If you are an engineering student, you may be looking for the best laptops for engineering students. We know being an engineer, one has to deal with many softwares such as CAD and Matlab.
IN THIS REVIEW
Best Laptops for Engineering Students
Our Favorite Laptops
Our Top 14 Picks
Top 14 Products: Detailed Review
1. Dell Inspiron 17 3793 Best Budget
2. Lenovo Legion Y545
3. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop Best Overall & Best For Performance
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
5. Apple MacBook Air
6. ASUS F512JA-AS34 VivoBook 15
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 1769
8. Acer Predator Helios 300
9. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
10. Dell G3 3590
11. HP Notebook 15
12. Lenovo ThinkPad P52s
13. ASUS ZenBook 15
14. ASUS ZenBook 13 Best Battery Life
Things To Consider When Choosing Your Laptop
Overall Top Choice
Conclusion
Best Laptops for Engineering Students
These softwares require a sound system; otherwise, you won’t be able to run them properly. However, there are many devices on the internet, with hundreds of them available on Amazon alone.
It makes things quite difficult, especially when selecting the right type of laptop for your needs. Having that said, you don’t need to worry at all because my husband and I have done in-depth research for you.
During our study, we analyzed a bunch of laptops and checked their specifications carefully. As a result, we were able to find some devices with amazing specs.
These laptops aren’t costly as our main goal was to list affordable laptops for engineers. We’ve also mentioned a detailed buying guide at the end of this article, which we want you to look at.
So without any time-wasting, let’s take a look at some of our favorite laptops.
Our Favorite Laptops
- Best Overall – Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
- Best Budget – Dell Inspiron 17 3793
- Best Battery Life – ASUS ZenBook 13
- Best For Performance – Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Our Top 14 Picks
Let’s take a look at the best laptops under $700.
- Dell Inspiron 17 3793 Best Budget
- Lenovo Legion Y545
- Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop Best Overall & Best For Performance
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- Apple MacBook Air
- ASUS F512JA-AS34 VivoBook 15
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 1769
- Acer Predator Helios 300
- Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- Dell G3 3590
- HP Notebook 15
- Lenovo ThinkPad P52s
- ASUS ZenBook 15
- ASUS ZenBook 13 Best Battery Life
Top 14 Products: Detailed Review
So, let’s now take a closer look at the best picks, shall we?
1. Dell Inspiron 17 3793 – Best Budget
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1035G1 |
| RAM | 16GB RAM |
| STORAGE | 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 6 hours |
The first laptop on our list of recommendations is Dell Inspiron 17. We think it is one of the best laptops for engineering students due to a few reasons.
Physical features
The laptop features a magnificent structure that isn’t too bulky. The compact size of the device makes it super easy to carry around. Apart from that, it has a 17.3 inches big display that will give you a crystal clear output during your simulations. It offers the same image quality from different viewing angles, which makes it awesome.
Processor
One of the main things that every engineering student should look for is the CPU. During your assignments and projects, you will need a higher amount of processing power. Luckily the Dell Inspiron 17 features an Intel Core i5 processor.
The 10th generation processor on this device takes its performance sky high due to its better processing power and modified CPU architecture.
The CPU offers a base clock frequency of 3.6GHz, which can reach its max power after overclocking. Apart from that, the 6MB cache will completely cover you. In addition to this, the CPU features 4 cores, which are further divided into 8 threads.
Memory
When it comes to memory, the device possesses 16GB stock RAM that helps you running every kind of software. You won’t face any issue during your simulations as the computer has enough random access memory to handle things quite smoothly.
Apart from that, if your job involves a lot of multi-tasking, it is a much better option. Moreover, the device has a 512GB SSD along with a 1TB HDD.
We really like the SSD and HDD combo as the hard disk drive will give you storage. At the same time, the SSD will give you extra speed. It takes the performance of the computer to a whole new level. You can store a lot of data on your device without any issue.
Additional features
The Dell Inspiron 7 features a high-quality webcam. The webcam may not be of extremely high quality, but it does the job for most people. If you are a streamer, then you should buy an additional cam. Apart from that, the laptop’s built-in microphone is ok for video calling and voice recording.
