This article comes as an answer or help to all the questions that we ask ourselves as Architects or Architecture students. Especially about choosing a computer. And I think that with my knowledge in computer science and all the information that I could collect, this article will be a big help for the majority of us while selecting the best architect laptop.

Selection of the best architect’s laptops

1- MSI Creator 15 A10SF-022FR

MSI offers us here a power monster made for creative activities: the MSI Creator 15. Inside, we find an Intel Core i7-10875H, 32 GB of RAM running at 3200 MHz (expandable up to 64 GB), an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, and a 1 TB NVMe SSD. With that, performance concerns are a thing of the past.

But that’s not all! This architect’s laptop also has a 15-inch screen of excellent quality, with a 4K IPS panel, an average battery life of 9 hours, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, a large, high-quality touchpad (same for the keyboard), a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, all included in a sober, unassuming design, with a weight of only 2.1 kg. In short, a powerful machine for people with demanding needs, for which we can only reproach the absence of a numeric keypad, as well as the absence of one or two additional USB ports.

2- Acer ConceptD 5 CN517-71-76FU

In a bid to offer machines aimed at professionals who need a high-quality product, such as architects, Acer has released the ConceptD range. The ConceptD 5 packs in some impressive performance, via an i7-9750H, 32GB of RAM, an RTX 2060, and 512GB SSD, with a 2TB hard drive thrown in for good measure, though unfortunately it’s just 5400rpm.

The 17.3-inch display is excellently made, which is a big deal for architecture, with a 4K IPS panel and an Adobe RGB color profile that is perhaps the best on the market. But the computer also provides a hell of a lot of connectivity, fortunately a number pad, Windows 10 professional, Wi-Fi 6, etc. Despite all the interesting things the machine offers, it still weighs its weight with its 2.93 kg, so you have to be careful with that.

3- Dell XPS 17-9700

Dell has always been a good reference for professionals at all levels, and for the high end, they offer something pretty interesting with the XPS line. Notably in the Dell XPS 17-9700, we get an i7-10750H, 16GB of RAM, a GTX 1650 Ti, as well as a 1TB SSD, so plenty of power to go around.

One of its strong points is its autonomy, which can reach up to 9.5 hours. The 17.3-inch screen has the advantage of having thin edges and a Full HD+ resolution (1920 x 1200). Also, the laptop has quite a few USB connections, with 4 USB type-C ports, but on the other hand, no type-A. Another great quality of the product is its very appreciable weight of 2.11 kg. But despite the fact that the PC tends to heat up more than average, it still does so with minimal noise. And if you have any hardware problems, you have a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.

4- HP OMEN 15-ek0100nf

Although the OMEN line at HP presents mostly machines for video gamers, it doesn’t just do that, and offers laptops with great power for creatives and professionals. The HP OMEN 15-ek0100nf carries with it an i7-10750H, 32GB of RAM clocked at 2933 MHz, an RTX 2070, and a 512GB SSD.

The interesting thing about this laptop is its 15.6-inch FHD IPS screen, which has a very high frequency, reaching 300 Hz for a much smoother display. Another good point is its number of connections, with 4 USB 3.2 ports, including one in USB type-C. The machine holds up rather well over time with its 7 hours of autonomy, while displaying a rather correct weight of 2.38 kg.

5- Lenovo Legion Y540-17IRH

PCs for gamers make good value for their cost, which is advantageous if you are a student for example. Moreover, Lenovo is known for offering machines at a good price, like this Legion Y540-17IRH, including an i5-9300HF, 16GB of RAM, an RTX 2060, as well as 512GB of SSD storage.

Despite Lenovo’s desire to target a gamer audience with this reference, its design remains very sober, which allows it to be used everywhere without being too noticeable. Its 17.3-inch FHD screen with an IPS slab, still offers a 144 Hz frequency highly appreciable. The computer has the advantage of being able to fold its screen to 180°, practical in certain situations. But its price must be felt somewhere, and it is first on the autonomy reaching just 3.6 hours, but also on its rather imposing weight, with 2.84 kg on the counter. Nevertheless, the quality-price ratio remains extremely interesting.