Rating of the best laptops for working in AutoCAD for 2022

Construction and engineering organizations, designers, designers, and many other companies use AutoCAD in their work, a program that allows you to create drawings in two- and three-dimensional projection. The software requires a large amount of resources, and therefore a number of requirements are put forward to the computer on which it is installed.

In this article, we will look at popular laptop models from the best manufacturers that can be used to work in AutoCAD. We will also tell you what to look for when choosing a particular model in order not to make mistakes when choosing.

Laptop Requirements for AutoCAD

As previously mentioned, there are a number of parameters that need to be met in order for the software to run smoothly.

For a device running on Windows, the system requirements must be at least:

• operating system Windows 7 and higher, 64-bit version;
• processor clock frequency - from 2.5 GHz;
• memory - at least 8 GB;
• display resolution - from 1920 * 1080 with True color;
• video card with a capacity of at least 1 GB, bandwidth - from 30 Gb / s, DirectX 11;
• free hard disk space - at least 6 GB.

A MacOS-based device must meet the requirements:

• operating system Big Sur 11, Catalina 10.15, Mojave 10.14, or High Sierra 10.13;
• processor with a clock speed of 2 GHz, 64-bit system;
• RAM from 4 GB;
• display resolution - from 1280 * 800 with True color;
• free hard disk space - from 3 GB.

The user needs to understand that the above characteristics are the minimum allowable, and for the normal functioning of the program, you need to select a device with the parameters described above. In addition to these characteristics, additional selection criteria should be: the presence of active and passive cooling (due to high performance and small case size, laptops tend to overheat), the presence of an SSD drive (the functionality of which is superior to HDD).

Rating of high-quality laptop models for AutoCAD

Each manufacturer of computer equipment in the lineup has laptops that are able to work with AutoCAD.When choosing a particular model, it is recommended to focus not on the brand of the device, but on the components that make it up. Most of them are unified and interchangeable, so that in the event of a breakdown, finding the right spare part will not be a problem.

To use basic functions

Such laptops are inexpensive compared to models that involve active work with engineering software. The cost of the minimum acceptable option starts from 30,000 rubles, but for normal operation you will need a laptop that costs 50,000 or more.

Acer Extensa 15 EX215-51G-513M

The device belongs to the budget category and is considered a typical office device. Most laptops sold come pre-installed with the latest generation operating system, Windows 10. If you want to save money, you can find a device without an operating system.

Buyers of the model note the minimalist design. The body of the device is made of cheap black plastic. The upper surfaces are made of a glossy material, the lower ones are rough, which contributes to a better hold in hands when carrying. The battery is built-in and cannot be removed. There is no window for its maintenance. According to customer reviews, the assembly is not at the best level - in some places the case is pressed through, the keys may sink. If you press hard on the back of the cover, rainbow streaks may appear on the screen.

There are USB interfaces (3 pcs.), a card reader is not provided. There is an HDMI port. The webcam does not differ in sharpness, the picture is blurry and fuzzy. The keyboard is standard, not backlit. In the middle it can sag, but not critical. The touchpad is sensitive, the buttons are pressed flawlessly.Due to the TN-type matrix, the image on the display is of poor quality (poor viewing angles), brightness and contrast leave much to be desired. The overall performance is at a low level, however, the device is suitable for performing basic functions and leisurely work in AutoCAD. The video card is built into the processor and supports DirectX 12. During operation, the laptop makes almost no noise and does not heat up. The temperature increase is possible only at increased loads. It is almost impossible to bring the temperature beyond 40 ºС under operating conditions.

• low noise level;
• low cost;
• good autonomy;
• it is possible to install additional memory.

• low quality matrix (narrow viewing angles, poor color reproduction);
• small set of ports;
• no card reader
• overpriced configurations with a pre-installed operating system.

Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH-PG0

The model costs more than the previous one, and differs not only in an improved screen matrix (IPS), but also in increased performance. The case of the device is made of soft plastic, resistant to damage. Contact with hands leaves fingerprints on the surface. Of the layout features, it is worth noting the location of the webcam - it is not on top, but on the bottom frame, under the display, which degrades the quality of the picture transmitted during a video call.