Pros
√ Offers more storage
√ Comes with a much powerful CPU
√ Suitable for software like MatLab
√ Better specs for the price
Cons
X Comes with stock Intel Graphics
X Internal webcam quality isn’t that great
Recommended For
- Mechanical engineers
- Electrical engineers
- Navigation engineers
- Chemical engineers
2. Lenovo Legion Y545
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Hexa-Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 1TB HDD + 512GB PCIE SSD |
| GPU | GeForce GTX 1660 Ti |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 2 hours |
Next up, we have the Lenovo Legion Y545 for you. Suppose you are looking for a much powerful option and don’t care too much about the price. The Y545 is one of the best laptops for engineering students because of its high-quality performance.
Physical features
The device possesses a pretty futuristic design that makes it unique. Apart from that, it has a 15.6 inches display that makes it quite interesting. The display may not sound very big to some people; however, this is standard for laptops. It also offers 1080P resolutions, which makes it a decent choice for engineering and off-time entertainment.
Processor
The Legion Y545 comes with state of the art Intel Core i7 CPU. Being a 9th gen processor, it can handle even the heaviest duty tasks without any problem. The CPU has 6 cores and 12MB cache that keeps its processing power to the mark.
The processor gives you 2.6GHz of clock frequency, but you can always increase that up to 4.5GHz if you need to. However, you won’t need to overclock the system unless you are into some serious simulations.
Memory
The 16GB RAM of this device adds to its performance and makes it a true rig. It can handle video editing, multi-tasking, and softwares without any issue. You won’t experience lag, not even for a single second.
However, it would be best if you were careful about the temperature of the device. Apart from the RAM, the laptop features 1TB HDD, but that’s not all. In addition to 1 terabyte HDD, the 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD will help you a lot. It allows the device to boot in a split second.
GPU – One of our most favorite features of the Y5454 is its potent GPU. It has an NVIDIA 1660 Ti graphics processing unit that helps it stand out from the crowd. The device can run the heaviest software such as Lumion, a high-fi architecture engineering, and rendering software.
Pros
√ Comes with a much powerful GPU
√ Stunning design
√ More Storage√ Better RAM
Cons
X A bit expensive
X It may feel a bit bulky to some users
Recommended For
- Architecture engineers
- civil engineers
- electrical and communication engineers
- Mechanical/Aerospace/avionics engineers
3. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop – Best Overall & Best For Performance
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 256GB NVMe SSD |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 6.5 hours |
The Acer Nitro 5 is a true beast when it comes to heavy-duty performance. The device features some outstanding components that make it able to run everything smoothly. It has decent processing power and a good balance of storage and GPU.
Physical features
The Acer Nitro 5 possesses a cool gaming design that makes the whole laptop stand out from the crowd. Apart from the fantastic design, it isn’t too bulky, even being a gaming device. The laptop possesses a 15-inches full HD display that gives crisp output during the use. It provides a 144Hz refresh rate, which makes gaming and working on projects fun. If you are into a lot of rendering related tasks, then this is a better option.
Processor
The Nitro 5 comes with both i7 and i5 processors. However, we highly recommend getting the i7 9th gen processor because of its remarkable processing capabilities. It makes the job easy and handles every kind of job without getting stuck at one point.
You can run your required programs side by side without even noticing a loss of processing power. Moreover, the processor can turbo up to 4.5GHz if you want to push it beyond its limits.
Memory
Another 16GB DDR4 device that will take your engineering-related tasks to sky-high. It can help you complete your projects before time and collect your simulation data without any delay.
The RAM features 2666MHz frequency and comes in a single slot that allows you to install another one if you need to. Apart from that, it has a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, which in our opinion, is a bit less.
However, it isn’t horrible because you will be storing your data on clouds to make it secure most of the time. Having that said, the device allows you to install another SSD as it comes with an additional slot.
GPU
Being a true gaming device, the Nitro 5 comes with a much powerful GPU. It has the latest GeForce GTX 2060 from NVIDIA, enabling it to handle graphics-intensive programs quite efficiently. Whether you are into rendering or 3D designing, it will help to provide smoothness to your work.
