Best Laptop For 3D Printing 2024: Buying Guides
3D printing is the process of producing 3D objects from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. The objects can be made of any material, such as plastic, metal, or ceramic. It’s important to find the best laptop for 3D printing, but it’s not easy. For high-end 3D printing, you need a powerful CPU and GPU with fast memory and lots of storage. It means you need a lot of time to combine laptop specs to ensure they are perfect for 3D printing in every aspect.
If you are searching for a laptop that can make your 3D printing process efficient, stay with us till the end. Here we will describe some of the best laptops for 3D printing so you can choose the one that best addresses your needs.
What Are the Best Laptops for 3D Printing?
We aim to provide our readers with the best knowledge about 3D printing. We’ve made a list of the best laptops for 3D printing based on their features, specs, performance, user reviews, and ability to work with 3D printing software like Blender and AutoCAD.
Let’s have a look at the features and pros and cons of each laptop so that you can choose which one is best for you:
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Memory is 8GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. The Hard Drive is a 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive that allows fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual-Core 3.0GHz Processor (6MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.10GHz) Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6″ HD Touchscreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x Multi-format SD Media Card Reader, Wireless-AC Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home
Key Features
If you are looking for a laptop for 3D printing at an affordable rate, then the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is worth considering. It is a popular low-cost model with the specs needed to run basic computer-aided 3D printing and slicing software like Cura. It is a popular low-cost model with the specs needed to run basic computer-aided 3D printing and slicing software like Cura.
It has 8GB RAM and an Intel i3 processing unit that can handle multiple applications simultaneously. Besides, other features make Lenovo Ideapad 3 a popular budget laptop. The touchscreen display is one of those features. Always keep in mind that it is suitable for basic 3D printing projects.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Its CPU can handle most light productivity tasks.
- The battery can last over 9 hours of light productivity.
Cons
- CPU and integrated graphics may not handle heavy workloads.
- Small touchpad, which makes dragging and dropping difficult.
- The HDMI port is limited to 1.4 standards.
2. OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s
- Memory is 8GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. The Hard Drive is a 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive that allows fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual-Core 3.0GHz Processor (6MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.10GHz) Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6″ HD Touchscreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x Multi-format SD Media Card Reader, Wireless-AC Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home
Key Features
Even though laptops are easier to move around, desktops have their own benefits, such as being more durable, easier to customize, and giving you more power for less money. So if you are looking for the best PC for 3D printing, we suggest you check out OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre.
It comes with a RAm of 16 GB and 32 GB. The NVIDIA graphics card has great strength to run popular 3D modeling applications. Moreover, you have numerous configurable options when buying Lenovo ThinkCentre, such as 12 different RAM, CPU, and SSD combinations.
Its other features include keystroke turn-on and managing diagnostics and updates remotely.
Pros
- Ability to run popular 3D applications.
- A wide range of configurable options
- It is environment friendly and takes up little space
Cons
- The only issue with OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre is its portability
3. MSI GE76
- Intel Core i7-11800H Eight-Core Processor (1.9 GHz – 4.6 GHz) 16 Thread, 45W TDP
- NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM / 1TB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
- 17.3″ Thin Bezel FHD, IPS-Level 144Hz, 45% NTSC Display
- Windows 10 Home
This premium laptop can handle any 3D printing or animation task. It features a powerful CPU with 32 GB RAM to manage and run all top 3D modeling, rendering, and animation programs. Furthermore, its huge FHD 17.3″ screen and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphic card make it perfect for professional 3D modeling and printing.
Pros
- Color boost technology for optimal thermal dissipation
- Large screen and better display
- Powerful CPU and top-quality cooling system
Cons
- The display Is dimmer than the previous model
- unusually thick even for a 17.3-inch rig
- It can get very pricy
4. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo
- 【Upgraded】 Seal is opened for Hardware/Software upgrades only to enhance performance. 15.6″ 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) 60Hz Touchscreen OLED Display; Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Wifi, Bluetooth 5.2, 720p HD Webcam, Backlit, Active Pen.
- 【Powerful Performance with Intel Core i9-12900H 】 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H 2.50GHz Processor (upto 5 GHz, 24MB Cache, 14-Cores, 20-Threads, 6 Performance-cores) ; GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 Dedicated Graphics,
- 【High Speed and Multitasking】 32GB OnBoard RAM; 240W Power Supply, 8-Cell 92 WHr Battery; Celestial Blue Color, .
- 【Enormous Storage】 4TB PCIe NVMe SSD; 1 HDMI, 2 Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C), No Optical Drive, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack., Windows 11 Pro-64., 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty from GreatPriceTech (Professionally upgraded by GreatPriceTech)
- Includes Dockztorm USB Hub(Special Edition Portable Docztorm Data Hub; Super Speedy Data Syn Rate upto 5Gbps)
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is a highly capable laptop in terms of performance. It has all the features that a 3D designer needs. Its unique features include a powerful 10th gen Intel i7 processor, 15.6 inches touch screen, and vivid colors.
