3D modelling and rendering are usually done on a desktop computer, and many people still think that laptops simply can’t have the required specs for this task. However, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of products in this category which actually can compete with traditional computers. In this article, we’ll give you the best laptops for 3D Studio Max reviews.
Table of Contents
Best Laptops for 3D Studio Max Reviews from Amazon: Updated 2020
| Ranking | Product Image | Product Name | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | GIGABYTE Aero 15X v8-BK4 15" Ultra Slim Laptop Review |  (4.7 / 5) | ||
 | Razer Blade 15 Laptop Review: Editor Choice |  (4.5 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | MSI GS65 Stealth THIN Laptop |  (4.1 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim Laptop |  (4 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop Review |  (3.9 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | ASUS FX503VD Powerful Laptop | (3.9 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | HP OMEN 15T Premium Laptop Review |  (3.8 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | MSI GT75 Titan Review |  (3.5 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | ASUS ROG Strix Hero Edition Laptop Review | (3.5 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
 | ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra – Slim Laptop Review | (3.5 / 5) | VIEW ON AMAZON |
#What is 3D Studio Max?
3D Studio Max, also known as Autodesk 3ds Max, is a graphic design and 3D animation program that was developed by the company Autodesk. The first version was released in 1990, for DOS, and it has kept improving year after year. Nowadays it’s one of the most used design programs in the world.
3D Studio Max can be used in very different disciplines, such as videogame design, architecture, movie-making or marketing. From the 1.0 to the 4.0 version, the program belonged to Autodesk under the name 3D Studio. However, after that Kinetix bought the program’s rights, and created several versions called 3D Studio Max. This name was kept until the 6.0 version, which was released by the company Discreet.
Finally, Autodesk bought the program again and continued releasing new versions of it, now under the name of Autodesk 3D Studio Max. Nowadays, it is mainly used in the videogame industry: large companies such as Ubisoft use it to develop many of their titles.
# Can 3D Studio Max run on Laptop?
As is the case with most 3D modelling and rendering programs, Autodesk 3D Studio Max requires a very powerful computer to run correctly. For that reason, most people think that it can only be used on a desktop computer. However, although most laptops are not prepared for this software, in the last few years several models have been created with enough capacity to use them with Studio Max.
In this article, we’ll try to find the best laptop for 3D Studio Max, by reviewing several models that can run this program smoothly. All of them have been carefully chosen by a mix of their specs, price and functionality; but they can all be used for 3D modelling and rendering without a problem. Also, the list has been updated to include the best models of 2020.
# System Requirements for a 3D Studio Max Laptop
In order to run the last version of 3D Studio Max successfully, you need a powerful computer. This program is very demanding, as it performs complex operations. For that reason, you won’t be able to use it with a normal laptop.
The system requirements to run Autodesk 3D Studio Max are the following:
- Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10 Professional operating system.
- 64 – bit AMD or Intel multi-core processor.
- At least 4 GB of RAM. 8 or more are preferred.
- 6 GB of free disk space in order to install the program.
- A powerful graphics card that can run the Studio Max smoothly. Some of the most trusted brands are Quadro, Radeon, GeForce and FirePro.
As you can see, these system requirements automatically eliminate the possibility to use most computers to do 3D modelling and rendering. However, some laptops (usually belonging to the “gaming computer” category) are powerful enough to run Autodesk 3D Studio Max smoothly and without a problem.
#Things to consider before buying Best Laptops for 3D Studio Max : (Buying Guide)
If you haven’t bought a PC in a while, or if you’ve only used basic models and never had to worry about their features, it’s very probable that you’re feeling a bit lost right now. In order to determine which models are the best laptops for 3D Studio Max, you need to learn about things like GPU, CPU, RAM memory, or storage capacity.
In this section, we’ll examine all the features you have to consider before choosing a specific computer. After you read it, you’ll have all the information you need to buy the best possible model for your 3d modelling and rendering projects.
1.CPU
Let’s start with an easy one. Autodesk doesn’t require anything too specific regarding the CPU of your laptop. The company only recommends having an AMD or Intel processor with multiple cores, which is able to support SSE4.1.
For a laptop, the best in this sense is to have a quad-core CPU. If you have the budget for it, getting something from the Coffee Lake or Skylake generation is advisable.
2.GPU
When it comes to GPU requirements, Autodesk provides a guide recommending some of the best graphics cards to run 3D Studio Max. If you’re going to run it in a laptop, you’ll need at least a GTX 960M to be able to use most of its functions in a smooth way. However, it would be advisable to get something a bit better if you have the money for it.
