SketchUp is a wide range used popular software for 3D modeling and design in the field of architecture work. Its remarkable functions help to create any modeling easily. Though this software has many of the best features, it can’t be run on regular laptops. It requires a high configuration laptop for SketchUp.
You can see thousands of models of ASUS, HP, DELL, Acer, Apple laptops in the market, but finding the best laptop with a budget and high configuration is very challenging. However, to make your challenging task easier, we have created the 7 best laptop for SketchUp and AutoCad Guide with a complete guide.
All laptops have been picked up by consumers using experience analysis and based on buying guide so that you can be sure about the performance. So let’s start our tour.
Best Laptop for SketchUp and AutoCAD
1. Acer Predator Helios 300 for SketchUp Pro
Acer brand laptops always provide the best quality laptops at a much lower price than other competitors. Due to which Acer laptops are at the top of many consumers’ choices. Acer’s Predator Helios 300 model comes with high-quality graphics and the latest 7th generation intel core i7 processors. Which is the perfect option for any kind of designing work like AutoCAD, SketchUp.
Why We Choose It
Many people compare the durability of this model with the MacBook Pro. Its widescreen full HD IPS display helps you to work long hours without any eye problems. As well as the red-backlit keyboard helps you to work seamlessly in the dark. The best advantage is that it uses the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, which is enough for SketchUp.
As well as its 16 GB DDR4 DRAM and 256GB SSD provides you super speed performance. However, you can expand the memory later if you want. One disadvantage of this is that it is very heavy. However, considering the performance, it is a perfect pick on our list.
Highlight Features
- Large Full HD Display
- It comes with Red Backlit
- 256GB SSD with 16GB DDR4 DRAM
- Latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics Card
- Latest 7th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor
- 7 Hours Long Battery Life
2. Apple MacBook Pro 2019 (Space Gray)
One of the most popular models of the Apple MacBook series is the Apple MacBook Pro 2019. All its powerful features make it the most suitable for any task. In particular, its 9 generations 6 core intel core i7 processor with 512GB ultrafast hard disk has taken it to another level for professional work.
Why We Choose It
One of the best advantages of this is that it uses an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M graphic card which provides a smooth experience using SketchUp software. Its 16 inches retina widescreen helps you to work perfectly without any problems with your eyes.
It also has excellent battery backup and a lightweight design to help you carry it anywhere. The two cooling fans inside keep it cool all the time, so you can use it for as long as you want. The only downside is that it is very expensive, but I’m pretty sure it will easily be worth your investment.
Highlight Features
- 16 inches large retina widescreen with true tone technology
- 9th generations intel core i7 processor
- Ultrafast 512GB SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Outstanding cooling systems
- Excellent battery backup
3. ASUS ZenBook Ultra-Slim Laptop
Many people prefer slim design laptops because, on the one hand, they are very lightweight, on the other and can be easily carried anywhere. This model of ASUS ZenBook is the best choice for them. Its ultra-slim built quality and 13 inches Full HD compact display gives you a high-quality view and outstanding portability.
Why We Choose It
One of the great aspects of this is its Full HD view with a touch screen, which is perfect for multi-tasking and smart control. As it is the latest 10th generation with an intel core i7 processor, you are getting a perfect device to do almost everything. It also uses NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphic card for smooth performance using SketchUp software.
Also, 512GB SSD hard disk and 16GB RAM provide the highest speed performance. The keyboard has a backlit, which helps in typing in any situation. It also has fast charging features and a long time battery life. Overall, you get a laptop with all the great features in your budget.
Highlight Features
- Great for carrying anywhere
- Ultra-Slim lightweight design
- Extensive connectivity
- 16GB RAM with 512GB SSD hard disk
- Full HD compact display with a touch screen
- NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphic card
- Latest 10th generation intel core i7 processor
- Fast charging features and a long time battery backup
4. Dell Inspiron 5000 for SketchUp
For those who are looking for the best laptop with all the features on the budget, Dell Inspiron 5000 is another excellent choice for those. Its outstanding design has been created to work perfectly outdoors. Its large FHD display helps to get the perfect viewing experience.
Why We Choose It
One of the great features is that it comes with a dedicated graphics card, so you can increase or decrease the graphic performance according to the needs of the work. Also, its core i7 10th generation with 8GB RAM has further enhanced its performance. The 512GB SSD laptop used in it gives you the best result in case of smooth running for a long time.
