When selecting the best computers for SketchUp, especially for professional use, there are several key factors to consider, including processor speed, RAM, graphics card, and storage. SketchUp is primarily a CPU-driven application, meaning it benefits more from high clock speeds rather than multiple cores. However, for rendering (if using extensions like V-Ray or Lumion), a strong GPU becomes important. Here’s a list of top computer options for running SketchUp smoothly:
1. Apple MacBook Pro (M2 Pro / M2 Max)
- Best for: Professionals who prefer macOS, architects, designers.
- CPU: Apple M2 Pro/Max with up to 12 cores.
- RAM: Up to 96 GB.
- GPU: Integrated 12-core GPU (M2 Max model offers up to 38-core GPU).
- Storage: Up to 8 TB SSD.
- Pros:
- Excellent display quality (Liquid Retina XDR).
- Long battery life.
- Runs SketchUp very efficiently on macOS with strong multitasking capabilities.
- Cons:
- High price point.
- Limited compatibility with certain plugins (some SketchUp extensions run better on Windows).
2. Dell XPS 15
- Best for: Windows users looking for a sleek and powerful machine.
- CPU: Intel Core i7/i9 (13th Gen).
- RAM: Up to 64 GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (or RTX 4070 in higher models).
- Storage: Up to 2 TB SSD.
- Pros:
- Excellent 4K OLED display for design work.
- Solid build and good battery life.
- Powerful for both SketchUp modeling and rendering.
- Cons:
- Expensive compared to similar-spec Windows laptops.
3. MSI Creator Z16
- Best for: 3D modeling and rendering enthusiasts.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H.
- RAM: Up to 64 GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070.
- Storage: 2 TB NVMe SSD.
- Pros:
- Designed for creators with strong graphics performance.
- High refresh rate (120 Hz) and QHD+ display.
- Adequate cooling system for extended use.
- Cons:
- Shorter battery life due to powerful hardware.
- Heavier than other laptops in its category.
4. HP ZBook Fury G9
- Best for: Power users who need high-end performance.
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HX.
- RAM: Up to 128 GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX A5500 (designed for heavy rendering tasks).
- Storage: Up to 4 TB SSD.
- Pros:
- Workstation-grade performance.
- Built specifically for CAD and 3D applications.
- Robust graphics capability.
- Cons:
- Overkill for basic SketchUp use (better for rendering-intensive work).
- Bulky and expensive.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad P16
- Best for: Professionals needing durability and upgradability.
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13950HX.
- RAM: Up to 128 GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX A5500.
- Storage: Up to 4 TB SSD.
- Pros:
- Military-grade durability.
- Long battery life for its class.
- Excellent performance with SketchUp Pro and extensions.
- Cons:
- Larger and heavier than many competitors.
- High price for the top configurations.
6. Asus ProArt StudioBook 16
- Best for: Designers needing both 3D modeling and rendering capability.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX.
- RAM: Up to 64 GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070/3080.
- Storage: 2 TB SSD.
- Pros:
- Great for rendering and multitasking.
- Pantone-validated display for color accuracy.
- Dial interface for better control in design software.
- Cons:
- Heavy for a portable machine.
- Battery life is shorter compared to some competitors.
7. Razer Blade 15
- Best for: Gamers and creatives needing portable power.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13800H.
- RAM: Up to 32 GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070.
- Storage: 1 TB SSD.
- Pros:
- Sleek design, lightweight.
- Excellent performance in both SketchUp and gaming.
- High refresh rate display.
- Cons:
- Less durable compared to workstations.
- Expensive for the hardware it offers.
8. Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
- Best for: Versatile creatives and architects.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H.
- RAM: Up to 32 GB.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080.
- Storage: 2 TB SSD.
- Pros:
- Unique hinge design for flexibility (tablet mode).
- Pantone-validated display.
- Great for SketchUp and presentations.
- Cons:
- Older CPU compared to newer models.
- Can be pricey for its configuration.
Key Factors to Consider for SketchUp:
- CPU: A high single-core performance CPU (Intel Core i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 9, or Apple M2 Pro/Max) is ideal, as SketchUp primarily uses one core.
- GPU: A mid-to-high-end NVIDIA GeForce (RTX 3070/4070) or workstation-grade GPU (RTX A5000/5500) is best for large models and rendering tasks.
- RAM: Minimum 16 GB RAM, but 32 GB or more is recommended for large projects or when multitasking with rendering software.
- Storage: An SSD (preferably NVMe) is crucial for fast loading times, with at least 512 GB recommended. Larger storage is useful for managing big SketchUp files.
- Display: A high-resolution (preferably 4K) display with good color accuracy can make a big difference for detailed design work.
