As a long-time fan of CAD software and a laptop enthusiast, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for Solid Edge. This powerful and versatile 3D CAD application demands a reliable and high-performance machine to handle complex assemblies and simulations. In this guide, I'll share my insights on selecting the ideal laptop for Solid Edge users, whether you're a professional engineer, a student, or a hobbyist.
To identify the best laptops for Solid Edge, I've reviewed an extensive spreadsheet of recent laptop releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professional sources and everyday users. The selection process involved narrowing down the top laptops based on topic-specific requirements, such as processing power, graphics capabilities, and screen quality, as well as considering various price ranges. It's crucial to have a laptop that can keep up with the software's advanced capabilities, like synchronous technology, generative design, and additive manufacturing.
Throughout my research, I've also taken into consideration the specific needs and preferences of Solid Edge users, such as portability for on-the-go designers, ample storage for large project files, and high-quality displays for accurate color representation. Additionally, I've integrated insights from the Solid Edge community, like the Siemens PLM Software forums and dedicated user groups, to ensure that the recommendations align with real-world experiences. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on the best laptop for Solid Edge tailored to your unique requirements.
Processor Power
These days, the laptop market is incredibly diverse, with a variety of system-on-chip solutions from Apple, AMD, and Intel all offering excellent single-core performance and great battery life.
At the time of writing, Intel is yet to release their 13th-gen processors, with the 12th gen being the latest. Intel’s 11th-gen and Apple’s M1 SoC adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design based on big.LITTLE. Meanwhile, AMD has managed to take up a notable 20% of the CPU market with their latest 6th generation Ryzen processors – making them a great choice if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop.
Since Solid Edge is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, the choice of operating system isn't limited to Windows. As this is a 3D CAD application, we're primarily looking for a processor with good single-core performance, though multi-core performance is important for tasks such as rendering. To gauge performance, PassMark scores are relatively easy to find and are relevant to our purpose. If you're looking for a high-end workstation, look for HPC (high-performance computing) benchmarks such as Linpack or Handbrake (video encoding).
For those on a budget, there are some compromises to be made with the CPU performance – depending on your budget and what you're willing to sacrifice. If you're okay with having an underpowered CPU, you can use your budget for a better GPU or even an ultrabook instead of a regular laptop.
To help you decide on the right processor for Solid Edge laptops, we’ve compiled a table of recommended processors for each budget range based on PassMark scores.
| Processor | Price range | PassMark Score |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3-1115G4 | Budget | 1768 |
| Intel Core i5-10310U | Mid-range | 4159 |
| Intel Core i7-1180G7 | High-end | 7633 |
Graphics Power
The laptop Graphics card market is still dominated by Nvidia, though the recent release of their RTX 40 series cards has yet to make it to laptops. Instead, Nvidia's RTX 30 series GPUs are currently the top offerings (such as the RTX 3070 Ti).
It's worth noting that desktop graphics cards have become increasingly power-hungry in recent years, widening the gap between power-limited laptop graphics and desktop graphics. Additionally, Nvidia has discontinued their "Max-Q" label for their RTX graphics cards, meaning that a laptop manufacturer (OEM) will now determine the exact GPU wattage for each laptop—resulting in a wider variance in graphics performance even with the same GPU chipset.
Using Solid Edge on a laptop requires a dedicated GPU, rather than an integrated graphics chip, in order to get the most out of the program. Keep in mind that any laptop with a discrete GPU can also be used for other tasks such as gaming, streaming, and video editing, depending on the model.
When it comes to selecting a graphics card, I recommend using 3DMark scores (specifically the Fire Strike test) to compare graphics performance. Depending on your budget, here are some recommended GPUs for Solid Edge:
| Price Range | Recommended GPU |
|---|---|
| Minimum | GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Recommended | GeForce RTX 3050 |
| High-end | GeForce RTX 2060 |
RAM Matters
Solid Edge is a CAD/CAM program designed for 3D modelling, and its memory requirements are moderate. If you're on a budget, you can get away with 8 GB of RAM; however, 16 GB is the sweet spot for most professionals and 32 GB is ideal for high-end workstations.
In terms of type of RAM, most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end – 32 GB or more. Latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology. If you're looking to buy a laptop with 16 GB of RAM, it's best to look for DDR5 memory modules, especially if you're using SOLIDWORKS or CATIA. However, if you're working with other applications like AutoCAD, Rhino, or Inventor – DDR5 is not necessary.
Do you need ECC (Error-correcting code) memory? Not necessarily. Although it's better for more demanding applications such as rendering or 3D modelling, for Solid Edge it's not necessary.
So, what should you expect depending on your budget? We recommend the following:
- Minimum: 16 GB
- Recommended: 32 GB
- High-end: 64 GB
It's also important to note that if you're looking for an upgradeable laptop – make sure it has an access panel on the bottom and that it's easy to remove/replace the memory module(s).
Laptop FAQs
Q: What laptop is best for Solid Edge?
The best laptop for running Solid Edge depends on your specific needs and budget. However, a laptop with a powerful dedicated graphics card, a high-performance processor, and ample memory is recommended for the smoothest experience. We have some recommendations that cater to different price ranges and performance levels. Keep reading to find the one that suits you best.
Which laptops are compatible with Solid Edge software?
Solid Edge software is compatible with a wide range of laptops. As long as your laptop meets the minimum system requirements for Solid Edge, you should be able to install and run the software. However, for the best performance, it is recommended to use a laptop that meets or exceeds the recommended system requirements. This ensures a smoother and more efficient workflow.
What are the system requirements for Solid Edge on a laptop?
