Best laptop for car tuning
Imagine, just a century ago people would ride horses, but not so long ago, automotive machines like cars took their place. And it does not just end there, the auto vehicle industry is evolving like a raging wildfire. Every little detail is being perfected, fine-tuned, and reviewed.
To keep up with this evolution, your car needs a high-end tuning system to ensure proper fuel efficiency, find engine faults, tire management, speed control, Co2 emission, and many more details.
You need a heavy-duty laptop that’s loaded with the tech which can handle the varieties software for tuning different types of cars.
For a car tuning laptop, the most important features are high performance, massive RAM, large storage, lightweight, ease of use, high-resolution display, as well as multiple ports for data transfer. It will be a disaster if you miss one of these on your laptop.
In this article, I will summarize the best laptops for car tuning from a shortlist that I personally curated, check this out if you have an interest.
Best Laptop For Car Tuning: Top 10 Laptops That Bring Out Your Car’s Max Potential
When it comes to car tuning and development, the race isn’t just on the tracks, but mostly in the garages. Even the most minor-looking adjustments can give you a great boost in performance. [as a former Asphalt player, take my word for it]
So many software are invented by the IT company for ultra-smooth car tuning for better performance, maintenance & upgrade of your car. And to handle those high-end car tuning software, a top-notch featured-packed laptop is mandatory.
I have made a list of 10 after good research to save you the trouble of hunting and measuring. Let’s see those laptops without wasting any time…
1. HP Spectre x360
Specifications | |
CPU | Intel Core i7- 1065G7 |
GPU | Intel Integrated |
RAM | 16 GB |
Clock Speed | 1.30 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 1 TB SSD |
Screen Size | 13.3’’ |
Screen Type | IPS |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12.08 x 7.66 x 0.67 inches |
Ports | 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C, Thunderbolt 3 |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi 6 |
Weight | 3.0 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Pro |
The HP Spectre x360 would make a great laptop for tuning your car. To find out the mechanical problems you need to use a scanning tool like TOAD which is a top-notch onboard diagnostic available for you.
Plus, the HP Spectre x360 comes with a powerful processor of Intel Core i7 so you won’t face any lagging during scanning with TOAD. Along with that, the lightweight design of this laptop will help you to start your car tuning anywhere.
In addition to that, the ultra-responsive touchscreen let you work more efficiently. For your convenience, the HP Spectre x360 offers multiple ports such as 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, and 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C Thunderbolt 3 so that you can easily connect to the car using a cable.
Besides, saving larger size software would be a breeze due to 1 TB SSD. If you want data security, the HP Spectre x360 provides it with its fingerprint reader. One thing that might be irritating is that it has overheating issue.
- Running of TOAD car scanning tool would be smooth
- Lightweight helps a lot during work time
- Responsive touchscreen increase efficiency
- Varieties of ports for faster data exchange
- Storing huge software would be easy & fast
- Comes with overheating problem
2. Dell XPS 13 9310
Specifications | |
CPU | 11th Gen Intel Core i7 |
GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB |
Clock Speed | 3 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Screen Size | 13.4’’ |
Screen Type | LED |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.64 x 7.82 x 0.58 inches |
Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 3, 3.5 mm Headphone/Microphone Jack, MicroSD card reader |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi 6 |
Weight | 2.80 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Pro |
The Dell XPS 13 9310 laptop is a wonderful laptop which houses top-notch features that do a perfect job for tuning your car.
You as a car specialist will find it pretty easy to use tuning software like Movi Pro, and Auto Doctor due to the heavy-duty Intel Core i7 processor with a 3 GHz clock speed. Also, the storing of all car tuning information, and programs would be a breeze because of the 512 GB storage.
Plus, the 2.80lb lightweight structure lets you work on your car without much hassle. The outstanding battery backup will help you to work without any charge for 6-7 hours which is great for a car specialist.
Moreover, 13.4’’ Anti-reflective display will assist you to carry on your tuning while you are outside. Furthermore, the larger size touchpad & the bigger keycaps will make your typing & surfing convenient. Sadly this laptop generates a bit of noise during heavy use.
Finally, the unparalleled advanced thermal engineering of the Dell XPS 13 keeps the laptop ultracool which increases the user’s comfort.
