assume that 256 GB SSDs are more than enough for the typical AutoCAD workload. And, sure, that may be true if you’re using AutoCAD exclusively. But if you’re using 3D modeling software, then the same could not be said.
Exocad ChairsideCAD is no different – 256 GB SSD would likely be too small for someone working with multiple CAD and 3D modeling applications.
It’s worth pointing out that you don’t need to invest in a laptop with 1 TB SSD or more – 256 GB should be more than enough for the typical AutoCAD user.
Upgrading
Most laptops come with an M.2 slot for expansion, so it’s not too hard to upgrade your storage size when you need more. To sum up, if you’re buying a laptop with an SSD that can’t be upgraded, then you should make sure that 256 GB is enough for your needs.
- 256 GB SSDs are not enough for most CAD users, especially 3D modelers
- you can easily upgrade your storage size when you need more space
Optional Deciding on a display
What to look for in a display
- panel type – look for IPS panels. There are a few other similar panels usually identified as “Wide Angle” panels. For example, you could look for AHVA, PLS, or eDP (though technically, that’s not a panel type). This usually means a display that doesn’t have those shifted colors when looking at an angle.
- brightness – 300 cd/sq. m should be more than enough for this application.
- contrast ratio – high contrast ratio is always nice to have but not crucial in this application.
- color accuracy – accurate colors are good, but I wouldn’t give up other important features just to get slightly better color accuracy.
- look for an IPS display (but not necessarily an expensive one)
- you don’t need a high contrast ratio for design work
- high brightness is more important than color accuracy for design work
5 Best Laptops for Exocad ChairsideCAD
MSI Bravo 15
Pros and cons
- Fair processor (Ryzen 5 5600H)
- First-class display (15.6 144Hz IPS-level)
- Mediocre memory amount (16GB)
Alternatives
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Fair processor (Ryzen 5 5600H)
- Splendid display (15.6 120Hz IPS)
- Average memory amount (8GB)
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Decent processor (Ryzen 5 5600H)
- Very good display (15.6 120Hz IPS)
- So-so graphics card (GTX 1650)
- Ordinary memory amount (8GB)
Dell XPS 9710
Pros and cons
- Superb processor (Ryzen 7 5800H)
- Adequate graphics card (RTX 3050 Ti)
- No IPS Panel (limited viewing angles)
Alternatives
MSI GF65 Thin
- Solid graphics card (RTX 3060)
- Good display (15.6 144Hz IPS)
- Substandard processor (i5-10500H)
ASUS TUF FX706
- Good processor (i5-11400H)
- Fair graphics card (RTX 3050 Ti)
- Unexceptional memory amount (32GB)
Dell XPS 9710
Pros and cons
- Terrific processor (Ryzen 7 5800H)
- First-class memory amount (128GB)
- Heavy (5.4 lbs)
- No IPS Panel (worse viewing angles)
Alternatives
Acer Predator Helios 300
- Excellent processor (i7-11800H)
- Up to the mark graphics card (RTX 3060)
- Unexceptional memory amount (32GB)
MSI Katana GF76
- Exceptional processor (i7-11800H)
- Up to scratch display (17.3 144Hz IPS)
- Mediocre graphics card (RTX 3050 Ti)
Acer Predator Helios 300
Pros and cons
- Solid processor (i7-11800H)
- Up to scratch graphics card (RTX 3060)
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Strix G15
- Exceptional processor (Ryzen 9 5900HX)
- Decent graphics card (Radeon RX 6800M)
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
- First-class display (16 165Hz IPS HDR G-Sync FreeSync)
- Enormous 2TB SSD
- Unexceptional processor (Ryzen 7 5800H)
- Garden-variety memory amount (32GB)
ASUS ROG Strix Scar
Pros and cons
- Splendid processor (Ryzen 9 5900HX)
- Awesome graphics card (RTX 3080)
Alternatives
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen
- Splendid graphics card (RTX 3080)
- Sufficient display (16 IPS HDR)
- Middle-of-the-road processor (i9-11950H)
ASUS ROG Strix Scar
- Excellent processor (Ryzen 9 5900HX)
- Very good graphics card (RTX 3080)
Table of Best Laptops for Exocad ChairsideCAD
Laptop | Price (approx) |
MSI Bravo 15 | $780 |
Dell XPS 9710 | $1140 |
Dell XPS 9710 | $1410 |
Acer Predator Helios 300 | $1840 |
ASUS ROG Strix Scar | $2770 |