Looking for the best laptop for SketchUp?
But a little confused about which one to buy?
Because you want to buy a perfect fit for your 3D modelling and rendering work.
Firstly, you are confused because you are bombarded with hundreds of models, and it is becoming hard to filter through.
Secondly, maybe you have little ambiguity regarding the specification of a laptop for SketchUp.
It is totally normal, I have been facing the same issue, believe me. I was about to fall for a hefty brick but luckily I was saved by an architecture friend of mine.
Later on, I decided to go in-depth and research what makes a laptop stand out for SketchUp and other CAD software.
What I found out was more than amazing, actually, SketchUp does not require a bulky graphics card like most hardcore operations such as GoPro Video Editing, Virtualization, Civil Engineering operations, and much more.
It requires a good processor and an average graphics card that support OpenGL.
Yes, a graphics card is a must-have feature of a laptop for SketchUp.
In the buying Guide section, I will be covering other important features and revealing what makes a laptop actually good for SketchUp.
As you are buying a laptop for 3D modeling and rendering, it is possible you may have to run some other software such as SolidWorks, Revit, and others.
Your next purchase should be something that handles all.
In this post, we are going to cover all these areas and put up a list that runs SketchUp without any issues.
Best Laptops for Sketchup In-depth Reviews (2022)
1. Dell G7
It is often recommended to buy a 17-inches laptop for SketchUp and another 3D modelling and designing work. The concept of using a bigger screen for designing and architects’ work is not new.
Actually, it helps you to view everything presented on the screen clearly without missing any.
This Dell-designed G7 17-inches laptop stands out not just because of its bigger screen but other several helpful features.
It comes featured with an amazing range of specifications that helps architects, civil engineers, interior designers, mechanical engineers, and other professionals to continue doing what they love to do.
It is engineered with the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H Hexa-core processor that goes up to 4.5 GHz clock speed to boost your processing.
The processor has been complemented with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics card with 8GB of dedicated memory.
The graphics card got the power to handle intense visual processing work. For bulky tasks such as rendering, 3D modeling, and AAA titles running, the graphics card is more than required.
The combination of a powerhouse processor and perfect graphics card unlocks the unrivaled performance of this beast and makes you stay ahead of your work.
You will no longer be freezing when switching through different programs and apps. This laptop comes powered with 16GB DDR4 RAM that breezes through multiple apps. You will enjoy multitasking, and opening more than one project at one time.
Storage comes filled with 512GB SSD storage. The latest SSD storage type increases loading time and boot-up time to make your system faster than ever.
Its 17-inch bright display is one of the finest features. With a 17-inches FHD IPS display that supports 1920×1080 resolution, you get what you have been looking for.
Here you see sharper and larger viewing angles, improved clarity, and an enhanced gameplay experience.
You get an RGB backlit supported keyboard. The keyboard is a great add-on; you would love the way the RGB keyboard lights up. Its battery life is good enough to make it a nice option.
Though many did not like the overall backup, still it is pretty good for a 17-inches laptop.
2. Asus ROG Strix Scar III
It is hard to find a lightweight laptop that matches the specification and requirements needed for 3D modelling and designing work.
The second entry to our list of best laptops for SketchUp and 3D modelling software is my favourite ASUS ROG Strix Scar III.
The model is known for its superb processing power and AAA titles games dedicated specification line-up. If you buy the model, rest assured, that you would not have to buy another model to play AAA titles.
It comes powered with a 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750h Processor that goes up to 4.50 GHz clock speed to give you instant processing.
You know 3D modelling software or photo and video editing requires a fast single-core processor that processes through the task at blazing speed. Here, a Hexa-core processor that touches 4.5 GHz clock speed ensures that everything will go hand in hand.
It comes powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Graphics card with 8GB of dedicated space. The integrated processor with the mentioned graphics card ensures you get the required power and smoothly do rendering and 3d modelling.
Other than that, you can also have hands-on high-ended games, the specs are an ideal match to get some good games onboard.
