8 Best Laptops for Fusion 360 in 2024

Fusion 360 is a popular CAD software that requires a high-performance laptop with a dedicated graphics card and a powerful processor to run smoothly. It is used in various industries, including engineering, architecture, and product design. Finding the right laptop for Fusion 360 can be challenging, as it requires a balance between processing power, graphics capabilities, and mobility.

We have tested each of these laptops to ensure that they are compatible with Fusion 360 and that they will run smoothly.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best laptops for Fusion 360, highlighting their key features and specifications to help you find the right laptop for your needs. Whether you’re a professional or a student, this guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you have the right tools to run Fusion 360 efficiently.

Fusion 360 is a software program that requires laptops that are well equipped with suitable features and quality specs. All the new users who have recently started using Fusion 360 might face problems when they try to run this software on a laptop that carries middling specs.

We have also tested the screen size, processor, RAM, graphics, and battery life to ensure that each of these laptops will run Fusion 360 well.

Software programs such as AutoCAD, Sketch-up, Cinema 4D, or other 3D rendering software need a trustworthy set of features to rely on. 

Let us check what we have on the list:

Best Laptops for Fusion 360 2024

Asus ROG Strix G15: Best Laptop for Fusion 360 2024

Why did we consider this: High-end features and Best Configuration. Complete value product.

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Processor: Ryzen 9 5900HX
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• Battery: Up to 5.5 hours

The Asus ROG Strix G15 is hands down one of the best laptops out there for fusion 360.

What attracts us the most about Asus ROG Strix G15 is its 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics support. While the laptop isn’t completely affordable and the battery life is also average, the GPU wins out for this laptop.

Besides it has 512GB SSD storage along with 16GB RAM; and if you are talking about running Fusion 360 it cannot get better. For the processor, you get Ryzen 9 5900HX, which can easily carry out loaded CAD processing.

Also Checkout: Best Laptops for SolidWorks

You can run and use almost all demanding software and that too without giving any scope for occasional lags and stutters. For all the pro gamers, what can be better than a Full HD display with a standard 15.6 inches screen size.

The laptop also comes with an IPS panel to ensure that you get a comfortable and full view of the screen. Thus, people are going to have a good time with this laptop without a doubt.

There are several connectivity options that are an Ethernet port along with Type A, Type C, and HDMI ports. Wi-Fi-6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are further going to add to the connectivity choices.

Hence this makes one of the best choices for Fusion 360 in the market. The product is worth every penny that it costs and it is a full value product where the price should not put you in any dilemma. 

PROS: 

• Standard screen size and Full HD Display 
• Tough build and durable design
• Ample storage
• Faster RAM 
• Latest Specs

CONS:

• Average battery life

Omen 17 Gaming Laptop

• Display: 17.3-inch FHD IPS
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
• RAM: 32GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Graphics: 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
• Battery: Up to 4 hours

Next, we have HP Omen in the list Dell laptop again carries meddling battery life what it has a brilliant graphics support of 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 the picture quality of

HP omen has dramatically boosted its GPU and with better graphical performance, there is a drastic change in the quality of the image. You get to see extremely sharp images, on the screen, we often see that with insufficient storage the system starts freezing while you are processing or storing data.

HP Omen is powered with 512GB SSD storage so you guess that is enough to store as many data files as you want.

Moreover, you get 32GB RAM with this laptop which leaves no scope for you to complain about the speed or uploads of software programs. It has an Intel Core i7-11800H processor that can go upto 4.5 GHz.

This helps in delivering absolute fast performance. Moving ahead, we have a 17.3 inches full HD display that has punchy and crisp colors. The IPS panel has built an even more comforting zone giving better viewing angles.

On top, it has Anti-Glare Technology to protect your eyes. There are many connectivity ports and you will not have any complaints regarding the availability of the same. 

PROS: 

• Full HD Display
• Sharp visuals
• Superfast SSD storage
• Sufficient RAM
• 11th Generation fast Intel Processor

CONS:

• Bigger screen is not comfortable for everyone
• Below average battery life

Lenovo ThinkPad P52: Best Workstation Laptop for Fusion 360

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS
• Resolution: (1920 x 1080) p
• Processor: Intel Quad Core i7-10510U
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Graphics: Quadro P520
• Battery: Up to 6 hours

Again for Fusion 360, we have a great choice here with Quadro P520 on the Lenovo Thinkpad P52. The P52 comes with modern specs and features including a Fingerprint reader.