There are a large number of inputs and outputs, including USB Type-C, HDMI 2.0, while there is no Thunderbolt. The laptop keyboard is standard, the keys have a typical size. There is a backlight with brightness control (2 modes). The touchpad has 2 physical buttons located below the touchpad.The display is of a standard size with good parameters - no PWM, the brightness reaches a threshold of 277 cd / m2. According to customer reviews, it is difficult to use the gadget in sunlight, as the sharpness and brightness do not allow you to clearly see the image on the display. Viewing angles are wide, the picture is not distorted from any angle.

The overall performance is at a high level. According to user reviews, AutoCAD practically does not freeze, and opens quickly. The cooling fans rotate constantly, the noise level is low. When the load increases, the speed of rotation of the blades increases. The maximum heating temperature is 60 ºС.

• high performance;
• IPS matrix with wide viewing angles;
• a large number of inputs and outputs;
• capacious storage.

• there is no card reader;
• no Thunderbolt 3 connector;
• short battery life.

Xiaomi Mi Notebook 15.6 Lite

The novelty of a well-known Chinese manufacturer is comparable in price to the first contender, and is offered in two colors - white and black. The body is made of metal, making it more scratch resistant than plastic. The lid is securely fixed in a predetermined position, but it is difficult to open. Unlike laptops from other manufacturers, Xiaomi decided not to place the corporate logo on the back of the lid, but placed it on the strip below the display.

All the necessary connectors are present on the body of the device, with the exception of USB Type-C. The keyboard is standard size, not backlit. Because of this feature, operation at night without additional lighting is difficult.Users note the large size of the touchpad, which takes some getting used to. The display matrix is ​​made using IPS technology, which is considered one of the best for working with graphics. To reduce glare, the screen has a matte finish that allows you to work comfortably in natural light. The frames are wide, but visually this feature does not cause discomfort.

The name of the laptop contains the prefix "lite", which hints at its budget origins, and in fact it is. However, a large number of processor cores and a comparable amount of RAM allow you to perform basic tasks. A capacious storage allows you to store a large amount of graphic projects. The battery is non-removable, its capacity is enough for no more than 5 hours of autonomous operation. Charging time does not exceed an hour. In order to save the budget, you can order a laptop online in a popular Chinese online store. In this case, it should be borne in mind that the buyer loses the guarantee, and in the event of a breakdown, the device will have to be repaired independently.

• good value for money;
• there is a choice of body color;
• a large amount of HDD and SSD drives;
• metal case.

• low video bandwidth.

ASUS ROG GL703GM-EE224

The rating continues with a new model from ASUS, which, unlike the previous contenders, has a screen diagonal of 17 inches. The laptop supports the transfer of information in accordance with the Bluetooth 5.0 standard.

The case is made of plastic and aluminum (top cover). On the cover there is a gaming logo, which is highlighted in red during operation of the device.Buyers note its small thickness, because of which, when pressed from the back side, rainbow stains appear on the screen. Aluminum protects the body from mechanical damage, but fingerprints remain on it. There are 2 built-in speakers. The battery is non-removable, with a short battery life.

The laptop is equipped with two USB 3.0 connectors, as well as HDMI. The keyboard is made with an increased space between the buttons, which allows you to press them without error. There is a backlight, and the user can choose its type and color scheme. The touchpad is standard, with a small recess, there are 2 functional buttons.

The device has a TN-type matrix, which is considered not the most successful for working with graphics. The manufacturer falls for the trick and indicates that it corresponds to the IPS level, but in reality this is not the case.

The model is considered gaming and has a good level of performance. Memory type - DDR4. When conducting stress tests, the model showed the stability of such a frequency and a good memory load. The noise level is low, under normal load, the rotation of the fan is almost inaudible.

• attractive appearance;
• convenient controls;
• high performance.

• TN matrix;
• short battery life.

