Are you looking for the best laptops for 3D printing in 2024? You are in the correct place! With so many brands and models to select from, finding the one that meets your needs might be difficult.
In the world of 3D printing, having the appropriate laptop might mean the difference. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, selecting the best laptops for 3D printing is critical for smooth and effective workflow. These laptops are built with strong processors and high-end graphics cards, allowing them to handle complicated 3D design software while providing great performance.
Beginning your 3D printing journey is not an easy endeavor; from choosing the correct printer and materials to understanding CAD software, there are various tasks required. To make the procedure more accessible, we looked into what makes a laptop ideal for 3D printing in 2024. Our research includes specification advice, portability considerations, and critical price points to consider when purchasing a new system.
We have done the hard work for you. Our extensive guide delves into essential issues such as specifications, mobility, and pricing to assist you in making the best decision possible.
From choosing the best printer to learning CAD software, we have you covered every step of the way. Feeling a little challenged? Do not worry! By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on the Best Laptops for 3D Printing!
Understanding Requirements: Laptops for 3D printing
Laptops for 3D printing play an important part in the design and execution of 3D modelling and printing. When choosing a laptop for 3D printing, consider processor power, RAM, and graphics card capabilities to ensure that 3D modelling software runs smoothly. Complex 3D design projects require high-performance processors such as Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen, as well as at least 16GB of RAM. A dedicated graphics card with enough VRAM, such as an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon, is required for rendering and visualizing 3D models. Additionally, a large SSD storage drive and a high-resolution monitor can improve the overall user experience and efficiency when working on 3D printing projects.
Finally, a well-equipped laptop with powerful computation and graphics capabilities is required for efficiently running 3D modelling and printing software, allowing users to easily generate and refine sophisticated 3D designs.
Minimum System Requirements for Laptops for 3D Printing that Easily Run any 3D Printing Easily
Minimum system requirements:
A desktop computer running Windows 10 (64-bit version) with administrative account access, an i3 2.4 GHz processor or similar, at least 4GB RAM, a graphics card that supports OpenGL 3.0, and at least 500 MB of free disc space.
Required system requirements:
A desktop computer running Windows 10 Professional (64-bit version) with administrative account access, an i5 3.2 GHz processor or equivalent, a minimum of 8GB RAM, an OpenGL 4.0 graphics card (preferably NVidia with at least 1GB dedicated memory), at least 1GB free disc space, and an optimal working resolution of 1920x1080px (Full HD).
10 Best Laptops For 3D Printing In 2024 (Experts Recommendations)
- Lenovo Ideapad 3 – Affordable Laptop Choice for 3D Printing
- OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s – Top Desktop Computer for 3D Printing Under $1,000
- Apple Macbook Air – Most Budget-Friendly Apple Laptop for 3D Printing
- Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED – High-Performance Windows Laptop for 3D Modeling & Printing
- Apple Macbook Pro – Ideal Computer for 3D Printing Among Apple Users
- MSI GE76 – Ultimate Laptop for 3D Modeling and Printing Across the Board
- Razer Blade 14 – Powerful Specifications, Best 3D Printing Laptop under $2000
- HP Pavilion 15 – Budget-Friendly HP Laptop Pick for 3D Printing under $1000
- Acer Predator Helios 300 – Prime Gaming Laptop for 3D Printing
- LG Gram 17 – Optimal LG Laptop Choice for 3D Printing with Excellent Battery Life & Large Screen.
1. Lenovo Ideapad 3 – Best Cheap Laptop For 3D Printing
Key features:
- CPU: Intel i3
- GPU: Intel UHD
- RAM: 8GB
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Screen size: 15.6″
- Resolution: 1366×768
If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-performance 3D printing machine, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a fantastic choice. With 8GB of RAM and an Intel i3 processor, it has enough power to operate multiple apps at the same time, including slicing software like Cura and design programs.
