Last update on 2024-04-10 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Architecture might seem like only drawing blueprints to outsiders, but in reality, architects nowadays need powerful machines to design new projects.
Thinking about that, in this article we will talk about whether gaming laptops made by Razer are any good for these professionals.
Are gaming laptops okay for Architecture?
Yes.
To be honest, some gaming laptops have features that go even beyond what an architect needs, while others are the perfect match.
Architects need powerful graphic processing, and this is where gaming laptops excel exactly.
So, if you are an architecture student looking for a laptop to buy and you also like a gaming brand, you can rest assured that buying one of those sharp-looking models will be good enough.
What should an architect look for when buying a laptop?
There are some things any architect or architecture student should pay attention to when buying a new laptop:
CPU
Even though we mentioned GPU in the above topic, you also need to pay great attention to which CPU you are getting.
Right now, the standard of quality in the industry is the Intel Core series, with its known i3, i5, i7, and i9. The higher the number, the more powerful the processing capacity.
The i9 is very recent, and before it, the best would be to go with an i7. As of now, you can still go with an i7 or i5 (10th generation onwards, of course) and feel safe about its processing capability.
Other brands such as AMD also have powerful processors, which are usually understood in terms of how they match Intel Core’s power.
Consider getting a docking stations for Razer.
RAM
The amount of RAM your laptop has will determine how smoothly it handles multiple processes or one heavy software at once.
The standard right now is to get 8GB RAM if you don’t feel you need to use multiple processes or you are on a budget. Getting 16GB RAM, though, will keep you safe for the coming years.
GPU
Lately, desktops and laptops with decent GPUs have become expensive. Even so, it is mandatory for you as an architect to get a machine with a good GPU.
There is a difference between the capacity of integrated and dedicated GPUs. Nvidia and AMD Radeon make dedicated GPUs that improve your graphical experience beyond anything an integrated GPU can do.
However, sometimes when you are on a budget it can be enough to get an integrated graphics card.
This type of GPU has been getting some love lately, with Intel releasing some models that can handle heavy tasks.
The Intel Graphics UHD series (630 onwards) can do well, and the more recent Iris Xe series is even better.
See Lenovo Laptops For Architects.
Resolution
Don’t forget to get a laptop with a good resolution that allows you to see what you are designing properly.
Most laptops nowadays are safe to pick, including the ones we indicate on WebWut, but some cheap knockoffs might have a resolution that is only good for people that don’t use their computers for highly demanding tasks.
Any computer that is below a minimum resolution of 1920×1080 does not make for a good laptop for architects.
Also check Razer Laptops For Graphic Design.
Is Razer Blade laptop good for architecture?
Yes, Razer Blade is a great series of gaming laptops that are also fitting for architecture.
Blade models have the option of Core i5 or i7. As more CPU cores result in better rendering performance, the Intel Core i7-10875H comes across as an undeniably great computing asset for architecture.
What stands out is the Turbo Boost limit of up to 5.1GHz, followed by the Octa-Core architecture.
In addition to realistic rendering, the chipset also helps with better simulations and management of demanding architectural plugins.
Is Razer Blade 15 good for architecture?
Yes, and we can say this regardless of the specific model. Even among the Blade models with a 15-inch screen, there are some variations with tweaks here and there that make them terrific for architecurre.
You can choose between the Advanced model and the Studio and Basic. Architects will probably go for the Studio edition, as its configurations bring the best for professionals that want fast graphical computing for applications instead of games (but gaming is still possible, of course).
Is Core i5 good for architecture?
Yes, the last generation of Core i5 processors (and even older generations) is very good for architects and other visual professionals as long as they have other pieces of hardware to go along and make a powerful combination (as we already discussed).
Moreover, Core i5 processors are at a sweet spot of price versus performance. For most users, an i5 is more than enough to handle daily tasks, and they can even hold their own when it comes to gaming and handling somewhat heavier tasks.
The latest i5 chips max out at six cores on desktops and four cores on mobile devices with boost clock speeds of 4 GHz.
Is 512GB enough for architecture students?
Yes. Many laptops are shipping with this storage size, and it is more than enough for most people, as nowadays a lot of things are stored in the cloud or accessed via streaming.
The major difference you should pay attention to is when it comes to SSD vs HDD. SSDs are a bit more expensive, but they will compensate in the long term with a better performance when you have multiple tasks running and need to open projects with tons of MB.
