Best Laptop for Autodesk Maya 2023

Need an all-around tool that can rival expensive 2D and 3D animation and modeling programs? Autodesk Maya is it. It's been the gold standard in 2D and 3D animation and rendering ever since its release way back in 1998. And with every update, Autodesk Maya has only gotten better, so this guide was overdue. I've learned how to do just about everything I can imagine using Autodesk Maya, so trust me when I say this is the most comprehensive list of laptops for Autodesk Maya you'll find online.

Autodesk Maya can be a beast to run, but don't worry! This post is all about helping you get the best laptop for Autodesk Maya on any budget. Whether you're a college student or a professional working in the animation/3D industry, this guide is for you.

Deciding on a processor

If you're looking for a laptop to run Autodesk Maya, you're in luck – Maya is a Windows-only application, so you don't have to worry about choosing between different operating systems. However, that doesn't mean that choosing the right processor for Maya is going to be easy. In this section, I'll go over what you need to know in order to make an informed decision about which processor is right for you.

What's new in the CPU market?

First, let's take a look at what's new in the CPU market. As of late 2022, the two major players in the CPU market are Intel and AMD. Intel has been the dominant player for many years, but AMD has been gaining ground lately. In fact, AMD has managed to take 20% of the CPU market.

One of the reasons AMD has been doing so well is because they have been able to release the 6th generation Ryzen processors. These processors offer great performance and are very competitively priced. Another reason AMD has been doing well is because they have adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design (based on big.LITTLE). This design allows for better performance and lower power consumption.

Intel's latest processors are the 13th-gen processors. These processors have not yet reached laptops, but they are expected to be available in early 2023. Intel's silicon chips have also adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design (based on big.LITTLE).

How Maya uses the CPU

Now that we've taken a look at what's new in the CPU market, let's talk about how Maya uses the CPU. As a 3D application, Maya relies heavily on the CPU for rendering and animation tasks. For this reason, we should prioritize single-core performance over multi-core performance. However, that's not the only thing that matters – clock speed and core count are still important.

Clock speed is no longer the primary indicator of a processor's performance. Instead, we should look at the number of cores and their average performance (in points per second). There are many ways to compare processors – from clock speed to PassMark scores. I prefer using Cinebench R23 and PassMark (or PassMark Advanced) scores as they're more relevant for creative professionals than other benchmarks such as 3DMark or V-Ray benchmark.

Why I don't think you need a high-end processor for Maya (and why it's not worth the price)

If you're looking for a laptop with long battery life, you don't need a high-end processor. Instead, focus on mid-range processors with a higher wattage (such as i5 or Ryzen 5). The extra cores and higher clock speeds of high-end processors will not make a significant difference in Maya performance, but they will significantly increase the price of your laptop.

How to know what to expect from a processor (benchmarks, tests)

As I mentioned before, there are many ways to compare processors. In addition to looking at clock speed and core count, you can also look at benchmarks such as Cinebench R23 and PassMark (or PassMark Advanced). These benchmarks will give you an idea of what to expect from a particular processor in terms of performance.

Table of recommended processors by price bracket and what to expect at each price level

Now that we've gone over what you need to know in order to choose the right processor for Maya, let's take a look at a table of recommended processors by price bracket.

How to choose the right graphics for Autodesk Maya?

If you're looking for a laptop to run Autodesk Maya, you don't need to worry about getting a high-end graphics card. A dedicated GPU is not needed for Maya and the CPU is not as important as it is for other applications. However, if you're looking for a workstation, you could consider going beyond the minimum and getting a MacBook Pro with a more powerful processor.

The table below lists recommended GPUs for Maya and the average prices of laptops with those GPUs.

GPU	Laptop Price
RTX 1650	$1,000
RTX 2070	$1,500
RTX 3080	$2,500

The best memory that will work optimally with Autodesk Maya in 2022

If you're using Maya for 3D animation, you'll need a lot of RAM. While Maya can run with as little as 8 GB, I'd recommend 16 GB if you're working with complex scenes. For most artists, 32 GB is the sweet spot, and 64 GB is best if you're using multiple VMs for rendering or other purposes.

