When choosing between a desktop or laptop for Solidworks, your choice comes down to your needs. The good news is that laptops are now packed with more powerful components, and some offer close to the same power as a desktop PC, which has not always been the case.
Laptops are also portable, so you can take your Solidworks projects to work with you on the go. But the main drawback between a Solidworks laptop and a desktop PC is that laptops are more expensive, and they also have a shorter lifespan than PC computers.
In this post, I dive into why you should be open-minded to either option. So read on to see why considering either device for Solidworks is now even more challenging than ever before.
Laptop or Desktop for Solidworks?
When choosing between a laptop or desktop for Solidworks, consider your project requirements and the device’s suitability. Desktops offer customizability, expandability, and consistent performance, ideal for complex tasks. They have powerful processors, graphics cards, and better cooling, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Laptop computers provide portability and flexibility, allowing work from anywhere. Laptops are also space savers and they consume less power but may have performance limitations due to heat and power constraints and are often costlier than desktop PCs.

Having said that, keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of each computer system. This way you can make a better informed buying decision on which device is best.
Advantages of Choosing A Desktop PC For SolidWorks
When selecting the perfect device for running Solidworks, it’s essential to understand the advantages of laptops vs desktop PCs. In this section, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of choosing a desktop PC for Solidworks, and we also dive into some of the disadvantages too.
Customizability and Expandability
Powerful Hardware Options
Greater Performance Consistency
Cooling and Heat Management
Cost-effective Choice for High-end Configurations
Disadvantages of Choosing A Desktop For SolidWorks
While desktop PCs possess numerous advantages for Solidworks users, it’s crucial to consider their potential drawbacks as well. In this section, we’ll delve into the disadvantages of desktops, by understanding these challenges, you’ll be better equipped when making a decision.
Limited Mobility and Portability
Space Requirements and Setup
Power Consumption and Electricity Costs
Advantages of Choosing A Laptop For SolidWorks
When considering the ideal Solidworks computer, understanding the advantages of laptops is also crucial. In this section, we’ll examine the benefits of laptops. By comprehending all these aspects, you will then have the full picture of both desktops and laptops.
Portability and Flexibility
Space-saving Design
Lower Power Consumption
A Good Reason to Choose a Laptop!

Disadvantages of Choosing A Laptop For SolidWorks
Laptop computers offer many advantages for Solidworks professionals. Especially since, all the advancements in their technologies, laptops are far more powerful than they used to be. However, like desktop computers, there are also a few disadvantages to choosing a laptop.
Limited Hardware Customization
Performance Limitations Due to Heat and Power Constraints
Known to Have a Shorter Lifespan
Higher Cost for Comparable Performance
I understand the debate between laptops vs desktops for Solidworks can be overwhelming. Choosing the best device for running this resource-hungry software is not easy.
While desktops offer increased customizability and performance consistency, they require more space and consume more power than laptop computers. Laptops do provide portability with their space-saving design. But without proper care, laptops can easily face thermal throttling and offer limited hardware customization compared to desktop computers.
Overall, it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each device. Consider your specific Solidworks requirements, budget, and work environment before deciding which computer is most suitable for your needs.

