For architects and designers, choosing the right laptop is crucial for seamless workflow and efficient project execution. Chief Architect, a comprehensive architectural design software, demands a powerful system that can handle complex 3D modeling, rendering, and intricate simulations. To help you navigate the world of high-performance laptops, we’ve compiled a list of the best laptops for Chief Architect, ensuring you have the tools to bring your architectural visions to life.

Chief Architect laptop requirements
The recommended laptop requirements for Chief Architect are:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
- RAM: 16GB (32GB recommended)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (1TB recommended)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX 6600
- Operating system: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
In addition to these requirements, you should also make sure that your laptop has a high-resolution display (1920×1080 or higher) and a dedicated graphics card. These will help ensure that you can run Chief Architect smoothly and efficiently.
The best laptops for Chief Architect
- Dell 2023 XPS 17 9720 Laptop ($3,799)
- HP 2023 Envy 16″ WQXGA Touch-Screen Laptop Computer ($1,344)
- ASUS VivoBook Pro 15X Laptop ($1,101)
1. Dell 2023 XPS 17 9720 Laptop

Model Name | XPS 17 9720 |
Screen Size | 17 Inches |
Color | Platinum Silver |
Hard Disk Size | 4 TB |
CPU Model | Core i7 Family |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 64 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
The Dell XPS 17 9720 is an excellent choice for a Chief Architect. It has a powerful 12th Intel Core i7-12700H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, which will allow you to run Chief Architect smoothly and efficiently. The laptop also has a large 17″ UHD+ touchscreen display, which is perfect for viewing and editing architectural designs. Additionally, the laptop has a long battery life, so you can work on your designs for hours without having to worry about plugging it in.
Here are some specific features of the Dell XPS 17 9720 that make it a great choice for Chief Architects:
- Powerful processor: The 12th Intel Core i7-12700H processor is one of the most powerful processors available for laptops. It has 14 cores and 20 threads, which means that it can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
- High-end graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card is a high-end graphics card that is perfect for running Chief Architect. It has 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM, which means that it can handle even the most complex 3D models and renderings.
- Large touchscreen display: The 17″ UHD+ touchscreen display is a great size for viewing and editing architectural designs. It has a resolution of 3840 x 2400, which means that it is incredibly sharp and clear.
- Long battery life: The 6-cell 86 WHr battery can last up to 14 hours on a single charge, so you can work on your designs for hours without having to worry about plugging it in.
Overall, the Dell XPS 17 9720 is an great choice for Chief Architects. It has a powerful processor, high-end graphics, a large touchscreen display, and a long battery life. If you are looking for a laptop that can handle even the most demanding architectural tasks, then the Dell XPS 17 9720 is a great option.
2. HP Envy 16 (Best laptop for chief Architect x15)

Screen Size | 16 Inches |
Hard Disk Size | 1 TB SSD |
CPU Model | Intel Core i9 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 |
CPU Speed | 5.4 GHz |
The HP Envy 16 is an perfect choice for a Chief Architect. It has a powerful processor, a high-resolution display, and a dedicated graphics card that can handle demanding CAD and rendering tasks. It also has a long battery life and a comfortable keyboard, making it ideal for working long hours. Here are some of the key features that make the HP Envy 16 a great option for Chief Architects:
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor: This powerful processor can handle even the most demanding CAD and rendering tasks.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card: This dedicated graphics card provides the performance you need for smooth 3D modeling and rendering.
- 16 inches IPS (2560 x 1600) Touch Screen Wide Quad Extended Graphics Array: This high-resolution display makes it easy to see all the details of your designs.
- Thunderbolt 4 with USB Type-C: This port allows you to connect up to two 4K displays with a single cable.
- Long battery life: The HP Envy 16 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
- Comfortable keyboard: The backlit keyboard is comfortable to type on and makes it easy to work in low-light conditions.
Overall, the HP Envy 16 is a powerful and versatile laptop that is well-suited for the needs of Chief Architects. It has all the features you need to create high-quality designs, and it is also comfortable and portable enough to take with you on the go.
3. ASUS VivoBook Pro 15X Laptop