- The battery backup is impressive
- Swift use of tuning software like Movi Pro & Auto Doctor due to tough processor
- Excellent Anti-reflective display help to work outside
- Both typing & navigating would be butter smooth
- Unrivaled thermal technology keeps the unit supercool
- Produce a bit of noise
3. HP 15-cs3019nr Pavilion
Specifications | |
CPU | 10th Gen Intel Core i7 |
GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB DDR |
Clock Speed | 3.9 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 15.6’’ |
Screen Type | IPS |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.24 x 9.67 x 0.7 inches |
Ports | Media Reader, USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi 6 |
Weight | 4.08 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Pro |
Under the hood the HP 15-cs3019nr Pavilion comes with tons of features to support & run the high-end car tuning software efficiently.
The very first thing you need is a combination of a muscular processor & solid ram to operate tuning software like Toad Pro OBD2, Q tuning, etc. And the HP 15 won’t depress you as it comes with Intel Core i7 & 16 GB RAM.
In addition to that, using the HDMI 1.4b, RJ-45, USB 3.1 GEN 1 Type C you can smoothly connect your car with the laptop & also do other daily tasks.
Since car tuning software needs to save a large amount of data so the 512 GB storage of the HP 15-cs3019nr would be really helpful. However, this laptop runs with a noisy fan which is a big downside at this price range.
For long hour car tuning, this laptop will provide you ample amount of battery backup. Overall the HP 15 would be a good shot!
- Excellent RAM plus strong processor ensure efficient running
- Smooth connection with the car using the ports
- Capacity to store lots of tuning relevant data due to the 512 GB storage
- Standard battery backup for uninterrupted working
- The fan generates pretty loud noise
4. LG Gram 14T90N
Specifications | |
CPU | 10th Gen Intel Core i7 |
GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB |
Clock Speed | 1.8 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 1 TB SSD |
Screen Size | 14’’ |
Screen Type | LCD |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12.8 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches |
Ports | Thunderbolt 3 |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi 6 |
Weight | 2.53 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Home |
Software like PCMScan will help with diagnostic data, to generate maps and multiple car details & the LG Gram 14T90N would ensure all these happening flawlessly as it’s packed with excellent features.
Plus, it always feels better when there is a good quality screen. And, the 14’’ Full HD screen of this laptop will ensure you can see all the details without any eye strain.
Inside the lightweight body, the 16 GB RAM & 1 TB storage will make sure you get lightning speed during pick hour. This laptop’s weak points are its poor sound quality and its cheap build quality.
Besides, the battery life of the LG guy gives unparalleled backup for 10+ hours. Which makes it a highly suitable unit for car tuning professionals. Because nobody likes to put an extra cable during work hours.
For your convenience, this LG Gram comes with both WiFi & Bluetooth for fast data downloads. Along with that, the Thunderbolt 3 port will make sure ultra-fast data transfer for a smooth car tuning session.
- Lightning-fast experience during multitasking at pick hour
- Battery life is long-lasting with Bluetooth & Wi-Fi for faster info download
- Lightweight helps a lot during working hours
- Ample screen size with high-quality display ensure strain-free detail checking
- Supports varieties of car tuning software
- The audio quality is too poor
- Build quality feels a bit cheaper
5. Lenovo ThinkPad E14
Specifications | |
CPU | AMD 8 core Ryzen 7 4700U |
GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB DDR |
Clock Speed | 4.1 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 512 GB PCLe SSD |
Screen Size | 14’’ |
Screen Type | IPS |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12.80 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches |
Ports | 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C, 1 USB A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 USB A 2.0, 1 HDMI 1.4, 1 Headphone/Mic combo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi 6 |
Weight | 3.51 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Pro |
If you want to use ProScan software & Toad Pro OBD2 to increase the fuel efficiency, detecting & fixing the engine problems then the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 would be a fantastic choice.
This amazing unit is equipped with 16GB RAM, so multitasking would be a breeze while tuning your car. In addition to that, loading a bigger size of files would be smooth too.
Besides, the 512 GB storage of the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 would provide you with faster bootup along with saving the battery to give a long backup.