Computer Hardware Requirements for SolidWorks
When choosing a computer for Solidworks it is important to understand your specific Solidworks requirements. Evaluate the type of projects, the complexity of the models, and the size of the assemblies you will be working on. This will ensure you select a device that can run Solidworks without any performance or other issues.
Choosing The Processor
A laptop or desktop processor (or CPU) handles most of the heavy lifting when it comes to computation. For example, if you’re running a simulation in Solidworks or working on large assemblies, the CPU (processor) will be doing most of the work.
So, when shopping for a new computer, ensure the device has a processor with at least a 3.3GHz base clock speed, like a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 10750H or above. For the best performance, consider an Intel Core i9 or an Intel Xeon processor.
Although, Solidworks is mostly single-core dependant, the more core the CPU has the better for multi-tasking capabilities. Therefore, at least a quad-core CPU would be viable.
Choosing the Graphics Card
Graphics processing units (GPUs) are specialized chips designed for graphics rendering. For running Solidworks smoothly, a dedicated GPU is necessary. If you plan on doing any serious 3D rendering, it’s worth investing in the best GPU that fits your budget.
Moreover, SOLIDWORKS runs best with a fully certified video card. Although consumer graphics cards (gaming GPUs) such as the NVidia GeForce RTX 30 or 40 series, or AMD Radeon GPUs can work, you may encounter frequent graphical glitches or other issues.
See the SolidWorks graphics card requirements here.
How Much Storage Space Is Needed?
When it comes to storage, you have two main choices: hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage space for your money. SSDs are more expensive but offer faster data access and shorter loading times.
For Solidworks users, an SSD is the best option. SSDs can help reduce the time it takes to open large files or handle assemblies. If you do decide a laptop is for you, ensure you choose a laptop with the latest standard, which would be either an M.2 PCIe SSD or NVMe SSD.
How Much RAM?
For Solidworks to run smoothly on either a laptop or desktop computer, the device needs at least 16GB of RAM. However, if you’re running simulations or working with large sets of data, it is best to have more memory, like 32GB RAM or even 64GB of RAM at your disposal.
Complex Solidworks models and drawings will complete much quicker with a computer with more than 16GB of RAM.
Minimum Specification for Solidworks
For General Drawing and Solidworks 3D CAD, 500 Parts | MOBILE WORKSTATION | DESKTOP WORKSTATION |
PROCESSOR | Intel Core i7 11800H 2.3GHz (4.60 GHz) | Intel Core i7-10700K 3.8GHz ( 5.1GHz) |
GRAPHICS | NVIDIA Quadro T1200 4GB | NVIDIA Quadro P2000, 5GB |
RAM | 16GB, 2X8GB, DDR4 2933Mhz Non-ECC | 16GB, 2x8GB, DDR4 UDIMM non-ECC |
STORAGE | M.2 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD | 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
O/S | Windows 10 Pro 64bit | Windows 10 Pro 64bit |
Mid-Range Specification for Solidworks
For Medium-sized Datasets with no more than 2000 Parts | MOBILE WORKSTATION | DESKTOP WORKSTATION |
PROCESSOR | Intel Core i7 11850H 2.5GHz (4.80 GHz) | Intel Core i9-10900X (3.7GHz, 4.7GHz) |
GRAPHICS | NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 6GB | NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 8 GB |
RAM | 16GB, 2X8GB, DDR4 2933Mhz Non-ECC | 32GB, 4x8GB, DDR4 UDIMM non-ECC |
STORAGE | M.2 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD | 2.5” 512GB SATA Class 20 SSD |
O/S | Windows 10 Pro 64bit | Windows 10 Pro 64bit |
High-End Specification for Solidworks
For All, Rendering, large assemblies and complicated simulations | MOBILE WORKSTATION | DESKTOP WORKSTATION |
PROCESSOR | Intel Core i9 11950H 2.6GHz (5.00 GHz ) | Intel Core i9-10900X 3.7GHz (4.7GHz) |
GRAPHICS | NVIDIA RTX A3000, 6 GB GDDR6 | Nvidia RTX A4000, 8GB+ |
RAM | 64GB, 2X32GB,DDR4 2933Mhz Non-ECC | 64GB 2x32GB DDR4 2666MHz Non-ECC |
STORAGE | M.2 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | M.2 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
O/S | Windows 10 Pro 64bit | Windows 10 Pro 64bit |
Desktop Workstation or Mobile Workstation for Solidworks?
Choosing the right workstation, whether that be a Solidworks Workstation laptop or desktop PC. This decision can significantly impact your productivity and work quality. When deciding between a desktop vs mobile workstation, there are several key factors to consider.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and working environment. So let’s explore some of the pros and cons of these different workstations to ensure you can run SolidWorks as smoothly as possible.
Choosing A CAD Desktop Workstation?
A Desktop Workstation is an optimized computer for running programs such as Solidworks. They offer powerful processors, and have some of the best graphics cards for Solidworks. In addition, Workstation PCs also have more RAM and storage than regular desktops.
For example, the Dell Precision 7920 Workstation, which costs $20,000, comes with dual Intel Xeon Platinum 8260 processors, up to 96GB of memory, and more than five storage drives.
What’s more, this desktop workstation also features powerful Nvidia Quadro RTX graphics cards, making it ideal for longer simulations and more complex Solidworks rendering tasks. Although expensive, it’s one of the best workstations for Solidworks.
Choosing A Mobile Workstation
Mobile workstations are designed for running resource heavy programs like Solidworks and AutoCAD. These laptops offer all the power of a desktop computer but in a portable form factor.
Mobile Workstations come with powerful CPUs like the latest Intel Core i9 or Intel Xeon CPUs and the latest certified NVidia RTX graphics cards. Top-end mobile workstations can have up to 128 GB Non-ECC RAM and masses of PCIe NVMe solid state drives.
However, all this power comes at a price, with top-end mobile workstations costing up to $7000. But, if you need something more portable and want to take your Solidworks license with you wherever you go, a powerful Mobile Workstation is one of the best solutions.


Can You Use A Gaming Laptop For Solidworks?
Yes, it is possible to use a gaming laptop for Solidworks, but not all gaming laptops are suitable for running Solidworks smoothly. Solidworks works best with a graphics card that is certified by Solidworks to ensure compatibility and reliability.
While gaming laptops often come with powerful graphics cards, they are typically not certified by Solidworks. However, consumer graphics cards (gaming GPUs) like the NVidia GeForce RTX 30 or 40 series or AMD Radeon can still handle smaller parts.
Helpful Content: Check out this list of the best laptops with the best cooling systems so they are able to handle heavier lifting much better.
Gaming laptops are ideal for students learning how to work with Solidworks. It’s essential to consider the size and complexity of the projects you will be working on and choose a laptop with a dedicated GPU that meets SolidWorks’ minimum requirements for optimal performance.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer to the laptop vs desktop for Solidworks debate. The choice depends on your own needs. While a high-end desktop workstation offers unparalleled power and performance, they are not ideal for users who need to move around with their projects.
For Solidworks students, a Razer gaming laptop would be an excellent choice as consumer cards can handle smaller parts. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide between the power and performance of a desktop workstation and the portability of a laptop for your Solidworks needs.
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Thanks for Reading, Cya Next Time!
Considering A Laptop? Read my gaming laptop buying guide for helpful tips and buying advice from an experience laptop user with 17 years of tinkering.
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