If you’re a developer looking to buy the best laptop for CUDA development, the following guide will set you on the right path to find the best laptops for CUDA programming with very good CUDA-enabled GPUs, reasonable speed, good storage and decent battery life.
Not all laptops on the market are capable of CUDA programming, that’s why we’ve taken the time to research and recommend only good options. Our picks are good for researchers and developers who use the CUDA platform. We’ve recommended Windows laptops, however, CUDA is compatible with Linux and Mac operating systems.
We’ve also taken into consideration portability, so you can code on the go.
These are the best laptops on the market for CUDA development.
Best Laptops for CUDA Development at a Glance
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | MSI GS66 Stealth (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Dell XPS 17 (2023) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Alienware X15 R2 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Razer Blade 14 (2023) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | MSI GL75 Gaming Laptop | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Razer Blade 15 Advanced | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733 | Check Price on Amazon |
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1. MSI GS66 Stealth (Editors’ Choice)
Our Editors’ Choice for the best laptop for CUDA development is the MSI GS66 Stealth. It’s hugely powerful under the hood, and outwardly classy. It has a CUDA compute capability of 8.6.
The combination of Nvidia RTX 3080 and Intel Core i7-10870H make great bedfellows, making the MSI GS66 an impressive laptop. The 16GB of RAM on this outstanding gaming rig means that multitasking and playing demanding blockbusters, even at maxed-out settings barely slow things down.
On another important front, the GS66 Stealth’s Full HD display boasts an impressive 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response rate. There are configurations with the same response time, however, with a 300Hz refresh rate.
That said, we feel less thrilled by the MSI GS66’s display brightness, which could be better.
In terms of physical size and weight, the GS66 Stealth (14.2 inches and 4.5 pounds) is a lightweight and easy travel companion. For comparison’s sake, the Gigabyte Aorus 5 (14.2 inches and 4.85 pounds), and Dell G5 15 SE (14.4 inches and 5.51 pounds) are heavier.
A respectable set of ports are located on either side of the laptop’s chassis. The right side features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen Type-C port, an input for Gigabit Ethernet and a headset jack. The left side holds another USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI 2.0 port and the power port.
Let’s not forget the MSI GS66 Stealth’s sublime audio system. The speakers on either side of the laptop offer audio that is loud, clean and rich.
A notable performance chop worth mentioning is the Reflex which reduces latency with the help of G-Sync tech.
Depending on the game you’re playing, the GS66 Stealth can offer framerates as high as 93 fps at 1080p.
We are impressed by MSI’s CoolerBoost technology which takes care of cooling GS66 Stealth’s internals. This technology does not remove heat completely, though.
The GS66 Stealth delivers strong battery life. You should get at least 6 hours on a charge. For superior battery power, consider the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 or Asus ROG Strix Scar III.
If you need a thin and light laptop with solid internals for CUDA programming, this is it.
PROS
- Exceptional gaming performance
- Fast 300Hz display
- Sturdy
- Sleek design
- Good battery life
CONS
- These laptops are in tight supply currently
- Display brightness could be improved
MSI GS66 Stealth Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display
CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (CUDA Compute Capability: 8.6)
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Size: 14.2 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches (360.7 x 246.4 x 17.8 mm)
Weight: 4.5 pounds (2 kg)
OS: Windows 10 Pro
Battery: 99 Wh
2. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a capable laptop that packs tons of performance at a relatively affordable price. It has a CUDA compute capability of 7.5.
Wielding an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and AMD’s Ryzen 9 4900HS processor, it stacks up nicely to the competition. The base model ships with Ryzen 9-4900HS CPU, Nvidia GTX 1650 GPU, 8GG of RAM and 512GB SSD.
You can upgrade to the ROG Zephyrus G15 which sports GeForce RTX 3080 GPU and AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS CPU.
At 3.53 pounds, with a 12.76 x 8.74 x 0.70-inch chassis, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is arguably one of the lightest and smallest gaming laptops you can buy now.
You’ll be hard-pressed to use all the ports found along the Zephyrus G14’s frame. It has a good selection of ports for gaming and streaming. On the left there’s one USB-C port, and HDMI 2.0b port, a DisplayPort, plus an audio/mic port. While the right side has two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C port and a Kensington lock slot.
With regard to gaming performance, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 can blaze through AAA games at the highest settings just like Asus ROG Strix Scar III, MSI GL75, and Dell G7 15.
What else should we include? Thermal management is spot on. Unlike the Lenovo Legion Y545 and Dell G5 15 SE, the Zephyrus G14 does not run hot while gaming. You’ll find lots of ventilation grilles on the laptop.
However, there are some trade-offs. You won’t find a webcam on the Zephyrus G14. We recommend getting an external webcam if you’d like to stream via Twitch.