Probably the best you can aim for considering the relationship between quality and price is a GTX 1060 or 1070. However, you can always find similar graphics cards that have been designed by other brands.
3.RAM Memory
RAM memory is extremely important when you’re trying to find the best laptop for 3D Studio Max. The software is very demanding, so you’ll need a powerful computer if you want to use it without problems. Although Autodesk says the minimum is 4 GB of RAM, we recommend you getting at least 8 GB.
Apart from that, if your RAM memory is DDR4, you’ll have fewer problems and your overall experience will be much better.
4.Storage
Although not as important as the previous three features, the storage capacity can also make or break a 3D design laptop. If you’re familiar with computer terminology, you’ll know that there are basically two types of internal storage: HDD and SSD. Ideally, you should get a computer that has both, so you not only have a fast laptop but can also save a huge quantity of files.
How much memory should you aim for? 1 TB is a good number, although there are some very good laptops that only have 512 GB. That should be fine too, as long as you don’t mind saving some of your files periodically in an external hard drive.
5.Screen
When working on your 3D designs, it will be fundamental for your computer to have a good screen, with a high enough resolution to be able to see exactly what you’re doing. For that reason, your laptop should have at least a 1080p resolution; and Full HD or 4K would be even better.
Luckily, you should have no problems in this regard, as most laptops powerful enough to run 3D Studio Max have been designed with video games in mind. This means that an exceptionally good screen will be the norm, not the exception.
6.Expandability
When you’re trying to find the best laptop for 3D Studio Max, one of the least important things is the capacity of each model to be expanded. Normally high – end laptops already come with everything you’ll need for your 3D modelling and rendering projects so you won’t need to buy anything extra.
However, having the possibility of improving your computer in the future (by adding more memory, for example) can be an interesting option if it doesn’t increase the final price too much.
7.Cooling
One of the main problems of most high – end laptops is that they get too hot when you’re using very demanding software, such as 3D Studio Max. However, in 2020 you can find models that have almost solved this problem, by using better materials or improving the integrated cooling system.
Keep in mind that any computer you want to use for 3D design will need to have a good refrigeration system. This will be a key aspect of each one of the 3D Studio Max laptop reviews you’ll find later.
8.Battery life
Another big problem most gaming and design laptops have is that their battery doesn’t last very long when you’re using them intensively. Usually, the average battery of these computers can be used for up to 3 – 4 hours. This means that, even if you can move your system around, you’ll always have to work next to a plug.
However, some of the newest models of 2020 have begun to improve their battery life, so nowadays you can find very interesting options in places such as Amazon.
9.Weight
Most gaming and design laptops suffer from a severe excess of weight. The average in this category is around 5 kilos, which can make moving your new computer around a bit uncomfortable. However, as is the case with battery life and cooling systems, some brands have started to really improve in this area. If you search carefully, you’ll find some lightweight models which are still powerful enough to run 3D Studio Max smoothly.
10.Other I/O ports
Although not as relevant as others of the previously mentioned aspects, getting a laptop with a good selection of Input and Output ports can be a good idea. Things such as USB 3.0 or HDMI connections can come in handy if you ever use your new computer for anything that’s not running Autodesk 3D Studio Max.
Best Laptops for 3D Studio Max from Amazon: Top 10
1. GIGABYTE Aero 15X v8-BK4 15″ Ultra-Slim Laptop Review
The GIGABYTE Aero 15X v8 – BK4 15” laptop is one of the most powerful options you can find in the market. With its Intel Core i7 – 8750H 8th gen processor, you can use it for whatever task you have in mind. It will run Autodesk 3D Studio Max with ease, allowing you to render your creations without any kind of problem.
This laptop is one of the favorites in Amazon due to the combination of pure strength with a slim, easy – to – carry design. Although it incorporates the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GDDR5 8 GB (one of the most advanced graphics cards in 2020), it weighs only 2 kilos and is extremely thin. You can take it with you anywhere you go so you can work no matter where you are.
The GIGABYTE Aero 15X v8 – BK4 15” has an outstanding 16 GB of RAM memory, with which you can do 3D modelling and rendering fast and easily. Its battery life is also one of the best you can find, allowing you to use it for almost 10 hours if you’re not performing very intense tasks. It also includes several different types of charging options, which make this laptop even more versatile.
All in all, the Aero 15X v8 – BK4 15” is a firm candidate for the best laptop for 3D Studio Max title in this 2020. Although you can definitely find cheaper models, the quality of this computer is simply exceptional.
- Extremely powerful, able to run any type of program smoothly.
- Integrated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070.
- 16 GB of RAM memory.
- Full HD 4k resolution.
- Very thin and light when compared with other laptops.
- Doesn’t include an SSD hard drive.
