A 3D Printer unlocks a world full of creativity and innovation for the average person, allowing you to print fan-made figurines or helpful tools and accessories like these free 3D-printed Steam Deck accessories. Although it doesn’t take an expensive powerhouse to print pre-made models, designing them yourself is an entirely different story. If learning 3D modeling software and making custom 3D prints interests you, then finding a reliable laptop or computer is undeniably one of the first places to start.
With numerous options available, selecting the best laptop for 3D printing can be daunting. The key is to find a laptop that balances performance, portability, and price to meet your specific 3D printing needs. Luckily, Game Rant has carefully curated a list of some of the best laptops for 3D printing to help you navigate the best options available.
MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3 Gaming Laptop Best Overall Laptop for 3D Printing Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop Best Multi-Purpose Laptop for 3D Printing MSI Titan GT77 17.3′ Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090) Best GPU Laptop for 3D Printing ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070) Best Mid-Range Laptop for 3D Printing Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop – 15.6′ Best High-End Laptop for 3D Printing See More
Related The Best Laptops for Graphic Design in 2024 This guide explores Gamerant’s the best laptops for graphic design in terms of build quality, specs, design, and performance.
In addition to picking the right machine, remember that adding the right accessories significantly improves your experience. 3D modelers should also consider checking out Game Rant’s lists of the best wireless mice for laptops and the best drawing tablets for digital artists to improve workflow, comfort, and the quality of 3D creations.
Updated on June 14, 2024 by Alyssa Shearrow: This guide has been updated with new product information and the most up-to-date pricing at all retailers.
Game Rant’s Best Laptops for 3D Printing
Best Overall Laptop for 3D Printing MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3 Gaming Laptop $3800 $4000 Save $200 The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop is one of the best all-around RTX 4090 PCs players can currently grab with the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor, the RTX 4090. It also has an excellent display coupled with plenty of RAM and SSD space.Operating System Windows 11 Home CPU Intel Core i9-13980HX GPU RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W Storage 2TB NVME SSD Battery 4-Cell 99 Whr Battery Display (Size, Resolution) 2K (2560×1600) 17.3”, 240Hz Camera 1080P 30FPS Speakers 2x 2W Speakers, 4x 2W Woofers Colors Core black Memory 32GB DDR5 Ports USB Type-C, USB Type A, SD Card, HDMI, Ethernet Network Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet Dimensions 380 x 298 x 23 mm Weight 6.8 lbs Form 17.3” Brand MSI Power 330W AC Power Adapter ProsEquipped with Intel Core i9-13980HX and RTX 4090 GPU for exceptional performance32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB NVMe SSD provide lots of storage and fast operation17.3” 2K 240Hz display offers stunning visuals with crisp graphics ConsAt 6.8 lbs, the laptop’s portability might be challenging for some usersSome users have mixed opinions about the sound quality Expand
The MSI Raider GE78 HX is hailed as the best overall laptop for 3D printing, offering unmatched power and speed for handling complex designs and models with ease. Its top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 GPU ensure a superior gaming experience, which translates seamlessly into exceptional 3D modeling performance.
While the laptop’s weight and size might be challenging for those constantly on the move, its 17.3-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate compensates by providing vivid visuals for work. Ultimately, the MSI Raider GE78 HX’s robust performance and durability have established it as the best overall laptop for 3D printing.
Best Multi-Purpose Laptop for 3D Printing Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop comes packed with features including a Mini-LED 2K display, the best Intel laptop CPU money can buy, and plenty of storage and RAM in a neat 16-inch package that still allows you to get the performance you need versus competing 17-inch laptops.Operating System Windows 11 Pro CPU Intel Core i9-13980HX GPU RTX 4090 Laptop GPU Storage 2TB (1+1TB in RAID 0 config) Battery 4 cell 90WHr Battery Display (Size, Resolution) 2K (2560 x 1600), Mini-LED, 240Hz Camera 720P Camera Speakers 4 Speakers Memory 32GB DDR5 Ports USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, Headphone Jack, HDMI 2.1 Network Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G Ethernet Dimensions 13.94″ x 10.39″ x 0.89″ Weight 5.73 lbs Form 16” Brand ASUS ROG Power 330W AC Adapter ProsTop-tier intel Core i9Stunning 2K Mini-LED display32GB DDR5 RAM and dual 1TB SSDs for lots of storage and speed ConsBulkier 16-inch form factorHigh-end price tag Expand
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 is considered the best multi-purpose laptop for 3D printing. Its Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and RTX 4090 Laptop GPU are a perfect match for demanding 3D modeling software, providing smooth and lag-free performance. The cherry on top is its 2K Mini-LED 240Hz display, which brings your designs to life with incredible detail and color accuracy.
