11 Best Laptops For SketchUp in 2022 [Expert Guide]

Cannot run SketchUp smoothly and facing the interruption and sluggish performance in your current laptop or are you a beginner who wants a laptop that can run this software smoothly?

If yes, then after reading this article you will be able to make the decision for the best laptop for Sketchup. 

To help you find the perfect laptop for 3D modeling, we reached out to more than 10 Sketchup Experts and interviewed them to know the system problem that occurs while using SketchUp and what they consider is most important when buying a laptop for 3D modeling.

Now the question will be in your mind.

What kind of system do I need for SketchUp?

Bear in mind that SketchUp is free but not ordinary! Not just Sketchup, all 3D modeling software cannot run on a regular laptop, they require a powerful laptop with a high-performance graphics card and a decent amount of RAM, 

SketchUp itself has defined system hardware and software requirements in order to install and run the software easily and smoothly.

System Requirement for SketchUp

Minimum Requirements

Operating System (OS)Windows 10, Windows 8+ and Windows 7+
CPUIntel i5 or AMD equivalent
Memory (RAM)up to 8 GB
Storage256GB SSD
GPUNVIDIA or AMD equivalent
GPU Ramup to 2GB VRAM
Extra3-button, scroll-wheel mouse

Laptop having these Specs is for students and basic 3D modelers to install and run it without problem but still we would advise you to go with recommended system specs for Good Sketchup experience. 

Recommended System Requirements

Operating System (OS)Windows 10, Windows 8+ and Windows 7+
CPUIntel i7, i9 or AMD equivalent
Memory (RAM)Up to 16 GB DDR4
StorageUp to 512 GB SSD
GPUNVIDIA or AMD equivalent
GPU Ramup to 4GB VRAM
Extra3-button, scroll-wheel mouse.

Note: Using Sketchup for the sake of modeling, visualization, rendering, and simulations laptop having above specs are suggested by all Sketchup experts.

11 Best Laptops For SketchUp in 2022

1. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo

SPECS

CPU9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H Processor 
RAM32GB DDR4
Storage1TB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
GPUDiscrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GDDR6
GPU RAM6GB VRAM
Batterybackup up to 7.5 Hours
Screen Size15.6 Inches Full HD
Weight5.51 pounds
Resolution3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Dimension24.6 x 35.9 x 2.4 cm

PROS

  • Massive 32 GB RAM Support
  • Excellent GPU
  • Vast & Speedy SSD
  • 9th High Performance CPU
  • 4K Display
  • Good Battery

CONS

  • less Portable


2. Gigabyte AERO 15

Gigabyte AERO 15

SPECS

CPUIntel Core i9-8950HK
RAM32GB RAM DDR4
Storage1TB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Pro
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GDDR6
GPU RAM8GB Supports NVIDIA Optimus technology
Batterylast up to 8 Hours
Screen Size15.6 Inches
Weight4.4 pounds
Resolution1920 x 1080 Pixels
Dimension14 x 9.8 x 0.74 inches

PROS

  • 8GB Professional Graphics Card
  • Excellent Processor 
  • Speedy SSD 
  • Slim Bezel FHD Display
  • Massive RAM Support
  • Thunderbolt 3 
  • Good Battery

CONS

  • Predictable Design


3. MSI GS65

MSI GS65

SPECS

CPUIntel Core i7-9750H
RAM32GB RAM DDR4
Storage1 TB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX2080 Max-Q
GPU RAM8G GDDR6
Batterylast 5+ hours
Screen Size15.6 Inches
Weight8.78 pounds
Resolution1920 x 1080 Pixels
Dimension15.08 x 10.24 x 0.69 inches

PROS

  • Amazing GPU for Professional usage
  • Vast amount of Connectivity options 
  • Brilliant CPU performance
  • Massive Ram size 
  • Light Weight & Portable

CONS

  • Battery backup could be better


4. Razer Blade 15

Razer Blade 15

SPECS

CPU8-Core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H processor
RAM16GB RAM DDR4
Storage1 TB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q Design
GPU RAM8GB GDDR6 VRAM
Battery10 hours
Screen Size15.6 Inches
Weight7.9 pounds
Resolution1920×1080 Pixels
Dimension13.98 x 0.7 x 9.25 inches

PROS

  • Upgradable memory and storage.
  • Eye Catching display
  • Thunderbolt 3 Support
  • Long Lasting Battery
  • Lightweight
  • 10th Powerful Processor.

