Best Laptops For Stem Students

Disclosure: “This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the site so we can continue to offer great content to you!”.

Choosing the perfect laptop for STEM students involves balancing several critical factors. With the plethora of choices, finding a laptop that aligns with your specific academic requirements can be a challenging task. 

In this article, we have reviewed the top laptops to consider if you are a STEM student.

Our Picks For You!

  1. MSI Creator Z16P
  2. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18
  3. MSI Bravo
  4. MSI Thin GF63
  5. HP Victus

1. MSI Creator Z16P

Specs

  • OS: Windows 11 Pro
  • Display: 16″ 165Hz QHD+ Touch Display 
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-12700H
  • Memory: 16GB DDR5 RAM
  • Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
  • Portability:
  • 90 Whr battery
  • Thunderbolt 4 w/ PD Charging

Pros

  • High-performance processor
  • Portable design 
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Powerful graphics
  • Comes with advanced security features

Cons

  • RAM might need upgrading for extremely demanding tasks

Review

The MSI Creator Z16P stands out as a top-notch option for STEM students because of its features that are for both academics and creativity. The laptop boasts a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor for high performance across various tasks and applications. This level of processing power is ideal for complex calculations and running demanding software common in STEM studies.

This larger screen area is especially beneficial for STEM students who often work with detailed diagrams, complex coding environments, or data analysis software. It provides both clarity and smoothness in visuals.  

Graphics are another strong point of this laptop, thanks to the integrated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080. This GPU can easily handle graphically intensive tasks, such as 3D modeling, data visualization, and even gaming. So, if you need a laptop to balance coursework with creative projects or leisure activities, this one could be it.

2. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (2023) Gaming Laptop, 18” Nebula Display 16:10 QHD 240Hz/3ms, GeForce RTX 4090, Intel Core i9-13980HX, 32GB DDR5, 2TB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11 Pro, G834JY-XS97,Black
  • OS: Windows 11 Pro
  • Display: 18” Nebula Display 16:10 QHD 240Hz/3ms
  • Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX
  • Memory: 32GB DDR5 RAM
  • Storage: 2TB PCIe SSD
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
  • Portability:
  • 90 Whr battery
  • Anti Glare Coating

Pros

  • Antiglare display reduces eye strain 
  • Massive storage
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Excellent cooling system 
  • Advanced security features

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Very pricey 

Review

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 is a powerhouse choice for STEM students who need top-tier performance. This laptop is equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, a combination that offers unparalleled power for any academic or gaming task.

Its massive 18-inch display offers sufficient space for complex coding environments, detailed data analysis, and graphic design work. The QHD display with 240Hz refresh rate ensures crisp and smooth visuals, essential for both study and leisure.

Storage and memory are more than sufficient, with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a whopping 2TB PCIe SSD. This setup allows for efficient multitasking and lightning-fast loading times, a boon if you are dealing with large files and intensive applications.

3. MSI Bravo

MSI Bravo 15.6" 144 Hz FHD IPS Gaming Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (Up to 4.55 GHz), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 32GB DDR5 RAM - 1TB PCIe SSD, RGB Keyboard, Windows 11 Pro

Highlights: 

  • OS:
  • Windows 11 Pro
  • Display:
  • 15.6" 144 Hz FHD IPS display
  • Processor:
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (Up to 4.55 GHz)
  • Memory:
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM
  • Storage:
  • 1TB PCIe SSD
  • Graphics:
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB
  • Portability:
  • 53.5 Whr battery
  • Special Features:
  • RGB Keyboard

Pros

  • Powerful processor for multitasking
  • Suitable for high-end graphics tasks
  • Ample and fast storage
  • Excellent cooling system 
  • Effective thermal management

Cons

  • Slightly on the heavier side 
  • Battery life might be limited under heavy usage due to high-performance component

Review

The MSI Bravo emerges as an exceptional choice for STEM students as it comes with a mix of power and precision. Its 15.6-inch display offers ample screen real estate, which is crucial for detailed projects and multitasking.