It comes with a 16GB system memory that ensures that you get a smooth running of different applications. The mammoth physical memory ensures no roadblocks; a smooth sailing of traffic on both sides of the road.
Other than system memory, the laptop also allocates 1TB SSD storage to help you store your projects, data, games, and much more.
This much of the latest SSD storage makes your work easier than ever, not just a big storage space, you get enhanced loading and boot-up time as well.
Its display is the sweetest spot. You get a 15.6 inches FHD display that caters to your professional and personal requirements. The display ensures the smooth presentation of 3d models and without any interruptions enjoy your titles.
The FHD display produces a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, improved resolution to view everything in detail.
The laptop’s screen-to-body ratio stands above 80-per cent, the display supports 240 Hz refresh rates and 3ms response time to make you get an amazing gaming experience with the latest titles.
Per-Key RGB customization is another great feature that ensures a smooth typing experience.
The keyboard is designed for precision, its N-key roller helps with multi-key inputs. The WASD empowerment makes it one of the finest picks not just for gamers but for professionals.
When you get a laptop for a massive task for a long time, it is certain to experience heating. To cater to the heating issue, this laptop integrates an intelligent cooling mechanism that ensures optimal performance in extended hours.
Its battery power is not that amazing. It offers a 6-hours long runtime, which could have been improved.
To sum up, this laptop is quite powerful. Its specs are more than amazing and it comes up with everything that a professional 3D modelling and designing professional would seek.
In total, it is a great laptop and must consider buying it.
Also Read: Best Ultra-Portable Laptops under $1000
3. HP OMEN 15
HP Omen series is taken one of the finest premium range laptop line-ups. The line-up has been there for a long time and serves the potential users well.
It got all nuts and bolts that we require for the job at hand.
So, if you are serious about your professional 3D modelling, rendering, designing, architecting, and civil Engineering career, get this laptop onboard.
It comes powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H Hexa-core processor. The processing regarding multi-core processors and single-core processors is greatly taken care of by this processor. It is a Hexa-core processor, ideal to get hands-on rendering and simulations.
On the other hand, 3D modelling requires a single-core processor with a high clock speed, here you get a 5.0 GHz clock speed.
Keep in mind, that the model comes powered by RTX 2070 Graphics card with 8GB of dedicated memory.
This GPU is known for high-end performance and makes your BIM programs running, High-ended games running, and other CAD-based applications.
Its memory size falls at 16GB, enough to fits the casual to professional scale needs of architects and interior designers. More than that, you can expand the memory without any issue using the extra slot it comes integrated with.
The storage compartment comes filled with 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. This much of the latest storage ensures you get lots of onboard memory to fill up with shared data, project files, 3D models, and so on.
It got a 15.6 inches FHD display with IPS panels and an anti-glare coating. The display supports 1920×1080 pixel resolution and ensures smooth crystal clear images and video production without straining your eyesight.
The display fits in micro-edge panels to offer more screen area.
It comes integrated with a keyboard that supports RGB 4-zone backlighting. You get N key roller support and WASD keys share SilkyTouchad. You get an improved typing experience and use the keyboards for boosted gaming performance.
Its battery support is quite impressive compares to the other models we reviewed. It offers a 7-hours long runtime to make your work needs accomplishing.
Keep in mind, that it weighs around 5-pounds, you can keep this beast around without any issue. Laptops often come with this line of specs that are bulky and cumbersome to carry around.
Also read: Best Laptops for IT Professionals
4. Lenovo Legion Y540
It is another amazing laptop that suits SketchUp and 3d modelling needs. It shares all the specs you would require to stand out in running a 3D application and SketchUp pro included.
Such as it has a core i7 processor with a powerful graphics card at an average price range.
It comes engineered with Core i7-9750H Processor that touches up to 4.5 GHz clock speed. A High-frequency clock speed is required to do heavy operations. You get the right processor to get smooth processing power without facing a single issue.
It is also a cheap Video editing Laptop, for beginner video editors, to get a hands-on model.