Notably, this laptop is one of the more economical options with a touchscreen display, which provides an interactive experience for designers. However, its requirements may not be sufficient for more complex 3D modelling and rendering applications. As a result, this laptop is ideal for minor tasks with basic requirements. With an excellent 4.4-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, this low-cost laptop has earned its place as one of Amazon’s top-rated items!
2. OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s – Best Desktop Computer For 3D Printing Under $1,000
Key features:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 5650G (Outperforms Intel i7-12700T)
- GPU: NVIDIA GT 1030
- RAM: 16GB-32GB
- OS: Windows 10 Pro (upgradable to 11 Pro)
- Storage: 1TB SSD NVMe
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
The Lenovo ThinkCentre, an OEM desktop, emerges as the best machine for 3D printing. It provides the ideal level of power at a lower cost than laptops with comparable specifications. This machine’s specialized graphics card allows for the effective operation of 3D modelling software such as Maya and 3DS Max. Furthermore, consumers can choose from a range of customizable options, including CPUs, RAMs, and SSD/NVMe drive combinations.
In addition to these characteristics, the desktop offers outstanding ecological benefits due to its slender form and lower footprint. A generous three-year warranty gives users even more peace of mind. As a result, it’s clear why this desktop is one of the best options for 3D printing, as it excels at both slicing and modelling!
3. Apple Macbook Air – Cheapest Apple Laptop For 3D Printing
Key Features:
- CPU: M1 or M2
- GPU: M1 or M2 10-core
- RAM: 8GB-24GB
- OS: macOS 13.0.1
- Screen size: 13.3-13.6″
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Camera: 1080P Facetime camera
- Backlight keyboard
- Battery: Up to 18 Hours
The MacBook Air stands out as an appealing laptop for 3D printing aficionados due to its portability and extremely thin design. Despite its modest price, it has a variety of adjustable choices, allowing users to select from multiple RAM amounts and processor chips.
Starting with a minimum of 8GB RAM, it is ideal for simple projects like slicing and 3D modelling. For more demanding applications, such as Blender or Maya, users can upgrade to 24GB or even 32GB of RAM. Whether your needs are basic or advanced, the MacBook Air is an excellent bargain, allowing experienced 3D printmakers to work on the road.
4. Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED – Powerful Windows Laptop For 3D Printing
Key Features:
- CPU: Intel i7
- GPU: RTX 3070
- RAM: 16GB-32GB
- OS: Available in Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11
- Screen size: 15.6″ – 4K UHD Touch Display
- Storage: 1TB SSD
According to reports, the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED is one of the most powerful Windows laptops for 3D printing available today. It comes with an option of 16GB or 32GB of RAM and other notable characteristics that distinguish it. Notably, it includes an OLED 4K matte touch panel with a secondary display, which allows users to easily expand their workspace or multitask.
Its amazing characteristics allow users to run 3D printing software such as Fusion360, Rhino, and AutoCAD seamlessly. The Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED has received high recognition from both critics and users for its powerful performance and beautiful design.
5. Apple Macbook Pro – Best Computer For 3D Printing For Apple Users
Key Features:
- CPU: M1 or M1 Max
- GPU: M1 or M1 Max 10-core or 16-core
- RAM: up to 64GB RAM
- OS: macOS Ventura
- Screen size: 14-16″
- Storage: 512 SSD
- Upto 21 Hrs Battery life Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera
When it comes to choosing the best Apple laptops for 3D printing, the 2022 MacBook Pro stands out as an excellent option. Not only does it have a powerful graphics card and an outstanding resolution, but it also includes Apple’s fastest-ever processor.
This implies that the Macbook Pro can easily handle even the most demanding CAD and modelling apps. Furthermore, it has the possibility of upgrading to an impressive 64GB RAM, making it into a full workstation for all your 3D modelling, rendering, and animation needs. Apple’s liquid retina XDR display is available in two sizes: 14″ and 16″. These characteristics, together with a 21-hour battery life, make it ideal for both slicing and 3D modelling operations. Notably, upgraded features like as Focus filters and a revamped Spotlight search algorithm help to increase efficiency.