The powerful Ryzen 5 7035HS processor provides a seamless experience. This powerhouse, with up to 8 cores and 16 threads, is specifically designed to handle the rigorous demands of both gaming and creative tasks. When paired with a generous 32 GB of RAM, it offers smooth operation even with demanding software generally used in STEM fields.

Graphic-intensive tasks are no challenge for the MSI Bravo, thanks to its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics coprocessor. This makes it not only suitable for STEM tasks but also capable of handling gaming and creative workloads.

The high refresh rate display ensures that visuals are smooth, which is essential not only for designing and running simulations. The laptop’s thermal management features the Shared-Pipe design and MSI Cooler Boost 5 that prevents overheating during long study sessions.

4. MSI Thin GF63

MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop: 12th Gen Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, Type-C, Cooler Boost 5, Win11 Home: Black 12VE-066US

Highlights: 

  • OS:
  • Windows 11 Home
  • Display:
  • 15.6" 144Hz
  • Processor:
  • 12th Gen Intel Core i7 12650H
  • Memory:
  • 16GB DDR4 RAM
  • Storage:
  • 512GB NVMe SSD
  • Graphics:
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
  • Portability:
  • 51 Whr battery
  • Special Features:
  • Anti Glare Coating

Pros

  • Great performance for a relatively lower price
  • Smooth visuals
  • Adequate storage and memory for multitasking
  • Efficient cooling system
  • Portable

Cons

  • Average battery life
  • 16GB might not suit some students

Review

Another great laptop for a balanced performance under $1000 is the MSI Thin GF63. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, it delivers smooth performance for various tasks. Since it is designed for gaming, the 15.6-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers smooth and vibrant visuals. 

With 512 GB of SSD storage and 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, you get a decent space and speed for storing large files and running multiple applications simultaneously. The high-speed data transfer capability is ideal if you are dealing with large datasets or requiring quick access to resources.

Just like most of the laptops on this list, this one also comes with Windows 11 Home, which brings a user-friendly interface and the latest features. Also, you can enjoy extended periods of study or work without eye strain, thanks to the anti-glare coating.

The laptop's Cooler Boost 5 technology promotes cooling with its two fans and six heat pipes. This is superb for maintaining performance without overheating when you are using the laptop for long hours.

5. HP Victus

Victus by HP 15 Gaming Laptop, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Full HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard, Enhanced Thermals (15-fa0025nr, 2022)

Highlights: 

  • OS:
  • Windows 11 Home
  • Display:
  • 15.6" Full HD LED Display
  • Processor:
  • 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H
  • Memory:
  • 8 GB RAM
  • Storage:
  • 512 GB SSD
  • Graphics:
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
  • Portability:
  • 70 Whr battery
  • Special Features:
  • Backlit Keyboard

Pros

  • Strong performance 
  • Clear and wide-viewing angle display
  • Comes with Windows 11 Home

Cons

  • Insufficient RAM for demanding applications
  • Meager battery life 

Review

If you are looking for a decently priced laptop for your STEM-related work, HP Victus is a great choice. The laptop is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor that can manage multitasking and slightly complex academic software at a breeze.

Storage-wise, the 512 GB hard disk size is ample as you get enough space for software, documents, and media. Coupled with 8 GB of RAM, the HP Victus can handle everyday tasks efficiently, though you may find the need for more RAM for more intensive applications.

In terms of graphics, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 steps up the game. This GPU supports not only academic needs like data visualisation but also caters to gaming and creative pursuits, offering flexibility outside academic work.

Despite a relatively low price, it comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home. It includes features and tools that enhance productivity and creativity. The new operating system's emphasis on efficiency and easy access to content and connections is a significant plus for students.

Conclusion 

When selecting the best laptop for STEM students, you shouldn’t run after the most expensive option but the one that meets your specific needs and demands. Each of the laptops discussed offers a unique set of features suited to different aspects of STEM education. Weigh these features against your personal and academic requirements to make a choice that will support your learning journey effectively and efficiently.

Photo of author