This article looks at the specs you need to keep in mind if you’re planning to use your laptop to produce music. From processing power to storage space, here’s a list of key specs you should look for in a laptop for music production.

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The processor, also known as the CPU, is your computer’s brain, responsible for controlling all the most important duties. The processing power of a laptop is important for music production as it determines the speed and number of tasks your computer can handle.

Whether you’re recording multiple songs or mixing tracks using a digital audio workstation (DAW), you will need a computer with a powerful CPU.

CPU performance is measured by the number of cores and clock speed. Therefore, more cores often mean better performance in apps that support multithreading.

The higher the clock speed, the faster your processor can execute instructions. Anything above 3.0GHz should provide enough juice to help the CPU retrieve and interpret instructions quickly.

The number of cores you need for music production depends on what your DAW is optimized for. Many DAWs recommend a multicore processor as the minimum requirement.

DAWs utilize multiple cores to run several tasks in parallel, and a modern multicore Intel Core i7 CPU is optimal. A modern Core i7 CPU will work well with the default settings of your DAW to allow efficient simultaneous processing of multiple tasks, and you can run lots of plugins and higher track counts.

Note that adding cores increases processing power, but more isn’t necessarily better past a certain point. Also, it’s near impossible to upgrade your CPU down the line; when in doubt, get the most capable option within your budget.

2. RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is the memory inside your computer where program data and other instructions are stored temporarily. When your laptop runs, the RAM fills with data your apps and CPU may need to use, granting quick access to frequently requested or useful data.

The more programs you have running at once, the more RAM you need. Aim for a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM to run most music production software efficiently. It’s the amount recommended by developers of the popular DAW, ProTools.

It will also help to investigate whether your laptop supports RAM upgrades. Many Windows and Linux laptops let you upgrade your RAM. On the other hand, the latest Macs don’t allow you to upgrade the RAM yourself. Even then, you can add or upgrade the RAM on some Macs.

3. Operating System (OS)

There is no “best” operating system for music production, as each OS is better for one producer than another. Some good contenders include the latest, stable versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux. Your favorite OS should also be compatible with your music production software.

Whatever platform you choose, ensure you use the 64-bit version of the OS to utilize more of your laptop’s resources. A key advantage of a 64-bit processor over a 32-bit version is its ability to access more RAM.

A 32-bit OS can access up to 4GB of RAM, while a 64-bit version can support over 4GB RAM, making it the more capable option. Besides, the most popular DAWs, including Avid Pro Tools and Logic Pro X, support it.

4. Storage

Lossless and high-res audio files take up a lot of storage. Aim for a minimum of 1TB to store your music files, samples, and projects to minimize the possibility of running out of storage space while making music. If your laptop has a single drive, ensure it’s an SSD.

Laptops with SSD can read and write data faster and are more reliable than an older HDD. However, they are more expensive than their HDD equivalents.

If your computer has two drives, consider installing the OS and apps on an SSD and storing your audio files and completed projects on the regular hard drive. And should you decide to expand your storage capacity, you can buy external drives that plug directly into your laptop.

5. Display

Music production software like DAWs tend to have a complicated UI, so a big screen is important to keep everything in view with minimal scrolling. In addition, a large display size means you can arrange DAW windows and fit more plugins on the screen simultaneously.

Laptops with 17-inch displays should provide a great overview of your timeline for quicker workflow. However, if you’ll be monitoring dozens of tracks at once, then you’d want to get a laptop with a bigger display (yes, 18.4-inch laptops exist!).

Considering how producers spend long hours looking at the screen, it’s important to have one that’s easy on the eyes. Ideally, get a laptop with high brightness and an anti-glare screen to protect your eyes.

While not essential, a durable laptop is important if you plan to use it for years without worrying about breaking down. For example, a laptop with Gorilla Glass display helps keep your work safe when traveling and taking accidental knocks.

6. Ports

A laptop’s ports determine the kind of accessories you can plug into them and how they can output elements like sound and graphics.

The ideal laptop should have many ports to connect audio devices (microphones and keyboards) and storage drives for your recordings. You’ll want to look for a laptop with at least one port for each device you’ll need: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.

You can always add more ports to your laptop by using a USB-C hub or adapter. USB-C is a small and versatile port with various uses, including connecting displays and peripherals.

7. Weight

Laptops vary in weight depending on their design and materials. Look for a lightweight model, ideally no more than three pounds, if you plan on taking it on the road frequently.

8. Battery Life

And finally, be sure to check out the machine’s battery life. You don’t want to be stranded with a dead laptop during a recording session.

Some laptops offer longer battery life than others, so it’s important to research before making any purchase decision. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least eight hours of battery life.

What Laptop Do You Use for Music Production?

While you can use a laptop to create, mix, or master great music, the best laptop for music producers will be different for each individual. Some key factors to remember when shopping include CPU, RAM, and storage.

Now that you know the important specs, it’s time to decide which laptop you need. However, before making any purchase, check out other reviews and specifications available to ensure that your choice best suits your needs.