It has good RAM and high storage, so it can easily manage. Moreover, it has a ray tracing feature, handles multitasking, and runs demanding software. All these features make it the best laptop for 3D printing.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Great curb appeal
- A functional second display
- Perfect build quality
Cons
- The Keyboard and touchpad are not good
- A bit pricey
5. Apple MacBook Air
- Up to 18 hours of energy life.
- Apple M1 chips with 8-core CPUs work up to 3.5x faster than previous generations while using less power.
- 8GB unified memory speeds up your device. Thus, it can handle memory-intensive multitab browsing and fast graphic file loading.
- Images are more realistic on a 13.3-inch Retina monitor. The colors are brighter and the text is sharper.
- Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive work. You can also use your beloved iOS apps on macOS. Most Mac apps ever are yours. IOS Store-available.
- Easy to Use – If you have an iPhone, MacBook Air is instantly familiar. It works properly with all Apple devices. Answer SMS and calls on your Mac using your iPad.
Key Features
The Apple MacBook Pro has robust features that run any complex 3D modeling app. It can be perfect if you want a compact model but do not want to compromise performance.
In addition to a slim design, its features include an Apple M1 chip, powerful GPU, and 8GB RAM that can be extended to 16GB.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Battery timing up to 8 hours
- Excellent Keyboard
Cons
- It only has two USB C ports
6. Acer Nitro 5
- Powerful Storage】: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive
- 【Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop 12th i5】: 12th Gen Intel 12-Core i5-12500H Processor | Base Frequency 3.3GHz, Max Boost Frequency Up to 4.5GHz, 18MB Smart Cache, 16 Threads
- 【Strong Graphics and Display】: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB Graphic Dedicated, Intel Iris Xe Graphics Integrated, 17.3″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS 144Hz ComfyView Display
- 【External Ports and Slots】: 3 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x USB-C 3.2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x Audio Jack
- 【Operating System】: Windows 11 Professional, Backlit Keyboard, AX1650i, Bluetooth 5.2, 720p HD Webcam, Accessory Including a 32GB MicroSD Card
Key Features
If you are searching for a laptop for 3d printing, but your budget is low, then Acer Nitro 5 is the best option. It may not have the best specs like other laptops, but it has all the minimum specs that can come from a reputable brand.
Its features include 8GB RAM, an Intel Core i5 processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050. It has a price tag of $800, which is less than other high specs laptops, making it the best budget laptop for 3D printing. However, it may not be suitable for many professional projects.
Pros
- Easy to afford for businesses with a low budget.
- All necessary aspects are required for 3D printing.
Cons
- The limiting factor of this laptop is 8GB RAM
- Not suitable for doing much modeling for your prints
7. ASUS ROG Strix G15
- Ryzen 7 4800H (Octa-core, 16 Threads, base clock speed 2.9GHz, max turbo to 4.2GHz, 8MB L3 Cache); Dedicated Graphics Card, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6, Clock speed up to 1802MHz, TGP up to 130W with Dynamic Boost; 64GB (32GB x 2) DDR4 3200MHz RAM, 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD
- 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-glare, 62.5% sRGB, 144Hz, Adaptive-Sync display; Expandable to external 3 digital monitors via HDMI and USB-C, External monitor resolution: 4K
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6, Clock speed up to 1802MHz, TGP up to 130W with Dynamic Boost
- Smart Amp Technology, AI noise-canceling technology, 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
- Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade the Memory or SSD. One-year warranty from the manufacturer. Three-year warranty for upgraded Memory/SSD for Issaquah Highlands Tech customers; Windows 11 Home 64-bit
Key Features
It is another laptop on our list of good laptops for 3D printing. It is a gaming laptop, but remember that gaming laptops are also good for 3D printing because they have great specs.
The distinguishing features of ASUS ROG Strix G15 include a 1TB SSD hard drive, a 15.6″ screen, and a 300 HZ Type FHD display. In addition, it has an AMD processor and Ryzen 9. With its fast and powerful GeForce RTX 3070, you will not face any 3D modeling and printing issues.
Pros
- PWM-free
- An excellent 300 HZ display
- Ryzen 9 that is equivalent to Intel core i7
Cons
- No SD card slot for additional storage
- USB speed is limited to 5 Gbits/sec
8. Gigabyte Aero 15X
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU 8 GB GDDR6
- Boost Clock 1245 Mhz & Max Graphics Power of 105W
- NVIDIA DLSS for groundbreaking AI rendering
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H (2.3GHz~4.6GHz)
- 16GB Memory (64GB Max), 1TB SSD
- 15.6″ Thin Bezel UHD 4K 3840×2160 Samsung AMOLED Display
- VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black, 100% DCI-P3, X-Rite Certified, per unit factory calibrated & Pantone Validated Color Accuracy
Key Features
Gigabyte Aero is a high-performance laptop with a price tag of $2000. It has a 15.6″ widescreen, a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a windows 10 home operating system. Moreover, it comes with GeForce GTX 1070 GPU from NVIDIA, which makes it perfect for 3D modeling.