Pros
√ Fantastic gaming design
√ A much better cooling system
√ More powerful GPU
√ Extended battery life
Cons
X Low storage space
X The webcam quality is so so
Recommended For
- All kinds of engineering students
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i5 10th Gen |
| RAM | 8GB Memory |
| STORAGE | 128GB SSD |
| GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 10.5 hours |
If you are not a huge fan of bulky devices, then we have something special for you. Surface Pro 7 from Microsoft proves to be one of the best laptops for engineering students. It has all the necessary components that a student needs during his or her academic session.
Physical features
Let’s start with the structure of the device. The Microsoft surface pro 7 features a pretty slim body that makes it super easy to carry around. It has both touch and type interface that makes it a perfect option for those who are more into drawing. If you are a mechanical engineer or an architecture engineering student, then you will love this device.
Processor
When it comes to processing power, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has the latest Intel 10th generation processor. It can handle heavy-duty tasks, making it a much better option than the previous surface pro versions. Moreover, the processor comes with two cores and 4 threads that make things easy. However, being a tablet, it won’t match the performance of those high-end gaming laptops.
Memory
The Surface Pro 7 comes with a built-in 8GB memory stick. It allows the device to perform better even under intense load conditions. Moreover, it has a 128GB SSD, which is just for a tablet device. The SSD allows the laptop to boot-up faster and makes it ready for use just in a few seconds. However, the storage may not be sufficient for some users.
GPU
The Microsoft surface pro 7 possesses Intel iris plus graphics. It may not be as potent as the NVIDIA or the AMD GPUs, but it still does the job pretty well. You can use it for tackling different kinds of tasks that aren’t too graphics intensive.
Additional features
During our analysis, we found this device to be the most lightweight of all recommendations. You can carry it in your hands or a backpack without any issue. Another thing that we noticed is the extended battery life of the device.
10.5 plus hours of battery life is more than enough for students who are working on different projects. You can easily use this device inside your cafeteria while working on your FYP.
Pros
√ Sleek design
√ lightweight and portable
√ touch and type interface
√ Superb for drawing and sketching
Cons
X lacks a powerful GPU
Recommended For
- Architecture engineering and lightweight designing
- Chemical engineering
5. Apple MacBook Air
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i3 processor 10th generation |
| RAM | 8 hours |
| STORAGE | 256GB SSD |
| GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 10 hours |
Another sleek option for engineering students that we found on the market is the MacBook Air from Apple. It also proves to be one of the best laptops for engineering students. Let’s take a look at some of its features.
Physical features
The Apple MacBook Air comes with a 13.3 inches retina display. It may not be sufficient for some of you who prefer bigger displays. However, it is quite perfect when it comes to the output of the device.
The display features true tone technology; the further enhances the output of the device. The device features a razor-thin body, which makes it a very suitable option for students.
You won’t notice any hurdle when carrying the device to your classroom or the lab due to its ultra-lightweight structure.
Processor
The laptop comes with 10th generation Intel Core i3 CPU. It may sound a bit dated, but the 10th generation balances it all. It helps you to handle the daily engineering assignments and projects without any issue.
One thing we noticed during our research is that Apple optimizes their devices in a much better way. Even a low-end device from the apple will out-perform many latest devices in its range.
Memory
It has an 8GB RAM that allows the device to perform flawlessly during the tasks. It can handle multiple assignments and windows without any issue. However, it would be best if you didn’t use it for too much heavy-duty tasking. If you want to push the device beyond its limits, then you may need more RAM.
Pros
√ Ultra-thin structure
√ Extremely lightweight and portable
√ Suitable for chemical engineers
√ Much clear display
√ The camera and speaker quality is also good.
Cons
X Not suitable for rendering and other graphics-intensive jobs
Recommended For
- Chemical engineering students
- system and computer engineers can also use it
6. ASUS F512JA-AS34 VivoBook 15
Specifications
| CPU | Intel i3-1005G1 |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| STORAGE | 128GB SSD |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 8 hours |
The Asus VivoBook 15 is also a better option for engineering students. It has some features that make it quite compatible with studies as well as lightweight entertainment.
Physical features
The device comes with a pretty standard structure that isn’t too bulky and easy to carry around. We found this laptop to be quite portable; that’s why we checked it further for engineering students. Moreover, the 15.6-inches display is just suitable for your needs because it offers 1080P resolutions. You will enjoy the display, whether you are working or watching movies.
