6 best laptops for graphics

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Graphics processing, especially when it comes to 3D or video in high definition, puts forward increased demands on the computer hardware. Until relatively recently, portable computers could not cope with such tasks by definition. Now there are high-performance laptops that are almost as good as top-end desktop graphics workstations. The editors have prepared for you a mini-review of the most worthy, according to our experts, laptop models for working with graphics in 2019.

Ranking of the best laptops for graphics

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best laptops for graphics at the right price	1	Lenovo Ideapad 330	RUB 15,972
	2	DELL G3 17 3779	RUB 55,000
	3	ASUS ZenBook 15 UX533FD	RUB 76 900
The best premium laptops for graphics	1	Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina display Mid 2019	142 390 RUB
	2	MSI GT75 Titan 9SG	RUB 236,485
	3	DELL XPS 15 7590	RUB 101,220

The rating material is based on the results of an analysis of a sample of laptops by the portal https://rankquality.com/laptops/.

The best laptops for graphics at the right price

In the first mini-selection, we will pay attention to those models that cope with a certain range of graphic tasks, and at the same time are relatively affordable. Of course, the presented models are much more expensive than any truly budget laptop, but the minimum performance requirements here set their own rules.

Lenovo Ideapad 330

Rating: 4.9

First, consider the most affordable graphics laptop from the 'trendsetter' in the low-cost electronics segment – Lenovo. To be precise, the Ideapad 330 is not the only modification. In terms of the number of possible configuration combinations, this is one of the most flexible solutions, since it implies the choice of anything, up to the screen size.

In the context of working with graphics, it would be logical to choose the second one between the available modifications with a 15 and 17-inch screen. However, this moment is desirable, but not decisive. If compactness is critical, a 15-inch diagonal is sufficient for many applications. The resolution of the matrix is ​​much more important, and there can be no compromises here. The maximum available resolution for this model is FullHD 1920×1080 and should be chosen.

The second key point that determines the choice of a laptop for graphics is the processor + video card combination. Here, the manufacturer also provides a wide field for combinations. The optimal ratio for the minimum final cost is a Core i5 8250u with an NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card. Everything below is at your own peril and risk, clearly realizing the permissible losses in productivity. Everything that is higher – if the budget allows, since a significant rise in price is inevitable.

Another important parameter for working with graphics is RAM. Here we are talking more about the speed of work, and not about the fundamental capabilities of the laptop. The system supports fairly fast DDR4 memory from 2133 to 2400 MHz. The maximum volume is 16GB.

When working with heavy graphics, even quite a decent amount of RAM may not be enough, and then a hard drive is connected to the case. The Ideapad 330 has an M.2 slot for high-speed NVMe SSDs. This is the order of the hard drive that you need to complete the laptop for installing the operating system. For storage, you can use a mechanical HDD. Available capacities SSD – from 128 to 256GB, HDD – up to 2TB.

Even the battery capacity can be 'tweaked' by customizing the Ideapad 330. The manufacturer offers two options – with a capacity of 30 or 45Wh, which provide autonomy up to 6 or 8 hours, respectively.

The dimensions of the laptop in a configuration with a screen diagonal of 17.3 inches are 418×292.6×24.9mm, net weight – from 2.8kg, depending on the selected configuration.

Advantages

• large screen;
• wide range of modifications;
• wide range of brightness;
• quiet cooling;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• no obvious flaws and systematic complaints were found.

DELL G3 17 3779

Rating: 4.8

Another option for a relatively inexpensive laptop for graphics work is the 17-inch G3 3779 from DELL. This model also allows for almost two dozen modifications, but we will focus on a narrow range, where the most decent performance indicators are observed, so that the result is a car that is a level higher than the previous one.

So, experts recommend a 17.3 large screen configuration for working with graphics. In this case, the dimensions of the laptop will be 415.4×279.2x25mm. Net weight – 3.27kg. Despite the fact that the case is quite massive, the designers have successfully coped with the task of 'masking' the thickness, and the laptop looks thin and elegant. The maximum matrix resolution is FullHD 1920×1080. The screen cover is preferably matte, but it can also be glossy.

In the minimum configuration for design and graphics, this model can be equipped with a Core i5 8300H processor, but our experts still recommend a 6-core Core i7 8750H with a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz. The standard amount of RAM is also offered in two versions – 8 and 16GB, and the upper possible upgrade limit is 32GB. Memory type – DDR4 with a frequency of 2666MHz, two slots. A discrete video card (we do not seriously consider the built-in one) is offered here NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti or 1060 with memory from 4 to 6GB GDDR5.