You are ultimately getting a gaming laptop from Asus that can last long enough to get some real work done. Roughly speaking, you’re looking at about 12 hours of battery life as configured from Asus.
PROS
- Very good gaming performance
- Excellent battery life
- Great audio
- Cool design
- Fast display
CONS
- No webcam
- Keyboard backlighting could be better
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Key Specifications
Display: 14-inch Full HD IPS 120 Hz
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q (CUDA Compute Capability: 7.5)
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB SSD NVMe PCIe 3.0
Size: 12.76 x 8.74 x 0.70 inches (324.1 x 222 x 17.8 mm)
Weight: 3.53 pounds (1.60 kg)
OS: Windows 10
Battery: 75 Wh
3. Dell XPS 17 (2023)
The Dell XPS 17 (2023) is a cutting-edge laptop designed for users seeking a large, sleek, and portable device. Equipped with Intel’s latest 12th-gen Alder Lake CPUs, this thin and light laptop offers impressive performance and can be customized with a dedicated graphics card, such as the RTX 3050 or 3060, making it suitable for on-the-go 1080p gaming and graphic-intensive tasks like photo editing.
While not intended as a primary gaming laptop, the XPS 17 excels in various tasks, effortlessly handling video encodes and 3D renders. Its display and design are exceptional. Additionally, the laptop boasts an impressive battery life, ensuring extended productivity hours for users.
PROS
- High performance
- Premium design
- Portable
- Large, colorful display
- Good battery life
CONS
- Not budget friendly
- 720p webcam
Dell XPS 17 (2023) Key Specifications
Display: 17.0-inch UHD+ (1920 x 1200) – 17.0″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400)
CPU: Up to 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900K
GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 (CUDA Compute Capability: 8.6)
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-3200MHz
Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe
4. Alienware X15 R2
The Alienware X15 R2 stands out as a top-tier gaming laptop, renowned for its impressive specifications that elevate the gaming experience. With its 15.6-inch FHD display boasting a remarkable 360Hz refresh rate, gaming becomes an incredibly smooth and immersive affair. Fueling this powerhouse is the 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H processor, armed with 14 cores and a clock speed of up to 4.70 GHz, delivering robust computing capabilities for both gaming and multitasking.
Adding to its allure, the laptop flaunts a striking design in an elegant white hue, complemented by captivating RGB lighting at the back. Despite its weight of five pounds, the thin chassis imparts a surprisingly lightweight feel, a testament to its exceptional balance.
In terms of performance, the Alienware X15 R2 truly shines. It not only excels in CPU and GPU benchmarks but also proves its mettle in stress tests involving demanding PC games. Surpassing many counterparts with similar specifications and sizes, it sets a high standard in the gaming laptop arena.
However, a few considerations temper the overall praise. The webcam, despite its technical 1080p capability, falls short in practical use, displaying subpar frame rates and visuals during conference calls. The battery life, limited to around three hours at most, demands frequent charging, posing a potential inconvenience. Additionally, the slim chassis raises concerns about overheating, though the well-designed software empowers users to manage this issue by adjusting fan settings. Despite these drawbacks, the Alienware X15 R2 remains a formidable gaming laptop, offering a stellar gaming experience with a few caveats to keep in mind.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Outstanding performance
- Sleek and slim design
- Stunning display
CONS
- Battery life could be better
- Can get hot
Alienware X15 R2 Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch QHD 2560×1440
CPU: Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9
GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (CUDA Compute Capability: 8.6)
RAM: Up to 32 GB LPDDR5
Storage: Up to 4TB RAID 0 (2 x 2 TB) M.2 PCIe NVMe, SSD
5. Razer Blade 14 (2023)
The Razer Blade 14 (2023) is a masterpiece in the world of gaming laptops. This compact and quiet device is not only durable but also packs a powerful punch. Its top-notch internal components ensure a seamless gaming experience, complemented by a vivid and bright screen housed in the iconic machined metal chassis that defines the Blade laptop line.
What sets it apart is its exceptional gaming performance despite its slim profile, comparable to larger gaming laptops. The internals work synergistically, outperforming competitors in demanding games and maintaining a smooth framerate, even at the highest settings.
Impressively, the Razer Blade 14 excels in cooling during intense gaming sessions, avoiding stuttering or freezing. However, its battery life, rated at 10 hours, tends to hover around eight hours during productivity tasks and significantly decreases, at most half, during gaming sessions.
PROS
- QHD+, 240Hz display
- Powerful performance
- Portable design
- High-quality build
- Impressive display
- Quiet fans
CONS
- Expensive
- Speakers are average
Razer Blade 14 (2023) Key Specifications
Display: 14-inch, QHD+ (2560×1600), 240Hz
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – 4070 (CUDA Compute Capability: 8.9)
RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
6. MSI GL75 Gaming Laptop
Another good laptop for CUDA development is the MSI GL75. Its CUDA compute capability is 7.5.