Its 16-inch form factor and weight might deter those constantly on the move. Still, the payoff is a bigger, more colorful screen and an extensive range of connections, including Thunderbolt and HDMI 2.1, making it simple to connect all of your accessories. This laptop is designed to empower creators to push the limits of what’s possible, making it the best multi-purpose laptop for 3D printing and other creative pursuits.
Best GPU Laptop for 3D Printing MSI Titan GT77 17.3′ Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090) The MSI Titan GT77 is a laptop that covers all one’s bases when it comes to a gaming PC and then some as it pushes well north gaming PC territory in pricing. It justifies this by offering some of the best PC performance one can expect from a gaming laptop to date while throwing in one of the most impressive laptop displays for good measure.Operating System Windows 11 Pro CPU Intel Core i9-13980HX (8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores) GPU RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W Storage 4TB NVME SSD Battery 4-Cell 99 WHR Battery Display (Size, Resolution) 4K (3840 x 1920), Mini-LED, 144Hz Camera 720p 30fps Speakers 2x 2W Speaker, 2x 2W Woofer Colors Core Black Memory 64GB DDR5 Ports USB-C Thunderbolt (4.0), USB-A, SD Card, Mini DP, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet Network Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet Weight 7.3 lbs Form 17.3′ Form Factor Brand MSI Power 330W Power Adapter ProsUnmatched performance with Intel Core i9 and RTX 4090Massive 128GB DDR5 RAM for seamless multitaskingGenerous 4TB NVMe SSD storage and long-lasting 99 WHR battery ConsPremium price tag for top-tier specsCore black design may not appeal to all users Expand
The MSI Titan GT77 stands out as the best GPU laptop for 3D printing, ideal for anyone seeking the highest level of performance. With its Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and RTX 4090 GPU, it smoothly handles demanding 3D printing tasks and intricate designs.
This laptop does come with a premium price, but its superior performance and top-tier specs make it a worthwhile investment. Its 4K display and durable build are highly praised, ensuring it will be a reliable choice for years to come. For 3D printing professionals and enthusiasts, the MSI Titan GT77 is the best GPU laptop, delivering power and precision in a comprehensive package.
Best Mid-Range Laptop for 3D Printing ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070) The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop is one of the most well-respected compact gaming laptops in the business, throwing in impressive CPU and GPU combinations in a tight form factor while exacting a significant amount of performance out of them.With an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and an Nvidia RTX 4070 in tow, the G14 comes equipped to take on games at its target display resolution of 2K with a refresh rate of 165Hz which offers an IPS panel and up to 500 nits of brightness as part of its feature set.Operating System Windows 11 Home CPU AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS GPU NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 RAM 16GB DDR5 Storage 1TB NVME SSD Battery 76WHr 4-Cell Display (Size, Resolution) 14 Inches ,2560 x 1440 (QHD) Camera 1080P FHD IR Camera Speakers Yes Colors Moonlight White Network Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 Weight 3.64 lbs Brand ASUS ROG ProsPowerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 4070 GPULightweight at just 3.64 lbs, improving portabilityPlenty of storage and memory with 1TB NVMe SSD and 16GB DDR5 RAM ConsBattery life could be better for demanding tasksSome users may find the 14-inch screen small for detailed 3D work Expand
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best mid-range laptop for 3D printing, perfectly balancing portability with power. Its compact size doesn’t sacrifice performance, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, which smoothly handles complex 3D modeling and rendering tasks. The high-refresh-rate display ensures crisp and smooth visuals, essential for detailed design work.
While the Zephyrus G14 shines in performance and portability, it’s important to consider its thermal performance during extended heavy use and the implications of a smaller screen for detailed 3D projects. Nevertheless, its impressive specifications and lightweight design secure its spot as the top mid-range laptop for 3D printing. For an in-depth look, check out our full review.
Best High-End Laptop for 3D Printing Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop – 15.6′ $1800 $2800 Save $1000 The Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop packs an enormous punch, hosting an Intel Core i7 12th-gen 14-core processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and an RTX 3070TI that should allow you to easily play all modern games. Packing an impressive 240Hz screen that competitive gamers will appreciate along with 1TB of NVME storage, the Razer Blade 15 trades at an impressive discount, making it one of the best gaming laptop deals you can find on Amazon right now.Operating System Windows 11 CPU Core i7 13th gen GPU Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop RAM 16 GB DDR5 Storage 1TB PCI-E SSD Display (Size, Resolution) 15″, 2560 x 1440 Dimensions 13.98 x 9.25 x 0.67 inches Weight 4.54 pounds Brand Razer ProsIntel Core i7 12th gen 14-core processor for top-notch performance16GB DDR5 RAM and NVIDIA RTX 3070TI GPU for unmatched graphics1TB NVMe storage and a sleek 13.98 x 9.25 x 0.67 inches design ConsMixed opinions on heat managementSpeed could be inconsistent under heavy loads Expand
The Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop is considered the best high-end laptop for 3D printing, offering an ideal blend of performance and portability. Its Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3070TI GPU provide excellent capabilities for 3D printing professionals, ensuring the smooth operation of even the most demanding software. The laptop’s vibrant 240Hz display vividly brings designs to life with stunning clarity.