With data storage subsystems, the situation here is exactly the same as in the above model. You can initially choose a configuration with a solid state SSD for the operating system and a mechanical HDD for the drive. So it's worth doing, because one SSD will be catastrophically small for working with serious graphics. Saving on SSDs by spending one HDD is also absolutely not worth it.

The weak point of this laptop is its autonomy. The computer is equipped with a 3500mAh / 56Wh battery and with this power consumption a full charge will last no more than 4 hours. This is doubly strange, since the model is positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming model. In the future, it makes sense to consider replacing the battery with a more capacious one, if such an alternative takes place on the market.

Advantages

• power and performance;
• large screen;
• many configuration options;
• slim elegant design that masks the massiveness of the case.

disadvantages

• weak standard battery.

ASUS ZenBook 15 UX533FD

Rating: 4.7

The third and final in the mini-selection of the best-priced laptops for graphics according to the version, consider one of the most successful projects of ASUS – the UX533FD model of the ZenBook family. Actually, this is a universal solution suitable for almost any task, and for working with graphics as well. By all indications, this model can even be attributed to the premium class, but within the framework of our topic, premium laptops for graphics are still much more expensive.

The screen size here at the lower permissible limit for the outlined range of tasks is 15.6 inches, the maximum matrix resolution is 1920×1080. Laptop dimensions – 354x220x18mm, weight – 1.59kg. The body is metal. The kit includes a protective case. The screen, by the way, can be touch-sensitive – some modifications provide for this option.

Graphics-optimized 1.8GHz Core i7 8565U processor (4 Whiskey Lake cores). The standard equipment is 8GB, the highest possible frequency is highly desirable, and in this case it is 2400MHz. Recommended graphics card – discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 only.

With the hard drive, the developers did a very radical thing – they offer the only option for a solid-state SSD in the volume of 512GB on the M.2 interface. When working with large volumes of graphics, especially with high mobility, it is advisable to take care of the availability of external media in advance – a flash drive or a portable hard drive.

Unlike the previous model, there is already complete order with autonomous operation. The standard lithium-ion (lithium-polymer as an option) battery with a capacity of 4800mAh / 73Wh provides continuous operation without recharging for 13 hours.

This laptop can be recommended for work with graphics of average complexity and capacity. In this model, the emphasis is on minimum dimensions and weight in order to provide maximum comfort in any, even very cramped conditions.

Advantages

• premium level of the series;
• power and performance;
• touch screen in some modifications;
• elegant design;
• metal case;
• long battery life;
• thin and lightweight.

disadvantages

• no systematic problems were identified.

The best premium laptops for graphics

In the second group of devices, we will consider the most 'stuffed' with powerful hardware laptops, they are also the most expensive in the review. These portable solutions easily cope with advanced graphics tasks.

Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina display Mid 2019

Rating: 4.9

Let us immediately pay attention to an admirer of Apple technology, especially since computers Apple were almost from the very beginning focused on professional work with graphics. For a long time, the lion's share of print publications in the world were mounted on Mac, and most of the standards, formats and fonts were to one degree or another associated with this platform. Only relatively recently did the PC as a graphics platform 'catch up' with computers Apple. Now Apple MacBook Pro is widely used for working with raster and vector graphics, as well as for video editing of almost any complexity.

The size of the laptop screen is 15.4 inches in diagonal, and the matrix resolution is customary non-standard, typical for MacBook – 2880×1800. Retina display with a high pixel density here “works out to the fullest” all its advantages – the image is juicy, bright, contrasting, colors are realistic, pixels are indistinguishable. The screen covering is glossy. Overall dimensions of the laptop – 349.3×240.7×15.5mm, weight – 1.83kg. The case is metal with a minimalistic design typical for the entire series.

The computing center of the entire system is a powerful processor Intel Core i7 on six Coffee Lake cores with a frequency of 2.6 GHz. The stock RAM is DDR4 with a frequency of 2.4GHz in a volume of 16GB. Video subsystem options: AMD Radeon Pro 555X or Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. The video memory of the discrete card is 4GB. The hard drive is a 256GB solid-state SSD.

In terms of communication, this model only supports wireless connections via Wi-Fi standards 802.11ac or 802.11b, as well as Bluetooth versions 4.1 or 5.0. Lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 83.6Wh provides laptop autonomous work up to 10 hours.

