Best Laptops for Exocad ChairsideCAD in 2023

Exocad ChairsideCAD

As a dental professional looking to invest in a laptop for running Exocad ChairsideCAD, you're likely searching for the best laptop that can handle the unique demands of this powerful dental CAD/CAM software. With years of experience in the laptop field and a deep understanding of Exocad ChairsideCAD, I'm here to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect machine to meet your needs.

The best laptop for Exocad ChairsideCAD should not only meet the minimum system requirements but also provide a seamless user experience for designing and milling dental restorations. This means you'll want a laptop that boasts a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, ample RAM, and a high-quality display for accurate color representation. In addition, a reliable and fast SSD is essential for handling large datasets and reducing load times when working with complex 3D models.

To help you find the ideal laptop, I've reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professionals and users. By narrowing down the top laptops based on Exocad ChairsideCAD-specific requirements and price ranges, I've eliminated the guesswork for you. As a dental professional, you understand the importance of precision and reliability in your work, and my goal is to ensure you have the tools you need to make the best laptop for Exocad ChairsideCAD a seamless part of your workflow.

Processor for Exocad ChairsideCAD

CPU purple

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.

TL;DR
  • 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

Graphics card

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.

TL;DR
  • 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

Choosing a memory

Minimum (8 GB)

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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.

TL;DR
  • 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)

Choosing the right storage for Exocad ChairsideCAD

Choosing a laptop with a good storage size

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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.

TL;DR
  • 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

Deciding on a display

What to look for in a display

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.
TL;DR
  • 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

Exocad ChairsideCAD FAQ

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Table of Best Laptops for {topic}

LaptopPrice (approx)

5 Best Laptops for Exocad ChairsideCAD

$700
Ryzen 9 6900HX | RTX 3070 Ti | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 16″; 2560x1600 |

1.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16

Exocad ChairsideCAD laptop
Pros
  • Superb processor (Ryzen 9 6900HX)
  • Exceptional graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
  • Awesome display (16)
  • Very good memory amount (64GB)
Cons
  • No IPS Panel (limited viewing angles)
Alternatives
$760
HP Victus
Pros
  • Strong entry-level gaming
  • Budget-friendly price tag
Cons
  • Display and webcam could be better
  • Too much pre-installed software
$850
i7-12650H | RTX 3050 Ti | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS; 1920x1080 |

2.HP Victus

HP Victus is a budget gaming laptop that misses the mark.
Pros
  • Easy to upgrade
  • Attractive design
  • Cool surface temperatures
  • Smooth 144 Hz refresh rate
Cons
  • Buggy battery life and fan behavior
  • No Thunderbolt or USB-PD support
  • Subpar Turbo Boost sustainability
  • Weak hinges
Summary

While the HP Victus 15 has decent specs and a sleek design, it falls short of expectations due to a weak GPU and some hardware issues.

Alternatives
$1,140
MSI Summit E13
Pros
  • Large battery with respectable runtimes
  • Great CPU and GPU performance
Cons
  • Slow display response times with noticeable ghosting
  • Servicing requires breaking a factory seal sticker
$1,500
Ryzen 7 6800H | RTX 3060 | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 16″ IPS HDR G-Sync; 2560x1600 |

3.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro offers powerful performance and a high-quality display, but with some trade-offs.
Pros
  • High quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display
  • Relatively easy serviceability
  • Integrated numpad
  • Very fast charging
Cons
  • Low resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
  • Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
  • Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding
  • Only average battery life
Summary

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a powerful machine for running Exocad ChairsideCAD thanks to the upgraded AMD Zen 3+ CPU and 150 W TGP GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. However, it has a low resolution webcam, moderate backlight bleeding, and only average battery life.

Alternatives
$1,500
Lenovo ThinkPad P17
Pros
  • Very good graphics card (RTX A5000)
  • Superb display (17.3 IPS HDR Touch)
Cons
  • Underwhelming processor (i9-11950H)
$1,600
Ryzen 7 5800H | RTX 3060 | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 16″ IPS HDR G-Sync; 2560x1600 |

4.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro: The Sweet-Spot Gaming and Performance Laptop of 2021
Pros
  • Spectacular performance with Ryzen 7 and RTX 3070
  • Bright, crisp and fast 16-inch display with good color reproduction
  • Robust and easy to open for upgrades
  • Many connections, including free M.2 slot
Cons
  • Drab design
  • Bulky chassis and hefty power brick
  • Limited SSD size
  • Noisy fans on Balanced and Performance modes
Summary

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro with Ryzen 7 and RTX 3070 delivers spectacular performance at a competitive price, though its design is somewhat drab and it's quite bulky with a hefty power brick. The screen is crisp, fast and bright, with a good color reproduction, and the laptop is robust and easy to open for upgrades.

Alternatives
$1,860
ASUS ROG Strix G15
Pros
  • Very high CPU and GPU performance
  • Good build quality and display
Cons
  • Skimpy connectivity
  • Coil whine in certain situations
$3,470
i7-13700HX | RTX 4090 | 64 GB RAM | 4000 GB SSD | 17.3″ IPS; 2560x1440 |

5.HP Omen 17

Powerful gaming laptop with QHD display, but noisy and poor battery life.
Pros
  • QHD display with 165 Hz
  • Advanced Optimus
  • Expandable working memory
Cons
  • High noise level
  • Clattery case
  • Meager battery life
Summary

The HP Omen 17 is a high-end gaming laptop that delivers a powerful performance with its QHD display and expandable memory. However, the laptop is quite noisy and has a poor battery life, making it less than ideal for use on-the-go.

Alternatives
$5,600
Dell XPS 17 9720
Pros
  • Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
  • High-quality case
Cons
  • Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
  • Performance not completely stable under combined load

Table of the Best Laptops for Exocad ChairsideCAD

LaptopPrice (approx)
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16$700
HP Victus$850
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro$1,500
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro$1,600
HP Omen 17$3,470
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John Winstler
With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, combined with a degree in computer science, I have developed an in-depth knowledge of laptops, PC games, software, 3D modeling, video editing, and photo editing. My detailed and unbiased laptop reviews have helped many people make informed decisions about their technology purchases.

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