2. Razer Blade 15 Review: Editor Choice Laptop for 3D Studio Max
The Razer Blade 15” is a perfect choice for you if you want a small – yet – powerful computer at an affordable price. With a 15.6” screen, it’s big enough so you can see perfectly what you’re doing; but it is also designed with portability and comfort in mind. With a weight of only 2 kilos, you can carry it anywhere you go and work on your 3D designs no matter where you are.
The Razer Blade 15 incorporates an Intel Core i7 6 Core 8th gen processor, that gives it an outstanding 16 GB of RAM memory. This means that you’ll be able to run 3D Studio Max smoothly and without any problem. Also, the integrated graphics card is an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max – Q, designed for the most demanding videogames of 2020.
When it comes to storage capacity, the Razer Blade 15 is one of the best laptops for 3D Studio Max. It includes a 126 GB SSD hard drive which gives it a lot of speed, as well as a 1 TB HDD hard drive for additional memory. With this computer, you’ll be able to save all your projects in the same place, so you never have to worry about losing them.
Another aspect where the Razer Blade 15 really shines is in its size and battery duration. For a gaming laptop, it is extremely compact, measuring only 9.25 x 13.98 x 0.78 inches. If you combine that with its low weight and the 6+ hours you can use it for when it’s not connected, it’s definitely one of the best options out there. It’s available on Amazon and similar stores for a very competitive price.
- Extremely lightweight and compact.
- Very powerful, with 16GB of RAM.
- Includes both an HDD and an SSD hard drives.
- Up to 6 hours of battery.
- Includes a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max – Q.
- Price is little high .
3. MSI GS65 Stealth THIN – 050 Review
The MSI GS65 Stealth THIN – 050 was designed to offer you a powerful computer that you could carry with you anywhere you go. With its Intel Core i7 – 8750H Hexa – Core 2.2 at 4.1 GHz, it will allow you to run Autodesk 3D Studio Max easily. It has 16 GB of RAM memory and a 512 SSD hard drive, so it’s one of the fastest laptops of 2020.
Regarding graphics, this computer has the new NVIDIA GeForce GTX1060 6G GDDR5 graphic card built in, so you’ll be able to use Autodesk 3D Studio Max intensively without any problem. 3D modelling and rendering will be very easy with the MSI GS65 Stealth THIN – 050. Also, its IPS level screen will allow you to see even the smallest details in your creations.
On the other hand, although this laptop has a 15.6” screen, the body is more similar to that of a 14” computer. With only 14.08 x 9.75 x 0.69 inches, you’ll be able to take it whatever you go, especially if you keep in mind its weight of only 1.82 kg, which makes it one of the best laptops for 3D Studio Max in this aspect.
Finally, the design of the MSI GS65 Stealth THIN – 050 is very beautiful, with a Per – KEY RGB customization system that allows you to personalize it. It also includes several high – end features, such as a fingerprint scanner, and a very advanced speaker system that will give you the best audio quality you can imagine.
- Very lightweight and compact.
- Extremely powerful, with 16 GB of RAM.
- Incorporates a NVIDIA GeForce GTX1060 6G.
- Full HD 15.6” screen.
- Includes several high – end features.
- It can get a bit hot when you use it very intensively.
4. ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim Laptop Review
ASUS is one of the most recognized brands in the gaming laptop industry. The new version of their Zephyrus computer is not only one of the most powerful ones they’ve ever created: it’s also the thinnest. For that reason, it has all the advantages of an ultrabook with the technical specifications of a high – end gaming computer.
You can choose from four different versions of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra-Slim. The main differences between them are their graphics card, and the storage capacity of their built-in SSD hard drive. The options are the following: GTX 1080, RTX 2070 or RTX 2080 graphics cards, and 512 GB or 1 TB SSD hard drives. The four versions are of extremely high quality, so which one you choose will depend on your specific needs.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim incorporates an Intel Core i7 8th Generation processor, that will allow you to run 3D Studio Max smoothly. With its built-in fans and special design, you won’t have to worry about it getting too hot after using it for a long time. Its 15.6” screen allows you to see your designs in Full HD, so you don’t miss any important detail on what you’re doing.
This 3D Studio Max laptop has 16 GB of RAM, which is more than enough for 3D modelling and rendering. Apart from that, it’s very lightweight so you can carry it with you anywhere you go. However, the short battery life (around 2 hours with a very intensive use) makes it more suitable for working at home or in a coworking space.
- Very lightweight and compact.
- 15.6” Full HD screen.
- 4 different options, so you can get exactly the computer you need.
- 16 GB of RAM.
- A pretty good cooling system.