Coming with an Anti-glare 14’’ screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution this unit will feel awesome while working on high-end car tuning software. You will surely love the fine quality screen which gets backed by AMD Radeon Graphics.
Moreover, a smooth connection for faster data transfer is uncompromised in this laptop due to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C, USB A 3.2 Gen 1, USB A 2.0, and HDMI 1.4 ports.
The only drawback of the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 laptop is that it’s not very lightweight.
- Sparky performance due to amazing RAM
- Faster bootup with long-time battery backup
- High screen resolution ensures quality screen time during work hours
- Varieties of ports let you make an easy connection with the car & tune smoothly
- Suitable for running versatile car tuning software
- Not very lightweight can irritate during longtime tuning
6. HP-Envy
Specifications | |
CPU | Intel Core i7 |
GPU | Intel Iris Graphics |
RAM | 8 GB DDR |
Clock Speed | 3.9 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 13.3’’ |
Screen Type | LED |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12.1 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches |
Ports | 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C, 2 USB 3.1 Gen Type-A |
Connectivity | Bluetooth & Wi-Fi |
Weight | 2.87 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 |
Laptop which is used for car tuning has to be fast enough to smoothly operate the software that calibrates your car. In this regard, the HP- Envy would be a great pick!
Let’s begin with the display of the HP-Envy which is ultra-bright plus 4K which makes it a highly suitable laptop for people who need to work long hours. Especially car tuner experts.
Along with that, the sleek design & lightweight chassis gives you more freedom to work on it easily. Despite having a moderate power battery it does not last long due to the 4k display.
Plus, it’s crucial to have an easy-responsive keyboard and touchpad for faster typing & navigating while tuning the car. And, the HP-Envy will provide proper comfort by reducing finger fatigue.
Moreover, the first-class Intel Core i7 will give you an ample amount of support to run tuning software. However, the lower 8 GB RAM is a major drawback. You can use the different USB ports for easy connection with the car.
- 4k bright display is user friendly for screen time
- Sleeker design & lightweight make work hours effortless
- Excellent touchpad-keyboard assist to continue work faster & efficiently
- Multiple ports for cable connection to car
- Highly impressive processors provide huge support
- Battery goes down fast due to high power display
- 8 GB RAM is not enough fast
7. MSI Prestige 14 Evo Professional
Specifications | |
CPU | Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
GPU | Intel Iris XE |
RAM | 16 GB |
Clock Speed | 0.9 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Screen Size | 14’’ |
Screen Type | LED |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19.1 x 12.5 x 3.1 inches |
Ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB 2.0 |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi |
Weight | 2.84 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Home |
The MSI Prestige 14 Evo Professional laptop would be one of the best laptop for EFI tuning.
A powerful battery is one of the top-notch priorities for car specialists & this one does that on point by giving backup for around 10 hours. With an uncompromising 512 GB storage, you will find the MSI Prestige 14 Evo smooth for saving massive size software.
Plus, the fingerprint & face detection features of this amazing unit ensure your data security. The ultra-lightweight MSI Prestige 14 Evo makes it a perfect choice for a car specialist who travels a lot.
Moreover, the Thunderbolt 4 will ensure smooth data transfer during car tuning. You will get a flawless speed because of the 16 GB RAM.
One drawback of this unit is it makes a noise from the fan. Speaking of both keyboard & trackpad the MSI Prestige 14 EVO is excellent. Finally, the screen provides enough brightness to work outside without any issue.
- Terrific battery backup keeps you free from frequent charging
- Ultra-lightweight makes it handier for professional who travels a lot
- Thunderbolt 4 makes sure no lagging during data transfer
- Keyboard & Touchpad are superb
- Powerful RAM & massive storage increase the efficiency
- Loud noise from the fan
8. Dell Latitude 3410
Specifications | |
CPU | Intel Quad-Core i5 |
GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
RAM | 16 GB |
Clock Speed | 4.2 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
Screen Size | 14’’ |
Screen Type | LED |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12.85 x 8.91 x 0.72 inches |
Ports | 3 USB Type A, 1 USB Type C, 1 HDMI, 1 RJ-45, 1 Audio Combo Jack |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi |
Weight | 3.37 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Pro |
This 14’’ screen laptop with NanoEdge Bezel technology & Intel UHD Graphics will give the user a comfortable screen time.