Conclusion:
| Model | Best For | CPU | RAM | GPU | Storage | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro (M2 Pro/Max) | macOS users, architects, designers | M2 Pro/Max (up to 12 cores) | Up to 96 GB | Integrated (up to 38-core GPU) | Up to 8 TB SSD | Excellent display, strong macOS performance, long battery life | High price, limited plugin compatibility |
| Dell XPS 15 | Windows users, sleek design | Intel Core i7/i9 (13th Gen) | Up to 64 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050/4070 | Up to 2 TB SSD | 4K OLED display, good battery life, solid for modeling and rendering | Expensive compared to similar Windows laptops |
| MSI Creator Z16 | 3D modeling and rendering | Intel Core i7-13700H | Up to 64 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 | 2 TB NVMe SSD | High refresh rate display, strong cooling, powerful graphics | Shorter battery life, heavier design |
| HP ZBook Fury G9 | Power users, heavy rendering | Intel Core i9-13900HX | Up to 128 GB | NVIDIA RTX A5500 | Up to 4 TB SSD | Workstation-grade, robust graphics performance | Overkill for basic use, bulky, expensive |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P16 | Durability, upgradability | Intel Core i9-13950HX | Up to 128 GB | NVIDIA RTX A5500 | Up to 4 TB SSD | Durable, long battery life, great performance with CAD/3D apps | Heavier and larger, higher price point |
| Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 | Designers (modeling & rendering) | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | Up to 64 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070/3080 | 2 TB SSD | Pantone-validated display, multitasking, strong rendering capabilities | Heavy, shorter battery life |
| Razer Blade 15 | Gaming and design | Intel Core i7-13800H | Up to 32 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 | 1 TB SSD | Sleek, lightweight, great for gaming and SketchUp | Less durable, expensive for hardware |
| Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel | Versatile creatives, presentations | Intel Core i7-10875H | Up to 32 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | 2 TB SSD | Flexible design, great for presentations, Pantone-validated display | Older CPU, higher price for configuration |
- For macOS users, the MacBook Pro M2 Max is unbeatable in performance and display quality.
- For Windows users looking for power, the Dell XPS 15 and MSI Creator Z16 are strong choices.
- If you need workstation-grade power, the HP ZBook Fury G9 and Lenovo ThinkPad P16 are ideal, especially for rendering and large-scale projects.
Make your choice based on whether you need a lightweight machine for portability or a powerful workstation for complex projects and rendering.
Here are a few additional computers that are excellent for running SketchUp, catering to various budgets and performance needs:
| Model | Best For | CPU | RAM | GPU | Storage | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Portability, 2-in-1 functionality | Intel Core i7-11370H | Up to 32 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | Up to 2 TB SSD | Sleek 2-in-1 design, good display, decent performance for 3D modeling | Mid-range GPU limits rendering performance |
| Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR | High-end creative professionals | Intel Core i9-11980HK | Up to 64 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | Up to 2 TB SSD | Large 4K HDR display, excellent for rendering and detailed design | Heavy, expensive, shorter battery life |
| Alienware X17 R2 | Gaming and 3D modeling | Intel Core i7-12700H/i9-12900H | Up to 64 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti | Up to 4 TB SSD | High performance for gaming and 3D modeling, premium build quality | Bulky, expensive, short battery life |
| HP Envy 15 | Affordable power | Intel Core i7-12700H | Up to 32 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 1 TB SSD | Great price-performance ratio, good for mid-level SketchUp tasks | Not as powerful as high-end workstations |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | Affordable gaming and 3D modeling | AMD Ryzen 7 6800H | Up to 32 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | Up to 2 TB SSD | Great for gaming and 3D modeling, high refresh rate display | Slightly heavier than similar models |
| Acer Predator Helios 300 | Affordable, high performance | Intel Core i7-12700H | Up to 32 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060/3070 | Up to 1 TB SSD | Good price, strong GPU for the price, good cooling system | Average build quality, lower battery life |
| Dell Precision 5570 | Portable workstations for professionals | Intel Core i9-12900H | Up to 64 GB | NVIDIA RTX A2000 | Up to 4 TB SSD | Thin and light for a workstation, great for SketchUp and CAD applications | Expensive, limited to mid-range workstation GPU |
| Asus TUF Dash F15 | Budget-friendly gaming & modeling | Intel Core i7-12650H | Up to 32 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | Up to 1 TB SSD | Affordable for gamers and 3D designers, good performance for its price | Lower-tier GPU for heavy rendering tasks |
Key Points for Selection:
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is ideal for creatives who want portability and touch features, but it’s limited in heavy rendering tasks.
- Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR offers a stunning display for those working with high-resolution visuals, but it’s on the heavier side.
- Alienware X17 R2 is a powerhouse for both gaming and 3D modeling but may not be portable due to its size.
- HP Envy 15 and Acer Predator Helios 300 provide excellent value for those seeking performance on a tighter budget.
- Lenovo Legion 5 Pro gives a good balance of affordability and performance for gaming and SketchUp.
- Dell Precision 5570 and Acer Predator Helios 300 are lightweight workstation alternatives that balance power with portability, ideal for on-the-go professionals.
