More than any other type of laptop, choosing a gaming laptop is a very considered purchase. You can spend hours searching and comparing specifications to find just the machine you want. To try and make this process a bit easier we’ve compiled all the relevant information on one page for all the laptops that we think are worthy of consideration for he serious gamer.
We’d love to know what you think. What is your favorite gaming laptop and why? Hit us up in the comments.
Table of Contents:
- What to look for in a gaming laptop
- Best gaming laptops by brand:
- Best gaming laptops by budget:
- Key features comparison table for all models
- Gaming Laptop FAQs
What to look for in a laptop for gaming?
Gaming laptops are different to your run of the mill laptop designed for web surfing, email and your standard productivity tools like Microsoft Office. Modern games, with their life-like graphics, are very demanding so require different (better) specs than an everyday work machine.
If you are serious about gaming performance there are some essential specs that you should pay close attention to when comparing options…
- RAM Memory – The serious gamer should make sure to purchase a laptop with as many gigabytes of RAM as he or she can afford. A large amount of RAM will keep games running quickly and smoothly.
- Dedicated Graphics Card – Good gaming laptops should have a dedicated graphics card to ensure that the CPU doesn’t become overloaded with graphics processes.
- Powerful CPU – Really you need a dual or preferably a quad-core CPU. Together with the graphics card, these two components synergize to create a smoother gaming experience, without compromising on visual fidelity.
- SSD Storage – A large internal SSD, or at least a secondary external SSD, is a must-have for the solid gaming laptop. Given the size of storage required for modern games, an additional SSD will halve or even quarter load times and prevent file fragmentation.
- Dedicated Networking Card – The laptop should feature a dedicated networking card. This will prove handy in reducing lag time when playing multiplayer games.
- High Spec Display – You should look for laptops with displays capable of widescreen resolutions and a high refresh rate, both of which are essential to most modern games.
For the best gaming laptop experience serious gamers should think long-term and make an investment now, which will ensure that their laptop stays up-to-date for the longest time possible. Since laptops are not as readily upgradable as personal computers, the laptop’s specs are, for the most part, tied to the laptop for the future. Once the laptop’s hardware becomes obsolete, it’s time to make a move and upgrade.
Acer Gaming Laptops
Acer manufactures laptops for all purposes, but they are especially well respected for their line of portable gaming machines. They were relatively late to the gaming laptop game, but they quickly outmatched the others with their extreme focus on the quality and gamer specific features. For instance they were the first to include metal fans with so called ‘owl-wingtips’ which provide 29% more airflow compared to the commonly used cooling fans that are used by most companies. Here are the best gaming laptops in the Acer range…
Predator Helios 300
An overclockable graphic chip and a 144Hz display are the highlight of this super-efficient lightweight gaming laptop. It comes with different configurations but the memory and storage capacity are easily upgraded if desired. Despite the craving for more storage, this beast can reach speeds of 60 frames per second on many of the current titles. Don’t be fooled by its slim outlooks and lightweight because gamers will certainly adore a lot of extra goodies such as PredatorSense and turbo buttons that can boost up the performance in an instant.
Predator Helios 300 Specs
Model Number: | PH317-53-77HB |
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7-9750H 2.60 GHz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660Ti with 6 GB DDR |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 8 GB, DDR4 SDRAM |
Storage: | 512 GB SSD |
Predator Triton 500
If you can shell out a bit more money than standard gaming computers, try this powerful laptop that comes in a variety of configurations. A configurable fan, adjustable CPU and GPU specs, and a plethora of ports make it a standout among its competitors. It’s true that the design and sound quality could be improved but the 1080p 17.3-inch IPS display has a 144Hz refresh rate, which complements Nvidia or Intel Graphics for a streamlined gaming experience. Overall, it’s large and heavy but you can easily configure it for i7 processor, 1TB HDD, and a 256GB SSD storage combo.
