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 in 2025 :
Best Computers for SketchUp in 2025 (Updated Guide)
Selecting the best computer for SketchUp in 2025 requires understanding how SketchUp uses hardware resources. SketchUp remains largely CPU-bound, which means it benefits most from strong single-core performance. However, for users who render with V-Ray, Enscape, Lumion, Twinmotion or D5 Render, a powerful GPU becomes essential.
This 2025 guide highlights the most reliable options for SketchUp users, from high-end workstations to budget-friendly alternatives.
Best Laptops for SketchUp in 2025
1. Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro / M4 Max)

Best for: macOS architects, designers, professional SketchUp users
CPU: Apple M4 Pro / M4 Max
RAM: Up to 128 GB unified memory
GPU: 18-core to 40-core GPU
Storage: Up to 8 TB SSD
Pros
- Exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display with high brightness
- Outstanding battery life
- Silent performance
- Seamless SketchUp workflow, excellent for LayOut and presentations
Cons
- High price
- Some plugins run better on Windows
2. Dell XPS 16 (2025 Model)

Best for: Windows users who want power and premium design
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 (14th Gen)
RAM: Up to 64 GB DDR5
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 or RTX 5070 (depending on configuration)
Storage: Up to 4 TB SSD
Pros
- Excellent OLED 4K display
- Great balance of performance and portability
- Reliable for SketchUp modeling and rendering
Cons
- More expensive than similar Windows laptops
3. MSI Creator Z17 HX Studio (2025)

Best for: Rendering-intensive workflows and heavy 3D modeling
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 14th Gen
RAM: Up to 96 GB
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 or 4090 Laptop GPU
Storage: Up to 2 TB NVMe SSD
Pros
- Exceptional GPU performance
- Large, color-accurate display
- Advanced cooling for extended use
Cons
- Heavy and not suited for travel
- Weak battery life
4. HP ZBook Fury G10

Best for: Workstation-grade power and stability
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 14th Gen
RAM: Up to 128 GB
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada (workstation GPU)
Storage: Up to 8 TB SSD
Pros
- Perfect for huge SketchUp scenes
- Designed for CAD, architecture, BIM and 3D
- Certified workstation stability
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Bulky and heavy
5. Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (2025)

Best for: Durability and reliability in professional environments
CPU: Intel Ultra 7 / Ultra 9
RAM: Up to 96 GB DDR5
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3000 / 4000 Ada
Storage: Up to 4 TB SSD
Pros
- Durable build and stable performance
- Long battery life for a workstation
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
Cons
- Premium price for higher configurations
6. Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED (2025)

Best for: Designers working with color-accurate workflows
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 AI 9955HX
RAM: Up to 64 GB
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 / 4080
Storage: Up to 2 TB SSD
Pros
- OLED Pantone-validated display
- Ideal for SketchUp plus Photoshop and color work
- ProArt dial improves control in design software
Cons
- Heavy and less portable than competitors
7. Razer Blade 14 (2025)

Best for: Powerful yet portable creative workflows
CPU: Intel Ultra 9
RAM: Up to 32 GB
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 / 4080
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum chassis
- Excellent display
- High-level GPU performance
Cons
- Can heat up during intensive rendering
- Expensive
8. Lenovo Legion Pro 7 (2025)

Best for: Performance on a budget
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D
RAM: Up to 32 GB
GPU: RTX 4070
Storage: 1–2 TB SSD
Pros
- Excellent CPU performance
- Good cooling
- Fair pricing
Cons
- Heavier than competitors
9. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S (2025)

Best for: Great price-to-performance ratio
CPU: Intel Ultra 7
RAM: Up to 32 GB
GPU: RTX 4060 or 4070
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Pros
- Very strong GPU performance
- Excellent for Enscape, V-Ray, Lumion
- Affordable
Cons
- Average build quality
10. HP Envy 16 (2025)

Best for: Students, beginners, mid-range users
CPU: Intel Ultra 7
RAM: Up to 32 GB
GPU: RTX 4060
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Pros
- Good price for performance
- Reliable for SketchUp
Cons
- Not ideal for extremely large files
Key Hardware Recommendations for SketchUp (2025)
CPU
SketchUp relies heavily on single-core performance.
Recommended options:
- Intel Ultra 7 / Ultra 9
- AMD Ryzen 9 AI series
- Apple M3 Pro / M3 Max
GPU
Needed mainly for rendering or large files.
- RTX 4060 → Minimum
- RTX 4070 → Ideal
- RTX 4080/4090 → Heavy rendering
- RTX Ada workstation GPUs → Professional studios
RAM
- 16 GB minimum
- 32 GB recommended
- 64–128 GB for high-end rendering workflows
Storage
- NVMe SSD mandatory
- 1 TB recommended
- 2–4 TB for professional studios
Quick Comparison Table (2025)
| Model | Best For | CPU | RAM | GPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro M4 Max | macOS professionals | M4 | Up to 128GB | 40-core GPU | Best display, silent, efficient | High price |
| Dell XPS 16 | High-end Windows performance | Ultra 9 | Up to 64GB | RTX 4070 / 5070 | 4K OLED, strong CPU | Expensive |
| MSI Creator Z17 | Rendering + modeling | Ultra 9 | Up to 96GB | RTX 4080/4090 | Top GPU performance | Heavy |
| HP ZBook Fury G10 | Workstation | Ultra 9 | Up to 128GB | RTX 5000 Ada | Certified stability | Bulky |
| ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 | Reliability | Ultra 9 | Up to 96GB | RTX 3000/4000 Ada | Durable | High price |
| Asus ProArt 16 | Color accuracy | Ryzen 9 AI | Up to 64GB | RTX 4070/4080 | OLED | Heavy |
| Razer Blade 16 | Portable power | Ultra 9 | Up to 32GB | RTX 4070/4080 | Lightweight | Runs hot |
| Legion Pro 7 | Value | Ryzen 9 | Up to 32GB | RTX 4070 | Affordable | Weight |
Which Computer Should You Buy in 2025?
- Best Mac option: MacBook Pro M4
- Best Windows laptop: Dell XPS 16
- Best workstation: HP ZBook Fury G10
- Best budget powerhouse: Lenovo Legion Pro 7
- Best for rendering-intensive workflows: MSI Creator Z17



