Revit is a powerful BIM or building information modeling software used by architects, engineers, and contractors to help them design buildings in 3D, access building information, and design building components in 2D and 3D models.
Simply put, it allows certain professionals to help them design things for houses, buildings, and more. This is why you need a powerful Revit computer or laptop to help you run this software.
Why do you need a powerful workstation or laptop?
Well, you’re doing a lot of 3D modeling, simulation, and designs. This kind of workload will require a hefty amount of processing power. Having said that, you’ll need to build Revit workstations or get a laptop that’s capable of handling Revit smoothly.
- What Are The Minimum Requirements?
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11. macOS 10.13 (“High Sierra”) or higher for Apple
- CPU: Single-Core or Multi-Core Intel, Xeon, i-Series processor or any AMD equivalent with SSE2 technology.
- Memory: 8GB
- GPU: DirectX 11 capable GPU with Shader Model 5 and 4GB VRAM.
- Storage: 30GB Disk Space
- Display: 1280×1024 with true color, or Ultra High 4K monitor
As you can see, a workstation or laptop that ensures the best Revit performance is no joke. If building a Revit computer is too much for you, we can make it easy by recommending the best performance laptops in the industry right now capable of running Revit and more.
What Are The Best Revit Laptops?
Razer Blade 15
Best Overall Laptop for Revit Software, Gaming, and More
Specs:
- 12th Generation Intel Core i7
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 3070
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB SSD
First on the list we have the Razer Blade 15, packed with a 12th generation Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, and a beautiful high resolution Full HD IPS monitor. If you’re looking for the best PC for Revit, consider the Razer Blade 15.
With the 12th generation Intel Core i7 CPU, you’re getting multiple cores and faster clock speeds than most of the CPUs on here. For me, the keyboard size on the Razer Blade 15 is relatively small, so it will be difficult to manipulate it comfortably.
With 1TB SSD for storage and 16GB of RAM (with option to add more, I should say), Revit users should also be able to do some gaming on the side with the Razer Blade 15.
Apple MacBook Pro 2021
Best Apple Product For Revit Workstation
Specs:
- Apple M1 CPU
- M1 Pro Graphics Processor
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
Designers left and right love using Apple products, and the Apple MacBook Pro 2021 is no exception. You’re getting a boosted workstation for Revit software and other programs, perfect for your industry-hardened structural engineers to your ever creative graphics designers.
The M1 Chip system is more than capable of handling rendering workloads, even with an integrated graphics card.
It’s also smaller compared to its other competitors on here, which might be a deal breaker for a lot of people. As it stands, it only has a screen size of 14.2 inches.
ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim Laptop
Very Portable Revit Workstation
Specs:
- 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB SSD
- Nvidia Geforce GTX 1650
- 15.6-inch screen
In terms of portability and power, we’d have to place the Asus ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim right beside the Razer Blade 15 above.
But it’s not only the power of the Asus ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim that we’re drawn to. We’re also drawn to its amazing and versatile touchpad. The operation area of the touchpad is about 5.65 inches, which is a lot bigger than the other models.
The touchpad also operates as a second mini-monitor that provides you with better desktop control. No need to attach the Asus ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim to an external monitor unless you really need to.
The specs of the Asus ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim is as impressive as the touchpad itself. You’re getting enough power to run Revit and other programs without a hitch, but still be able to pack it easily in a messenger bag.
MECH 15 G3R 2022
Works Well Under Pressure
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-12700H processor
- choice of either 16GB or 32GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
- 1TB SSD
- 15.6 QHD screen
You’ve probably never heard of this brand of laptop, but it’s on this list for a good reason.
The Eluktronics MECH 15 G3R is a powerful laptop with high-end CPU and GPU, choice of 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. Everything you need to install Revit and more are found in the Eluktronics MECH 15 G3R.
But you’re probably thinking: with all that horsepower, how’s it deal with high temperatures?