Processor
The laptop comes with a 10th generation core i3 processor. The processor has a clock speed of 3.4GHz, which makes it suitable for performing smoothly under load conditions. Apart from that, it has 4MB cache, which makes things better. However, you shouldn’t expect ultra-high performance like i7 or i5 processors.
Memory
When it comes to memory, the Asus has done a splendid job by adding an 8GB memory stick to the device. The DDR4 RAM makes it quite smoother and takes its performance to a whole new level. Apart from that, the device comes with a 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. It makes the device really awesome as the SSD increases its speed and affects the performance positively.
Pros
√ A superb machine on a budget range
√ slim and lightweight
√ The display is awesome
√ Long-lasting battery performance
Cons
X As such, no critical drawbacks.
Recommended For
- Computer engineering
- Chemical and mechanical engineering
- Electrical and communication engineering
- Navigation engineers can also use it.
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 1769
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i5 |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| STORAGE | 128GB SSD |
| GPU | Intel UHD |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 14.5 hours |
Microsoft surface laptops are available in a wide range of specifications. It allows you to choose a laptop for your needs and budget. During our study on the best laptops for engineering students we found a bunch of cool features in this device.
Physical features
The first thing that we like about this device is its pretty slim structure. It makes the whole laptop very portable and easy to carry around. You can place it in your backpack without any problem as it doesn’t require a lot of room.
Besides that, it features a 13.5 inches display which provides crystal clear image quality. You can use this device for work as well as entertainment purposes. Moreover, the laptop is both touch and type which is a handy feature.
If your job involves sketching and drawing like Aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering then this is a much better option for you.
Processor
The Microsoft surface comes with the intel core i5 and i7 CPUs. You can select the one that suits your needs. Both processors have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In our opinion the i5 is suitable for most engineering related tasks unless you want to push it too further.
Memory
As for the memory the device possesses an 8GB RAM that will help you handle most of the tasks. It doesn’t lag or get stuck even under high load conditions. Apart from that, the laptop features 128GB of SSD storage that allows it to store maximum data.
You can install a lot of files and folders on your laptop but if you feel a need for more you can use cloud storage. We highly recommend getting a cloud storage account and don’t fully rely on any computer for your work.
It is because these machines can stop working any time and you may lose all of your work.
Pros
√ Very handy device
√ Extremely lightweight and ultra-thin structure.
√ The screen display is extraordinary
Cons
X It should have a better GPU
Recommended For
- Programmers and computer engineers
- Electrical and telecom engineers
8. Acer Predator Helios 300
Specifications
| CPU | 7th Generation Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 256GB SSD |
| GPU | GeForce GTX 1060 |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 3 hours |
Acer has produced some serious gaming devices. We love their predator series due to their superb performance. They are not only suitable for gamers but also for other heavy duty tasks. The Helios 300 proves to be one of the best laptops for engineering students.
Physical features
The device comes in a pretty unique shape that makes it stand out from the crowd. Its angled edges enhance the overall beauty of the device. Apart from that, the laptop possesses a 15.6 inches IPS display which is superb for gaming, working and other kinds of entertainment. It may look a bit bulky but that’s totally ok when you compare its size with its performance.
Processor
Predator Helios 300 comes with the intel core i7 7th generation processor. The CPU possesses a base clock speed of 2.8GHz but can turbo up to 3.8GHz. It will completely cover you with its performance during your final year projects and assignments.
Being designed specifically for gaming, it has an advantage of running softwares with some heavy graphics. If you are a civil engineer and your work involves a lot of rendering then this is a perfect option.
Memory
It has 16GB DDR4 RAM that makes it a suitable device for a lot of heavy duty multi-tasking. The device can run under load conditions like a charm without any issue. You won’t notice any lag during simulations of your projects.
In addition to RAM, the device possesses a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD card. It also comes with a spare HDD slot that enables you to increase the storage if you need to.
GPU
When it comes to graphics processing Acer has done an outstanding job. The laptop possesses one of the most powerful GPUs of NVIDIA that will handle all kinds of tasks without any issue. It has GeForce GTX 1060 GPU with GDDR5 technology and has a VRAM of 6GB.