Plus, the outstanding 7-8 hour battery backup keeps you free from bringing an extra cardigan cable while tuning. To increase your overall work efficiency, the Dell Latitude 3410 features Bluetooth 5.1 & Wi-Fi 6/
In addition to that, the combination of the latest AI & Intel Adaptix with the 10th Gen Intel Quad Core i5 will make sure you are having a faster experience. Unfortunately, the storage of this unit is not up to the mark though it will get the job done.
You will be impressed with the higher number of ports of Dell Latitude 3410 which includes USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 & HDMI, etc.
Furthermore, the Fingerprint reader feature of the Dell Latitude 3410 makes it a highly secure laptop. In my opinion, this laptop would be one of the best laptop for automotive technicians.
- High-quality graphics & high resolution ensure pain-free screen time
- Battery backup is first-class
- Faster operating due to great processor & built-in AI
- A wider range of ports lets you transfer data without lagging
- Fingerprints ensure good security, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 6
- Storage is not standard
9. ASUS ZenBook 13
Specifications | |
CPU | 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
RAM | 8 GB |
Clock Speed | 4.2 GHz |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
Screen Size | 13.3’’ |
Screen Type | OLED |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.98 x 7.99 x 0.55 inches |
Ports | Thunderbolt 4 |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 & Wi-Fi 6 |
Weight | 2.45 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Home |
Here comes the ASUS ZenBook 13 which is user friendly for different types of users like students, businessman & corporate guys due to its multifunctional ability.
You won’t face any problem holding the laptop as it’s only 2.45 and extremely sleek. Also, the keyboard and touchpad of the Asus ZenBook 13 feel awesome during typing & navigating.
Running big-size car tuning software would be a breeze due to the stunning 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. Unlike other laptops, the ASUS ZenBook 13 does not have any heating problems.
Besides, this wonderful unit will allow you to make charts, make diagnostic data and freeze frame data using car tuning software like PCMScan.
Plus, the high-end NanoEdge Bezel high-resolution display of the ASUS ZenBook 13 increases your productivity along with comfort.
Data transferring during car tuning would be efficient as it features Thunderbolt 4 USB C & USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. Apart from the 8 GB RAM & low battery life, everything is cool about this laptop.
- Ultra-lightweight aids a lot during working
- Larger file running would be smooth due to magnificent processor
- A high-resolution display leads to an increase in work efficiency
- Faster data transfer with different ports
- ErgoLift Hinge helps to comfortable typing & reduce heating issue
- Lower range RAM
- The battery backup level is not close to standard
10. Dell Inspiron 15 5593
Specifications | |
CPU | 10th Gen Intel Core i7 |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce MX230 |
RAM | 8 GB |
Clock Speed | 3.9 GHz |
Number of Cores | 1 |
Storage | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 15.6’’ |
Screen Type | LED |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.33 x 9.80 x 0.78 inches |
Ports | USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C, HDMI, RJ 45, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1, Headphone / Microphone Jack, SD Card Reader |
Connectivity | Not available |
Weight | 6.19 lbs |
OS | Windows 10 Home |
The Dell Inspiron 15 laptop is one of those rare units that will beat most of the laptop when it comes to car tuning.
Let’s start with the processor of the Dell Inspiron 15, which boasts an impressive Intel Core i7 processor.
Plus, the combination of the NVIDIA GeForce MX230 & the amazing LED-backlit display with 1920 x 1080 will let you enjoy the screen time.
Moreover, you will appreciate the 512 GB storage that not only ensures massive tuning data saving but also ensures faster boots up. Setup of the Dell Inspiron 15 5593 would be a breeze.
I found the Dell Inspiron 15 to be weak in two areas. One is the RAM is only 8 GB & second one is the weight of the laptop is too heavy with 6.19 pounds.
Anyway, you are getting a variety of ports in this amazing laptop which includes USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C, and 2 USB 3.1 Gen ports for easy connection with the car.