Other than that it also shares the NVIDIA GTX1660Ti graphics card to process visual calculations. Here, to run SketchUp and other similar applications you require a good graphics card.
The storage section comes filled with 512GB SSD storage and 1TB traditional storage. You get more than the required storage space to store your important data. In case you are working on multiple professional scale projects, bulky storage helps you store them without any trouble.
The physical memory of 16GB ensures smooth multitasking. Now, you would not have to face any issues when working on multiple projects.
The added memory helps in switching through and working on multiple projects at one time seamlessly.
From the display front, this laptop suits your needs the best. It has a 15.6 inches FHD display with IPS panels, and an anti-glare coating to help you view crystal clear images and videos produced. The anti-glare coating helps you to take the laptop outdoor for Browsing suffering or studies.
It comes with a backlit keyboard as well. The white illuminated keys make it easier to work from anywhere anytime. Though, many claim the white keys at night make it difficult to strike the right keys.
It also has a decent port selection. It has a USB Type-C port, HDMI port, mini display port, and LAN port to help you connect multiple devices at one time. In total, you would not run off the ports anytime.
The best thing about this model is the average price. It shares a solid line of specifications at an average price range. It is good at handling any amount of 3D modelling and rendering work without getting slowed down.
If you are running short of money, and still desire to buy a solid laptop to fits your SketchUp pro needs, get hands-on with the model.
5. Acer Predator Helios 300
Acer Predator Helios 300 is another great laptop that has made up its mark not only in the gaming world but in handling intensive workloads.
In our case, we are going to handle SketchUp and another 3D modelling, and designing software, it is quite a complex and intensive task, so we require something like this. This laptop comes powered with a great line of specifications that serves up the task well.
It comes engineered with a 9th Generation Intel Core i7 9750H Hexa-core processor that offers a 4.5 GHz maximum clock speed.
The processor with impressive clock speed performs well and increases your overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Now, working on multiple projects, and handling a few dozen chrome tabs along with streaming would not be an issue. You can switch from one task to another faster and effectively without freezing.
It shares a 256GB SSD storage, which might not fit the needs of a professional architect or designer. As he/she has to store larger files and projects, the storage size might run short.
But to help you increase the storage, there is extra space. You get a slot that helps to increase the storage capacity.
Its GTX 1650 Graphics card with 6GB of dedicated memory is the right fit. The latest high-performing graphics card supports your heavy graphics workload needs and makes you stay ahead of your 3D modelling, video editing, sketching, interior designing, and other workloads.
The display comes fitted in slim bezels that enhanced the screen area. It supports a 15.6 inches FHD IPS display that supports 1920 x 1080 pixel resolutions.
The display makes an ideal pick for gaming as well, as it supports a 144 Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time to make you outplay your competitors. As long as the brightness is talked about, the laptop hits the right chord here as well.
With 300 nits of brightness, you get an impressive brighter screen to get an immersive display.
With a backlit keyboard and superior latest AeroBlade 3D fan design cooling mechanism, this laptop serves the purpose well and makes it an ideal candidate for the job.
Also read: Best Gaming Laptops under $1200
6. Alienware New M15
If you are a designer or an architect who travels a lot and looking for a good laptop that is a blend of power and portability, get hands-on Alienware designed the latest M15 laptop.
This laptop though, due to its power, could have been included in our list, but its portability makes it more appealing.
It comes engineered with a 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H processor that goes up to 4.5 GHz clock speed. With this processor, you can knock off 3D modelling, cutting and designing operations, IT professional’s tasks, Virtualization setup, and much more in the row.
Its Hexa-core processor handles complex rendering projects well and clock speed boosts the rendering speed. You get two birds to kill with one stone.
It comes integrated with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Graphics card that shares 6GB of dedicated memory. The laptop due to its high-ended graphics card has become one of the viable options for hard-core users.
It fits the complex and high-ended visual processing needs and makes you smoothly pass through complex 3d modelling, rendering, video and image editing, and high-end game running tasks.