6. MSI GE76 – Overall Best Laptops For 3D Modelling And Printing
Key Features:
- CPU: Intel i9
- GPU: RTX 3080
- RAM: 32GB
- OS: Windows 10/11
- Screen size: 17.3″ FHD display
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
Ready to further your passion for 3D modelling and animation? The MSI GE76 is the ideal laptop for you. This tough gaming laptop has some of the strongest specifications currently on the market, including an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, a large 17.3-inch FHD screen, and a CPU with 32GB RAM.
It maximizes performance with features such as Color Boost technology for better thermal dissipation and a superior cooling system, allowing you to push its capabilities for extended periods of time. Whatever your 3D modelling needs, the MSI GE76 has the power and capabilities to take you from hobbyist to professional without breaking a sweat – or breaking the budget.
7. Razer Blade 14 – Best Laptops For 3d Printing Under 2000$ With Powerful Specifications
Key features:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen – 9
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16 GB
- OS: Windows 10 Home & Free Upgradable to windows 11
- Screen size: 14 Inchs
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
If you’re looking for a laptop that smoothly integrates precision, performance, and power, the Razer Blade 14 is an excellent choice. This remarkable powerhouse comes equipped with 16GB of RAM, an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, assuring flawless performance even with the most demanding 3D design tools. The 14-inch display provides a visually spectacular experience with QHD resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy.
Beyond these advantages, the Blade 14 has a long battery life and effective vapor chamber cooling to keep temperatures stable during longer rendering sessions.
THX Spatial Audio completes the package by offering consumers with an immersive audio for their projects. In essence, if you’re looking for a laptop to take your 3D printing and modelling to the next level, the Razer Blade 14 is the perfect companion.
8. HP Pavilion 15 – Best For Budget HP Laptop For 3d Printing Under 1000$
Key features:
- CPU: Intel i7
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16 GB
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
- Screen size: 15.6 Inches FHD Display
- Storage: 512 SSD
The HP Pavilion 15 laptop is an excellent choice for people seeking a high-quality laptop at a reasonable price. It excels at running 3D software like Blender and AutoCAD thanks to its top-tier features, which include 16GB of RAM, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor.
This model’s 512GB NVMe SSD storage stands out, making it ideal for storing big volumes of data.
Furthermore, the FHD screen has 178° viewing angles, providing a unique design experience compared to most laptops in this price range. With these characteristics, the HP Pavilion 15 stands out as a good choice for anyone looking to buy a high-quality laptop for under $1000.
9. Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Gaming Laptop For 3d Printing
Key features:
- CPU: Intel i7
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16 GB
- OS: Windows 10
- Screen size: 15.6 Inches FHD Display
- Storage: 512 SSD
- Beautiful RGB Keyboard
The Acer Predator Helios distinguishes out as one of the most powerful gaming laptops available. With a Core i7 processor that can reach 4.60GHz and an RTX 3060 graphics card, 3D design software run smoothly. The 15.6″ Full HD display has a three-millisecond reaction time and a refresh rate of 144Hz, providing a fluid gaming experience.
With 512GB of SSD storage, the laptop also allows for expansion if necessary. In conclusion, the Predator Helios provides excellent value by establishing a balance between performance and pricing, making it the finest laptop for 3D printing and modelling.
10. LG Gram 17 – Best LG Laptop For 3d Printing With Great Battery Life & Big Screen
Key features:
- CPU: Intel i7
- GPU: Intel Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16 GB
- OS: Windows 10 Home Upgradable
- Screen size & display: 17 inches (2560×1600) IPS LCD, with DCI-P3 99% colour expression
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Beautiful RGB Keyboard
The LG Gram 17 is an excellent choice for 3D printing designers, thanks to its large screen size, which provides a big QHD resolution and 99% DCI-P3 color expression.