- Uncompromised resolution with mind-boggling display
- Large file saving capacity with faster boots due to 512 GB storage
- A long list of ports for a smooth connection with the car
- Easy to set up
- 8 GB RAM is not appropriate
- The weight of the laptop is very bulky
Best laptop for car tuning: Buying Guide
Good purchases are not easy to make & they will never be. When people purchase electronic products, they often fail to look at the details before clicking the buy button. It’s a recurring theme for laptops. I can’t tell you how many smiles I’ve seen fade away when someone made an oopsie.
So to save yourself from the hassle of a loss project, make sure all the below features are present in your laptop to ensure a great buy.
CPU
When you aim to purchase the best laptop for car tuning the utmost important thing is the processor. This one thing changes the whole game of any laptop.
Car tuning software comes with many variations which require different technical specifications,
However, one common thing is the ultimate computing ability. That’s why the least processor you can go for is the 10th Gen Intel Core i5. But the recommended processor is the 10th Gen Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor for flawless operating.
RAM
This thing will depend on your level of using car software. If you are a full-time car tuning professional then don’t even dare to buy a less than 16 GB RAM laptop.
On the other hand, if you plan to use a laptop for office work, video viewing, or gaming, then an 8 GB capacity would be fine.
But please remember if you have plans to run high-resolution games & software then go for 16 GB even if you are not a professional car tuner.
Storage
Though massive storage is not required for car tuning itself. But you need to save lots of data. Leaving small space for other stuff can make the laptop work slowly.
If you want to use the laptop for multipurpose like laptop tuning and personal use & gaming then definitely go for the 512 GB storage. In fact, have a look at another of my article that explains how much storage does a laptop need for various different cases.
Display
A bright display that comes with a higher resolution will assist you to work on your car tuning project efficiently. You need to check a hell lot of details during tuning, and good resolution always helps you find the nitty-gritty.
And about screen size, 13 inches – 15 inches would be suitable as you have to keep the laptop inside your vehicle.
Connectivity
Most of the car tuning software will require the use of a USB port to create a connection with the laptop. Normally you can buy a laptop that comes with 2 USB ports.
However, if you are a gadget freak then go for a laptop that offers at least 3ports for multiple connections. Look for ports like Thunderbolt 3, HDMI & display port in your laptop.
Battery life
This is another important feature you need to look for while buying a laptop for car tuning. Because you will be grinding away in your workshop, It’s a very normal scenario that you won’t have a plug nearby and even if there’s a plug you will be constantly moving around with the laptop in hand.
Low battery life will give you the pain of repeating the whole tuning process if it shut down. So laptops that can go for straight 7-9 hours are highly recommended for car tuning professionals.
Portability
Would you like a heavy laptop in your hand while tuning a car? No, Right? So go for a lightweight laptop. Make sure it does not have more weight than 4 pounds.
It will not feel handy but also reduce the hassle of carrying a heavy thing.
Keyboard & Touchpad
A nice feel & ample size keycap will keep your finger free from fatigue. Besides, a smooth & non-sticky responsive touchpad lets you use the mouse cursor flawlessly. And, both of these increase the overall productivity of your car tuning.
I know a lot of people who see this as a necessity. Try going for a laptop with a mechanical keyboard if this is an important factor for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need massive storage on a laptop for car tuning?
No, you don’t need massive storage for car tuning but it is recommended to buy massive storage like 512 GB so that there is no lagging & you can save bigger files smoothly.
What are the most important features to look for in a laptop for car tuning?
The most important features are the unparalleled powerful processor, higher RAM, adequate storage, clear high-resolution display, excellent long-time battery backup, and ports for fast data transfer & lightweight. Make sure these are present while buying your laptop.
What is the minimum processor required for car tuning?
The minimum processor required for car tuning is Intel Core i5. But the experts recommended going for 11th Gen Intel Core i7 for optimum performance.
Which laptop is the best laptop for car tuning?
In my opinion, the LG Gram 14T90N is the best laptop for car tuning. Also, the MSI Prestige 14 Evo, HP 15-cs3019nr Pavilion, HP Spectre x360 & Dell Latitude 3410 are excellent laptops for car tuning.
Conclusion
For a lot of car owners, just riding the factory-made car isn’t much of a kick anymore. They want the bring the maximum potential out of their cars. And for that, there is no alternative but to tune it.
The laptops I mentioned above should be able to handle whatever crazy tunings you’re thinking about. Get one of them and let the sparks fly!