Investing in a good tool is important in helping you achieve maximum results with little effort, thus improving your productivity. This justifies the importance of investing in a handy laptop, especially for handling intensive workloads such as graphic design.
A good laptop for graphic design usually costs a fortune. However, if you know how to survey and pick the correct hardware specs, chances are you can probably find an ideal one without breaking the bank. To save you time, we have carefully picked and prepared a list of the best laptops for graphic design available on the market.
Please note that the details provided below are for specific models; specifications may vary according to model.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
Top 9 Laptops for Graphic Design in Malaysia
Why It's Our Top Pick?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is our top pick for graphic design work due to its unmatched performance, stunning display, and powerful hardware, making it a favorite among creative professionals. Powered by the latest Apple M3 chip, this laptop handles intensive graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma with ease. The MacBook Pro 14 features a Liquid Retina XDR display, offering exceptional color accuracy, brightness, and contrast—ideal for detailed design tasks.
Who is this for?
The MacBook Pro with Apple M3 Chip is a no-brainer if you are looking for an ideal laptop for professional graphic design. It is amazing in many aspects, including performance, display resolution, as well as battery life. Moreover, the design and overall build quality are modern and premium. With its lightweight form factor, you can easily bring it along during travelling and off-site work.
What to know
Powered by an Apple M3 Chip, the MacBook Pro 14-inch is built for creative professionals. Its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU deliver impressive performance in almost any kind of workload, from your daily tasks to professional-grade graphic design and even 8K video editing.
The 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with True Tone technology blows our minds, supporting a peak brightness of 1000 nits and up to 3024x1964 pixels. You can also get the 16” version for a bigger screen! Not to forget, the battery life is remarkable, lasting up to 22 hours on wireless web.
MacBook Pro (14” M3) Specifications
- CPU / GPU: Apple M3 Chip
- Display: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1z HDMI port, 1x SDXC card slot, 1x MagSafe 3 port
Who is this for?
If you need pure portable power for your creative tasks, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 ProX is a great choice. Not only do you get an industry-leading CPU/GPU combination but also an incredible 3K display certified with TÜV Eyesafe. There are numerous types of interface ports available for wide connectivity and rapid file transfer.
What to know
Unleash your creative ambition with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 ProX. You’ll get to experience pure performance with refreshing speed from the ultimate AMD Ryzen 7 Creator Edition series processor. The RTX 3050 graphics with NVIDIA Studio supercharge your creative process, making rendering faster.
The Yoga Slim 7 ProX is powerful, comfortable, and portable. The 14.5-inch laptop is surprisingly lightweight at only 1.45kg. With 3K resolution and 100% sRGB colour space, the display is calibrated with true-to-life accuracy, delivering purer and clearer Images.
*Based on the 82TL004LMJ model; specifications may vary
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 ProX Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS Creator Edition
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Display: 14.5" 3K (3072x1920) IPS 400 nits Anti-glare, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, TÜV Low Blue Light, TÜV Eyesafe, Dolby Vision
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0, and DisplayPort 1.4), 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
Who is this for?
Programmers and graphic designers will certainly love the Dell XPS 17. With the massive 17.0-inch FHD+ display, you don’t even need an external monitor for extra working space to keep you productive. The stunning 4-sided InfinityEdge display covers up to 93.7% screen-to-body ratio and optional 100% Adobe RGB color. With integrated Eyesafe display technology, you can be worry-free from harmful blue light and eyestrain.
What to know
Breeze through your creative projects with the latest and greatest Dell XPS 17. You can unlock colossal power thanks to the 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, together with a dedicated RTX 40 series graphics card.
Even better, the XPS 17 supports DDR5 memory which offers 50% faster clock speed than its predecessor. The advanced thermal design with unique dual opposite outlet fans enables more overall airflow to keep the main components cool even during heavy programming and creative work.
*Based on 9710 model
Dell XPS 17 Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Display: 17.0", FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Anti-Glare 500-Nit Display
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 4x Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB Type-C™) ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support, 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, 1x SD-card slot
Who is this for?
If you are in search of a graphic design laptop with a built-in secondary display, the Asus Zenbook Duo 14 is your best bet. It features a new tilting ScreenPad Plus that makes cross-screen multitasking and creativity even easier. In addition to more onscreen space, you can make use of the built-in apps to boost your productivity.