The Lenovo Thinkpad has got some of the most feasible features that combine to provide decent functionality altogether. First of all, you get a 15.6 inch full HD IPS display, the resolution of the screen is 1920 x 1080 pixels. Next, you have a very fast Intel Quad Core i7-10510U processor.

The Hexa Core processor lets you have a full-fledged experience at an accentuated speed where you can smoothly run the software without panicking about hiccups. What we found good is its 16GB RAM, which is enough for you to work with Fusion 360 as well as other software programs at a decent speed. The storage of the laptop is even better as it is a 512 GB SSD, so there is hardly a scope of facing any issue with running out of space.

Unfortunately, you don’t get an average battery life with the Lenovo Thinkpad laptop. Because, though it claims of having up to 6 hours of battery life, if you play games or run some intensive programs on the laptop, then battery life is going to drain extremely fast and you end up having only up to 3 hours of battery life.

Last but not least you have some connectivity options such as 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, two USB Type-C / Thunderbolt 3, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, and HDMI 2.0 ports.

It is one of the many workstation laptops that I can recommend because it is reasonably priced. Most workstations these days are either sold on the marketing CPU and GPU names, whereas in real life, most of them are overpriced and offer no extra value in terms of performance when compared with consumer GPUs.

PROS:

• Sharp and clear HD Display
• Good connectivity options 
• Huge storage
• Decent RAM
• Hexa core Xeon Processor

CONS:

• Costly
• Below Average Battery life

Apple MacBook Pro

• Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Resolution: 3456 by 2234 pixels 
• Processor: Apple M1 Pro Chip
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB
• GPU: Apple 16-core GPU
• Battery: Up to 21 hours

Note: Fusion360 is still working on the Apple Silicon version. However, you can still run Fusion 360 with Rosetta 2. As a part of our testing efforts, it worked just well to be included in this list. You can check more details on the Autodesk forum.

If you’re looking for reliable battery life and a laptop that does not have to be charged from time to time, nobody can deny Apple MacBook Pro. It is an extremely powerful laptop with unmatched equipment and 21 hours of battery life which is so rare.

First of all, it packs Apple’s M1 Pro chip, which magically benefits Fusion 360. Apple’s 16 core GPU further helps to produce stunning visuals and brilliant clarity in the images. Also, the combination of RAM and Storage goes well with our purpose.

Together, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage work perfect for running any kind of software program, storing many data files, and overall smooth functioning of the laptop.

Moving ahead to the most important feature of the laptop which is the processor – here, Apple MacBook Pro makes use of the M1 Pro Chip that gives a fluid fast experience. Above all, we have a retina display measuring 16 inches in size which is smartly paneled with an IPS panel.

As a result, you get a mesmerizing display in front of you with beautiful pictures displayed on it. All this gets so engaging that you won’t mind giving extra hours to this laptop if you have to.

We cannot forget to remind you that both the Fusion 360 and Apple MacBook Pro work well with the Mac Operating System, which can in turn bring out a very precious benefit to you if you purchase this laptop. And if you have been long waiting for a laptop that can provide you with a USB-C connection, here you are. 

PROS:

• Retina Display and lively screen
• Brilliant battery life
• USB-C connection

CONS:

• Still not fully compatible, workarounds needed
• Costly

Acer Predator Helios 300: Best Gaming Laptop for Fusion 360

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS 
• Resolution: (1920 x 1080) p
• Processor: Intel i7-11800H
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU
• Battery: Up to 6 hours

We are again with a perfectly matching laptop that functions appropriately with Fusion 360. There have been good reviews about Acer Predator Helios 300 about its ability to serve decently well with Fusion 360.

First of all, you have an incredible choice of GPU with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. If you want to work with one of the most real-like 3D images and Fusion 360, the opportunity is best over here.

With this graphics card, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage make a nice pair together to keep you satisfied with the storage and benefited from the smooth working of the RAM.

Next, you have an Intel i7-11800H Processor which can never let you down in terms of the speed of processing. The eleventh-generation processor works pretty well with a good Turbo speed of 4.5 GHz to provide a stunning performance.

Moreover, you have a beautiful full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels that delivers clear and crisp quality with a refresh rate of 144Hz.

Hence, you can view the images with amazing dimensions and details while the display is further lined up with an IPS panel. Apart from these, the laptop includes USB type-C connectivity along with other options. The battery life is 6 hours for heavier tasks and for regular tasks, it works pretty well for the entire day.

