A new macbook for architecture student

Just choosing a new one without examining your current one is not a good way to proceed.

First, tell us exactly what computer you have now, including: year, screen size, processor speed.

Next, explain the ways it is falling short of your expectations. Be as specific as you possibly can.

Using MacOS ElCapitan and later requires 6GB or more of RAM for appropriately-responsive operation for "regular" tasks. If you do not have 6GB or more, the additional RAM will be simulated on the Boot drive, causing it to spin up and operate continuously, and get quite hot. You will see the beachball a lot.

This is NOT an indication that anything is inherently wrong with your computer -- only that it is severely misconfigured for the way you are using it. It is NOT "too old to do this work."

Standard RAM:

4 GB

Maximum RAM:

16 GB*

Details:

4 GB of RAM is installed as two 2 GB modules, no slots free. *Apple officially supports a maximum of 8 GB of RAM, but third-parties have determined that this model actually is capable of using up to 16 GB of RAM with two 8 GB memory modules.

from:

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i5-2.5-13- mid-2012-unibody-usb3-specs.html

Users of that same computer who Installed an SSD drive (over about 250GB) report, "It's like getting a whole new computer!"

Any-old graphics processor can do 2-D and wire-frames, at nearly the same speed as a more advanced graphics processor. Advanced Graphics processors are really good for shaded and textured drawings.

You might get more bang for you buck by adding an external display for your CAD work.

So you suggest downgrading from my current system operator?

No, absolutely not.

I am saying the computer you have now is very capable. But the amount of RAM is your computer at present is pathetic. It is surprising you can do anything.

If you are in the US, you can upgrade to 6GB for under US$40, which will make a dramatic improvement.

...and to 8GB or 10GB for under US$80, and to 16GB for under US$160. This will have a less dramatic effect, but will allow you to run heavier Applications.

If you replace your old rotating drive with an SSD drive, this will have a general speeding-up effect.

Or you can do any of this one step at a time.

There is no getting around the 13-in screen except using computers or displays in a lab rather than your own personal computer. Your Mac will support external displays with many different interfaces.

The MacBook you have can have its RAM upgraded and its drive upgraded.

Later, almost all MacBook Pro with Retina Displays have their RAM soldered in place for extra reliability, so you need to choose enough at purchase time, or plan on replacing it later if your needs change.

Most recent MacBook Pro models, at least the 2016 models onward, have their SSD drive components soldered in place as well, for extra reliability. This makes Backups vitally important -- you can not upgrade nor remove the drive.

I can not remember and keep track of exactly which models through 2015 and 2014 and 2013 have which drives, so I have to look it up. They went through a series if proprietary "stick" form-factor drives, then ended up eliminating the sockets and soldered the components in place.