CONS

  • gets hot and loud


5. Alienware AW13R3

Alienware AW13R3

SPECS

CPU7th Generation Intel Core i7
RAM16GB RAM DDR4
Storage512GB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10
GPUNVIDIA GTX 1060
GPU RAMGDDR6 memory
Battery6 to 7 hours long lasting battery
Screen Size13.3 Inches
Weight5.8 pounds
Resolution1920×1080 Pixels
Dimension10.59 x 12.99 x 9.44 inches

PROS

  • Powerful & Fast Processor
  • IPS Display
  • Thunderbolt 3 Support
  • The Newest Graphics Card
  • Vast SSD and Fast RAM

CONS

  • Less Portable


6. LG gram Thin and Light Laptop

LG gram Thin and Light Laptop

SPECS

CPUIntel 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8565u Processor
RAM16GB RAM DDR4
Storage512GB PCIE SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
GPUIntel HD Graphics 610
GPU RAM16 GB GDDR6
BatteryUp to 5 to 6 Hours Battery Life
Screen Size17 Inches
Weight2.95 pounds
Resolution2560 x 1600 Pixels
Dimension15 x 10.5 x 0.7 inches

PROS

  • Portable & Lightweight
  • Innovative Backlit Keyboard
  • Massive 17” Display
  • Speedy SSD and Fast RAM
  • Good Battery life
  • Variety of Ports

CONS

  • No Fingerprint Sensor


7. Dell XPS 15

Dell XPS 15

SPECS

CPUIntel Core i7 10th Gen
RAM16GB RAM DDR4
Storage512GB Solid State Drive
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
GPUNvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
GPU RAM4GB GDDR6
Battery6 to 7 hours
Screen Size15 Inches
Weight8.58 pounds
Resolution3840 x 2400 Pixels
Dimension21.73 x 15.71 x 3.78 inches

PROS

  • 4K UHD Display
  • Thunder 3 Support
  • 10th High Performance CPU
  • Huge SSD and Fast RAM
  • Decent Battery life
  • Professional Level Graphics Card

CONS

  • Weird Webcam Placement
  • Bit Heavy


8. Microsoft Surface Book 2

Microsoft Surface Book 2

SPECS

CPU8th generation Intel Quad Core i7 Processor
RAM16GB DDR4
Storage1 TB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Professional
GPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
GPU RAM6 GB
Batteryup to 17 hours
Screen Size15 Inches
Weight4.2 pounds
Resolution3260×2160 Pixels
Dimension12.3 x 9.14 x 0.9 inches

PROS

  • Huge 1 TB SSD Storage
  • Powerful & Newest GPU
  • Convertible (Tablet/Laptop)
  • Thin & Lightweight
  • Amazing Battery

CONS

  • Lacks a Pen


9. Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer Predator Helios 300

SPECS

CPU10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor
RAM16GB RAM DDR4
Storage512GB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
GPU RAM6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM
Batterylast up to 6 hours
Screen Size15.6 Inches
Weight5.07 pounds
Resolution1920 x 1080 Pixels
Dimension14.31 x 10.04 x 0.9 inches

PROS

  • Expandable and Fast SSD storage
  • 10th Generation high-end CPU 
  • BIG vents
  • RGB zoned keyboard
  • elegant look
  • affordable price

CONS

  • lacks speaker
  • battery Could be better 


10. HP OMEN

HP OMEN

SPECS

CPUIntel i7-9750H
RAM16GB RAM DDR4
Storage512GB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
GPU RAM6 GB GDDR6 dedicated
Batterylast up to 6 hours
Screen Size17.3 Inches
Weight3.21 Kilograms
Resolution1920 x 1080 Pixels
Dimension40.4 x 27.9 x 2.8 centimeters

