I'm joining the discussion; the topic is relevant. Based on my experience, I'd like to add that for 3ds Max, especially when it comes to rendering, the number one priority is the highest possible number of cores and threads in the processor (e.g., Ryzen 9 or Intel i9/HX series) and, of course, a powerful graphics card (at least a GeForce RTX 4070 or equivalent Quadro/RTX A-series). For pure AutoCAD, you can get by with a more modest setup. But the screen is often forgotten. Spending eight hours in front of it, peering at the fine lines of a drawing, is torture for the eyes on a poor-quality display. It's seriously worth considering options with high-definition IPS screens (at least WQHD) and good sRGB coverage. And the main tip that saved me money: clearly define what percentage of your time will be spent on 2D drawing and what percentage on complex 3D modeling and visualization. Often, it turns out that you need two different machines, and the compromise of a single laptop can be too expensive. Good luck with your choice!