- The battery life is shorter than average.
5. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
The new Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of the best options if you want to be able to run Autodesk 3D Studio Max smoothly without having to spend a lot of money. For a price that’s just a bit higher than that of a normal laptop, you can get a very powerful model, prepared for 3D modelling and rendering as well as for advanced videogames and even VR applications.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 incorporates an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H 6-Core Processor at 4.1 GHz, that gives it 16 GB of RAM memory. At the same time, its graphics card, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Overclockable Graphics with 6 GB of VRAM, is powerful enough to move any modelling app you need, making it one of the best options in this 3D Studio Max Laptop Review.
On the other hand, this computer has a 15.6” Full HD screen, more than enough to be able to see your designs clearly. The SSD hard drive has 256 GB of space, which is a bit lower than that of other similar products; but other specs, such as its battery (which can power it for up to 7 hours) more than enough for it.
The Predator Helios 300 is not as lightweight as some of the options we’ve seen previously, at 2.5 kilograms; and it’s also a bit bigger, measuring 10.47 x 15.35 x 1.05 inches. However, it costs almost half of what you have to pay for similar models, which makes it a very good option if you’re on a budget but need a powerful computer for 3D Studio Max.
- A good relationship between quality and price.
- Very powerful processor.
- SSD hard drive, which makes it extremely fast and reliable.
- 15.6” Full HD screen.
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Overclockable Graphics graphics card.
- Heavier and bulkier than other laptops.
- Only 256 GB of space in the hard drive.
6. ASUS FX503VD Powerful Laptop Review
In our search for the best laptop for 3D Studio Max, we stumbled upon another ASUS model that has all the characteristics you could wish for in a computer designed for this program. The FX503VD Powerful Gaming Laptop has a 7th-generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ quad-core processor at 2.8GHz, that will allow you to move any 3D modelling and rendering software you can imagine.
At less than $1000, this ASUS laptop is also one of the cheapest models available in the market with enough power to use it for 3D design. It has 8 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 4GB of graphics memory. This is also enough to show Full HD images in its 15.6” screen.
Apart from this, the ASUS FX053VD has two hard drives: a 1 TB HDD disk, and a 128 GB SSD one. This means that you’ll not only have enough space to save all your projects: you’ll also be able to access your most important files quickly and easily.
This laptop is a bit heavier and bigger than some of its direct competitors. Its memory is also not the best, being able to power it for around 3 hours. For that reason, the ASUS FX503VD performs better at home; but if you don’t plan on moving around too much, it can be a very good choice.
- Very cheap compared with similar models.
- Powerful enough to run any 3D design software.
- Full HD 15.6” screen.
- Incorporates an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050.
- Includes both an HDD and an SSD hard drive.
- Heavier and bulkier than its competitor.
- The battery life is too short.
7. HP OMEN 15T Premium Laptop Review
The HP OMEN 15T is a very good choice for the Best Laptop for 3D Studio Max. It has an 8th Generation Coffee Lake Intel Core i7-8750H processor with 6 cores that run at 4.1 GHz and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti graphic card.
Although its price is a bit higher than that of other similar models, its specifications are also better. The HP OMEN 15T has 32 GB of RAM memory, which will allow you to do absolutely any task smoothly. Also, it includes a 1 TB HDD dis and a 128 GB SSD one, so you have both very good speed and enough memory to save all your tasks.
Its 15.6” 4K Full HD screen includes several advanced technologies that improve even further the quality of the image you will get. For example, it has an anti-glare system and a micro-edge implementation. As it’s designed to be a gaming laptop, the keyboard is completely backlit, something that can be useful if you want to use it in the dark.
The HP OMEN 15T is a bit heavy and bulky, at 10.35 x 14.17 x 0.98 inches and 2.5 kilograms. Its battery life is also not the best, being able to stay on for around 3 hours without needing to recharge. However, if you need brute force, this computer is one of the best choices you can make.
- Very powerful, with 32 GB of RAM memory.
- Dual hard drive.
- 4k Full HD screen.
- 6 cores processor.
- Excellent design.
- A bit heavier and bulkier than other models .
8. MSI GT75 Titan Review
If you want the absolute best performance in your 3D Studio Max laptop, then the MSI GT75 Titan is the best option for you. It incorporates one of the new 8th Gen Intel Coffee Lake Core i9-8950HK Six-Core processors, which allows it to run at 4.8 GHz. This computer also has 32GB of RAM, making it one of the most powerful models available on Amazon this 2020.
There are several versions of the MSI GT75 Titan that you can choose from. The most interesting one includes a 2 TB SSD disk, as well as one of the new SSHD disks, also with 2 TB of memory. This means that this laptop can tackle any task, no matter how difficult or intensive, with absolute ease.
