Revit, a popular Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, is widely used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Its performance on laptops varies depending on hardware specifications. In this article, we compare the Revit performance on two budget-friendly laptops: the Asus Vivobook S15 and the Acer Swift 3, both priced under $1000.

Overview of the Laptops

The Asus Vivobook S15 offers a sleek design with a 15.6-inch display, powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, and options for dedicated graphics. The Acer Swift 3 features a lightweight build, a 14-inch display, and similar processor options, making it a popular choice for portability and performance.

Hardware Specifications

  • Asus Vivobook S15
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1165G7
    • RAM: 8GB or 16GB
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe or optional dedicated GPU
  • Acer Swift 3
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1165G7
    • RAM: 8GB or 16GB
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe

Revit Performance Testing

Revit performance was tested by opening a standard architectural project and performing common tasks such as model loading, rendering, and exporting. The goal was to assess how smoothly these laptops handle typical Revit workflows within the budget constraints.

Model Loading and Navigation

Both laptops loaded the project within a reasonable time, approximately 20-30 seconds. Navigation within the model was smooth, with minimal lag, thanks to the efficient use of the integrated Iris Xe graphics and SSD storage.

Rendering Performance

Rendering tasks varied in duration. The Asus Vivobook S15, with a dedicated GPU option, completed complex renders about 10-15% faster than the Acer Swift 3, which relied solely on integrated graphics. For typical architectural renders, both laptops performed adequately.

Exporting and Finalization

Export times for views and sheets were comparable, generally under 2 minutes for standard projects. The SSD storage contributed significantly to quick file access and export speeds.

User Experience and Limitations

While both laptops handled Revit reasonably well under the $1000 price point, users should be aware of some limitations. Heavy models with complex families and high-resolution rendering may cause lag or longer processing times. Upgrading RAM to 16GB can improve multitasking and performance.

Conclusion

The Asus Vivobook S15 and Acer Swift 3 are capable options for students and professionals working with Revit on a budget. The Vivobook’s optional dedicated GPU provides a slight edge in rendering speed, but both models deliver satisfactory performance for most architectural and design tasks. For optimal results, consider upgrading RAM and ensuring the latest drivers are installed.