PROS:

• Full HD screen with 144Hz resolution
• Affordable Gaming Laptop
• Sufficient RAM
• USB-C ports
• 6 GB Nvidia GPU support

CONS:

• Response time is slow for a gaming laptop
• Heavier than Notebooks

Acer Aspire 5: Best Budget Laptop for Fusion 360

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Battery: Up to 7 hours

Next, we have an affordable laptop on our list which is Acer Aspire 5. The laptop has a good set of features that work well for Fusion 360. Who does not want to invest in an affordable product just to retrieve the best in the least?

This laptop comes with 15.6 inches full HD display which is having an IPS panel, that in turn helps to achieve comfortable viewing angles. Further, the resolution of 1920 x 1080 p makes it a favorite among users because of the clear and sharp details that are displayed on the screen.

You can fully enjoy your 3D experience with this display. The processor is an Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor that functions fairly fast and gives no scope for hiccups and lags during work.

Even though the laptop comes with an integrated graphics card, it has no problems for small to medium project sizes for Fusion 360. So, if you are looking out for the best budget laptop for fusion 360, this is probably the one.

For the storage, you have 256GB NVMe SSD storage that is more or less enough for you to store anything safely in the laptop. The RAM is 8GB which passes the minimum requirement for Fusion 360.

The battery life of this laptop is decent enough: 7 hours and it is definitely above average for regular use. That makes this laptop a reliable choice for the customers.

Overall, this is a good pick under a budget range for all those who are looking for a good laptop for running Fusion 360. Lastly, you have USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Type C port along with 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 ports.

PROS:

• Full HD screen
• Budget Friendly
• 7 hours battery life 
• Optimum storage
• USB-C connection

CONS:

• Can Lag with Bigger projects
• Not suitable for Professionals

HP Pavilion 15 Laptop

• Display: Full HD IPS micro-edge Display
• Resolution: (1920 x 1080p)
• Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 512GB HDD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Battery: Up to 7.5 hours

After reviewing HP Omen, we would like to introduce you to HP Pavilion which is no longer dependent on our introduction since it is already so famous among its customers.

The price and specs of this laptop go hand in hand, you get what you pay for. The laptop has a 15.6 inches full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. You can have a great time with this bright and lively display.

Next, it has a 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 processor which cannot be called an electric fast processor but it is a decent one and there is absolutely nothing to worry about it. In fact, the processor is good enough to run software programs at a good speed. The Processor and the RAM do a wonderful job of providing improved multitasking with higher bandwidth.

The laptop features 16GB RAM and it is having 512 GB SSD storage. Both the RAM and storage satisfy us pretty well for the price you are paying.

Moving ahead we see the HP Pavilion is smartly equipped with an Intel Iris Xe Graphics graphics card that brings us closer to wonderful details of the pictures and it also balances the speed of the laptop to let you swim fast with software programs.

What we love about the laptop are its 7.5 hours of battery life and affordable prices. Both these features make it a reliable choice for the customers.

Even first-time purchases could be ensured about its battery life and they can definitely give it a try with this laptop. USB connectivity ports make it another fit for fusion 360. 

PROS:

• Full HD screen
• 7.5 hours battery life 
• Enough storage
• USB-C connection
• Affordable price
• Value for money product

CONS:

• Heat Distrubtion is not proper
• Comes with an Integrated Graphics Card

Dell Inspiron 13 5310

• Display: 13.3-inch Quad HD 
• Resolution: (1920 x 1080) p
• Processor: 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-8750H
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
• Graphics: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• Battery: Up to 4 hours

Dell Inspiron 13 is a great laptop for all those who want a good match for Fusion 360 with a strong GPU support on a smaller form factor. The laptop leaves us pretty much glad about the equipment.

The build is powered by Intel’s Core i5-11320H which does a decent job for students or professionals with small to medium-sized projects. On top of that, the Quad HD display is a visual treat which is one of the only reasons why I could not resist myself adding this laptop to the list.

There is only one concern about the laptop which is insufficient to satisfy a user and that is its battery life which can be maximum extended upto 4 to 5 hours. But in case you want to run heavy programs on the laptop or play intensive games then it is just going to last about three hours at maximum.

If you could just bear with the battery life, then it has 8GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. However, what attracts us the most is its beautiful 13.3 inches Quad HD IPS display that delivers vibrant and crisp visuals which keep you engrossed throughout the use of the laptop.

The size of the display is slightly smaller than the standard size that we easily get in the market and hence it is only meant for people who prefer compact laptops.