To help the processor smoothen the overall performance, there comes 16GB RAM. The bulky memory size ensures seamless multitasking and more room for running apps and games.
The storage size comes filled with 512GB SSSD storage, to help you load your files and folder fast and without struggling to get the data transferred in a moment.
The support of 15.6 inches FHD display makes its performance more prominent. The display compressions the latest display technology that renders an immersive display with the right colour gamut.
You get 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution to get detailed, in-depth information, 144 Hz refresh rates, and 300 nits brightness for the improved overall experience.
Its keyboard is the icing on the cake. The Per-Key RGB supported keyboard with improved 1.7 mm key travel speed ensures a smooth typing experience.
It’s latest and innovative designed class-leading thermal mechanism further boosts its overall performance. The thermal support is enhanced with sleeve bearing and powerful fan controls to emit the excessive heat out of the chassis to maintain the optimal internal temperature.
7) Razer Blade 15
If you are after buying a full-fledged laptop for 3D modelling, designing, and other high-ended tasks and can afford a high price, consider buying Razer Blade 15,
This laptop offers everything in a small chassis that an architecture engineer, interior designer, video editor, avid gamer, or SketchUp user would look for. It has an 8-core processor, RTX 2080 graphics card, FHD display with 300 Hz refresh rate, and 1TB SSD storage.
The model is engineered with the 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor 8-core processor that maximizes the processing speed. It overtakes workload comes through your ways and makes you easily tackle.
Intensive workload such as 3D modelling project rendering, high-resolution video editing, ultra HD image editing, and AAA titles games running will see a smooth path-way. Its clock speed falls at 5.1 GHz ideal for 3D modelling.
The star of the night feature is its graphics card. It shares NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Graphics card with 8 GB of dedicated memory that overtakes your visual tasks.
The latest graphics card is more than enough for the visual processing we are concerned about. It supports R-tracing, AI, and supports enhanced simulations.
Its storage and memory attributes are more than amazing. It comes with a 16GB DDR4 memory that makes it an amazing machine for multitasking. Get as many tasks onboard ass you like, the added memory is enough to take them all.
The same goes for storage capacity. It has 1TB SSD storage that fits your storage needs without any issue. More than that, it supports multiple slots for enhancing overall system storage capacity. The model ensures users do not get any issues in any area of performance.
Its display is more than stunning. I can’t find the right words for this clear, true-to-life, and vivid display. You get images as real as the world around you, at a 300 Hz refresh rate.
In competitive gaming, you get high refresh rates, stay ahead of others, and act smart on time with a 3ms response time.
Its 15.6 inches FHD display offers the right colour gamut and perfect resolution enough to reveal all details regarding the image.
Actually, this laptop has no downside. I tried hard to find, and check its construction. Because, most of the time, even premium laptops do not share sturdy made. This model is made from temper 6 aluminium with a CNC unibody to offer more rigid and durable frames.
You get a long run of the laptop and get it working for several years.
In total, this laptop is true to its price. I must say the features overkill SketchUp, music production, and other 3D modelling and designing of the application. It hits the right chord and falls right on every criterion of gaming and intensive work.
8. Lenovo IdeaPad L340
If you are on a budget and looking for a high ended model that fits your SketchUp software handling needs, consider buying Lenovo IdeaPad L340.
The model comes integrated with high-ended specs and makes your processing boosted several times more than others at the same price.
Look at its processor, it has a 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H six-core processor. The processor support HyperThreading and its max clock speed reach up to 4.5 GHz. This processor got the speed to process your intensive tasks instantly without slowing down.
Major heavy lifting can be done using this processor but the GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB of dedicated memory is there to ensure smooth running.
You can run apps such as Revit, SolidWorks, networking, SketchUp Pro, Silhouette Cameo, and many other CAD apps without any issue.
It shares a 17.3 inches FHD IPS panel with an anti-glare coating, larger viewing angles, and 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. The brighter and larger display adds a new flavour to your work and makes you view a larger screen to get in-depth details regarding images and videos.