The main difference between DDR4 and DDR5 is that the latter has a higher maximum frequency (DDR5-3200 vs DDR4-3200). That's not much of a difference though, so don't worry about getting a laptop with DDR5 – it's not worth it.

Since we're talking about 3D applications, I'd recommend getting 32 GB of RAM even if you're on a budget. This will ensure that your machine won't bog down when working on large scenes or with complex shaders.

Unleashing Your Maya Potential: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What laptop is best for Autodesk Maya?

When it comes to choosing the best laptop for Autodesk Maya, it's essential to consider both the performance and portability factors. While there are various options available in the market, some laptops stand out for their capabilities in running Autodesk Maya smoothly. For a balance between power and affordability, the MSI GF63 Thin is a great choice. If you're looking for a high-end option, the MSI Summit E13 or the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro would be excellent options.

What are the recommended laptop specs for Autodesk Maya?

Autodesk Maya is a demanding software, and having the right laptop specifications is crucial for a smooth user experience. For optimal performance, we recommend a laptop with at least an RTX 1650 graphics card, a 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor with SSE4.2, and 16 GB of RAM. These specs will ensure that you can handle complex 3D models and render scenes efficiently.

Can Autodesk Maya run on a laptop?

Yes, Autodesk Maya can run on a laptop. However, it's important to ensure that your laptop meets the minimum requirements for the software. With a compatible graphics card, processor, and sufficient RAM, you can enjoy the full functionality of Autodesk Maya on your laptop.

How much RAM is required for Autodesk Maya in a laptop?

The amount of RAM required for Autodesk Maya largely depends on the complexity of your projects. However, as a minimum requirement, we recommend having 8 GB of RAM. For smoother performance, especially when working on larger scenes or with high-resolution textures, we strongly suggest upgrading to at least 16 GB of RAM. This will allow Maya to run efficiently and prevent potential lag or crashes.

Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for Autodesk Maya on a laptop?

Yes, a dedicated graphics card is necessary for Autodesk Maya on a laptop. The software heavily relies on the GPU for rendering and displaying complex 3D scenes. We recommend a laptop with at least an RTX 1650 graphics card for a decent performance. For better rendering speeds and handling more demanding projects, consider a laptop with an RTX 2070 or even the top-of-the-line RTX 3080.

What processor is best for Autodesk Maya on a laptop?

To ensure smooth operation and faster rendering times in Autodesk Maya, it's crucial to have a powerful processor. A 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor with SSE4.2 is the minimum requirement. For optimal performance, look for laptops with high clock speeds and multiple cores. This will allow you to handle complex simulations and render scenes efficiently.

Can I use a gaming laptop for Autodesk Maya?

Yes, you can use a gaming laptop for Autodesk Maya. In fact, gaming laptops often come equipped with powerful hardware that can handle the demanding requirements of 3D modeling and rendering software like Autodesk Maya. Just make sure the gaming laptop meets the recommended specifications, such as having a dedicated graphics card and a capable processor.

What storage capacity is recommended for Autodesk Maya on a laptop?

The storage capacity required for Autodesk Maya depends on the size and number of projects you work on. We recommend a laptop with a minimum of 512 GB of storage. This will provide ample space for the software installation, project files, and associated assets. If you work on larger projects or require additional storage for media files, consider upgrading to 1 TB or even higher capacity drives.

Can a budget laptop handle Autodesk Maya?

While Autodesk Maya is a resource-intensive software, it is possible to run it on a budget laptop. However, you may experience limitations in performance and rendering speeds. For budget-friendly options, consider laptops with at least the minimum recommended specifications, such as the MSI GF63 Thin mentioned earlier. Keep in mind that more complex projects may require higher-end hardware to ensure a smooth experience.

Is a 4K display necessary for working with Autodesk Maya on a laptop?

A 4K display is not necessary for working with Autodesk Maya on a laptop, but it can enhance your workflow. A higher-resolution display allows you to see more details and work with greater precision. However, it's important to note that a 4K display can put additional strain on your system's resources, potentially affecting performance. If your budget allows, opting for a laptop with a 4K display can be beneficial, especially if you frequently work with high-resolution textures and require accurate color representation.