11+ Best Laptops for 3D Modeling in 2023 (Top Picks)
January 30, 2023
min read
Are you an aspiring 3D artist or modeler looking for the best laptop for 3D modeling to bring your creative visions to life? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the best laptops for 3D modeling available today that are designed specifically for 3D modeling and animation. We’ll look at their features, specs, and performance so that you can make an informed purchase decision when it comes to buying a new laptop.
We'll also discuss what criteria should be considered when making your choice and offer some tips on how to get the best deals.
Whether you're just getting started or have been working with Maya, Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, ZBrush, Modo, or Cinema 4D for years, our guide is sure to help you find the perfect laptop for your needs!
Yes, you can use a laptop for 3D modeling. With the increasing power and capabilities of modern laptops, they are becoming increasingly capable of running powerful 3D modeling software. All you need is to purchase the best laptop for 3d modeling that is powerful enough to handle your task.
What Specs Do I Need for 3D Modeling?
For choosing the best laptop for 3D modeling and run your 3D modeling project on Windows or Linux, you need the following minimum configuration:
Yes. If you're looking for the best laptop for 3D modeling, but don't want to break the bank and stay more flexible, a cloud workstation is a solution. You can now do intensive tasks like modeling in the cloud and use your current laptop to access it.
Though a laptop is always flexible for doing any intensive tasks, it can be more costly over time when you need to upgrade it to run your freshly updated rendering software. On the other hand, a cloud workstation is more flexible than a laptop and gives you more portability.
Portability is one of the core features that attract 3D artists to use laptops. But the lack of upgradability leaves the laptop behind a cloud workstation. A cloud workstation like Flaneer offers a wealth of benefits for those who need more flexibility. You can up- and downgrade anytime and adapt your machine to your actual needs.
What else?
With 3GB/s+ in download bandwidth, you will load your assets faster than ever! And their pixel streaming technology offers a latency times lower than 30 ms thanks, users won't notice any difference between running 3D animation locally versus on the cloud.
Through customizable components like CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and more you can ensure your projects are powered by the latest technology advancements. Flaneer provides even greater benefits when collaboration takes place over distance - maintain secure IP access for distributed employees without shipping materials around multiple locations!
Don't let IT costs blow your budget - Flaneer provides an optimized solution. Evaluating a laptop's Total Cost of Ownership is essential when acquiring hardware for 3D animation projects, but Flaneer provides cost-efficient solutions to keep expenses low.
Flaneer eliminates the hassle by reducing overall costs and eliminating investments into frequent modifications due to ever-increasing software requirements.
In a nutshell: If you do not want to constantly renew your laptops, you can just use Flaneer and rent entire workstations as per your (changing) requirement.
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The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is an exceptional laptop for 3D modeling, specifically polygonal modeling. It is powered by a powerful Intel Core i9 10th generation processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of NVMe storage, and the RTX 2060 GPU. All these make it more than capable of creating stunning 3D modeling designs including curve modeling and digital sculpting. The laptop comes with a dual touch screen and versatile touchpad for an even better user experience. It is also the winner of Reddot 2020.
It is a great value that can be found for between $3080 and $4500.
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The Acer ConceptD 7 features a Pantone-validated 4K UHD display. Additionally, it is equipped with powerful hardware like an i7 CPU and RTX 2080 Super GPU for fast and efficient performance. Whether you are working on 3D animations or graphic design, it will get the job done quickly and efficiently. This laptop is an excellent choice for CAD designers, product designers, and video game developers. All in all, the Acer ConceptD 7 is the best laptop for 3D modeling!
From a price range of $2200 - $3200, you get this one-of-a-kind laptop.
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The Asus ROG Strix G17 is an amazing choice for those looking for a Ryzen laptop for 3D modeling. With a Ryzen 9 CPU and RTX 3060 GPU, you can run any high-end program with superior performance. Plus, its precision speed display can switch between 300 Hz FHD and 165 Hz WQHD, making it ideal for 3D modeling. On top of that, this one of the best gaming laptops is durable and built with a liquid metal to remain cool.
This Ryzen laptop comes at a moderate price. You can expect to spend from $1,380 to $1,599.
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The Razer Blade Pro 17 is one of the best gaming laptops, which is also best for 3D modeling. You will be a fan of the compact size of this laptop, which is 25% smaller than the previous models. You will experience unmatched 3D modeling with a powerful 5.0 GHz base clock speed.
A great thing about this laptop is its variety of bundles, from core i7 to i9. It allows the users to choose the preferred bundle according to their 3D modeling needs including polygonal modeling, curve modeling, and digital sculpting.