For all the obvious advantages of this laptop, there is a feature that is worth warning about. The cooling of the system works with a bias towards the maximum acoustic comfort of the user. Accordingly, its active part does not turn on 'until the last', which means that the laptop can noticeably heat up. In this case, this is not a drawback, but a delicate calculation, and high heating does not pose any danger.

A detailed analysis of the technical characteristics can be found here.

Advantages

• brand.
• Retina display – flawless image;
• exceptional quality materials and workmanship;
• performance;
• autonomy;
• all the advantages Apple in terms of ergonomics;
• refined design typical of Apple.

disadvantages

• typical for Apple minimalism of interfaces.

MSI GT75 Titan 9SG

Rating: 4.8

The review continues with a super-powerful solution from the Taiwanese company MSI. Titan 9SG is positioned as a gaming one, and it has exactly this bias in everything. And all the gaming advantages directly correspond to the requirements for comfortable work with graphics of any complexity.

Immediately, let's dwell on almost the only obvious, albeit inevitable, drawback of this model – dimensions and weight. The dimensions of the laptop are 428x314x58mm, the weight without packaging is 4.56kg. But for operational work with the most complex and voluminous graphics in the 'field' conditions, any worthy alternative will have generally similar dimensions.

The rest of the characteristics of the laptop in the configuration recommended by our experts are impressive in a good way. The 17.3-inch screen is equipped with a high-quality IPS-matrix with a resolution of 4K 3840×2160. In combination with a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 video card with 8GB of memory, this bundle allows you to fully work with the most complex 3D graphics, including in dynamics, working out the smallest details. There are modifications with a TN matrix and a lower resolution, but this configuration is not recommended for the intended tasks.

The top CPU Intel Core i9 8950HK with six Coffee Lake cores at 2.9GHz will not only provide lightning-fast operation of the device as a whole, but also fast rendering during video editing – one of the most painful problems in any post-production. The RAM is also organized at the highest level here – the standard installation provides 32GB DDR4 expandable up to 64GB using four working slots.

The impressive dimensions of the laptop in this case have a secondary benefit – the developers have equipped this model with an impressive set of interfaces: five USB 3.1 Type A ports, one Mini DisplayPort and one HDMI, audio inputs and outputs, Thunderbolt3 and S / PDIF interfaces. Connecting to networks is carried out both by wire – via a gigabit network card, and wirelessly via a Wi-Fi radio module of the 802.11ac standard. Wireless connection of peripherals – via Bluetooth 5.0.

Considering the high power consumption, it is obvious that the laptop battery will be more demanding. The developers of the model foresaw this moment and equipped the laptop with a high-capacity 90Wh battery.

Advantages

• large screen;
• 4K resolution;
• exceptional power and performance;
• relatively high autonomy;
• all the aesthetic benefits of a gaming laptop;

disadvantages

• dimensional and heavy.

DELL XPS 15 7590

Rating: 4.7

The review of the best notebooks for graphics according to the version is completed by another successful development of DELL corporation. This model has a smaller screen than the previous one, but it is incomparably smaller in size with similar performance characteristics.

The dimensions of the laptop are 357x235x17mm. Screen diagonal – 15.6. There are different options for equipping the matrix. IPS-matrix – two resolution options – FullHD 1920×1080 or 4K 3840×2160. But the most interesting thing here is that the developers have foreseen a possible modification with the latest technology matrix OLED. Such a matrix is ​​significantly more expensive than IPS, not to mention TN, but in the premium segment, the price of a laptop is not in the first place in terms of importance.

As far as electronics are concerned, everything is up to par with this model if we consider the top-end premium configuration. This is a powerful Core i9 9980HK processor with 8 Coffee Lake cores with a frequency of 2.6GHz. The factory default volume of RAM is 16GB with expansion potential up to 64GB on two slots. Responsible for the graphics is a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 card with 4GB of video memory. This stellar line-up is crowned with a high-speed 1TB solid-state drive.

The indicator of autonomy of this model is also at its best – a lithium-ion battery with an exorbitant capacity of 8083mAh provides continuous operation on a single charge up to 9 hours. The laptop itself can serve as a power source for peripherals – one of the two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports supports PowerShare technology, and the Thunderbolt 3 port supports Power Delivery.

Advantages

• power and performance;
• quite compact;
• OLED – matrix as an option;
• 4K resolution;
• terabyte SSD drive;
• metal case;
• capacious battery.

disadvantages

• no obvious disadvantages were found.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.