What to know
Featuring two seamless displays, the Asus Zenbook Duo 14 is the world’s thinnest and lightest 14.0-inch laptop that comes with a built-in secondary display. The expansive FHD main display with ultraslim bezels is PANTONE Validated for professional-grade colour accuracy. To add on, it is also certified with TUV Rheinland for low blue-light emissions to keep you comfortable over long creative sessions.
The Zenbook Duo 14 harnesses heavyweight performance from a power-efficient Intel processor plus a discrete NVIDIA graphics card. It offers comprehensive high-performance I/O capabilities, including a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports for easy peripheral connections.
*Based on model UX8406
Asus Zenbook Duo 14 Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
- GPU: Intel® Arc™ Graphics
- Display: 2.8L OLED
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports:1x Thunderbolt 4/PD fast charging dual-purpose socket 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS
Who is this for?
Fire up your imagination with the Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED. This laptop is the ultimate professional laptop built for hardcore creators. The laptop is super-smooth and responsive in multitasking while maintaining cool and quiet. Worth mentioning, the 16.0-inch 4K OLED HDR display delivers truly photorealistic visuals, certified for VESA DisplayHDR™ 500 True Black.
What to know
The Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED is a beast powered by an Intel Core i9 eight-core processor combined with a fast NVIDIA graphic card. You’ll get all the raw performance you need to handle even the most resource-hungry projects, as it comes with 32GB of high-speed RAM with 1TB of abundant SSD storage straight out of the box.
Engineered with the Asus IceCool Pro cooling system, the powerhouse can run comfortably in Performance mode with minimum noise, lower temperature, and most importantly, without CPU throttling.
*Based on AI 9 HX 370 model
Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3080 Ti
- Display: 16" 4K (3840 x 2400) OLED 16:10, 550nits HDR Peak, 100% DCI-P3, Glossy
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, 1x DC-in, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 supports display/power delivery, 1x SD Express 7.0 card reader
Who is this for?
For heavy gamers and graphic designers, the MSI Stealth 16 Studio is the right machine for you. It has the speed, power and portability that you need to stay productive anywhere you go. Furthermore, the per-key RGB gaming keyboard and Dynaudio surround sound system allow you to experience the next level of gaming and work.
What to know
Slim, sharp, and stylish. The MSI Stealth 16 Studio comes with a 1.99kg ultra-light yet durable Magnesium-Aluminium Alloy Chassis. Engineered for the most comfortable visual experience for long-term gaming and work, the 240Hz lightning-fast QHD+ display is tailor-made and highly optimized with a golden ratio of 1.618.
Delivering excellent performance, the Stealth 16 Studio is accelerated by the most recent 13th-generation Intel processor and an NVIDIA RTX Studio graphic card. Its reforged cooling solution with shared-pipe design improves the thermal capability under extreme loads.
MSI Stealth 16 Studio Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- Display: 16" 16:10 QHD+(2560 x 1600), 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3, IPS-level panel
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Ports: 1x Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2/DP), 1x Type-C (USB/DP/Thunderbolt™ 4) with PD charging, 1x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2, 1x Micro SD Card Reader, 1x HDMI™ 2.1 (8K@60Hz/4K@120Hz), 1x RJ45, 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack
Who is this for?
The Asus ROG Flow X16 is one of the best graphic design laptops in its class. The 2-in-1 laptop is extremely versatile from PC gaming to controller-based gaming. It can speed through tasks thanks to its cutting-edge hardware under the hood. We are also amazed at its ability to stay completely silent with the 0dB Ambient Cooling Technology, despite during the zenith of gaming.
What to know
The Asus ROG Flow X16 offers high-level portability and versatility without sacrificing gaming power. With an NVIDIA RTX series graphic card, you can game with confidence in any modern, fast-paced game and AAA titles.
Another main selling point of this Asus laptop is its ROG Nebula HDR display. In contrast to the traditional LED displays, the mini LED outputs deeper contrast and higher brightness, delivering vivid colours at QHD+ resolution.
*Based on GV601R-WM5100W model
Asus ROG Flow X16 Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS
- GPU: NVIDIA GeDorce RTX 3070 Ti
- Display: ROG Nebula HDR Display, 16-inch, QHD+ 16:10 (2560x1600, WQXGA)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI 2.0b support HDMI switch, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™/power delivery/G-SYNC, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™/power delivery, 1x ROG XG Mobile Interface
Who is this for?
