Best Computers for Sketchup in 2025

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)

ModelBest ForCPURAMGPUProsCons
MacBook Pro M4 MaxmacOS professionalsM4Up to 128GB40-core GPUBest display, silent, efficientHigh price
Dell XPS 16High-end Windows performanceUltra 9Up to 64GBRTX 4070 / 50704K OLED, strong CPUExpensive
MSI Creator Z17Rendering + modelingUltra 9Up to 96GBRTX 4080/4090Top GPU performanceHeavy
HP ZBook Fury G10WorkstationUltra 9Up to 128GBRTX 5000 AdaCertified stabilityBulky
ThinkPad P1 Gen 7ReliabilityUltra 9Up to 96GBRTX 3000/4000 AdaDurableHigh price
Asus ProArt 16Color accuracyRyzen 9 AIUp to 64GBRTX 4070/4080OLEDHeavy
Razer Blade 16Portable powerUltra 9Up to 32GBRTX 4070/4080LightweightRuns hot
Legion Pro 7ValueRyzen 9Up to 32GBRTX 4070AffordableWeight

Which Computer Should You Buy in 2025?

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