It is on the expensive side, with prices ranging from $2,800 to $4,400 depending on the bundle. However, it is well worth the cost for 3D modeling.
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Take your 3D modeling to the next level with the MSI GE76 Raider. With its 17-inch display, you will be able to showcase your work to its fullest potential. The combination of its powerful CPU and GPU will provide almost desktop-level performance. Plus, its relatively small size won't take up too much space. All in all, it is the perfect choice for 3D modeling enthusiasts.
The MSI GE76 Raider is available in 7 different configurations. Depending on the configuration, the price may vary from $1,599 to $4,199.
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For anybody searching for a macOS laptop for 3D modeling, the Apple MacBook Pro is an excellent option. A number of enhancements are included in the 2021 model, including a choice of CPUs with the Apple M1 Pro or the Apple M1 Max for best performance. Thanks to the XDR brightness and improved battery performance, customers get better graphics for 3D modeling.
With a starting price of $1,999 and configurable options costing up to $2,499, the Apple MacBook Pro is the perfect choice for professional 3D modeling.
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The ASUS TUF F15 (FX506LI) is an incredible laptop for 3D modeling. It has the most recent Intel 12th Gen CPU and Nvidia RTX 30 Series Graphics. Both of these are capable of handling any 3D work. You’ll get 16 GB DDR4 RAM to accelerate your artwork. Additionally, the 15.6-inch screen's outstanding refresh rate of 144 Hz and complete DCI-P3 gamut coverage make it ideal for creators and designers. This laptop is quick and effective, making it the perfect choice for people seeking a strong device for 3D modeling.
It is the most budget-friendly laptop for 3d modeling work, where the price usually starts at $710 and ends at $1,399.
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If you are looking for one of the best laptops for 3D modeling, the Gigabyte Aero 5 XE4 would be a top choice. The slim bezel design and HDR technology get mixed with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti to provide stunning visuals. Therefore, it is capable of handling 3D modeling work or running Autocad with ease. Moreover, it is equipped with the latest NVIDIA Turing graphics and Intel 12th-generation processor.
The price range starts at $1,800 for the base model and goes up to $2,199 for the high-configuration model.
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For individuals interested in 3D modeling, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a great laptop. It’s also popular among gamers for its unique functionality. It has the capability to tackle any 3D design task thanks to its 12th-generation i7 CPU and 6 GB of RTX 3060 GPU. It is a great laptop for 3D modeling in terms of display and performance. Additionally, 3D modeling will become easier with its DTS:X ultrasonic sound quality and 144 Hz refresh rate.
It has a price range from $899 for the entry-level versions to $1,900 for the top models, so it should meet any budget.
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The Dell Inspiron 17 7000 is a great choice for those looking for a powerful laptop for everyday tasks along with 3D modeling. With its powerful processors, up to 16 GB of RAM, and solid-state drives, this laptop has the specs to get you through any task. Plus, its full HD display and numeric keypad make it great for additional work. If you are looking for one of the best laptops for 3D modeling, the Dell Inspiron 17 7000 is definitely worth considering.
It is available for around $700. However, models with higher specifications can reach $$1,000 or more.
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The MSI Creator 17 (B11UH-238) is one of the best laptops for 3D modeling on the market. It is equipped with a powerful CPU, GPU, and dual-channel memory, so it can easily handle huge files. It also has a stunning 4K OLED display, so you can enjoy the best possible view of your 3D design work. All in all, the MSI Creator 17 (B11UH-238) is an excellent choice for any 3D modeling project.
With a starting price of $2,349 and an ending price of $3,499, this laptop is a great option for top-notch 3D modeling performance.
When it comes to selecting the best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering, you need a better understanding of the specs that your laptop should have. You also need to know the requirement of the specialized software you’re going to use, otherwise, it’s possible to end up choosing the wrong laptop with an outrageous price.
So, in this buying guide, we are going to discuss how you can select the best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering. We'll look at important factors such as processor speed, RAM size, storage capacity, and graphics card features to determine which laptop will give you the power and performance you need while still keeping within your budget.
The central processing unit is one of the most important elements of a laptop when it comes to 3D modeling and viewport performance. A powerful CPU is the perfect companion for tackling any computational demands, from simulations and UI calculations to geometry problems and mathematical challenges.
For choosing the best processor, you need to look at the following:
The faster your processor runs, the quicker you’ll be able to render models, meaning less time spent waiting and more time creating. Look for laptops with Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen processors with the latest generation which offers excellent performance speeds and can handle most 3D modeling tasks.
