The minimum specs you need in a laptop for 3D printing will depend on whether you want to design your own 3D models in CAD software or prepare pre-made models downloaded from the web.

For the actual 3D printing, you can slice models in programs like Cura or PrusaSlicer using a budget laptops with as little as 8GB of RAM, a quad-core processor and basic graphics, although a dedicated GPU would be ideal to avoid stuttering in previews.

If you plan to design your own 3D models using CAD software, you will want a more powerful machine with dedicated graphics and at least 16GB RAM. For colour-critical work, look for a display with 100% DCI-P3 and a Delta E below 2.

As for storage, you won't normally need a large SSD for 3D printing alone. Standard model files (STL, OBJ) usually range from 1 MB to 50 MB depending on how detailed the model is. Sliced files (G-code) are larger, often from 10 MB to 100 MB because they contain specific movement instructions for the printer. Raw CAD design files can be larger again but still rarely exceed a few hundred megabytes.

You might want more space if you collect massive libraries of high-detail miniatures, large cosplay armor pieces, or store raw video footage of your prints, but you can also use cloud storage or one of the best external hard drives.