While this laptop excels in 3D printing capabilities, it’s important to note the mixed feedback regarding its thermal performance and speed under extreme conditions. Nonetheless, its robust build quality and top-tier specs secure its place as the best high-end laptop for 3D printing, making it a valuable investment for professionals.
Best Budget Laptop for 3D Printing Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a large 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an efficient, but potent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia’s mid-range RTX 4060 GPU. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high 165 Hz refresh rate for fast-paced gaming. That is all topped up with a large 1TB SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory, making it an ideal desktop replacement for those looking to grab one.Operating System Windows 11 CPU AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU GPU Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB RAM 16GB DDR5 Storage 1TB NVME M2 SSD Display (Size, Resolution) 17” 3 QHD/2K 165Hz Network Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 Brand Acer Nitro Model AN17-41-R7G3 Card Reader Yes Keyboard Backlit Webcam Yes ProsImpressive 17″ QHD display with a 165Hz refresh ratePowerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPUPlenty of 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVME M2 SSD storageGreat value for high-end gaming performance ConsSome users report occasional crashesBattery life shorter under heavy use Expand
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 emerges as the best budget laptop for 3D printing, catering to users who require robust performance for complex 3D modeling software. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 4060 GPU, it delivers smooth and reliable performance. The laptop’s QHD display enhances your designs with exceptional clarity and detail.
Even with its commendable gaming performance, there have been some reports of occasional crashes, a consideration for those engaged in intensive 3D printing projects. Despite this, its robust specs, ample storage, and crisp display make the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 a prime choice for individuals looking for outstanding value, solidifying its status as the best budget laptop for 3D printing professionals.
More Best Budget Laptops in 2024 Elevate your tech game without breaking the bank. Our budget laptop guide is your key to cost-effective, powerful computing.
How To Choose The Best Laptop for 3D Printing
Choosing a great laptop is the first step to beginning your 3D printing journey. Although the many different laptop options may seem daunting at first, a few key factors can be kept in mind to make the decision effortless. When shopping for the best laptop for 3D printing, consider the following factors:
Processing Power
The most essential components that determine the efficiency of your laptop while running particularly intensive CAD software are, of course, CPU and RAM. A laptop’s ability to handle complex 3D models and heavy renders hinges on its processing power. For fast rendering times, opt for a laptop with a multicore processor. Simply put, the more cores available, the better the performance will be. This is because a multicore processor plays an essential role in processing multiple streams of data at once, resulting in a much faster performance.
Likewise, selecting a laptop with ample RAM is another important step to ensure zero hiccups while navigating 3D software. Selecting a laptop with at least 16 GB of memory will ensure faster program execution and upkeep, and will reduce the likelihood of slowdowns while running CAD software.
Discrete Graphics
As the name suggests, discrete graphics refers to a graphics card that is kept separate from the CPU and therefore has its own memory and processing chip. This is also commonly known as a dedicated graphics card. When rendering something graphically intensive like 3D models or even video games, a laptop with dedicated graphics is non-negotiable.
When looking for a laptop with a discrete graphics card, opt for choices with dedicated GPUs that have at least 12 GB of GDDR memory for the best graphical performance on your laptop. Additionally, high-quality graphics cards provide a smoother rendering of 3D models to better represent your final product.
Storage
If you plan on creating many 3D models to print, then choosing a laptop with enough storage is absolutely vital. Opt for a laptop with at least 1 TB of SSD storage. An SSD will ensure fast load times on large and complex projects, meaning you won’t have to wait around for 5 – 10 minutes while a file loads. In addition, the 1 TB of storage will allow plenty of room for those especially detailed STL files, while still leaving enough room left over for personal data and even video games.
Connectivity Options
Seamless integration with your 3D printer is crucial. Make sure your laptop has various connectivity options, including USB ports and reliable Wi-Fi, to maintain a stable connection with your 3D printer for hassle-free printing sessions.
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FAQ
Q: What makes a laptop suitable for 3D printing tasks?
A suitable laptop for 3D printing needs a robust processor, ample RAM, and strong graphics capabilities to handle 3D design and modeling software efficiently.
Q: How important is the GPU in a 3D printing laptop?
The GPU is crucial for rendering 3D models accurately and quickly, making it an essential component for any laptop used in 3D printing tasks.
Q: Should I prioritize SSD or HDD for storing 3D models?
An SSD is recommended for quicker data access and better performance when working with large 3D files.