topic Re: Laptop recommendations for AutoCAD beginner in AutoCAD Forum

Laptop recommendations for AutoCAD beginner

FacebookGroupMember — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:23:36 GMT

I'm new to the group and AutoCAD altogether, but am super excited to learn!

I've been working off an old tired MacBook and am looking to upgrade to a new computer. I'm not looking for a new Mac when it comes to using AutoCAD as I like the windows style setup better.
What computer would you all suggest for a beginner? I was hoping for a Lenovo ThinkPad P53s, but they are discontinued. I'm not partial to any brand and am hoping for links to specific computers as the possibilities are endless and a bit overwhelming.
Thanks all!

Re: I'm new to the group and AutoCAD altogether, but am super excited to learn! I've been working off...

FacebookGroupMember — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:31:11 GMT

Hi Kendra! Welcome to the group! One thing to keep in mind in your search is the AutoCAD system requirements, https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2021-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html.

Re: Laptop recommendations for AutoCAD beginner

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:34:25 GMT

Difficult to recommend without knowing what level of complexity you will be working with, but a general rule is go for processor speed rather than extra cores (pick a fast - 3GHZ or faster quad-core CPU over a 2GHZ 6 or 8 core) and a dedicated graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM. AutoCAD is still (mostly) a single-thread application, so unless you will be doing a lot of other stuff at the same time, the extra cores will be just sitting there idle. SSD is also definitely a plus, files will open and save much faster than an old style spindle drive. Minimum 8GB system RAM, 16GB is better.

Hope this helps.

Re: I'm new to the group and AutoCAD altogether, but am super excited to learn! I've been working off...

FacebookGroupMember — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:51:08 GMT

Autodesk Community thank you!

Re: Laptop recommendations for AutoCAD beginner

pendean — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:52:40 GMT

If you like the P53s, Lenovo's site (or any Google Search) will point you to comparable units you can buy too, the P-series is alive and well over there https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpad-p/c/thinkpadp

Or other brands https://www.google.com/search?q=mobile+workstations

What else are you wishing to find out?

Re: I'm new to the group and AutoCAD altogether, but am super excited to learn! I've been working off...

FacebookGroupMember — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 21:41:14 GMT

I'm sure you've been researching, but I'd base a decision off of the level of detail you're going to be working with. Like 2D vs 3D, or rendered surfaces with textures. If just 2D, 10th gen intel or the 3rd gen Ryzen with integrated graphics would be ok. Although Intel 11th gen (mobile for laptops) with Iris X integrated graphics, is supposed to perform a lot better than the 10th gen mobile options. If you prefer AMD, their 4th gen Vega integrated (igpu) is touted as a 50% performance boost over AMD 3rd gen igpu. These would be the lower cost options. However, you could always splurge on a laptop with a discreet graphics card. Just depends on your budget really. I'm not much help, but there's a few things to look into during your search. Good luck.

Re: I'm new to the group and AutoCAD altogether, but am super excited to learn! I've been working off...

FacebookGroupMember — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 21:51:09 GMT

Autodesk Community Agreed. When it comes to hard drives, I'd suggest going with an M.2 NVMe SSD over SATA SSDs. While both exceptional options, NVMe is super snappy. Minimum 8GB RAM. Plus, you could always add more ram unless it's soldered to the motherboard. Do check, to see if the memory is soldered, sodimm, or a solder/sodimm combo. Soldered memory limits the max ram that can run dual channel. Beyond the soldered capacity, you'll be running in "flex" mode.. Just one more thing to keep in mind.