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AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Blender all require substantial RAM and fast storage for complex assemblies and rendering. Large 3D models with thousands of parts can easily consume 16-32GB of RAM.
Priority Upgrades for CAD Users
| Upgrade | Impact | Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| RAM: 16GB → 64GB DDR5 | Handle complex assemblies | ~£130 |
| SSD: 2TB NVMe Gen 4 | Fast file saves and scratch | ~£120 |
RAM by Software
AutoCAD: 16GB minimum, 32GB for large drawings. SolidWorks: 32GB minimum, 64GB for assemblies with 1,000+ parts. Blender: 32GB for modelling, 64GB for complex scenes with GPU rendering. Fusion 360: 16GB minimum, 32GB recommended for simulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 32GB enough for SolidWorks?
For most single-part modelling yes. Large assemblies with 500+ parts need 64GB.
Does SSD speed matter for CAD?
Yes — saving/opening large assemblies is significantly faster on NVMe Gen 4 vs SATA.
Recommended upgrades
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For laptops and mini PCs that use DDR5 SO-DIMM
For laptops and mini PCs that use DDR4 SO-DIMM
M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs
How we verify this guide
We cross-reference compatibility figures against manufacturer specifications where available, official service manuals, and the standards that govern fit — memory type and speed (DDR4 / DDR5 / LPDDR5), maximum supported capacity and slot count, SSD form factor and interface (M.2 2280, NVMe PCIe vs SATA, keying), and charger wattage and connector (USB-C Power Delivery, GaN). We’re explicit about soldered or non-upgradeable parts, prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. More on our method →
*Indicative UK street prices, shown for guidance only. These are not live Amazon prices and change frequently — check the current price on Amazon before buying.