Pros
√ Good price to performance ratio
√ The display on this laptop is good
√ Extended battery life
Cons
X Lacks thunderbolt 3 on USB-C
Recommended For
- Everyone
9. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Specifications
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700U |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 512GB SSD |
| GPU | Radeon RX Vega 10 |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 7.5 Hours |
If you are a huge fan of the Acer then we have another top quality product for you. The Acer Aspire 5 comes in a pretty slim size and a bunch of cool features that makes it suitable for students.
Physical features
The Aspire 5 features a pretty sleek design with slim structure. It is lightweight and allows you to carry without any issue. In addition to this the device comes with a decent 15.6 inches display that gives a solid result. The display offers 1080P resolutions which makes it a great choice for entertainment too.
Processor
Acer has installed the AMD Ryzen 7 in this device. It may not ring the bell for Intel lovers but AMD has its own charm. Especially for editing and rendering related tasks they are quite amazing. The Ryzen 7 3700U will surprise you with its ultra high performance.
It has 2 cores and features a pretty decent clock speed. The processor can be pushed to 4.0GHz but we wouldn’t recommend that due to temperature issues.
Memory
When it comes to memory the laptop comes with 8GB DDR4 memory stick. It has enough RAM to handle regular engineering tasks and assignments without any problem. You won’t notice lags during your work.
However, if you want to increase the memory to push it further you can install more RAM. While for the storage, the Aspire 5 comes with 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD card. SSDs are quite suitable for engineers as they are much faster and save a lot of time.
Graphics
The Aspire 5 is equipped with AMD Radeon RX vega graphics. It gives the laptop an ability to run different softwares that requires intense graphics processing. The Vega graphics may not be a good option for gaming but for engineers it comes in handy.
Pros
√ Lightweight
√ Faster
√ Superb device for the price
√ Extended battery life
Cons
X The speaker quality isn’t up to the mark
Recommended For
- Almost every engineering student
10. Dell G3 3590
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Quad-Core i5-10300H |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD |
| GPU | GTX 1650 |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 6 hours |
Dell G3 is another solid option for students with an engineering background. It has perfect components that make it a reliable machine for handling different engineering assignments. Here are a few things that we would like to talk about.
Physical features
The first thing that we noticed during our research was that the device comes in a pretty cool shape. It isn’t too bulky, which makes it a perfect option for a lot of students.
Apart from its unique structure, it has a 15.6 inches full HD display that provides 1080P resolutions. It is basically a gaming laptop, which is why it can handle a lot of heavy-duty tasks.
Processor
The G3 comes with state of the art intel core i5 10th generation processor. The CPU is suitable for hardcore gaming, engineering simulations, and multi-tasking. It is all possible because of the quad-core architecture of the CPU.
It offers a base frequency of 2.5GHz, which can reach to 4.5 when overclocked. Such features make this computer a reliable machine for engineering students.
Memory
Another thing that we noticed during our analysis is that the G3 comes with a standard 8GB RAM. Just like any other gaming laptop provides sleek performance even under the intense load conditions.
If you want to run software like MatLab or CAD, it won’t have any issues. While for the storage, the device uses a 256GB SSD card along with 1TB HDD. Together with these two components, the laptop provides an enormous amount of storage to its users.
GPU
One of the main features we liked the most about the Dell G3 is its powerful GPU. It has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card that offers a VRAM of a whopping 4GB. Moreover, the GPU possesses GDDR6 technology, making the whole laptop a mighty machine for handling all kinds of graphics related tasks.
Pros
√ It comes with a very powerful CPU
√ Long lasting battery performance
√ Suitable for rendering and graphics related tasks
√ Amazing structure
Cons
X The camera quality isn’t that great
X Speakers of the device needs improvement
Recommended For
- Engineers who do a lot of rendering and graphics related work
11. HP Notebook 15
Specifications
| CPU | AMD Athlon Silver 3050U |
| RAM | 16GB RAM |
| STORAGE | 1TB SSD |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 5 hours |
If you are looking for a budget option, then the HP Notebook can be a valid option. It is one of the best laptops for engineering students who can’t afford high specs. The laptop features some cool characteristics that make it stand out from the crowd.
