Best Laptop for Engineering Students in 2024 from Acer

Edmund_McGowan · July 19

Today we’re heading to college in search of the best laptops for engineering students. Whether your major is computer, civil, chemical, or any other branch of engineering, your day-to-day studies, coursework and projects necessitate a laptop that can go the distance. To be blunt, kitting yourself out with one of the best engineering laptops available will help you to get ahead in your studies. If that sounds about right, then join us on a whistle stop tour of the best engineering laptops for your engineering studies. After we’ve outlined the must-have features to look for in a laptop, we’ll delve into four of Acer’s best laptops for engineering students.

What features to look for in a laptop for engineering students?

Your engineering studies demand a high performance laptop that can handle complex software. While every course is different, here are a few programs you may run:

Microsoft Excel: Widely used for data organization, statistical analysis, and basic engineering calculations.
MATLAB: (Matrix Laboratory) is used for numerical computing, data analysis, algorithm development, and visualization.
AutoCAD: The go to tool for 2D and 3D drafting and design.
SolidWorks: Popular for 3D modeling and design, especially in mechanical engineering.
ANSYS: Used for finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

For 3D modeling, CAD (computer-aided design), and any of the graphics-intensive programs above, you’ll want a dedicated GPU (graphics processing unit) for smooth operations. In addition to your studies, remember that a dedicated GPU will also set you up for efficient gaming adventures. Otherwise, a solid, latest generation CPU should suffice if you’re using shared graphics memory.

The next consideration to make is a CPU (central processing unit) from the latest or previous generation (approx 12-18 months between new CPU gens). If Intel is your cup of tea, then go for an i5, i7 or higher CPU, while AMD enthusiasts should select a model with Ryzen 5, 7 or higher.

Now, let’s consider storage. Engineering studies require large software programs and project files, so a minimum of 512GB is necessary. If you’ll be running demanding software and large data sets, 1TB is more suitable, with SSD (solid state drive) storage providing quicker boot times than traditional HDD (hard disk drive) technology. When it comes to RAM (random access memory), a starting point of 16GB will be able to handle most of what your engineering studies can throw at it!

You’ll certainly be spending a large amount of time in front of your laptop at college, so a decent sized, high-quality display is a no brainer. To ensure you can clearly see the all important details on your screen, opt for a 14-17-inch full HD display or OLED if you’re feeling fancy.

Let’s not forget battery life. Your studies may require you to work on-the-go, so select a laptop that can run for a minimum of 8 hours before charging. Finally, good laptops for engineering students should combine build quality, durability, and portability. Durable build will ensure that your laptop can stand up to the rigors of daily use, while a lightweight, slim design will ensure that you’ll never be burdened by your trusty laptop.

Acer leaves the competition standing

As we touched on above, finding the best laptop for engineering students requires a bit of legwork from you, the buyer. Thankfully, we’ve taken some of that legwork out of the equation by cherry-picking five of the most suitable laptops from the Acer family.

1. Swift X 14

Acer’s Swift X 14 is an AI PC ready to deliver fast, fluid performance in all fields of engineering studies for up to 12 hours before requiring a charge. Powered by a high performance Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with 16 cores, the Swift X 14 has a clock speed of 140GHz, and will be quite comfortable running CAD programs while multitasking. A dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card with 8 GB dedicated memory will ensure smooth 3D modeling and parallel processing. The RTX 4070 pushes the overall performance and capabilities of the laptop, while future-proofing it for increasingly demanding software and tasks that you will encounter on your learning journey. Remember also, that this powerful GPU will also let you play the latest games on medium to high settings.

The icing on the cake of this AI optimized beauty is the 14.5-inch 2.8K 120Hz OLED display with vivid color accuracy, deep blacks and Calman Verified color accuracy. The GPU’s AI-powered Ray Reconstruction can tackle the most graphically.

2. Swift Go 16

Moving on to the next model in the Swift family, The Swift Go 16 has lots to offer engineering students of all stripes. Currently selling for just under $1000, this laptop is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155 H processor with fourteen cores. This high end CPU will serve you well, handling demanding software, multitasking and processing needs with ease. Shared Intel Arc Graphics memory will deliver perfectly adequate performance for moderate CAD and 3D modeling use. 16GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage translates to large capacity storage for various projects combined with speedy data access. The touchscreen 16-inch WUXGA (Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array) is beyond Full HD resolution. 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio means more screen space for CAD and other applications where detail matters.

3. Swift X 16

Now let’s take a look at the Swift X 16, an AMD powered beast recently reduced from $1,249.99 to $899.99. Featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS Octa-Core processor (up to 5.1GHz), this laptop balances performance, efficiency and affordability. High-clock speeds and multi-core performance mean smooth CAD, without draining the battery. Incidentally, this model has a max battery run time of 10 hours, and weighs only 4.35 lbs, meaning it is insanely portable.

The same as the Swift Go 16, the X 16 packs in 16GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage, allowing large capacity storage alongside speedy data access. A notable feature is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU with 6 GB memory. This GPU will deliver solid graphics performance for CAD, rendering and other applications you may require in your engineering studies. For less than 900 bucks, it's a real steal!

4. Swift Edge 16

Last but by no means least in our swift adventure with the Acer Swift laptop family, meet the Swift Edge 16. Currently available for $1,299.99, this model is kitted out with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U Octa-Core processor (up to 5.1GHz). Similar to the Swift X 16, the Edge 16 also features 16GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD for large capacity storage alongside speedy data access. AMD Radeon Graphics shared memory will be sufficient for CAD, and simpler simulations, while keeping the price approachable.

The OLED 16-inch WQXGA+ (Wide Quad Extended Graphics Array Plus) displays gives you a whole lot of screen real estate for a range of engineering tasks. Weighing in at only 2.71 lb and delivering up to 10 hours run time between charges, the Swift Edge 16 is a portable, powerful laptop for your engineering studies.

5. Predator Helios 18

Though designed as a gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71-76B3) is an outstanding choice for engineering students due to its powerful components and versatile performance. With a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13700HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, this model handles demanding software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, and ANSYS with ease. The 18-inch WQXGA Mini LED display, with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, offers ample screen real estate, making it ideal for detailed CAD designs and 3D modeling projects.

The Predator Helios 18 also features 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, ensuring fast data access and plenty of space for large project files. Its advanced cooling system, which includes AeroBlade 3D fans and liquid metal thermal grease, ensures sustained performance during intense workloads, such as running complex simulations or handling large data sets.

This gaming laptop’s AI-powered capabilities and high-performance hardware also make it suitable for basic machine learning tasks, allowing students to explore AI-related projects. Despite being a gaming powerhouse, the Predator Helios 18 is a versatile and future-proof laptop that meets the needs of engineering students seeking powerful, reliable performance for their studies.

While the battery life is shorter, offering around 5 hours, this is a manageable downside. Given the availability of power outlets in most modern classrooms, especially in engineering-focused buildings, students can easily stay plugged in during longer study sessions. The powerful performance and cutting-edge features of the Predator Helios 18 make it an excellent investment for engineering students who need a reliable machine to handle the demands of their studies.

The takeaway

We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about Acer’s best laptops for engineering students in 2024. Be sure to check out the models we’ve discussed, and choose one that meets your study needs this year. Enjoy your summer, and make hay while the sun shines, but don’t forget an extended service plan for your laptop. That’s not all—eligible students can also get a 10% student discount! Don’t delay, sort yourself out with a future ready laptop for your engineering studies today.