How much power full laptop or workstation laptop is good for fast simulations in physics and chemistry as well as to run siesta, virtual machine, Ubuntu and linex please?
To give you a short answer, none. A laptop is not designed to run calculations that can last for days using the CPUs at full power. Indeed, the hardware would degrade rapidly due to the heat and frequent hard disk use. Battery would drain rapidly when travelling.
if your only option is to buy a laptop, max out as much as you can the memory and the number of cores available. Then focus more on the disk size rather than on the graphical hardware. Drop windows and install Linux, install then the intel compilers.
I don't think there's a laptop for the simulation because when you start calculating with a laptop, the operation can take a week and you'd have to leave the PC running so the battery capacity will be reduced.
I therefore advise you to buy a good Unity 32GB or more for this purpose.
1. Processor (CPU): Look for a laptop with a fast and capable CPU. In general, a laptop with a higher number of cores and higher clock speeds will provide better performance for simulations. Processors from Intel (e.g., Core i7, Core i9) or AMD (e.g., Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9) are commonly used in high-performance laptops.
2. RAM: Adequate RAM is crucial for running simulations and virtual machines. Depending on the complexity of your simulations, I would recommend a minimum of 16 GB of RAM, but if you're dealing with large simulations or running multiple virtual machines simultaneously, consider 32 GB or more.
3. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): While not always necessary for physics and chemistry simulations, certain software packages can take advantage of GPUs for accelerated calculations. If your simulations or specific software can benefit from GPU acceleration, consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU, such as those from NVIDIA (e.g., GeForce RTX series).
4. Storage: Consider a laptop with a fast and spacious storage solution. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and can significantly improve loading times and overall system responsiveness. Having sufficient storage capacity is important to accommodate your simulations, data, and software installations.
5. Operating System: If you plan to run Siesta, virtual machines, Ubuntu, and Linux, make sure the laptop supports these operating systems. Most laptops nowadays are compatible with multiple operating systems, but it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's specifications or user reviews to ensure compatibility.
6. Cooling and Build Quality: Intensive simulations can put a heavy load on the laptop's hardware, generating heat. Look for a laptop with good cooling mechanisms and a sturdy build quality to ensure efficient heat dissipation and long-term reliability.