Comparative table of laptops for working with basic functions in AutoCAD:

Index	Acer Extensa 15 EX215-51G-513M	Lenovo Legion Y540-15IRH-PG0	Xiaomi Mi Notebook 15.6 Lite	ASUS ROG GL703GM-EE224
CPU	Core i3 / Core i5	Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7 9750H, Intel Core i5 9300H 2400 MHz	Core i3 / Core i5 / Core i7	Intel Core i5 8300H 2300 MHz
graphics accelerator	NVIDIA GeForce MX230	Intel UHD Graphics 630, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650	Intel UHD Graphics 620 / NVIDIA GeForce MX110	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
RAM, GB	4 to 8	8GB DDR4 2666MHz	4...16 GB	8GB DDR4 2666MHz
Screen resolution	1920x1080	1920x1080	1920x1080	1920x1080
Operating system	Endless OS / Linux / Windows 10 Home	DOS, Windows 10 Home	Windows 10 Home	not preinstalled
Number of processor cores	2/4	4, 6	2/4	4
Screen matrix type	TN	IPS	IPS	TN
Drive configuration	HDD / SSD	HDD+SSD	HDD+SSD	HDD+SSD
WiFi	there is	there is	there is	there is
Expansion/memory card slots	SD/SDHC/SDXC	no data	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SDHC, SDXC, SD
Battery life, hours	9	4,5	6	3
Webcam	there is	there is	there is	there is
Total SSD capacity	128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB	128 GB	128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB	128 GB
Total HDD capacity	1000 GB / 500 GB	1000 GB	1000 GB	1000 GB
Passive cooling	No	No	No	No
Overall dimensions (length, width, thickness), mm	363,4*247,5*20	360x267x24.2	382*253,5*19,9	274x412x24mm
Weight, kg	1.9	2,3	2,18	2,95
Average price, rub.	54000	85000	55000	88000

High Performance Models

The cost of such devices can reach up to 200,000 rubles.

DELL Precision 5550

The manufacturer positions the device as a mobile workstation. The body is gray, made of metal and carbon fiber. Despite the seemingly non-staining surface, fingerprints still remain. The screen bezels are minimal among those models that are on sale at a comparable price. Modern interfaces - Thunderbolt 3 x 2 / USB 3.1 Type-C / microphone / headphones Combo. There is a card reader that works at high speeds. Its execution is non-standard - there is no spring mechanism, the card protrudes from the borders of the case.

The keyboard is a standard size (with the exception of the arrows - they are reduced). The touchpad is buttonless, with the function of protection against accidental pressing by the wrist when typing. The IPS matrix provides the highest quality color reproduction, which is difficult to find in competitors. To protect against damage, a glass screen is additionally installed on the display. PWM is missing.

The amount of video memory of 64 GB allows you to process even "heavy" projects. It is with this fact that the popularity of the model under consideration is connected. Video playback in 4K is carried out without slowdowns. When surfing the Internet or working with text files, the noise level is at a low level, and increases sharply with increasing load. With the help of special programs, you can configure the hardware configuration in such a way as to increase the speed. According to the advice of experienced users, it is recommended to install additional cooling during intensive use, since the keyboard can heat up to 47 ºС under load.

The sound quality is above average. Four speakers are located on the front panel and have a power of 8 watts. The total power consumption is at the level of 100-120 watts. Although the built-in battery has reduced its capacity compared to its predecessor, the battery life has increased by one hour. Charging time is 1-2 hours.

• compact dimensions;
• attractive appearance;
• high performance.

• according to buyers, the model is focused on periodic use in conditions of moving from place to place, and for constant intensive use it is better to purchase an older modification.

HP ZBook Studio G7

The review continues with another workstation - this time from a foreign manufacturer HP. The device is designed to perform complex tasks, for which it has a memory card slot with a capacity of 32 GB. The hard drive can hold up to 2 TB of information. The body is completely made of aluminum, which is lightweight and resistant to mechanical damage.

The keyboard is designed with low noise technology for comfortable operation. The buttons are covered with a wear-resistant coating. The keyboard is backlit (2 levels of adjustment), there is protection against moisture ingress.