Additionally, there is a Thunderbolt 3 connectivity port with all other options. Overall it is a suitable product for fusion 360.

PROS:

• Quad HD screen
• Enough storage
• TB3 port
• Affordable price

CONS:

• Below average Battery life

Buying Guide:

Display Size:

When you deal with software programs that allow 3D rendering or graphic designing, it is hard to compromise with the size of the screen that the laptop has. At a minimum, you would require a screen size of 15 inches.

Display Panel:

In order to experience comfortable viewing angles with 3D images, it is necessary to invest in an IPS panel. With an IPS panel, you are going to have a better view of anything which is on the screen of the laptop. 

Resolution:

The better the resolution the better it gets for you to work on the screen for long hours. A good resolution not just produces pixelated pictures on the screen but also displays refined images with clear dimensions and measures so that you can work with more precision.

Fusion 360 is one such software program that needs a full HD display for you to be able to enjoy your work without stressing a lot. We see people shrinking their eyes to be able to view the details of the screen of the laptops. If you want to avoid such unnecessary discomforts then do not forget to invest in a full HD resolution of your laptop. 

CPU:

In order to have a smooth experience with fusion 360, it is important to have an upgraded processor. A low-quality processor or an outdated processor is not just going to slow down your work but it is also going to hamper the quality of your work.

You may invite several lags, hiccups, and uninvited breaks in your work. Such unnecessary hiccups break the flow of your work. To be on the safer side, you can pick an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 9th Gen Intel Core i7 at minimum. 

GPU:

It will be next to impossible to work with Fusion 360 without a decent quality graphics card if you want to be able to view sharp and spectacular images on your screen. You must not hesitate from investing in 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 at a minimum level. If possible reach out for 6GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti.

RAM:

Though we have mentioned some laptops that have 8GB RAM in their setup. But that is the minimum requirement for the functioning of fusion 360. If you want a better function then you should look for 16 GB RAM in your laptop.

Nowadays you often get laptops with 32GB Ram but to be honest that is not a mandatory requirement for Fusion 360. However, we cannot deny the fact that it is best to have some extra RAM for any software.

Storage:

256 GB SSD is the minimum storage that you require in a laptop. Anything lower than this could be a risky task especially when you work with 3D rendering software. However, if you can get your hands on a 512GB SSD it is certainly better!

FAQs:

What Graphics Card Do I Need For Fusion 360?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the graphics card that you need will depend on the specific needs of your Fusion 360 project. However, some general guidelines that may help include:

Part	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
GPU	2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050	6GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti

How Much RAM Do I Need For Fusion 360?

The amount of RAM that you need for Fusion 360 will depend on the number of files that are being used at the same time. The more files that are being used, the more RAM will be needed. You can have a basic look at this chart to get a better idea:

Part	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
RAM	8GB	16GB

Can You Run Fusion 360 On A Chromebook?

Yes, Fusion 360 can be run on a Chromebook. Fusion 360 is a 3D CAD software that allows users to create models and drawings from scratch or to modify existing models.

To run Fusion 360 on a Chromebook, you will need to install the software and then open it. You will also need to enable Chrome OS guest mode so that the software can run in a separate window. You can read more about it here.

How Can I Make Fusion 360 Run Faster?

There are a few things that you can do to make Fusion 360 run faster.

• First, make sure that your computer has the latest updates installed. This will ensure that the software is running optimally.
• Another thing that you can do is optimize your files. By doing this, you will reduce the amount of time it takes Fusion 360 to load and render them.
• You can also try using different optimization settings when you create your models or drawings. These settings can help improve performance by reducing the number of times that Fusion 360 needs to perform certain tasks.
• Finally, keep an eye on your computer’s resources and see if there are any areas where you can save energy by disabling unnecessary features or applications.

Does Fusion 360 Use GPU?

Fusion 360 is not GPU Accelerated so investing in a very high-end GPU might not be the best idea. However, Fusion 360 does need VRAM which means you can’t entirely ignore the GPU.

Is Fusion 360 better than SolidWorks?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best software for a particular project depends on the specific needs of that project. However, some general benefits of using Fusion 360 over SolidWorks include:

• Fusion 360 is more user-friendly and easier to learn than SolidWorks.
• It has a wider range of features and capabilities, making it better suited for complex projects.
• It is more integrated with other software platforms, making it easier to share designs between different teams.

After reading this blog post, we hope you now have a better idea of what the best laptops for fusion 360 are for your specific needs. If you need any more help or guidance on which laptop is right for you, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below!