10 Best CAD Laptops 2025 in the UK

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is a 14-inch Full HD laptop equipped with an Intel Core i5-12450H processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This laptop offers solid performance for CAD tasks with its relatively high RAM and fast CPU. The integrated graphics card, however, might not be ideal for intensive 3D modeling or rendering, which typically benefit from dedicated GPUs.

The Full HD display with narrow bezels ensures a clear and immersive visual experience, and features such as TÜV Certified Low Blue Light help reduce eye strain during long working hours. Dolby Audio enhances audio quality, making it suitable for media consumption as well. The laptop is lightweight, weighing only 1.37 kg, which makes it highly portable for on-the-go work.

Rapid-charging technology adds convenience, providing up to 2 hours of use on a 14-minute charge. Privacy is enhanced with a webcam shutter, and connectivity options are robust with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, HDMI, and a card reader. While this laptop is suitable for basic CAD work and other general uses, those who need more powerful graphics capabilities may need to consider models with dedicated GPUs. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is ideal for users who prioritize portability, decent performance, and a good display for CAD tasks rather than top-tier graphical power.

The Acer Swift Go 14 is a lightweight and stylish laptop, weighing just 1.32 kg with a slim profile that makes it highly portable for working on the go. It features a sharp 14-inch 2.8K OLED display, which offers bright, clear visuals and good color quality—helpful for detailed design work in CAD. Powered by Intel’s Core i5 Ultra 5 processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, it should handle everyday tasks and moderately complex projects smoothly. The laptop has 512GB of fast SSD storage, providing ample space for your files and quick loading times.

The graphics are integrated Intel Arc rather than a dedicated graphics card. While this is an improvement over basic integrated graphics and can support photo and video editing, it might struggle with very demanding 3D CAD models or heavy rendering tasks common in CAD software. For casual or light CAD use, this GPU will suffice, but serious CAD professionals often prefer laptops with dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics for better performance.

Portability is a strong point here, with a thin aluminum body making it easy to carry. The backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader add to usability and security. It runs Windows 11 Home, which is compatible with most CAD software. If your CAD work involves complex 3D modeling or you're working on large projects, this laptop might be limiting in graphics power despite solid CPU and RAM. However, if you need a portable, visually impressive laptop for lighter CAD tasks or design review on the move, the Acer Swift Go 14 offers a good balance of performance and portability.

The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is a solid choice for CAD users who want a gaming laptop that can handle demanding design software. Its Intel Core i7-13650HX processor is powerful enough to manage complex CAD tasks smoothly, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card offers good support for 3D modeling and rendering with 8GB of dedicated video memory. The 24GB of DDR5 RAM ensures multitasking and larger projects run without slowdowns, while the 1TB SSD provides fast storage and quick access to files. The 15.6-inch Full HD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate delivers clear and smooth visuals, though the 1920x1080 resolution might feel limiting if you need very detailed views or more screen space for complex drawings. Its brightness of 300 nits is decent but may not be ideal in very bright environments.

The laptop is relatively portable thanks to a slim design and effective cooling system that keeps it cool and quiet during heavy use. It also includes useful features like a backlit keyboard and MIL-STD durability, making it practical for both work and casual gaming. However, at 2.38 kg, it’s not the lightest option if you need to carry it around all day. This Lenovo offers strong performance and good value for CAD users who want a balance of power and portability, but those requiring ultra-high resolution or extreme portability might want to explore other options.