With the ability to display precise images in a wide range of colors, it delivers a level of clarity and depth that allows designers to work with finely tuned detail while bringing their models to life. Additional features that add to the Gram’s attractiveness include Intel Iris Graphics, 16GB RAM, an 11th generation Intel Evo i7 processor, up to 20 hours of battery life per charge, and 2TB of SSD storage, making it ideal for both work and creative tasks.
Five Ideas for Selecting the Best Laptop for 3D Printing
- Evaluate your budget.
One of the first things to think about when selecting a laptop for 3D printing is your budget. 3D printers can be expensive, so be sure you have enough money to cover both the printer and the materials you’ll need to print with it. - Select the Right Size.
Another significant consideration is the size of the laptop you need. If you’re simply intending to use your 3D printer for little jobs, a smaller laptop should suffice. However, if you intend to work on larger projects, you will need a larger laptop with more powerful specifications. - Analyse the operating system.
When picking a laptop for 3D printing, you should also examine the operating system. Windows and macOS are common alternatives, but there are also 3D printing-specific operating systems available. Make sure to select an operating system that works with your 3D printer. - Select a laptop with good battery life.
Because 3D printing can be time-consuming, it’s critical to buy a laptop with a long battery life. This way, you won’t be concerned about your laptop expiring in the middle of a project. - Research different brands. Finally, before making a decision, conduct your own study and compare several brands. When it comes to 3D printing, some companies outperform others, so it’s important reading reviews and comparing prices before deciding on a specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which PC is ideal for 3D printing?
The optimal computer for 3D printing should have a powerful processor, plenty of RAM (at least 8GB), and a dedicated graphics card. While the OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s is an excellent value, more demanding tasks may necessitate more advanced options such as the Dell XPS Desktop or custom-built PCs.
Which is the best laptop for 3D printing?
The Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a low-cost and dependable laptop 3D printing solution. For desktops under $1,000, the OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s is an excellent pick. The MacBook Air is the cheapest Apple laptop, however the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED is suggested for excellent Windows performance. Apple fans looking for the finest computer for 3D printing can choose the MacBook Pro.
How much RAM is required for 3D printing?
The amount of RAM required for 3D printing is determined on the model’s complexity and size. Basic work may necessitate 8GB of RAM, however more sophisticated projects with larger or intricate models may require 16GB or more for optimal performance.
What are the requirements for 3D printing?
To begin 3D printing, you will need a 3D printer, 3D modelling software, digital models, filament or resin, a computer, measuring instruments, safety equipment, a workspace, and post-processing tools. Patience and understanding of 3D printing techniques are essential for successfully creating actual objects from digital ideas.
Can you use a laptop as a 3D printer?
Yes, you can use a laptop with a 3D printer. Most 3D printers communicate with laptops via USB or Wi-Fi. The laptop is used to send print files, manage the printing process, and check the printer’s status. Ensure that your laptop satisfies the software and hardware requirements for 3D printing jobs.
Can you 3D print without a computer?
While it is possible to load an SD card with a 3D print file into a printer and print it, this method is quite restrictive and does not allow you to design anything. It’s better to 3D print on a desktop or laptop.
Do I need a powerful laptop to 3D print?
You don’t need a high-end computer setup for 3D printing; most laptop and desktop models are adequate for smaller projects.
However, more intricate projects that demand 3D modelling may necessitate a more powerful CPU and GPU, as well as enough of RAM.
How much RAM will I need for 3D printing?
It depends on what you intend to do. If you’re working on modest, uncomplicated projects, 4GB of RAM will enough; but, if you wish to employ 3D modelling, at least 8GB will be required.
Conclusion
The best laptops for 3D printing are becoming increasingly popular as a new technology. We hope you find the best laptop for your needs in our blog post. Please contact us if you have any questions. And if you loved this article, please share it on social media!