The Eluktronics MECH 15 G3R is equipped with high-performance fans and adequate heatsink holes that allows it to cool down efficiently even when working under heavy loads.
If the fans are not enough, it can be connected to the external water cooler (as seen in the image). The external liquid cooling device can be purchased separately for about $199.
But the Eluktronics MECH 15 G3R isn’t as portable as the rest of the Revit workstations on here. It’s bulky and heavy, but you get what you pay for.
ASUS ROG Scar 15
High-Performance Autodesk Revit Workstation
Specs:
- Intel Core i9 12900H
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
- 15.6” 300Hz IPS FHD Display
- 16GB DDR5
- 1TB SSD
You don’t need external devices when you’ve got the ASUS ROG Scar 15, an impressive gaming and all-around laptop packed with a Core i9 processor and RTX 3070Ti GPU but still as light as it can be.
The monitor is a beautiful 300Hz IPS FHD display. Anything displayed on it looks really good. whether it’s for graphic design or running Revit files.
16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage make the ASUS ROG Scar 15 capable of running even the most complex models built on Revit without difficulty.
With the best CPU and a powerful GPU installed in the laptop, it’s no surprise why this laptop comes with a hefty price tag.
Alienware R4 RTX
Powerful Laptop with Multiple Connectivity Options
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-10870H
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6
- 1TB SSD
Alienware is a brand that needs no introduction. It was one of the first brand names ever to be associated with gaming laptops. Now, they’ve moved on to developing high-powered gaming desktops.
On this list, we have the Alienware R4, equipped with a powerful GPU/CPU tandem and a longer battery life than any of the other laptops on here. And much like the Eluktronics laptop above, the Dell Alienware R4 is bulky and heavy. It’s also just as expensive as the
Acer Nitro 5 AN517
Large and In Charge!
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-11800H
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti GPU
- 17.3″ FHD 144Hz IPS Display
- 16GB DDR4
- 1TB NVMe SSD
The Autodesk Revit software doesn’t require multiple processors or a hefty count of CPU cores, but it does need you to work with a large-sized screen if you want to see the finer details of some Revit designs.
And what better way to see all the details than with the Acer Nitro 5 AN517, a bulky and sizey laptop with a whopping 17-inch 144Hz IPS display? Majority of the laptops on this list have 15-inches at most, but the Acer Nitro 5 AN517 beats them out by a couple more.
You’re already getting 144Hz FHD display with enough power to run Revit and a lot of the modern games. Cooling won’t be an issue, thanks to the Acer CoolBoost technology that improves the cooling fan’s performance by up to 10%.
Buying Guide For Building a Revit Workstation
We’ve showcased some of the best laptops in the market, but what if you want to build a PC for Revit?
From the list, you’ll need a powerful PC capable of handling Revit or any other 3D modeling software. That means your shopping list is going to look like this:
- Intel Core i7 or its AMD Ryzen counterparts
- 16GB DDR4 RAM for system memory
- 1TB Solid State Drive and additional 2TB/4TB HDD for storing files
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 20-series or 30-series GPU or its AMD counterparts
- 23-inch FHD Monitor with least 120Hz refresh rate
We’re going for an Intel Core i7 at the very least because you need more CPU cores when it comes to rendering, modeling, gaming, and animation. AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 is a solid choice if the Intel Core i7 is too expensive for you.
For the graphic cards, we’re going to go with the Nvidia RTX 20-series at the very least. They’re probably the best value GPU for building a PC for Revit. Most users would probably go for the 20-series or its AMD counterparts, but the Nvidia RTX 30-series are slowly becoming more affordable.
You’re also going to want 16GB of RAM at the very least and at least 1TB SSD, so save times are going to be faster. You can upgrade to more RAM and SSD when you need to down the line.
Now the bigger question: can you build a PC on a budget?
You could, but you won’t get the speed or performance to carry out the heavy Revit design tasks. We’re not saying the PC will not run, but it will definitely struggle.