Pros
- Lightweight and thin
- Battery timings average 10 hours
- Solid performance and transfer speeds
Cons
- Room of space in display response time
- A little pricey
- Stiff Keyboard
9. Razer Blade Pro 17
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Graphics: Amazing Visuals These GPUs have the most accurate ray-traced graphics and cutting-edge AI features for gaming laptops.
- Intel 11th Gen 8-Core CPU for Extreme Gaming: Use Intel Turbo Boost Technology to boost the i7 processor to 5.1GHz and handle the most demanding AAA games and create jobs.
- Next-Gen Displays: For intense gaming, 120Hz UHD for 4K creativity, or 165Hz QHD for the best of both worlds.
- Vapor Chamber Cooling for Maximum Thermal Performance: The laptop silently and effectively dissipates heat by evaporating and condensing an internal fluid, keeping it cool even under intense loads.
- Advanced Connectivity: Built-in WiFi-6 and a UHS-III SD card slot let you move light and reduce adapters.
- Windows 11 Compatible: Includes Windows 10 Home with a free upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update – enjoy the best Windows ever for gaming with better graphics and faster load times.
Key Features
It is also a good laptop for 3D printing. It has a 17-inch display, an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a powerful GPU as key features. You can get all the required 3D printing and modeling specs in this laptop, but the biggest barrier is its price.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Fantastic Keyboard and processor
- Runs relatively cooler and quieter
Cons
- Battery life is a bit less
- Extremely expensive
- USB-C charging is limited to 54W
Factors To Consider When Buying a Laptop For 3D printing
Here are a few factors you must consider before buying a laptop for 3D printing:
Printing Quality
If you want to buy a laptop for 3D printing, one of the most important things to look at is how well it prints. Look at the printer’s specifications and compare them with those of other devices to ensure you can achieve the best possible print quality.
Ease Of Use
When selecting a device, it is essential to consider its user-friendliness, especially if you are not well-versed in technology. Some models are easier to use than others, so opting for a device that you can operate is a smart decision.
Connectivity
Laptops made for 3D printing that has WiFi built in can be very helpful if you need to print from different devices or places. So, it’s important to make sure this feature is available before you buy, especially if you need it.
Brand Reputation
Several reputable and established brands exist in the realm of laptops for 3D printing. So, we suggest that you do a lot of research on different brands to help you narrow down your choices and choose the most reliable model that gives you the most for your money.
Software Compatibility
Make sure that the laptop model you choose works with the software you want to use. If it doesn’t, you might run into problems. Some devices have their own software, which might not work well with the programs you usually use. Therefore, checking for compatibility before making a final decision is imperative.
Technical Support
If you don’t know much about technology, it’s best to choose a 3D printer with good technical support. It makes sure that you can get help whenever you run into problems or have questions that need to be answered.
Price
Whenever making a significant investment, the price inevitably becomes a crucial factor to consider. A laptop for 3D printing can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Therefore, establishing a reasonable budget beforehand is essential to guide your search.
Conclusion
The selection of tools for your work can significantly impact your career. So, when looking for a laptop for 3D printing, you need to consider the laptop’s CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and display. For heavy tasks like modeling and rendering in 3D, you need a powerful CPU and GPU. You also need plenty of RAM and storage to run 3D printing software and store 3D models. A high-resolution display is also crucial for visualizing 3D models accurately.
The laptops described above have outstanding specifications and received high ratings from users and experts.
Among the laptops, the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo stood out the most as it offers an excellent balance of performance, features, and price. However, we suggest you shop around and make comparisons to find the right options that match all your needs.
If you are searching for a laptop that can make your 3D printing process efficient, stay with us till the end. Here we will describe some best laptops for 3D printing so you can choose the one that best addresses your needs.
FAQ on Good Laptops For 3d Printing
What kind of laptop do I need to run a 3D printer?
A Windows laptop or a MacBook Pro with at least 16 GB of RAM is your best choice. Aside from that, you should think about the kind of prints you’re making. For example, the software wouldn’t even launch for an industrial manufacturer with more complicated designs.
Do you need a laptop for 3D printing?
To use a 3D printer, you must have a computer or a decent laptop. It does not have to be a high-end machine to be good. It should be excellent because it has a powerful processor.
Is A MacBook good for 3D printing?
The MacBook Pro 2020 has enough processing power to operate any complex 3D modeling app.
Do you need a powerful computer for 3D modeling?
Rendering and 3D modeling use computers in very distinct ways, it’s also important to note. However, you can use your laptop for basic modeling as long as it is competent of handling simple 3D tasks. A laptop with sufficient processing capacity, a good graphics card, and adequate system memory should be sufficient for rendering.
What is illegal to print on a 3D printer?
When an item has a patent, it can’t be lawfully replicated by anyone else. Therefore, it is also illegal to 3D print a product that has a patent.
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