If you are looking for an incredibly portable laptop with exorbitant processing power and all-day battery life, we strongly recommend the MacBook Air M1 (13”). Its M1 chip delivers lightning-fast integrated graphics for you to create, edit, and seamlessly play full-quality 4 K videos. You can always opt for the higher SSD storage up to 2TB if you need extra storage space for your creation.
What to know
Despite being released in 202, the MacBook Air M1 is still a pretty great laptop for graphic design students, especially since it’s one of the more affordable ones on this list! Supercharged by the Apple M1 chip, this Apple laptop can take on intensive tasks, including professional-level graphic design, video editing, and action-packed gaming.
The colours on the MacBook are bright and vibrant. You can enjoy new levels of detail and realism on the brilliant 13.3-inch Retina display with up to 2560x1600 resolution. You won’t be annoyed by loud fan noise as the laptop comes with a silent, fanless design.
MacBook Air M1 2020 Specifications
- CPU: Apple M1 Chip
- GPU: Apple M1 Chip
- Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560x1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colours, 400 nits brightness. Wide colour (P3), True Tone technology
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4
Who is this for?
If you wish to stick to a Windows laptop for graphic design, the Acer Predator Helios NEO 16 is a brilliant choice. You’ll get some serious hardware, including a 13th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, a dedicated NVIDIA RTX graphic card and massive SSD storage. Besides, this laptop also provides a great amount of essential high-speed I/O ports for speedy file transfer and peripheral connection.
What to know
Featuring a 16.0-inch display with IPS technology, the Acer Predator Helios NEO 16 supports up to WUXGA 2560x1600 quality and 100% sRGB at 165Hz. You can stay comfortable even after long sessions in front of the screen thanks to the Acer ComfyView.
Multitasking is smooth and effortless with 16GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM. Onto the battery life, this Acer laptop performs surprisingly well for a true gaming laptop. It can last a maximum of 6.5 hours on a single charge.
*Based on PHN16-71-72 model
Acer Predator Helios NEO 16 Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- Display: 16.0" display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, WUXGA 2560 x 1600, high-brightness (500 nits), Acer ComfyView™ LED-backlit TFT LCD, supporting 165 Hz, Grey to Grey 3 ms by Overdrive, Nvidia Advanced Optimus capable. 16:10 aspect ratio, sRGB 100%, Wide viewing angle up to 170 degrees
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports: 2x USB Type-C™ ports, 3x USB Standard-A ports, 1x microSD™ Card reader, 1x HDMI® 2.1 port with HDCP support, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/speaker jack, supporting headsets with built-in microphone, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45) port
FAQs
What should you look for in a graphic design laptop?
When choosing a laptop for graphic design, there are several key features you should look for to ensure smooth performance and high-quality results:
Powerful Processor (CPU) – A fast multi-core processor, like the Apple M3, Intel i7/i9, or AMD Ryzen 7/9, is essential for handling demanding design software efficiently.
High RAM (Memory) – At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for multitasking and running large design files smoothly. For professional work, 32GB or more is ideal.
Dedicated Graphics Card (GPU) – A strong GPU, such as Apple’s integrated M3 GPU or NVIDIA/AMD discrete graphics, helps render visuals quickly and supports 3D work and motion graphics.
Color-Accurate Display – Look for laptops with high-resolution screens (at least Full HD, ideally 4K or Retina) that support wide color gamuts like Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 for accurate color reproduction.
Fast Storage (SSD) – A solid-state drive (SSD) ensures quick file access, faster boot times, and efficient software loading. Aim for at least 512GB SSD storage.
Portability & Build Quality – A lightweight yet durable design is great for creatives on the go. A strong battery life is also a plus.
Operating System Compatibility – Ensure your chosen laptop runs design software smoothly, whether on macOS or Windows.
What is the best budget laptop for graphic design?
The best budget laptop for graphic design should offer strong performance, reliable visuals, and smooth multitasking without a high price tag. Many graphic designers agree that a good budget-friendly laptop must include at least a quad-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card to handle software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma efficiently.
Users often highlight the importance of a Full HD display with accurate color reproduction, especially for tasks involving photo editing, branding, and layout design. A fast SSD with at least 512GB storage is also highly recommended, ensuring quick file access and smooth software operation.
Whether you're a student, freelancer, or beginner, many find that it’s possible to get great results without spending a fortune.