4 popular Razer laptops for architecture
Razer Blade 15 Studio
Last update on 2024-04-10 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Blade 15 Studio Edition performs greatly when it comes to overall rendering, modeling, and simulation capabilities.
Despite its steep price tag, this laptop is worth investing in as long as you are a seasoned architect that gets in charge of complex projects.
Razer brings the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 GPU with 16GB of VRAM. This GPU outperforms even the RTX 2080, based on CAD, DCC, and display precision.
If you like creating detailed architectural walkthroughs through high-end 3D modeling, the 12nm graphics chipset is expected to come in handy thanks to real-time ray tracing support and advanced shading technology.
Pros
- Octa-core
- Display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection
- Innovative cooling system
- 1 ms response time for simulations
- 15.6-inch 4K OLED touchscreen (3840 x 2160)
Cons
- Expensive
- Low-quality speakers
- Still runs hot with some applications and games
What do the reviews say?
Reviews by experienced users tell about its amazing gaming performance but also the fact that it runs too hot when gaming, even with its improved cooling system. Moreover, battery life seems to last too little.
Razer Book 13
Last update on 2024-04-10 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
On the opposite spectrum of Razer Blade 15, you have Razer Book 13 which is a more budget laptop for architects or architecture students that want a compact device to carry around and only work on their projects.
Equipped with an Intel Iris Xe, this laptop can still handle your architecture designs, even if it has limitations compared to models that count with dedicated GPUs.
While it lacks a bit in graphics processing, it compensates with 16GB RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, Intel Core i7, and Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Also, it is not one of those gaming laptops that look like a black hole sucking all the light around, but instead, this one is a beautiful model in CNC aluminum.
Pros
- Compact, easy to carry around
- Amazing processor
- Long battery life
- Great range of ports for a small laptop
- Slick metal design
Cons
- No dedicated GPU
- Heavier than some competitors in the market
- Pricey
What do the reviews say?
It is pointed out that this laptop is in fact a great option for those looking for a portable laptop with tremendous processing power.
However, this model is much more on the professional than gaming side due to the lack of dedicated GPU, so it is recommended more for architects and engineers than gamers.
Razer Blade Pro 17
Last update on 2024-04-10 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The 17-inch model already includes 11th-generation Intel Core hardware, as well as an incredible 360Hz Full HD display. Of course, the starting price reflects the larger size and more powerful specs.
For your money, you’ll get an Intel Core i7 CPU with Turbo Boost, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, and at least 16GB of RAM. However, you can upgrade your system up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
All versions of the Razer Blade Pro come with per-key Razer Chroma settings for up to 16.8 million colors.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 help complete the experience, and the Blade Pro 17 comes in the same matte black finish as the Blade 15.
Pros
- The best model for high performance
- 300Hz
- Loud speakers
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavy, so you won’t like to carry it around
- Cooling fans get loud when gaming
What do the reviews say?
Since the chassis are made out of aluminum, they get hot when you are gaming, so experienced users advise not to game on your lap. To counter this type of issue, we have an article with a good selection of cooling pads.
Razer Blade Stealth 13
Last update on 2024-04-10 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Razer has released another upgrade for the Blade Stealth 13 laptop in 2021. This time, the company has upgraded the processor to an 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor. You also get 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
The screen also comes in a few different specifications. You can go for a Full HD display with a 60Hz refresh rate with touch capabilities.
If you opt for the Full HD version, 120Hz will leave you without a touch screen.
Pros
- USB-C connection for charging or data transfer
- Glass touchpad
- Premium design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weird keyboard layout
- No dedicated video-out ports
- Short battery life
What do the reviews say?
One of the most outstanding features of this laptop is its quality build which users can feel as soon as they put their hands on it.
Moreover, customers are happy to get a small laptop that fits in any backpack and still delivers a fine gaming experience.
Which laptop is best for architecture?
Among the laptops we reviewed, the one which seems best for architecture is the Razer Blade 15 Studio. Even though its specs are behind the 17 Pro, it is lighter to carry around, which is something an architect or student will surely do.
If you are looking for good laptops of other brands, check Asus laptops for architecture.
Final Thoughts
Razer is a gaming brand but it doesn’t lack options for professionals who need GPUs as much as gamers.
In this article, we tried to help you get a sense of what Razer models fit with your needs so that you get the machine to meet your ends precisely. We wish you a happy buying.