Yes, having a good graphics card is essential for 3D modeling. A good graphics card will help make the most of your 3D rendering and animation software. A high-end graphics card will have more processing power and memory, eliminating bottlenecks in rendering that can slow down the creative process.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is an essential component when it comes to 3D modeling, as it helps the computer process information faster and more efficiently. It can mean the difference between a smooth, enjoyable experience and frustrating lag times. To ensure you have the right memory for your 3D modeling needs, there are a few key factors to consider.
When it comes to RAM, more is always better. A laptop with 16GB or less can be sufficient for basic tasks but you may have difficulties when working directly on larger files and projects - which could lead to crashes! If possible, invest in 24GB+ of RAM – this will ensure optimal performance and faster rendering times.
Should you go for DDR4/DDR3 or DDR5 RAM?
Generally speaking, the faster your RAM can process data, the better your computer will run. Look for DDR5 RAM, as it typically has higher speeds than the older technology of DDR4. With faster speed and more memory, you can enjoy a smooth 3D modeling experience without dreaded lag times.
For basic 3D modeling tasks such as creating simple models or even working with complex shapes, 8GB might be sufficient. 16GB RAM is always better when dealing with 3D modeling. When it comes to more complex tasks such as photo-realistic rendering, 16GB of RAM will be beneficial for smoother performance.
Storage space is another important factor that you should consider while choosing a laptop for 3D modeling. Storing 2D graphics is relatively straightforward, but with 3D modeling, the demands are more complex.
Hard drive — HDDs and SSDs both play a part in enabling big and gigantic file sizes for finished products as well as the models themselves — often we suggest at least 1TB of storage capacity to accommodate these requirements.
For optimal performance, it's best practice to have hybrid solutions that include 512GB SSD to 1TB SSD storage alongside 2TB - 4 TB Hard disk. It gives users an ideal combination between speed & size when dealing with monstrous 3d files on Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, or Maya!
The laptop screen or display is one of the most important things to look at when purchasing a good laptop for 3D modeling. For creatives, investing in the right display could be a game-changer. Here are some things you should consider when looking for a high-resolution laptop screen.
The most noticeable aspect of any laptop is its screen size. As you are going to work on 3D modeling, rendering, video editing, or even creating animation, 15.6 inches is the best choice. Most gaming laptops come with a 15.6 screen that you can use for your 3D projects. It’s an ideal size, not too small or big — just the right size. However, you can also go for a bigger screen such as a 17.3-inch display.
Though there are three types of popular displays available for laptops, you should go for a laptop with an IPS or OLED panel. More expensive options like Apple's Liquid Retina and OLED 4K screens provide incredibly vibrant colors with 100% Adobe Gamut accuracy - ensuring that what you see is exactly how it will look to everyone else.
Don’t forget to go for a display that provides a higher refresh rate. Most low-budget laptops come with 60Hz refresh rates. If smoother, lag-free visuals are important to you, it's a no-brainer choice: choose a laptop with a monitor of 144Hz.
With a 144Hz+ laptop screen, you can experience a higher level of smoothness than regular 60 Hz monitors. So don't miss out on the chance to take advantage of this increased performance!
Ultimately, your preference should guide which choice best fits your budget for optimal productivity!
When it comes to selecting the best laptop for 3D modeling, battery life is an extremely important consideration. Having a laptop with a long-lasting battery can make all the difference to those who regularly engage in 3D modeling.
After all, as with any form of technology, a laptop's battery can easily run out and leave your work incomplete or even lose it. Therefore, it is essential to choose a laptop with a battery that can last throughout the entire duration of your 3D modeling session.
Go for a laptop that provides at least 6-8 hours of battery backup so that you can work on your favorite 3D animation project. And, don’t forget to take pragmatic steps for extending the battery life.
Yes. A MacBook can be a good choice for 3D modeling depending on the type of project. The newest MacBook Pro 16 with M1 Max or M1 Pro chip provides the ultimate performance for 3D modeling & rendering. This state-of-the-art device truly lives up to its title as a hardworking powerhouse!
Some of the best budget laptops for 3D modeling and rendering are as follows:
When you are limited in budget, you can check the following budget laptop for 3D modeling under $1000:
We’ve already covered the best laptops for 3D modeling, but if you want to get the most out of your current laptop and keep costs down over time, a Cloud Workstation from Flaneer is definitely worth considering.
It offers a great way to access powerful 3D modeling tools without having to invest in an expensive machine or worry about software updates.
With its intuitive interface and easy setup process, anyone can quickly get up and running with their cloud-based 3D modeling environment that is accessible from any device.
Whether you are new to 3d modeling or have been doing it for years, Flaneer provides an affordable solution that allows you to create stunning visuals from anywhere at any time!