The screen diagonal is 15.6 inches. The frames are thin (5 mm). The buyer can choose from several types of matrices that are built into it: IPS or OLED with different types of coverage. One of the options is made using a technology that does not allow reading the contents of the screen from an angle of more than 35 degrees. There is an anti-reflective coating.

The manufacturer has taken care of safety. Each time you turn on the BIOS, it is checked for integrity, artificial intelligence works in tandem with the antivirus used and increases the degree of protection of the device. The built-in camera is equipped with a face recognition function, which can prevent unauthorized start. There is also a fingerprint scanner, similar to that used in smartphones.

There are all the connectors necessary for the user: USB Type-C, USB 3.1, Kensington lock (anti-theft system), Thunderbolt 3, HDMI. The noise of the coolers is practically inaudible during normal operation, but under load it increases and stands out against the background of general room sounds.Autonomy, in comparison with competitors, is impressive - one charge is enough for at least 12 hours of operation.

• high performance;
• compact size and light weight;
• high level of protection against unauthorized entry.

• many users complain about how much the laptop costs, considering the price to be too high.

Lenovo ThinkPad P1

The workstation from Lenovo combines the characteristics of a top-end computer and a portable device, thanks to which the laptop turned out to be thin and light, but at the same time capable of working in AutoCAD. Compared to the previous contender, the maximum amount of RAM has been increased to 64 GB. Storage holds up to 4 TB. The model is equipped with the most powerful processor in the line - Intel Core i7-9850H. Performance is at the same level when working both from the network and from the built-in battery.

Facilitates the work with graphics matrix IPS, which is characterized by high brightness and full color gamut. There is 4K resolution. All the necessary interfaces are located at the bottom of the case - Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Type-A, HDMI 2.0, microphone, Combo headphones.

The cooling of the device has an adjustment system - during normal operation, the coolers are turned off, at increased loads they are activated. At the same time, during tests, it was noted that at a high speed of rotation of the blades, the processor “sags”. Often there are complaints about the appearance of a whistle when the fan blades rotate, which is why among the recommendations there is an opinion that it is not worth buying a device without checking it. Under increased loads, the device can heat up to 45 ºС.The average power consumption is 105 W, the battery life according to the tests does not exceed 6 hours.

• IPS matrix;
• a large number of connectors;
• capacious storage.

• high price.

Apple iMac Retina 5K 27″

Despite the fact that the model in question is not directly related to laptops, it is also mobile, and is a monoblock, which contains all the necessary components. The 27-inch diagonal makes it possible to work with large graphic objects, allowing you to see the smallest details. The novelty of the American manufacturer installs a matrix with a resolution of 5K, allowing you to play video in 4K format. The package bundle of the device is standard for the company's products - it includes a wireless keyboard, Magic Mouse, technical manual.

On the back of the monoblock there are connectors for connecting external devices - USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, a card reader, a place for connecting headphones. The display has a protective coating with anti-reflective effect. Viewing angles are wide. There is a brightness control that changes the parameters based on the readings of the light sensor.

The model is sold with a pre-installed Yosemite operating system, which includes the main advantages of iOS 7 and is supplemented with applications, one of the most interesting is iCloud Drive, which allows you to synchronize programs that the user works with in real time. It also acts as a cloud, storing user information. It should be borne in mind that only 5 GB of the provided space is free, you will have to pay extra for the rest.If the user has an Apple smartphone, he can receive incoming calls directly from the computer.

The performance of the monoblock allows you to perform any task in AutoCAD, including the drawing of three-dimensional models. Before choosing this monoblock, it is worth considering that it is irrational to use it under the Windows operating system, since it is not able to use all the capabilities of the device. According to ongoing tests, the performance of the all-in-one from Apple is comparable, and in many cases exceeds that offered by top-end laptops from other manufacturers.

• high performance;
• attractive appearance;
• the model is popular, and there are no difficulties with where to buy the goods;
• matrix 5K.

• high price;
• large dimensions.