It can easily run and use any other heavy detail software, including SketchUp, AutoCAD and any 3D detail modeling. In addition to its smart built quality performance, it has a much more attractive look. However, it has some weak points, its soundbar, battery systems.
Highlight Features
- Intel 10th generation Core i7 Processor
- It comes with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce MX330 graphics card
- Perfect for outdoor project working
- Dedicated graphics card
- Backlit keyboard with lift hinge for enhanced typing angle
5. CUK MSI GP65 Leopard Laptop
Currently, MSI has released many of their high configuration laptop models in terms of performance which are suitable for almost any advanced-level work. Our picked CUK MSI GP65 model has been specially made, keeping in mind the heavy-duty work. It uses a 1TB NVMe SSD with a 2TB HDD, which provides huge storage as well as outstanding performance.
Why We Choose It
Its 10th generation intel core i7 processor is able to handle heavy software like AutoCAD, SketchUp smoothly. Also, having great cooling systems, even if you work for a long time, it doesn’t get warm easily, and there is no lack of performance. Its 32GB DDR4 RAM is much more than our other laptop pick.
It also uses an 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Graphics card to complete any kind of modeling and design work more quickly. In addition to other essential features, 15.6 inches large display has been used to get a perfect and detailed view. It is an excellent choice for overall professional architecture and students. Everything in it is much more than the SketchUp system requirements.
Highlight Features
- Fulfil AutoCAD, SketchUp system requirements
- Great laptop for any type of architecture rendering or other work
- 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Graphics card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM with 1TB NVMe SSD and 2TB HDD
- 10th generation intel core i7 processor
- Full HD display with RGB keyboard backlit
- 3 Years Limited Warranty
6. HP 15t dw300 Home and Business Laptop
HP is a well-known brand in the laptop industry, where they make all the computer accessories for almost all types of work. The HP 15t dw300 is a great model for your architecture work where they have included all the latest features.
Why We Choose It
One of the best aspects of the HP 15t dw300 is that it fills almost all the requirements for using SketchUp software in your budget, which is why many people call it the best budget laptop for SketchUp. It includes a touch screen HD display with quick fingerprint security systems, which makes it very different from our other picks.
It also has 16GB DDR4 RAM with a 512GB fast NVMe SSD hard disk. The 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor provides much faster features than regular laptops and is perfect for multiple tasks. It can easily run software like AutoCAD, SketchUp. You can also use it for other official purposes.
Highlight Features
- It comes with Touch Screen Large HD Display
- 16GB DDR4 RAM with a 512GB fast NVMe SSD
- Latest 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Budget-friendly laptop for SketchUp software
- Excellent sound systems and extensive connectivity
- 1 Year Manufacturer warranty
7. Acer Predator Helios 300 Laptop
Introducing another laptop selection from Acer Predator Helios 300. Though its model is almost the same, but its configuration is much latest and different from our first model. Its CPU speed is 5 GHz, as well as its superior sound quality and RGB backlit features make it even more remarkable.
Why We Choose It
It uses the 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor and the most used NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics card, which can easily handle almost all types of architecture-related software. Also, its extraordinary cooling systems help to keep the laptop always cool. Its Full HD large wide-angle display provides a perfect view.
It also has 16GB DDR4 RAM with 512GB NVMe SSD, which gives the laptop extremely fast performance. It has the ability to operate for a long time by providing remarkable battery backup. However, one of the downsides is that it is not a portable option to take anywhere easily.
Highlight Features
- Latest 10th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM with 512GB NVMe SSD
- Full HD large wide-angle display
- Great cooling systems
- Superior sound quality and RGB keyboard backlit
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics card
- Outstanding CPU speed and battery backup
Things to Know Before Buying a Good Laptop for Sketchup
When you are looking for a laptop for SketchUp software, there are some important features that you must keep in mind before you purchase. We highlight some of the most important features below.
Resolution
The screen resolution is an essential feature in the field of choosing a laptop for architecture and design-related work. On the one hand, a good screen resolution laptop helps a lot in doing your work in more detail and improves the work experience. Large Full HD, 4K display laptop is the best choice in the field of SketchUp work, which helps you to see everything clearly. If you only work in a workspace, then try to choose a large display laptop.
Portable
Many times you need to go to different places for different projects. In this case, if you travel most of the time, then choose a travel-friendly portable laptop. It will help you to carry the laptop safely. Or, if you work in a limited workspace, and do not need to take the laptop anywhere, then you can ignore these features.