Model Name | VivoBook Pro 15X |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Color | Black |
Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
CPU Model | Ryzen 9 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
The ASUS VivoBook Pro 15X is a powerful laptop that is well-suited for the needs of a Chief Architect. It has a powerful processor, a high-resolution display, and plenty of storage and memory. It also comes with a complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, which is a valuable bonus for architects.
Here are some of the key features of the ASUS VivoBook Pro 15X that make it a good choice for Chief Architects:
- Latest AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX Mobile Processor: This processor is powerful enough to handle even the most demanding architectural tasks.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU: This graphics card is perfect for rendering 3D models and creating high-quality graphics.
- 15.6” Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 aspect ratio with 144Hz refresh rate and ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels: The display is bright and clear, and the 144Hz refresh rate is great for smooth scrolling and animation.
- 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD: This SSD provides fast storage for all of your architectural files.
- 32GB DDR5 RAM: This RAM is plenty for multitasking and running demanding applications.
- Complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription: This subscription gives you access to all of the Adobe Creative Cloud tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Overall, the ASUS VivoBook Pro 15X is a powerful and versatile laptop that is well-suited for the needs of Chief Architects. It has the power, display, storage, and memory that you need to create stunning architectural designs.
Conclusion
When selecting a laptop for Chief Architect, it’s crucial to consider the demanding hardware requirements of the software. A powerful processor, ample RAM, a dedicated graphics card, and a large storage capacity are essential for handling complex designs and ensuring a smooth workflow. While budget is always a factor, investing in a high-performance laptop will pay off in the long run, guaranteeing a seamless experience when working on intricate architectural projects.
FAQs
Chief Architect is a powerful and versatile 3D architectural design software that demands a high-performance computer to handle its demanding tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned architect or a budding enthusiast, selecting the right laptop for Chief Architect is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. This comprehensive FAQs guide delves into the essential considerations for choosing the best laptop for Chief Architect, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and budget.
1. Can you run Chief Architect on a laptop?
Yes, you can run Chief Architect on a laptop. However, the performance will vary depending on the specifications of your laptop. Chief Architect is a demanding software, so you will need a laptop with a powerful processor and graphics card to run it smoothly.
2. Can I use Chief Architect on 2 computers?
Yes, you can install Chief Architect on two computers, but only one computer can be active at a time. This means that you can work on your Chief Architect projects on either computer, but you will need to deactivate the software on one computer before you can activate it on the other computer.
The reason for this limitation is that Chief Architect is a single-user license, which means that it can only be used by one person at a time. This is to prevent unauthorized use of the software.
If you need to use Chief Architect on more than two computers, you will need to purchase additional licenses.
3. Best video card for Chief Architect
The best video card for Chief Architect depends on your specific needs and budget. However, some of the top-rated options include:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080: This card offers excellent performance for Chief Architect, especially if you want to use real-time ray tracing. It has 10GB of GDDR6X memory and a boost clock of up to 1,710MHz.
- AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: This card is another great option for Chief Architect. It has 16GB of GDDR6 memory and a boost clock of up to 2,250MHz.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070: This card is a good option if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers good performance. It has 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a boost clock of up to 1,690MHz.
- AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT: This card is another good option for a more affordable option. It has 12GB of GDDR6 memory and a boost clock of up to 2,375MHz.
Here is a table that summarizes the key features of each card:
Card | Memory | Boost Clock | Price |
---|---|---|---|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | 10GB GDDR6X | 1,710MHz | $699 |
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT | 16GB GDDR6 | 2,250MHz | $599 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | 8GB GDDR6 | 1,690MHz | $499 |
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT | 12GB GDDR6 | 2,375MHz | $479 |
Ultimately, the best video card for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you need the best possible performance, then the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is the best option. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers good performance, then the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 are great choices.