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, The Best War Games has carefully curated a list of some of the best laptops for 3D printing to help you navigate the best options available.
In addition to picking the right machine, remember that adding the right accessories significantly improves your experience. 3D modelers should also consider checking out The Best War Games'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.
The Best War Games's Best Laptops for 3D Printing
MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3 Gaming Laptop
- 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
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 2K (2560x1600) 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
- Equipped with Intel Core i9-13980HX and RTX 4090 GPU for exceptional performance
- 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB NVMe SSD provide lots of storage and fast operation
- 17.3'' 2K 240Hz display offers stunning visuals with crisp graphics
- At 6.8 lbs, the laptop's portability might be challenging for some users
- Some users have mixed opinions about the sound quality
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.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop
- 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
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- 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
- Top-tier intel Core i9
- Stunning 2K Mini-LED display
- 32GB DDR5 RAM and dual 1TB SSDs for lots of storage and speed
- Bulkier 16-inch form factor
- High-end price tag
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.
MSI Titan GT77 17.3' Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090)
- 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
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- 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
- Unmatched performance with Intel Core i9 and RTX 4090
- Massive 128GB DDR5 RAM for seamless multitasking
- Generous 4TB NVMe SSD storage and long-lasting 99 WHR battery
- Premium price tag for top-tier specs
- Core black design may not appeal to all users
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.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070)
- 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
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.
- 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
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 4070 GPU
- Lightweight at just 3.64 lbs, improving portability
- Plenty of storage and memory with 1TB NVMe SSD and 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Battery life could be better for demanding tasks
- Some users may find the 14-inch screen small for detailed 3D work
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.
Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop - 15.6'
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Core i7 13th gen
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop
- RAM
- 16 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB PCI-E SSD
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15", 2560 x 1440
- Dimensions
- 13.98 x 9.25 x 0.67 inches
- Weight
- 4.54 pounds
- Brand
- Razer
- Intel Core i7 12th gen 14-core processor for top-notch performance
- 16GB DDR5 RAM and NVIDIA RTX 3070TI GPU for unmatched graphics
- 1TB NVMe storage and a sleek 13.98 x 9.25 x 0.67 inches design
- Mixed opinions on heat management
- Speed could be inconsistent under heavy loads
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.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
- 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
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Brand
- Acer Nitro
- Model
- AN17-41-R7G3
- Card Reader
- Yes
- Keyboard
- Backlit
- Webcam
- Yes
- Impressive 17" QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU
- Plenty of 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVME M2 SSD storage
- Great value for high-end gaming performance
- Some users report occasional crashes
- Battery life shorter under heavy use
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.
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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.
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.