PROS

  • Excellent 10th Generation Processor
  • RGB keyboard
  • Eye Catching look
  • 144Hz Refresh Rate
  • Good Battery Life
  • Brilliant Cooling System

CONS

  • lacks speaker
  • Less Portable due to weight


11. ASUS TUF

ASUS TUF

SPECS

CPUIntel Core i5-9300H
RAM8GB DDR4
Storage512GB SSD
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
GPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
GPU RAM4GB with ROG Boost
Batterylast up to 4 to 5 hours
Screen Size15.6 Inches
Weight4.85 pounds
Resolution1920 x 1080 Pixels
Dimension14.2 x 10.3 x 1 inches

PROS

  • Excellent Processor
  • Powerful GPU
  • Amazing Display
  • Innovative Keyboard
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Fewer ports


Buyer Guide

How much RAM does SketchUp use?

Let’s start with one of the most crucial components, the Ram of your computer, Random Access Memory It is one of the most useful innovations in the computing world. For 3D modeling, by using Sketchup you will need a decent Ram like an 8 Gb of Ram but it will be considered as a mid-range so for a high-end system we recommend 16 Gb of ram.

Which processor is best for SketchUp?

Threads and the Clock Speed (GHz) are the most critical part of the Processor and the several things which everyone looks but when it comes to Processor, Threads & Clock Speed mattered a lot so for using Sketchup many folks are choosing i5 processor with a clock speed of 3.0 GHz speed but for getting more better experience professionals to recommend i7 or i9 processor with clock speed up to 4.0 GHz.

Graphics Card:

 In the 3D modeling field Graphics Card is like sugar the more you add the more you see your project furnished and we recommend a laptop to have a minimum of 2 GB VRAM of NVIDIA or AMD equivalent and for a maximum, the most authentic for using Sketchup is a 4 GB VRAM of NVIDIA or AMD equivalent 

Storage

3D modeling projects need large memory space to save them and picking SSD would be a good choice for giving you the benefit of fast booting and loading speed, so if you want to store and access your large projects smoothly you will need a 256 GB SSD but if you want to pick our recommended for using Sketchup then go for up to 512GB SSD. 

Frequently Ask Questions

What is the best way to learn SketchUp?

There are many ways through which you can learn Sketchup in the best and fastest way some of them are given below:

  1. Through Online Courses: There are tons of courses on Udemy and courser and many other learning websites from where you can learn Sketchup from basics to masters level.
  2. Through any 3D expert: Many civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and countless other professionals are working on Sketchup for making 3D designs so you can find any expert and take classes from them.
  3. Through Reading Books and Guides: While surfing Ableton Website I have found that they have provided many guides and resources for learning this software but there are also many books for learning 3D designing through Sketchup.

But the most important aspect for learning not only Sketchup but everything is being consistent and practice so during learning we recommend you practice this software.

Is google SketchUp free?

Yes, you have listened to the right news, all you need is a good Internet connection for downloading and using Sketchup, no credit card or any type of amount is not required.

But if you want to experience and use the best functionalities of SketchUp then you need to get Sketchup Pro and the bad news is that this pro version of this software is not free, and you have to pay for this. 

Which SketchUp version is best?

The most compatible with any operating system such as Mac OS and windows, the latest and the best version of Sketchup is Sketchup Pro because it is the most refined version of Sketchup which is free from all the problems and issues which was present in previous versions.

Note: Article is checked once a month by our team and replaces a model with a newer one if a better one is available on the market.

In A Nutshell

When it comes to selecting a laptop for SketchUp, it is not as easy as it seems, you need to take care of system requirements before moving ahead to selection. As per experts all the above listed laptops specs are fulfilling the SketchUp requirements and having varying budgets. So, you can pick any model from the list according to your area of interest and budget, but make sure to check out the technical specification on Amazon.

Request

In case if you are still having any query, please do not 

hesitate to leave your questions or thoughts in the comment section below.

Your feedback can help other people make an informed buying decision, so make sure you leave a comment after buying a machine so that other people stuck in your shoes can make a decision easier! 

Or 

If you have better model suggestions for Sketchup, please let us know in the comment section!