The 17.3” screen is a bit bigger than normal in a computer of this category, and it’s only Full HD instead of 4K. However, you will be able to see your designs very clearly thanks to its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GDDR6 graphics card, one of the best available in 2020.
All in all, the MSI GT75 Titan is perfect for you if you don’t mind spending a bit of extra money in order to get the absolute best specifications in your 3D Studio Max laptop.
- Incorporates one of the new Intel Core i9 processors.
- 32 GB of RAM.
- 2 TB SSD + 2 TB SSHD.
- 17.3” screen.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphic card.
- Much more expensive than the other models in this list .
- Its screen is not 4K.
9. ASUS ROG Strix Hero Edition Review
The ASUS ROG Strix Hero Edition is a beautiful gaming laptop that mixes good performance at a cheap price, which makes it one of the best options for those who are on a budget. It includes an 8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor with 6 cores, which allows it to run at up to 3.9GHz. It also incorporates the powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050, although there are two more versions with even better graphics cards.
The ASUS ROG Strix Hero Edition combines a 128 GB SSD hard drive with one of the new SSHD ones, which has 1 TB of memory space. This means that you’ll get not only top speed and performance but also enough space to save all of your 3D modelling projects.
Although a bit bigger than other, more advanced models, this gaming laptop weighs only 2.5 kilograms and measures 15.12 x 10.31 x 0.94 inches. This means that you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go, even though its battery only lasts for around 3 or 4 hours at top performance.
The materials with which this computer is built are pretty good, and you can be sure that it’ll last you for a long time if you treat it carefully. All in all, it’s a very good option if you want a powerful laptop but doesn’t want to break the bank.
- Powerful laptop on a budget.
- The materials are of pretty good quality.
- Very attractive design.
- 128 GB SSD + 1 TB SSHD disks.
- Fast performance even with difficult tasks.
- It’s a bit too bulky if you want to carry it around all the time.
- Its fans can be a bit too noisy.
10. ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop Review
We finish our 3D Studio Max laptop review with one of the top budget ultrabooks in the market. Although the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra is not specifically designed for really intensive tasks such as modeling and rendering, it’s powerful enough so you can use it without any problem.
This laptop incorporates an 8th generation Intel Core i5 – 8250U Quad-Core processor that makes it run at 3.4 GHz. Also, its hard drive is a 256 GB SSD disk, which makes it fast although it sacrifices a bit of memory. With 8 GB of RAM, it’s able to run most software with ease, although the lack of an advanced graphics card can give you some problems.
However, the area where the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra really shines is its portability. Weighing only 1 kilogram, and with a size of 12.2 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches, you can carry it with you anywhere you go easily. The battery lasts for up to 12 hours, making it one of the best options for you if you value working on the go above everything else.
Last but not least, the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra is one of the cheapest ultrabooks you can find on Amazon this 2020. All in all, it’s a very good option as long as you understand its limitations and strengths.
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop Pro and Cons
- One of the cheapest ultrabooks of 2020.
- Top speed and good performance.
- Extremely lightweight and portable.
- The battery lasts up to 12 hours.
- Durable and attractive design.
- Its processor is an i5, instead of one of the more powerful i7 .
- Only has 256 GB of memory space.
# Top Best Brands laptop for 3D Studio Max
Still not sure of what computer you should choose? If you’re a bit lost when it comes to brands, we’re here to help. These are the best laptop brands for Autodesk 3D Studio Max you can find on the market:
- MSI- This company is known for creating relatively lightweight but powerful laptops that can be used for 3d modeling and rendering without any problem.
- ASUS- The best thing about ASUS is that they create many different models that vary greatly in things like price and performance, so you can always find a laptop that suits you perfectly in their catalog.
- Razer- Although not as well – known as other companies, Razer is one of the best options for those who want a very lightweight and beautiful computer that can run even the heaviest software.
- Acer- Some of the newest Acer models are considered to be of the highest possible quality. A very established brand, you will never have to worry about quality or performance with their laptops.
# Can laptop compete with a desktop for 3D Modeling?
As you’ve seen in some of the reviews, there are a lot of laptops that measure up easily against even the best desktop computers. If you want to take your work with you wherever you go and don’t mind spending a bit more money, getting one of the models from our list will allow you to do 3D modelling and rendering without any problem.
# Final Words for Best Laptops for 3D Studio Max :
With every 3D Studio Max Laptop review from this article, we’ve tried to help you discover which model is the best for you depending on your budget, needs and personal preferences. Now it’s your turn: which laptop do you think suits you best?
