Laptops for CAD

For designers and engineers working with computer-aided design (CAD) applications, the right laptop can significantly increase accuracy in renderings and production speed. However, most business laptops lack the power required to run processing-intensive CAD software. To ensure fast, responsive performance, users running CAD should consider mobile workstations.

Mobile workstations are built with high-end components that can accommodate the enormous resource demands of CAD software. Offering the fastest CPUs, the latest graphics cards, large amounts of RAM, fast SSD storage, and high-resolution displays, mobile workstations provide superior CAD performance.

Precision mobile workstations are Dell’s CAD laptops. Built with the fastest processors, memory and state-of-the-art graphics capabilities, Precision workstations are designed to handle the most demanding CAD applications for users in design, manufacturing, graphics, and engineering.

Laptops built for running CAD programs must be built with components specifically designed to accommodate the strenuous demands of resource-intensive applications.

The latest processors
High-powered CPUs are a key element. Because CAD programs typically run on a single-core, it’s wiser to invest in fewer cores with higher clock speeds than in multiple cores running at slower clock speeds. A minimum CPU clock speed of 3 MHz is recommended for any significant CAD production. 3.5 MHz is recommended for heavy-duty jobs. You also want to look for CPUs with a higher boost frequency – the maximum speed of any single core. The higher the boost frequency, the better your CAD performance will be.

Professional graphics cards
The graphics card will handle most of the compute-intensive workload in a CAD program. Choose the latest GPUs that are certified for specific CAD applications and the laptop’s monitor as well as any external monitors.

Large amounts of RAM
When it comes to RAM, DDR4 is essential and 16 GB or 32 GB of RAM will enable faster loading and processing. It’s important to choose enough RAM to drive the most powerful applications while running several other programs simultaneously.

Fast storage drives
SSD drives (solid-state drives) load data far more quickly than HDDs (hard disk drives) because they are built with interconnected flash-memory chips . Built with fewer moving parts, they tend to be less susceptible to minor drops or normal wear and tear. When possible, laptops should be configured with NVMe-based drives that enable even faster processing. RAID storage options can provide more reliable performance for CAD workstations.

High-resolution screens
A higher resolution is ideal for CAD – a 4K display enables greater clarity.

What is a CAD workstation?
Computer-aided design (CAD) applications are processing-intensive software programs used by engineers, architects, and construction managers. A CAD workstation is a desktop, rack, or mobile workstation that is configured with components that increase processing speed to handle the intensive performance demands of CAD programs.

What are the best laptops for CAD?
The best laptops for CAD are mobile workstations built with components that can handle the enormous processing requirements of CAD programs, delivering enhanced reliability for longer renders. CAD laptops must have processors with very high clock speeds, large amounts of RAM, and professional graphics cards with state-of-the-art GPUs. Storage is dependent on whether you store on the network or locally.