Storage comes filled with a 512GB SSD, with an extra slot to increase the overall size. Good to go even for high-end users. The RAM size though could have been improved.
8GB RAM might not fit the regular 3D modelling and multitasking needs. There is a way to suit it up for the required performance, the extra slot to fill up, and increase memory.
When it comes to the keyboard, you get a backlit-enabled keyboard at an average price. The illuminated comfortable keys help in typing for long hours and assist in your game playing.
The touchpad is as silky as could be handled, weight though is a little on the high side, 6.17 pounds.
Not that much compare to 17-inches screen laptops.
In total, the laptop fits your needs greatly. Though less RAM size could be an issue, still the option to upgrade the ram makes it good to go for the price.
9. Acer Nitro 5
I am quite amazed to see this model with this much specification at this price. Believe me, if budget is your issue, and you still want to house a full-fledged high-speed model, get hands-on Acer Nitro 5.
It comes featured with a 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H Hexa-core processor with a clock speed up to 4.5 GHz. The processor got the power to tackle the heavy loads thrown by SketchUp software. You can even handle larger commercial-grade projects easily, at a blazing speed.
With a 15.6 inches FHD IPS display that supports a 144 Hz refresh rate and integrates larger viewing angles and an anti-glare coating, you get a quite clear display. It got the power to tackle the gaming load and support the highest refresh rate to make you win the battle.
Its graphics card is quite amazing to see at this price. This laptop is priced under $1000, and you get an RTX 2060 graphics card that supports real-time simulation, AI, and r-tracing. The turning-powered architecture makes the GPU more efficient and helps you power through more intensive loads.
You enjoy multitasking like never before. With 16GB DDR4 physical memory, this ram handle intensive loads. You switch through apps without any issue, with no freezing at all.
Though storage of 256GB is not enough as long as the SketchUp pro is concerned. You may have to need the extra slot to expand the storage.
Yes, it supports a backlit keyboard. With an RGB illuminated keyboard that NitroSense Key supports, and WASD keys highlighted you get a smooth typing and gaming experience.
The keys are placed well, ergonomic in typing, tactical feedback, and support 1.66 mm travel speed.
Its integrated twin fans put coolness under fire. The innovative designed cooling mechanism makes your processing last longer at optimal temperatures.
To sum up, a laptop is a hands-down option for the price. If you compare the features with the price, it seems like a steal. So, do not overlook this model and get hands-on on the task.
Also Read: Best Laptops for Students
10. MSI GF63
It is hard to find a super-powerful laptop with portability. I have seen very few models that strike the balance of portability and performance.
This MSI-designed GF63 laptop is an ideal option for those who are always on the move. You get high-specification onboard without putting off portability.
It is a great specification housed machine. It shares an Intel Core i7-9750H Hexa-core processor that goes up to 4.5 GHz clock speed. The processor is the right pick for the job at hand.
We are here to pick laptops for handling SketchUp and other CAD application workloads. This processor with hyperthreading technology onboard surely gets the job done.
Its integration with a GTX 1650 Graphics card with a Max-Q design and 4GB of dedicated memory makes this laptop workhorse for CAD and other graphics-intensive applications. You can play your favourite titles, run Revit and other CAD software, use it for video and image editing, and much more in the row.
The model shares 15.6 inches FHD IPS display with 1920×1080 pixel resolution, IPS panels, and larger and sharper viewing angles to outlast your viewing experience. The display comes in the thinnest possible bezels to offer an enhanced viewing area with the right colour gamut.
Yes, the model supports the backlit keyboard. With improved key travel speed, well-placed keys, comfortable keyboard design, and RGB backlit support, you get the superior keyboard to get things rolled at great speed.
In total, the laptop makes a handy option. It is the thinnest laptop on our list, easy to go around, a breeze to take on travels without sacrificing power.
Also Read: Best Gaming Laptops under $1200
What to Look for When Buying a Laptop for Sketchup
If you are confused or over-showered with the information regarding what to look for or hardware requirements for SketchUp, this section is going to help you a lot.
