If you’re an architect, designer, or 3D artist, you probably already know how powerful Enscape can be. It takes your CAD or BIM models and turns them into beautiful, real-time visualizations in just a few clicks. But here’s the catch: Enscape is demanding on your computer. If your system isn’t up to the task, you’ll face crashes, laggy walkthroughs, or painfully slow rendering times.
That’s why knowing the right system requirements for Enscape is essential before you buy a new machine or install the software on your current setup. In this guide, we’ll break down the minimum and recommended specs, explain what really matters, and even give you some practical tips so your projects run smoothly.
Also Read: Best laptops for Enscape
Why Hardware Matters So Much for Enscape
Unlike many design tools, Enscape is GPU-heavy. Your graphics card does most of the heavy lifting, while the CPU and RAM support the overall performance of your CAD software. If you skimp on hardware, you’ll quickly notice issues when moving through large projects or using VR.
So, let’s take a look at what Chaos (the makers of Enscape) recommend.
Minimum and Recommended Enscape System Requirements
| Component | Minimum Requirements | Recommended for Smooth Work | Best for VR & Large Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10/11, macOS 12.6+ (Apple Silicon only) | Latest Windows 11 / macOS Sonoma | Always keep OS up to date |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | Dedicated GPU, 4 GB VRAM, Vulkan 1.1 support | NVIDIA RTX 3060 / AMD RX 6800 (8 GB+ VRAM) | RTX 4080/4090 or RX 7900 XT (12 GB+ VRAM) |
| Processor (CPU) | Enough to run host CAD software | Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 | Intel Core i9 / AMD Ryzen 9 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB+ for very large scenes |
| Storage | SSD recommended | NVMe SSD | High-speed NVMe (1 TB+) |
Supported Host Applications
Enscape works as a plugin inside your favorite CAD/BIM tools. Supported versions include:
- Revit (2023–2026)
- SketchUp (2023–2025)
- Rhino 7 & 8.3+
- Archicad (26–28)
- Vectorworks (2023–2025)
Always double-check compatibility before upgrading your software.
Tips for the Best Enscape Experience
- Go for more VRAM: 4 GB will technically run Enscape, but 8–12 GB or more is where things feel smooth.
- Stick with dedicated GPUs: Integrated graphics (Intel iGPU, etc.) aren’t reliable for production work.
- Use fast storage: An NVMe SSD makes loading huge projects noticeably faster.
- Update drivers: Keep your GPU drivers and Vulkan runtime updated for stability.
- Mac users: Only Apple Silicon Macs are supported—Intel Macs won’t run Enscape anymore.
FAQs
Not necessarily, but RTX cards offer hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which improves performance and realism.
It’s the minimum, but 32 GB is recommended, especially for complex models.
Yes, as long as it has a dedicated GPU (like an RTX 3070/4070 or higher) and at least 16 GB RAM.
Final Thoughts
Enscape is an incredible tool that can transform the way you present your designs. But to get the most out of it, you’ll need the right hardware. Invest in a dedicated GPU with plenty of VRAM, pair it with at least 32 GB of RAM, and you’ll enjoy a smooth, crash-free experience—even with complex projects or VR.
If you’re shopping for a new PC or laptop, don’t just check the CAD software requirements—make sure your system is built for Enscape too. It’ll save you hours of frustration and help you create stunning visuals without limits.