Processor
You don’t have to go away with your budget to buy a powerful processor for SketchUp work. Most laptops nowadays include powerful processors for creative work to get the best performance. From AMD Ryzen 5 to Intel Core i5 performs pretty well.
However, to stay on the safe side, you can choose the processor above the intel core i7. It is the best choice, especially for SketchUp work.
RAM
If you want, you can do basic Sketchup tasks with a laptop with 4GB RAM; However, if you work like 3D modeling, then you must try to choose a laptop with a minimum of 8GB or more RAM. Advance level work must have recommendations to choose a laptop with 16 GB ram. And it is enough for any kind of 3D advanced modeling or SketchUp work.
Dedicated Graphics Card
If you are looking for a laptop for regular work, then you do not have to take these features so seriously. However, if you are looking for a laptop for tasks like SketchUp, modeling, designing, then you must look at it in a dedicated way as well as other important features.
Otherwise, lower graphics cards will not only make your work low quality but will also provide bad quality performance. You can choose NVIDIA GeForce in the field of graphics card choosing because it is the perfect pick for SketchUp. However, you can choose other graphic cards. Make sure that it is not less than GTX 1050.
How do You Install SketchUp (Source: Sketcup.com)
Step 1: To get started, visit the Downloads page
Step 2: Join Trimble ID (or create one).
Step 3: “Download” the file by clicking the link
Step 4: You must choose the correct version (ie: English, Mac OS X, SketchUp Pro 2018) and operating system
Step 5: After downloading the file has been completed, click on the DMG (for Mac) or EXE (for Windows). A download window will appear at the bottom of your browser window, as well as a downloads folder
FOR MAC: The installer will guide you through the process
FOR WINDOWS: Run the EXE file as an administrator by right-clicking the EXE file and selecting “Run As An Administrator”.
Here are some videos that demonstrate the above processes!
How Can You install Sketchup Shop?
SketchUp Shop is not compatible with your system. You can access SketchUp Shop through your browser. Visit Shop’s website for more information: www.sketchup.com/sketchup-shop
Downloads or serial numbers are not required for Shop. Log in using your Trimble account. https://app.sketchup.com/app.
If you accidentally purchased Shop and now wish to upgrade to Pro, Shop doesn’t require a refund – Instead, you can upgrade to Pro within our Account Management Portal (AMP) and the prorated price for the remainder of the Shop subscription will be applied to the Pro subscription.
Sketchup Laptop Requirements:
According to sketchup.com system requirements for web SketchUp is given below
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | |
| Processor | Minimum 2.1+ GHz Intel | Minimum 2.8+ GHz Intel |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| HDD | 700MB | 1GB |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD integrated graphics card with at least 512MB video memory | Discrete Graphics cards such as AMD Radeon R9 M37X 2048 MB |
SketchUp Unsupported Environment
Best Laptop for Sketchup: FAQs
Is AMD Good for SketchUp?
SketchUp is performing excellently in the recently released NVIDIA and AMD. So it can be said that upgraded is the most suitable choice for all AMD processors SketchUp.
Which processor is best for SketchUp?
If you want to take in the intel processor, then the core i7 is a perfect processor, which will provide smooth performance in your AutoCAD, modeling and other work. Otherwise, you can choose from AMD processor AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X.
What graphics card do I need for SketchUp?
In our opinion, OpenGL 1.5 or higher graphics card is a perfect choice for SketchUp, which has at least 64 MB of video memory. Or you can choose a dedicated graphics card laptop, which you can easily upgrade at any time.
How much RAM do I need for architecture?
Architecture Laptop Hardware Requirements:
- Need 1 TB SSD drive, or More
- Minimum RAM Requirement 16 GB, but Preferred 32 GB or more
Does SketchUp use CPU or GPU?
This type of modeling work, including 3D applications, AutoCAD, SketchUp, always requires a faster CPU with large amounts of RAM. In addition, you need more video cards and video card drivers that must be 100% OpenGL compliant.
Final Verdict
In terms of performance, the laptops you choose to use SketchUp software are very different from regular use laptops, configuration, and other things. When you are buying the best laptop for SketchUp, you must see the display resolution, RAM, processor, dedicated graphic card and other things that we shared in our buying guide.
I hope our complete guide has helped you easily find your desired laptop for your AutoCAD, SketchUp architecture work.
Sources
- https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/system-requirements
- https://support.sketchup.com/s/article/How-do-I-Install-SketchUp
- https://homedesigninstitute.com/question/636/will_sketchup_work_on_a_mac/
- https://help.sketchup.com/en/installing-sketchup
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