In this section, we will try to cover basic to recommended specifications. And also make you learn what to look for in a laptop to use SketchUp and other designing software.
Best CPU For Sketchup:
CPU is one of the most misunderstood attributes as long ass SketchUp is concerned. SketchUp is a CPU-intensive application that is GPU-intensive. You require a single-core processor with a high clock speed to run this application.
But, the thing is you might not be using only this software. You need a laptop that is good at SketchUp and other intensive work handlings.
So, a single-core processor might not be that useful in other intensive work is considered. So, it is ideal to look at a multi-core processor with a high clock speed.
Having more cores means, more information is travelled and processed. Getting a high clock speed means, fast processing and transferring of information will happen.
So, it is good to have a core i7 processor with a 9th or 10th Gen processor with a turbo boost speed up to 4.1.
Best Graphics card For Sketchup:
Though SketchUp officials recommend having a 2GB graphics card with OpenGL support. It is a basic requirement, and professional designers and architects deal with a heavy workload.
For them, it is important to have a GTX 1650 Graphics card with 4GB of dedicated memory.
RAM
Though 8GB RAM is recommended for the software running. You need to have a good memory to deal with SketchUp larger projects. It will be good if you could manage to have 16GB RAM.
Screen Size
For SketchUp and other designing and architects software, you would not like having a small screen size. I mean you cannot buy a 13-inches screen laptop to get SketchUp running.
So, it is recommended to have a 15.6 inches size or more. Some recommend having a big screen as designing and architectural things require more screen area.
Other than size, other features are also important. Such as an FHD display, IPS panels, larger viewing angles, anti-glare coating, sharp viewing angles, and 1080P resolution.
These elements aid up and bring forth a superior error-free smooth display that makes your viewing experience amazing.
FAQs Section
What is the recommended hardware to run SketchUp?
Though every software comes with different hardware requirements. But, SketchUp and other CAD software somehow resemble hardware recommendations.
In my view, the i7 processor with a good clock speed is one of the must-have features to run CAD applications.
Yes, must consider having a dedicated graphics card with OpenGL support. For memory, 16GB is good to go, storage should be at least 512GB SSD.
Is MacBook Pro Good For SketchUp?
MacBooks are great laptops no doubt. But, I do not recommend them for SketchUp. I search through many forums, users were more into Windows laptops with NVIDIA Graphics cards.
SketchUp runs more smoothly on an Nvidia Graphics card than AMD, new MacBooks come with AMD Radeon graphics which are not that impressive when a professional-grade 3D project comes.
So, it is good to have a Windows laptop with Nvidia Graphics to see a smooth running.
Why it is important to have Big Sized RAM for 3D modelling and rendering?
3D modelling, rendering, video editing, and other intensive tasks consume more memory. With a low size, they run out of memory, and the system freezes or becomes slow when switching through the programs.
So, for high-end tasks, it is recommended to have a big-sized ram that offers more room for multiple apps and programs.
What is the minimum Graphics card For SketchUp?
SketchUp officials recommend a 2GB dedicated graphics card with OpenGL support. That’s the minimum criteria, and only for SketchUp. For a designer or architect, it is hard to buy laptops for different applications.
So, in my view, if you are a professional designer get at least a GTX 1650 Graphics card with 4GB memory to get a smooth work environment with many other CAD applications.
Final Thoughts
If you are a designer, architect, engineer, or anything related to design and architecture, it is important for you to have an efficient laptop.
A laptop that runs many CAD applications and makes you work on 3D modelling and designing projects.
3D modelling and rendering are difficult to process tasks. It requires a workstation with equal power to cater to the workload.
In this blog post, we have reviewed our top picks. These laptops are the latest models, high-rated, good-speed, and good-to-run SketchUp.
In the last section, we also put a little buying guide. The guide helps users what to look into when picking a laptop for SketchUp.
I am pretty sure you like this guide. I think this guide will help you through the entire process of buying a good laptop. If you think the guide has helped you, please share it with others.
