Best Laptops for Solidworks of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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When it comes to using Solidworks, having a powerful laptop is essential. The software requires a lot of processing power, so it's important to choose a laptop with a high-end processor and graphics card. Some popular options include the Dell Precision series, the HP ZBook series, and the Lenovo ThinkPad P series. These laptops are designed specifically for professional use and come with features such as large storage capacity, high resolution displays, and advanced cooling systems. They are perfect for engineers, architects, and designers who need to work on complex projects while on the go.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ist computers HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11 Cover #TOP 1
ist computers HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11
ftb score rating icon 9.9
HP ZBook Studio G11 16-inch Laptop Cover #TOP 2
HP ZBook Studio G11 16-inch Laptop
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 Cover #TOP 3
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 3
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Laptops for Solidworks

#TOP 1

ist computers HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11

ZBook Firefly 14 G11
Silver
64GB|2TB
ist computers HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11 Cover
HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11 Mobile Workstation AI Laptop (14" FHD+, Intel Core Ultra 7 165U, 64GB DDR5, 2TB SSD) For Engineer, Designer, 5MP IR Webcam, Fingerprint, Backlit, 2x Thunderbolt 4, Win 11 Pro

The ist computers HP ZBook Firefly is a lightweight and durable laptop designed to keep you productive on the go. Weighing just over 3 pounds and built to military standards, it ensures reliability wherever you work. Its powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor combined with ample 64GB DDR5 memory and a fast 2TB SSD lets you handle demanding tasks and large files smoothly. The 14-inch screen offers bright, clear visuals with anti-glare technology, perfect for long hours of work. Plus, with multiple ports and wireless options, you can easily connect to various devices and external monitors, boosting your workspace without extra equipment.

What We Like
Lightweight, durable design
Powerful processor and memory
Bright, anti-glare display
Versatile connectivity options
#TOP 2

HP ZBook Studio G11 16-inch Laptop

HP
Zbook Studio G11
Silver
HP ZBook Studio G11 16-inch Laptop Cover
HP New ZBook Studio G11 16" Workstation Laptop | Intel Core Ultra 7 165H | 32GB RAM | 512GB SSD | NVIDIA RTX A3000 GPU | Win 11 Pro | Keyboard w/Num Pad | Enterprise Business Professional Laptop

The HP ZBook Studio G11 offers a large 16-inch Full HD+ screen with a 16:10 ratio, giving you more space to work comfortably on CAD projects, 3D models, or multiple spreadsheets at once. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor, it delivers fast and reliable performance, ideal for engineers and professionals who need speed and efficiency. The NVIDIA RTX A3000 GPU enhances your experience with smooth graphics for creative design and 3D tasks, making complex visuals easier to handle. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, you get quick startup times and seamless multitasking, so you can stay productive without delays.

What We Like
Large 16" FHD+ display
Intel Core Ultra 7 processor
NVIDIA RTX A3000 GPU
32GB DDR5 RAM
512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD
#TOP 3

Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 3

21RQ
Black
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 Cover
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 3 Intel (16") WUXGA (1920 x 1200) - Intel Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 8GB, 64GB DDR5, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, RJ-45, WI-FI 7, AI PC for Creators & Developers

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is a powerful laptop designed to handle demanding tasks with ease. Featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, it provides fast and efficient performance, perfect for heavy workloads like 3D rendering and complex simulations. Its NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 graphics card delivers smooth visuals and real-time ray tracing, ideal for creators working on CAD, video editing, or VR projects. Certified for professional software such as SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD, you can trust it to run your essential apps reliably. Plus, with advanced security features like a fingerprint reader and privacy camera, your data stays safe while the rugged design ensures durability in tough environments.

What We Like
High-performance processor
Professional-grade graphics
ISV-certified software support
Advanced security features
Rugged and durable design
#TOP 4

Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 Laptop

Thinkpad P1 21FW
Black
64GB|2TB
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 Laptop Cover
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Mobile Workstation Laptop (16" 2K 165Hz, Intel 14-Core i7-13800H, 64GB DDR5, 2TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX A1000 6GB) 2 x Thunderbolt 4, Backlit, Fingerprint, FHD IR Webcam, Win 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 is designed to keep you productive wherever you go with its portable and reliable setup. Its strong battery supports fast charging, so you can quickly get back to work without long waits. This laptop runs professional software smoothly, making it perfect for engineers and designers who use demanding programs. Powered by a fast Intel i7 processor and a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card, it handles multitasking and heavy applications with ease. The 16-inch high-resolution display offers vivid colors and sharp images, making your work and video calls clear and enjoyable. Plus, with multiple ports and wireless options, you can connect all your devices effortlessly for a seamless workflow.