Physical features
Being a slim laptop, the HP Notebook is one of our favorite devices. It is super easy to carry around and doesn’t possess too much weight. Apart from that, the device comes with a cool 14-inches big screen that provides crystal clear image quality from different angles. It proves to be an amazing engineering laptop on the budget range.
Processor
HP has installed an AMD Athlon processor in the notebook, a perfect option for mid range laptops. It provides amazing processing power to the machines. However, it may not be as effective as the Intel CPUs. But the CPU still performs a lot better because of its stable clock speed and 1MB cache.
Memory
It has an ultra-high bandwidth RAM of 16GBs that balances everything on this device. It will outperform many laptops in this price range with the help of its powerful RAM. You will experience a super smooth performance without any lagging.
Moreover, the device also comes with 1TB of SSD card, which provides you an enormous storage option and much faster speed at the same time. You can store tons of software, files, folders, and documents on it without any problem. In addition to this, the SSD will make your device boot in a few seconds.
GPU
The laptop features AMD Radeon graphics, perfect for graphics and video editing related tasks. You can use AutoCAD, Sketchup, or any other software without any problem on this device. However, you may sometimes expect a few jerks here and there, but it isn’t too bad.
Pros
√ Very budget-friendly
√ lightweight
√ smooth performance
√ reliable and provides much more storage
Cons
X May slightly heat up on very heavy-duty tasks.
Recommended For
- Graphics designers
- Engineers with a rendering and sketching related projects
12. Lenovo ThinkPad P52s
Specifications
| CPU | Intel 8th Gen i7-8550U |
| RAM | 16GB RAM |
| STORAGE | 256GB SSD |
| GPU | Quadro P500 |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 8 hours |
Lenovo Thinkpad is another suitable option for engineering students. It has a few components that make the device much better compared to others on the market. Let’s take a quick look at some of the main features of the ThinkPad p52s.
Physical features
The first thing that will catch your attention is the overall look of the device. It comes in a pretty sleek design that isn’t too bulky. In addition to this, the laptop is pretty lightweight, which gives it a positive point when carrying it from one place to another.
Moreover, it has a 15.6 inches crystal clear display that provides full HD resolutions. It will give you a much better output during your project designing.
Processor
For processing the device features a state of the art intel 8th generation i7 processor. It is a true beast that gives 1.8GHz base frequency and can turbo up to 4GHz when needed.
It can handle the toughest jobs related to any engineering, which is its positive point. Apart from that, the processor has four cores that handle the load. The cores are further divided into multiple threads, which makes things very easy.
Memory
During our analysis, we found that the Lenovo ThinkPad p52s has a 16GB RAM installed in it. The RAM features a pretty decent bandwidth and uses the DDR4 technology. It enhances the performance of the computer even further and takes it to sky-high.
Simultaneously, the 256GB NVMe PCIe SSD card gives you plenty of storage to store your necessary data without any issue. We highly recommend SSD cards for much faster computing and quick bootup.
GPU
If you are looking for a device with GPU, then the P52s can be a better choice. It has the NVIDIA Quadro p500 card that comes with the 2GB GDDR5 VRAM. The card can run some games and many engineering software such as AutoCAD, Sketchup, and CATIA.
Additional features
This laptop comes with tons of additional features. What we like a lot about this device is the thunderbolt 3 option for USB-C charging.
Pros
√ Highly reliable device
√ Powerful enough to match the needs of engineering
√ Comes at an affordable price
√ Decent build quality
Cons
X As such, no drawbacks
Recommended For
- Aeronautical engineering
- Civil and electrical and also use it
- Suitable for mechanical engineers too
13. ASUS ZenBook 15
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i7-10510U |
| RAM | 16GB |
| STORAGE | 512GB PCIe SSD |
| GPU | GeForce GTX 1650 |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 7 hours |
If you are looking for a device that gives you a solid display, then we highly recommend the Asus ZenBook 15. It provides amazing image quality and has features that make it one of the best laptops for engineering students. Besides that, there are a few other features that you might want to check.
Physical features
During our analysis, the first thing that caught our attention was the laptop’s outstanding look. Its razor-thin structure makes it really unique and lightweight. In addition to this, the laptop features a 15.6-inches display capable of providing images at 4K resolutions.
