My Star Wars Lego Dark Falcon (a derivative of the Millenium Falcon) has pride of place in The Workshop (my office) on its Wicked Bricks display stand. As those of you know me well, I love my Lego, and I am a big Star Wars fan.
Well, as of now, I am a big HP Zbook Ultra G1a fan. This tiny 14-inch mobile workstation simply ROCKS.
As of this year, not only have I just turned 56, but I have hit my 37th year of using AutoCAD. I can still remember my huge monochrome CRT monitor that took three people to move it, and my AutoCAD tablet and puck. Well, times are a changin’. This wee beastie is almost pocket-sized, and it most certainly packs a punch.
I do not know how HP and AMD have managed it, but to fit so much into such a small form factor is something else. Not only is it running the AMD Ryzen AI Max processor (Strix Halo), but it is also running the new Accelerated Processing Unit (or APU). This removes the need for a discrete graphics processing unit (GPU). With a simple change of BIOS settings, you can pull up to 96GB of shared memory for use with 2D drafting and 3D modeling in AutoCAD. Yes, you read that right. 96GB.
I have done a bit of testing for AMD with this amazing mobile workstation (you cannot call it a laptop), and using AutoCAD 2026, I can safely say that this is most definitely the way of the future. The processing power is immense, the graphics display is sublime with colours to die for, AND AutoCAD 2026 recognises the non-discrete technology inside.
Traditionally, built-in graphics in yesterday’s processors did not perform well, nor were they particularly capable. Therefore, Autodesk recommended a dedicated graphics card for use with AutoCAD. Until now.
AutoCAD 2026 recognises the AMD Ryzen AI graphics hardware and uses it to provide advanced graphics features in both 2D drafting and 3D modeling, including the DirectX-based Graphics System Fabric (GSF) AutoCAD uses for faster processing.
GRAPHICSCONFIG
When setting up GRAPHICSCONFIG in AutoCAD 2026, you can go all in with the settings, making sure you are using the ZBook Ultra to its full advantage. In the past, there were times when you had to switch off hardware acceleration and reduce the video memory caching level. Now these features are enabled by default and set to maximum.
FASTSHADEDMODE sysvar
In AutoCAD 2026, you can take advantage of the FASTSHADEDMODE system variable with the newer AMD Ryzen AI systems. There are two more visual styles with FASTSHADEDMODE support: Hidden and Conceptual. FASTSHADEDMODE enhances navigation performance in large 3D models when using a visual style with (Fast) in the name. AutoCAD 2026 uses the Graphics System Framework (GSF) and FASTSHADEDMODE to deliver incredibly smooth rotation, orbits, and rendering. Combined with the Ryzen processing and the Radeon graphics, this makes 3D modeling and editing in AutoCAD a breeze with no lag or jerkiness.
3D Navigation
Graphics processors sometimes struggle when you need to navigate within a larger 3D model. The AMD Ryzen AI processors are more than up for this challenge, making 3D navigation clean and fast. The integrated Radeon rendering engine gives uninterrupted views when AutoCAD 3D tools are used to view objects in a drawing. This includes adjustments to angle, heights, and distances, as well as orbit, swivel, pan, and zoom.
Using the AutoCAD Orbit, ViewCube and Wheel is also much smoother, with the AMD Ryzen AI processors delivering a more dynamic interface experience for AutoCAD users.
2D Drafting
Autodesk claims that AutoCAD 2026 opens DWG files up to 11x faster than AutoCAD 2025. This does, however, depend on factors such as user experience, machine, operating system, network configurations, filters, and source material. The Autodesk tests were as fair and objective as possible, but results may differ. I have to say, though, the 2D performance in the HP Zbook with the AMD Ryzen AI technology was the fastest I have seen in 2D AutoCAD drafting. It is pretty damn fast!
The 11x opening speed mentioned supplies a much-needed boost when working with larger, more complex DWG files. Combine this with the incredible capacity of 96GB using the Radeon allocated graphics memory. You just know that opening bigger, more complicated plans and blueprints is going to be fast, saving valuable drafting time.
Conclusions
I have to say that this piece of kit will not be leaving me anytime soon. Its small form factor makes it incredibly portable and mobile. The unexpected power inside that small package enhances both 3D modeling and 2D drafting, with the AMD Ryzen AI processors providing quick navigation, even in complex models and drawings. This all reduces processing time, and that, in return, can only enhance productivity.
Integrated GPUs like this will become increasingly important, especially to CAD users, and as they continue to improve. I can see AMD Ryzen AI processors providing all the tech needed for companies to improve and enhance their CAD function, without the need for discrete graphics cards.
I was blown away by this incredible piece of new technology, and how it will enhance how I use AutoCAD in the future
There is now another favourite in The Workshop, and it’s not made of Lego.
PS – If you are attending Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, stop by the HP / AMD / NVIDIA booth (#260), and if you see me there, I’ll be happy to show you this incredible piece of kit!
SCB.
Full disclosure
HP and AMD provided an HP Zbook Ultra G1a for the purposes of testing and the writing of this piece. All AutoCAD 2026 testing was done by Not Just CAD.
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