Apple MacBook Air 13 Late 2020

The model belongs to the category of ultra-compact and has a screen diagonal of 13 inches. Previous modifications could not claim to perform tasks that require high-performance equipment, but the new product has implemented such an opportunity. Now the Apple device is not inferior to its competitors in terms of hardware, and in many ways it surpasses the budget models of competitors.

All buyers of the brand note an attractive design, and the model in question is no exception. Users note a small number of USB ports, which is why you will have to purchase a splitter to work with a large number of external equipment. The speakers are located on both sides of the keyboard, they are distinguished by high sound quality. The screen has a protective glass coating that is resistant to mechanical damage. There is an oleophobic and anti-reflective effect. The IPS matrix provides wide viewing angles and true-to-life color reproduction.There is a color change function at night, which makes the display glow warmer than during the day. The ambient light sensor adjusts the backlight according to the environment.

Notebook temperature may rise to 50°C or more during load operation. There are no built-in fans, passive cooling is organized. No noise is generated during operation. Long battery life is ensured through the use of an energy-efficient processor that saves battery power. After exceeding the set limit, the device degrades hardware performance, slowing down the user experience.

• compact dimensions;
• low noise level;
• high performance;
• There are 4 body colors to choose from.

• a small number of USB connectors;
• passive cooling at high loads reduces overall performance.

Comparison table of high-performance laptops:

Index	DELL Precision 5550	HP ZBook Studio G7	Lenovo ThinkPad P1	Apple iMac Retina 5K	Apple MacBook Air 13 Late 2020
CPU	Intel Core i7-10875H	Xeon W 10885M	Intel Core i7-9850H	Intel Core i5-10600, Intel Core i5-8600, Intel Core i7-10700K	Apple M1 3200 MHz
graphics accelerator	NVIDIA Quadro T2000 Max-Q	NVIDIA Quadro P1000 / NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 / NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 / NVIDIA Quadro T1000 / NVIDIA Quadro T2000	AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200, NVIDIA Quadro T2000	AMD Radeon Pro 560, AMD Radeon Pro 5300, AMD Radeon Pro 5700, AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT	Apple graphics 7-core, Apple graphics 8-core
RAM, GB	4...32 GB	16...32 GB	8...32 GB	8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB	8 GB
Screen resolution	1920x1200	1920x1080 / 3840x2160	1920x1080, 3840x2160	5120x2880	2560x1600
Operating system	Linux, Windows 10 Pro	Windows 10 Pro	Windows 10 Pro	macOS	macOS
Number of processor cores	6/8	6/8	4/6/8	8, 6	8
Screen matrix type	IPS/WVA	IPS/UWVA	IPS	IPS	IPS
Drive configuration	SSD	SSD	SSD	HDD+SSD	SSD
WiFi	there is	there is	there is	there is	there is
Expansion/memory card slots	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SDXC	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery life, hours	9	18	7.36...13.8	No	18
Webcam	there is	there is	there is	there is	yes, 1 MP
Total SSD capacity	1 TB / 1024 GB / 512 GB	1024 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB	1024 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB	1 TB	512 GB
Total HDD capacity	missing	missing	missing	128 GB	missing
Passive cooling	No	No	No	No	there is
Overall dimensions (length, width, thickness), mm	344.4*230.3*11.65	354*234.6*17.9	361.8*245.7*18.4...18.7	650*516*203	304.1x212.4x16.1
Weight, kg	1,84	1,79	1.7...1.8 kg	8,92	1,29
Average price, rub.	200000	260000	193000	192000	120000

Conclusion

When choosing a laptop of which company it is better to buy, it is recommended to pay attention not to the manufacturer, but to the components from which it is assembled. It can even be a model from a domestic manufacturer, “stuffed” with modern equipment. Since AutoCAD requires high performance, first of all, you need to pay attention to the power of the processor, as well as the video card. It is useful to estimate the amount of internal memory, since ample storage is required to store projects.

We recommend visiting thematic forums where users compare models with each other and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. We hope that our review will help you make the right choice!