Yes, you heard it right; the device gives you a massive 4K resolution output. Moreover, it has a 92% screen to body ratio, which makes it a fantastic device.
Processor
When it comes to processing power, the laptop is truly a beast. It comes with the state of the art intel core i7 10th generation processor. This single unit is capable of handling all of your engineering requirements.
It has four cores and an 8MB cache that makes your life better with lag-free experience. Apart from that, the module gives you up to 4.9GHz frequency, which is absolutely fantastic.
Memory
You will be amazed to hear that this laptop comes with a whopping 16GB of RAM. Moreover, the RAM features a decent bandwidth that handles all kinds of tasks professionally. It provides a smooth environment so that you can work on your desired software without any delay.
At the same time, it has a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD card that provides you enough storage for your needs. Apart from that, if you want to install any software on your computer or copy files, you won’t have to wait longer.
GPU
One of the main features that makes it the right candidate for our list of the best laptops for engineers is its GPU. The device possesses a powerful NVIDIA GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU. It is capable of providing amazing output and handles even the toughest jobs related to graphics. You can work on your video projects and rendering without any hurdles now.
Pros
√ Very lightweight device
√ Superb build quality
√ Provides 4K resolutions
√ comes with a touchpad display
Cons
X lacks ethernet port
Recommended For
- All engineering students
14. ASUS ZenBook 13 – Best Battery Life
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8565U |
| RAM | 16GB RAM |
| STORAGE | 512GB PCIe SSD |
| GPU | Stock Intel UHD graphics |
| APPROX BATTERY LIFE | 14 hours max |
We have kept the Asus ZenBook 13 for the last on our list of the best laptops for engineering students. The devices have so many cool features and positive points that will make you fall in love with it. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite features on this device.
Physical features
This first thing you will love on the ZenBook 13 is a super slim structure. We’ve already mentioned a few devices on our list, but this one is completely different. It is remarkably lightweight and doesn’t feel a burden if you are carrying it to your classroom. Moreover, the device possesses a 13.6-inches full HD display that takes its performance to a whole new level. It gives a much better output despite its small screen. You will enjoy working on it throughout your projects.
Processor
The Intel Core i7 processor of this device makes it capable of handling heavy-duty software. It can go beyond your expectations with its ultimate processing power. In addition to this, the processor has an 8th generation architecture, which is the latest module suitable for its price.
Memory
16GB RAM will rock this laptop even on the heaviest engineering software. It provides super smooth performance even under intense load conditions. The RAM has a pretty high bandwidth and uses DDR4 technology. This laptop is specifically to meet the military standards, which makes it quite amazing. Apart from its RAM, the 512GB SSD card gives more storage than your home’s secret safe. At the same time, it enhances the device’s overall performance by giving it a much faster boot.
Additional features
Apart from its powerful components, the device comes with some additional features. These features make it one of the best laptops for engineering students. For instance, with one click, the touchpad turns into a Numpad that allows you to enter your data fast. In addition to this, the device features a long-lasting battery that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Pros
√ Ultra-slim body structure
√ reliable military-grade performance
√ powerful components
Cons
X It should have a powerful GPU
Recommended For
- Almost all engineering students
Things to Consider when Buying the Best Laptops for Engineering Students
Before you go out and invest your hard-earned money on a device, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Keeping these things in mind will make sure you get the perfect laptop for your needs. It will also help you save a lot of time and narrow down your search space. So without any further ado, let’s take a look at these.
Price/Budget
The first and the most important thing that you should have in your mind is your own budget. Being a student, you may not always have many budgets that can get you a powerful device. If that is the case, then you shouldn’t panic at all.
There are still a lot of devices even though we’ve mentioned some of them on our list. It may take you a while to explore, but eventually, you’ll find a suitable device for yourself.
Graphics
Another important thing almost every engineering student should have in their mind is the GPU. Nowadays, as there are lots and lots of software available on the market that make things quite easy, for instance, if you are an architecture engineer, you may need to use a lot of heavy softwares.