The system requirements for Solid Edge on a laptop vary depending on the complexity of your projects. Here are the minimum, medium, and maximum requirements for graphics, processor, and memory:
| Requirements | Minimum | Medium | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 1650 | GeForce RTX 3050 | GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Processor | i3-1115G4 | i5-10310U | i7-1180G7 |
| Memory | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
Meeting or exceeding the recommended requirements will ensure a smoother and more efficient experience while working with Solid Edge.
Can Solid Edge run on a low-end laptop?
Solid Edge can run on a low-end laptop; however, you may experience slower performance and longer rendering times. If you plan to work on complex projects or large assemblies, it is advisable to use a laptop that meets or exceeds the recommended system requirements. This will ensure a smoother workflow and a more enjoyable user experience.
Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for Solid Edge on a laptop?
While Solid Edge can technically run on an integrated graphics card, a dedicated graphics card is highly recommended for the best performance. A dedicated graphics card, such as the ones mentioned in the system requirements, offers better rendering capabilities and faster graphics processing, resulting in a smoother experience while working with Solid Edge.
What processor is recommended for running Solid Edge on a laptop?
For running Solid Edge on a laptop, it is recommended to use a high-performance processor. The recommended processors for Solid Edge are the i5-10310U for medium performance and the i7-1180G7 for maximum performance. These processors offer fast clock speeds and multiple cores, which are essential for handling complex designs and assemblies efficiently.
How much RAM do I need for Solid Edge on a laptop?
The amount of RAM you need for Solid Edge on a laptop depends on the complexity of your projects. The minimum requirement is 16 GB, which should be sufficient for small to medium-sized designs. If you work on larger assemblies or complex projects, it is advisable to have at least 32 GB of RAM for smoother performance. For maximum performance, 64 GB of RAM is recommended.
Can I use Solid Edge on a MacBook or do I need a Windows laptop?
Solid Edge is primarily designed for Windows operating systems. While it is technically possible to run Windows on a MacBook through virtualization or dual-booting, it is generally recommended to use a Windows laptop for the best compatibility and performance. Windows laptops offer better support and drivers specifically optimized for Solid Edge.
Are there any specific laptop brands or models recommended for Solid Edge?
There are several laptop brands and models that are well-suited for running Solid Edge efficiently. Here are a few recommendations:
- Lenovo ThinkPad P16 G1: Starting at $60, this laptop offers a balance of performance and affordability, making it a great option for small to medium-sized projects.
- HP Victus: Starting at $890, this laptop provides a good combination of performance and value for mid-range designs and assemblies.
- ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74: Starting at RECOMMENDATIONS_ALL,300, this laptop is suitable for medium to large-scale projects, offering a powerful graphics card and high-performance processor.
- ASUS ROG Strix Scar: Starting at $2,310, this high-end laptop delivers exceptional performance, ideal for handling complex designs and large assemblies with ease.
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: Starting at $3,390, this premium laptop offers top-of-the-line performance and features, making it perfect for demanding professional projects.
These are just a few examples, and there are other brands and models available in the market that can also meet your requirements. It is always a good idea to compare specifications and read reviews to find the best laptop that suits your specific needs.
How to choose a laptop
5 Best Laptops for Solid Edge
1.Lenovo ThinkPad P16 G1
Solid Edge laptop- Terrific processor (i7-12800HX)
- Superb display (16)
- Very good memory amount (64GB)
- Monumental 4TB SSD
- No IPS Panel (inferior color reproduction)
- Its screen gives away its price
Alternatives
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 G1
- Monumental 8TB SSD
- Numpad
- No IPS Panel (worse contrast)
- Its screen gives away its price
2.Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i: A Stylish Laptop with Some Compromises.- Relatively bright touchscreen
- Attractive chassis design
- Lightweight and portable
- Strong GPU performance
- Shallow and weak key feedback
- Slippery and awkward clickpad
- Limited connectivity options
- Difficult end-user serviceability
Summary
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i stands out with its classy leather design and strong GPU performance. However, it falls short with a shallow keyboard, awkward clickpad, and limited connectivity options.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Victus
- Delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p.
- Fast SSD.
- No variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
- Slow response time on the display.
3.ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53
ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53: Powerful budget gaming laptop with some drawbacks.- Superb 1080p gaming performance
- Strong productivity capabilities
- Great price
- Poor webcam, touchpad, and speakers
- Some games appear washed out on display
Summary
The ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53 is a budget gaming laptop that excels in 1080p gaming and offers strong productivity capabilities. However, it falls short in areas such as its webcam, touchpad, speakers, and display quality for certain games.
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16
- Stylish, sleek form factor
- Gorgeous display
- Webcam quality is poor
- No biometrics
4.ASUS ROG Strix Scar
ASUS ROG Strix Scar: A powerful gaming laptop with some notable drawbacks.- Sturdy construction
- Fast Wi-Fi 6E
- Excellent performance with Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti
- Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
- Limited display angle
- No biometric login
- Heavy SSD throttling during continuous reads
- High heat and noise emissions under load
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar is a solid gaming laptop that impresses with its sturdy construction, fast Wi-Fi, and powerful performance. However, it falls short in areas such as limited display angle, lack of biometric login, and high heat and noise emissions under load.
Reviews
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion Pro 5
- Fantastic value
- Top-tier gaming performance
- Middling screen
- A bit heavy
5.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A mid-priced powerhouse for Solid Edge.- Strong overall performance
- Display is big, bright and fast
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 is a strong performer with its 13th-gen Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 graphics, making it a great choice for running Solid Edge. Its big, bright and fast display, along with per-key RGB lighting, adds to the overall appeal.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Advanced Optimus technology
- Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
- High noise level
Table of the Best Laptops for Solid Edge
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P16 G1 | $60 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i | $960 |
| ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53 | $1,100 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar | $2,050 |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | $3,800 |