Its display is pretty good with excellent brightness and contrast ratio. Viewing angles are good, too.
The MSI GL75 pairs an eighth-generation Intel Core i7-9750H processor with 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics. Need more storage? Then opt for the configuration with Intel Core i7-9750H processor, 16GB of RAM, NVidia GTX 1660 Ti graphics and 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD.
On the other hand, if you’ve got deep pockets, you can also upgrade to one with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics, paired with 2TB PCIe SSD and 1TB HDD These configurations (except the RTX 2060 version) have the same 144Hz Full HD display.
It ranks very high for its gaming performance.
Port selection is otherwise top-notch. On the MSI GL75’s left edge, you’ll find an HDMI port, a Mini DisplayPort, a USB Type-A 3.1 (Gen 1) port, a USB Type-C 3.1 (Gen. 2) port, and two audio jacks – one for a mic, and another for headphones. The right edge hosts a power plug, two USB Type-A 3.1 (Gen 1) ports and an SD card reader.
It’s hard to miss the vents that line the four sides. So you need not worry about cooling. The MSI GL75 has a good cooling setup.
Then, there are the bottom-firing speakers on MSI GL75 which pump out clear sound.
Battery life is just average, so don’t expect its runtimes to stretch into the double figures without taking a booster pack along for the ride.
The MSI GL75’s largest downfall, however, is likely going to come down to the fans. They serve a good purpose, but they can get loud during gaming.
There’s no getting around the fact that the MSI GL75 is an excellent laptop for CUDA development.
PROS
- Good display
- Impressive gaming performance
- Excellent screen refresh rate
- Good pricing options
- Very good cooling system
- Good keyboard with decent travel
CONS
- Average battery life
- Noisy fans
MSI GL75 Gaming Laptop Key Specifications
Display: 17.3-inch FHD, (120Hz -144 Hz), 1920 x 1080 pixels
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H/ Intel Hexa-Core i7-10750H
GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 (CUDA Compute Capability: 7.5)
RAM: 16GB DDR4 – 64GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB Nvme SSD/256GB SSD + 1TB HDD/2TB PCIe SSD + 1TB HDD
Size: 15.63 x 10.67 x 1.10 inches (397 x 271 x 27.9 mm)
Weight: 5.51 pounds (2.50 kg)
OS: Windows 10
Battery: 51 Wh
Notable Mentions
Here are good laptops for CUDA development worth considering, too.
7. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
PROS
- Excellent gaming performance
- Blazing fast refresh rate
- Outstanding battery life
- Lightweight
- Good pricing
- First-rate audio
CONS
- No webcam
- Fingerprint reader could be better
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch QHD (1440p)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3060 (CUDA Compute Capability: 8.6)
RAM: 16GB
Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
Size: 13.97 x 9.59 x 0.78 inch (355 x 243.5 x 19.9 mm)
Weight: 4.19 pounds (1.9 kg)
OS: Windows 10
Battery: 90 Wh
8. Razer Blade 15 Advanced
PROS
- Great gaming performance
- Sleek design
- Portable and lightweight
- High refresh rate
- Good port selection
CONS
- Keyboard won’t win awards
- Expensive
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (2021) Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch FHD, 360Hz
CPU: 10th-Gen Intel Core i7-11800H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 (CUDA Compute Capability: 8.6)
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Size: 14.0 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches (355.6 x 236.2 x 17.8 mm)
Weight: 4.4 pounds (2 kg)
OS: Windows 10
9. Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733
PROS
- First-rate performance
- Good design
- 360Hz refresh rate
- Impressive mechanical keyboard
- Good audio
CONS
- Loud fans
- Pricey
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733 Key Specifications
Display: 17.3-inch FHD, 300Hz, 1920 x 1080 pixels
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (CUDA Compute Capability: 8.6)
RAM: 32GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB SSD
Size: 15.55 x 11.10 x 1.08 inches (395 x 281.9 x 27.4 mm)
Weight: 5.95 pounds (2.70kg)
OS: Windows 10
Battery: 90Wh
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | MSI GS66 Stealth (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Dell XPS 17 (2023) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Alienware X15 R2 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Razer Blade 14 (2023) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | MSI GL75 Gaming Laptop | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Razer Blade 15 Advanced | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733 | Check Price on Amazon |
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Bottom Line
We’ve reviewed the best laptops for CUDA development. These laptops have some of the best CUDA-capable GPUs and processors you’ll find on a laptop. Again, our picks have a generous amount of storage and RAM coupled with diverse port selections. Our recommendations are perfect for developers using the CUDA platform.