One of these is the Lumion that requires a lot of graphics processing power. If you don’t have a sound system, then it won’t run at all. On the other hand, if you are a chemical engineer, you may only use a few softwares such as Maple. T
These softwares aren’t that heavy, so you need to double-check your requirements before buying a laptop. You should go for something with at least the NVIDIA 1060 GPU if your projects are mostly designing related.
Battery Life
The battery is one of the most important components, especially if you are an engineering student. You need to go for something that provides at least 5 to 7 hours of backup. It is because most of the time, you will have to work on designs and data. You may not be able to find a plug and put your laptop to charge everywhere.
Therefore a laptop with a solid battery performance will make half of your life better. However, if you don’t have a sound battery on your device, you may not complete most of the tasks, such as simulations and design completion, while you are on the move.
Processor
Your computer processor is really a game-changer. If you are using a dated processor, then you shouldn’t expect to run some heavy-duty applications such as MatLab, CATIA, or any other software like this. These apps require a lot of processing power and calculations that need to run on the backend.
You need to pick wisely; otherwise, you will have to suffer for the rest of your academic session. Usually, we recommend at-least Intel Core i5 7th generation or AMD Ryzen 5 for most engineering programs.
It is because these processors are powerful enough to handle every kind of task without any issue. Apart from that, their multi-cores architecture makes them quite amazing as it distributes the processing load of programs between cores.
It helps to avoid putting too much pressure on the processor and get the job done.
Most modern processors also allow you to overclock them. By overclocking, we mean you can increase the base clock frequency of these processors.
It pushes the component to its max limits allowing you to get more processing power. However, it comes with an additional cost, which is the heat.
It would be best if you didn’t overclock your CPU without having a reliable cooling system unless you want to toast it.
Size/Portability
Another important aspect that some people care too much about is the size of the device. However, some people ignore this factor as they need specifications instead of the device’s physical features.
You should double-check your requirements before making a purchase. If you are not comfortable carrying your laptop to the lab or your classroom, you shouldn’t spend money on it. It would be best if you always double-checked whether you are comfortable with it or not.
For this purpose, we highly recommend always going for a slim device. Most slim devices may not have compelling components like those high power gaming rigs. But they are pretty much good for engineering-related tasks.
Display
The display is a serious problem on laptops and mobile devices. Most laptops use a display that provides an output on some viewing angles only. It isn’t good as you can’t look at your laptop from a single angle all the time.
It would be best if you look for something that offers viewability from wide angles. There is a lot of technical jargon related to display panels. If you are a beginner, then it will leave you confused; therefore, you shouldn’t worry too much about them.
If you are buying a laptop for engineering, we highly recommend you going for the In-Plan switching (IPS) display. It is because the display provides much better picture quality as compared to traditional LCD.
Apart from that, the IPS display provides accurate viewability even from narrow angles. You don’t need to adjust your screen to show a point to your friend. He or she can take a look even from the side as it will be clearly visible.
RAM
Lastly, let’s talk about the RAM a little bit. For a sound device that needs to take care of your engineering assignments and projects, you need solid RAM. Your laptop’s processor isn’t sufficient alone as every computer needs memory and its processing power.
If your laptop fails to have a decent amount of memory, then the processor is of no use. It would help if you always look for a device that has at least 8GB RAM. Now, most people are confused about dual and single-channel RAM.
However, it would be best if you didn’t go too technically deep about this. Let’s explain it. Consider your device has a total of 8GB RAM. Let the RAM be installed in two different slots, i.e., 4GB in each slot. Your device will get the most benefit from RAMs as compared to a single memory stick.
In the case of two RAMs, each one will carry a load of your device simultaneously. While if your device has a single RAM of 8GB, it won’t be as good as the dual RAMs because it will have to handle the tasks alone.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall – Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
- Best Budget – Dell Inspiron 17 3793
- Best Battery Life – ASUS ZenBook 13
- Best For Performance – Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Final Thoughts
We know being an engineer isn’t easy as you need to work on a lot of different things. We hope you will have selected the right laptop for your needs by now. However if you still aren’t sure what to buy then let’s help you. In our opinion the Asus ZenBook 15 and the Acer Predator Helios 300 are better options from all.
These two are the most powerful devices and have other features that will help you during your academic session. Apart from that, you can use these devices for other purposes too if you want.