What We Like
Fast charging battery
Powerful Intel i7 CPU
NVIDIA RTX A1000 graphics
High-res 16" display
Multiple connectivity ports
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose the Best Laptops for Solidworks

Introduction

When it comes to finding the right laptop to handle Solidworks, it can be a daunting task. With so many different models, specs, and features, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. Fortunately, we’re here to help you narrow down your search and find the perfect laptop for Solidworks. In this article, we’ll discuss the key features to look for in a laptop for Solidworks and provide our top recommendations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laptop for Solidworks

When selecting a laptop for Solidworks, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure you get the best performance possible. Here are the primary factors to keep in mind:

Processor

The processor is one of the most important components of any laptop for Solidworks. You’ll want to make sure you select a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or higher processor. These processors are powerful enough to handle the complex calculations and tasks required for Solidworks.

RAM

You should also look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM. This will ensure the laptop can handle the high processing power needed for Solidworks.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is another important factor to consider when selecting a laptop for Solidworks. You’ll want to make sure the laptop has an integrated graphics card, such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon. These graphics cards are capable of handling the intense graphics requirements of Solidworks.

Storage

Storage is also an important factor when choosing a laptop for Solidworks. You’ll want to make sure the laptop has at least 256GB of SSD storage, as this will ensure the laptop can handle the large files needed for Solidworks.

Battery Life

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure the laptop has good battery life. Solidworks can be a power-hungry application, so you’ll want to make sure the laptop has a battery that can last for at least 8 hours of use.

Now that you know what to look for in a laptop for Solidworks, here are our top recommended models:

HP Spectre x360

The HP Spectre x360 is an excellent choice for Solidworks. It features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and integrated NVIDIA GeForce graphics. It also has 256GB of SSD storage and a battery life of up to 12 hours.

Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is another great choice for Solidworks. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and an integrated AMD Radeon graphics card. It also has 512GB of SSD storage and a battery life of up to 11 hours.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

For those looking for a more powerful laptop for Solidworks, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is an excellent choice. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and an integrated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. It also has 1TB of SSD storage and a battery life of up to 8 hours.

Conclusion

Finding the right laptop for Solidworks can be a challenge, but with the right information and our top recommendations, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your needs. Be sure to take into account the processor, RAM, graphics card, storage, and battery life when selecting the laptop that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Solidworks need 16GB RAM?

Solidworks generally requires 4-8GB of RAM for tasks like rotating models, simulations, and renders. However, to ensure smooth performance and accommodate other running programs, it is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM in your system.

2. Can SOLIDWORKS run on any laptop?

Solidworks can run on laptops, but the system requirements include a minimum dual-core CPU and a recommendation for a quad-core CPU. For GPU support, it is recommended to have Radeon or FirePro series workstation cards.

3. Do I need 16 or 32gb RAM for SOLIDWORKS?

For the average SOLIDWORKS user, 16GB of RAM is recommended. This allows for opening complex models while still leaving enough memory for other programs. Users with more demanding analysis or rendering requirements may benefit from having 32GB of RAM, but 64GB is rarely necessary.

4. Are gaming laptops good for SOLIDWORKS?

While gaming laptops can run SOLIDWORKS, they are not the ideal choice for CAD/CAM workstations. Gaming computers may lack the necessary specifications and balance between the graphics card and CPU, which can result in suboptimal performance for SOLIDWORKS.

5. Is 64gb RAM overkill for SOLIDWORKS?

For most users, 8-16GB of RAM is sufficient for SOLIDWORKS. However, if you work with complex models, having more RAM, such as 32GB, can be beneficial. 64GB of RAM is generally considered overkill for SOLIDWORKS, and the need for such high capacity is rare.

6. Does SOLIDWORKS need graphics card?

Having a good graphics card is crucial for running SOLIDWORKS efficiently. However, it is important to find the right balance between the graphics card and CPU. Pairing a high-end graphics card with an entry-level CPU may result in inefficient performance.

Editor's Notes

During our laptop for solidworks research, we found 24 laptop for solidworks products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,480 customer reviews through our big data system to write the laptops for solidworks list. We found that most customers choose laptops for solidworks with an average price of $935.89.

The laptops for solidworks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of laptops for solidworks, including ist computers, HP, Lenovo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 882 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.