Do you take interest in digital painting, sculpturing, and modeling? Especially modeling gaming characters? There is an application called ZBrush. ZBrush is designed and widely used for all such purposes.
ZBrush is the most popular 2D painting and 3D sculpting app at the moment. It is easier to use and has all the features artists look for.
However, it is a CPU-dependent app that requires a powerful processor and at least 4 GBs of RAM to work up to your expectations.
Therefore, if you are planning to take digital painting, sculpting, and modeling seriously. Having a compatible laptop is a great idea.
In my opinion, the Processor and RAM shouldn’t only be looked at. The other specs must also be taken seriously.
Keeping the ZBrush’s requirements in mind, I have shortlisted the few best options available in the market right now. The options are;
Best Laptops for ZBrush
- Best Overall: Alienware DDR4 RAM 512 GB SSD
- Display: Acer NVIDIA GeForce RTX
- Budget-friendly: Asus ROG Zephyrus M Thin and Portable Laptop
- Advanced: Acer NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB
1. Alienware DDR4 RAM 512 GB SSD
Alienware, a subsidiary of Dell, is a leading PC, laptop, and desktop brand. This brand is famous for designing and manufacturing the best gaming laptops.
Construction
If we try to judge this Alienware laptop by its appearance, the laptop is assembled using high-end materials like steel, copper, and magnesium alloy.
Therefore, the laptop does not just appear good but is durable and lightweight as well.
Superior visuals
Since this laptop is specifically engineered for gaming, it offers superior visuals. It makes the painting, texturing, and painting in Pixologic ZBrush breathtakingly easy.
Superior visuals will allow you to generate models for games and movies quickly and efficiently.
Reduced blue light emission
Do you know why you are advised to limit screen time? Because of blue light emission.
Since you require a lot of time to design models on ZBrush, the reduced blue light emission makes this Alienware laptop a highly suitable option.
Pros
- 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) display
- Does not overheat
- Can be used for gaming and designing gaming models on ZBrush
Cons
- The support is not satisfactory
2. Acer NVIDIA GeForce RTX
Acer is a reliable brand that does not need any introduction. This brand never fails to introduce laptops, desktops, tablets, and storage devices with the best specs.
Smooth Operations
Like all Acer products, this gaming laptop also ensures smooth operations. Smooth operation is required to design and craft models on ZBrush, otherwise, the whole process would get lengthy and tiring. Isn’t it amazing?
Powerful Speakers
What’s more worth-mentioning about this Acer deal is that it comes with powerful speakers. Loudness and impressive bass can be expected from powerful inbuilt speakers.
Multiple Input Ports
The laptop allows you to plug in almost all frequently used peripheral devices. It has multiple ports for HDMI, MiniDP, USB 3.2 Type C Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports.
Pros
- Comes with a protective sleeve
- Has all the gamer’s favourite features
- Has HDMI 2.0, MiniDP and the newest USB 3.2 Type C Gen 2 port and USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports
- HDMI 2.0, MiniDP and the newest USB 3.2 Type C Gen 2 port and USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports
Cons
- Unsatisfactory predator support
3. Asus ROG Zephyrus M Thin and Portable Laptop
Asus is also a well-known brand. It manufactures laptops that feature a high performance, and highly optimized processors. Therefore to design models on ZBrush, Asus is one reliable brand to invest in.
Tested For Durability
Before offering the Asus laptop up for sale, these laptops are tested thoroughly.
The laptops and all other Asus devices undergo extensive vibration, drop, and pressure testing. So, the Asus laptop being recommended is also thoroughly tested and it is worthy of your consideration.
Do Not Overheat
Painting, modeling, Sculpting, and texturing in ZBrush are time-consuming. It requires you and your laptop to be willing to work well.
Fortunately, this Asus model has an Intelligent Cooling thermal system with dual fans. This makes the laptop capable of working under pressure without getting overheated.
Ultra-thin And Portable
Like most advanced and recent laptop models, this Asus laptop is also ultra-thin, and portable. The ultra-thin portable design makes the laptop easy to use, carry, and transport.
Pros
- Ensures deeper visual immersion
- Can smoothly work in heat, cold, and humidity
- Ultra-lightweight
- 240Hz 3ms 15 6” Full HD display
- Quite budget-friendly
Cons
- The software is a bit buggy
4. MSI Thin Bezel Thunderbolt 3 Ultra-Portable
MSI is a world-class laptop brand that specializes in designing and manufacturing the best gaming laptops.
Almost all MSI laptops are capable of handling the ZBrush job, however, this thunderbolt 3 ultra-portable productivity laptop is more ZBrush friendly.
Improved Productivity
This MSI laptop, as the name suggests, is designed and manufactured for workaholics. As per the company’s claim, it allows you to work up to 8 hours non-stop.
9th Gen Intel 6-core Processor
The 9th Gen intel 6-core processor also makes this MSI laptop worthy of consideration.
With this MSI Thin Bezel Thunderbolt 3 Ultra-Portable Productivity Laptop, you can multitask and complete all your projects on time.
Silky-glass Touchpad
The laptop has a silky smooth glass touchpad. The touchpad does not just feel good but performs well as well. So, you do not have to invest in an expensive brand to get the feel. MSI has been offering it at an economical price.
Pros
- Fast responding multi-screen support
- Looks minimalist
- Ultra-smooth touchpad
- Less noisy
- Does not overheat
- Supports multitasking
How to Find the Right Laptop for ZBrush?
If you want to run ZBrush smoothly, you have to be super careful with the specs. RAM, storage, processor, and graphic card deserves your undivided attention.
RAM
To be able to do your job smoothly, make sure the RAM is at least 16 GB. For smooth painting, sculpturing, modeling, and rendering, at least 100 GB of free space is required. Moreover, the SSD recommended storage is 512 GB.
Graphics Card
Since you are looking for a laptop specifically to paint and sculpt on ZBrush, therefore the laptop must have a graphics card. Otherwise, you will never be able to get a smoother modeling experience.
ZBrush would only work up to your expectations when the processor is powerful enough. Core i5 and Core i7 processors are proven to be perfect for an application like ZBrush.
Once you are satisfied with the specs, you have to pay attention to the price and design.
The laptop should be thin, lightweight, and of standard size. Moreover, you have to determine how much you can pay and look for a budget-friendly solution.
All famous brands would be offering the laptops at higher prices. However, these laptops would surely be worth every penny.
Conclusion
Almost all of the above-mentioned laptops are compatible to be considered for ZBrush. However, if we have to pick the most promising option, Acer NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display, 16GB Dual-Channel DDR4, Intel i7-10750H Gaming Laptop can be trusted.
Everyone’s requirements are different, this may or may not suit your needs. Do not blindly follow my suggestions, determine your needs and find something similar.