Predator Triton 500 Specs
Model Number: | PT515-51-7746 |
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7-9750H 2.60 GHz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 2070 with 8 GB dedicated memory |
Display: | 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16 GB, DDR4 SDRAM |
Storage: | 512 GB SSD |
Asus Gaming Laptops
Asus makes great gaming computers. They always use top quality hardware, are well spec’d and they’re known for their excellent displays. Another stand out feature of Asus’ gaming laptops is their portability. They’ve perfected very compact designs which means they can be easily taken on the road to game no matter where. Asus is also well known for their ability to prevent overheating, which means they can handle hours of gaming without lagging or powering down. These are our favorite Asus laptops for gaming…
ROG Strix SCAR 3
Designed to impress gamers, this gaming laptop comes with RTX 2060 GPU supported by an equally capable 240Hz panel display on the 15.6-inch screen. The Intel Core i7-9750H CPU delivers strong performance backed up by excellent graphics. Good battery life can last more than 5 hours continues to deliver top-notch visual and audio quality. Don’t be surprised to experience graphics that may exceed 75 frames per second. In fact, the ROG Keystone and a comfortable keypad make this machine too addictive.
ROG Strix SCAR 3 Specs
Model Number: | G731GW |
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i9-9880H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2070 with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SDRAM |
Storage: | 1TB SSD |
ROG ZEPHYRUS S
If you have the cash to spend, there aren’t that many gaming laptops this good. Apart from one of the coolest designs, it offers exceptional performance that can take on most graphically demanding AAA PC games of our era. Add to this a super 17-inch slim screen with narrow bezels, you’re looking at a near-perfect machine that will run relatively quiet even with this powerful hardware. Under the hood is Nvidia’s Ray Traced Global Illumination tech technology, which makes the in-game screen just look too real to believe. A selection of USB, HDMI, and other ports make GX701 highly practical for most gamers.
ROG ZEPHYRUS S Specs
Model Number: | GX701GXR |
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7-9750H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2080 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 300Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SDRAM |
Storage: | 1TB SSD |
ROG Mothership
This is a top-of-the-line Asus gaming computer that packs equally top-notch hardware components. The performance is delivered by an Intel Core i9 processor, 64GB of RAM, and 1.5TB of storage space. The design is somewhat between a desktop and a laptop with an option to detach a keyboard that can be folded into half. Among the highlights are 4-watt speakers that reverberate with deep drums and bass. In addition, you will also like the battery time that exceeds 5 hours compared to 3 and a half hour for many of its competing devices.
ROG Mothership Specs
Model Number: | GZ700 |
Processor: | Intel ® Core™ i9-9980HK |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2080 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
Display: | 17.3″ 4K UHD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SDRAM |
Storage: | 512GB SSD |
ROG Strix HERO 3
For gamers who’re looking to balance the price and performance, the laptop a perfect match. Its 17.3-inch screen complements a fast response time at 144 Hz refresh rate, which is enough for even the most demanding games. Compared to others in its category, you will also enjoy a relatively long battery life and a quieter CPU. A strong base with narrow display bezels, dedicated mouse keys, and compatible Asus keystone security are its strengths. A noticeable drawback is small arrow keys that may hinder performance during an intense gameplay.
ROG Strix HERO 3 Specs
Model Number: | G731GW |
Processor: | Intel ® Core™ i9-9980HK |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2080 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
Display: | 17.3-inch 4K UHD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SDRAM |
Storage: | 512GB SSD |
MSI Gaming Laptops
MSI is a gaming laptop specialist with a wide range of machines for every taste no matter what your preferences. Whether you are after extreme power, screen size, or are shopping on a budget, they’ve go9t something to suit. They also do a nice line in slim sized gaming laptops that do not compromise on any of the advanced features, which means they are easier to take on the go. We think these are the best MSI gaming laptops…
GP75 Leopard
A 17-inch gaming laptop, the GP75 Leopard will suit players who love large keys and an aesthetically pleasing multiple backlit features. The aluminum chrome body and a decent cooling job also help gamers keep things in control when playing epic games at 100 fps. Thin bezels, FHD display, and a 144 Hz refresh display offer immersive visual experience. While a smaller battery time may bother gamers, a powerful gaming experience, excellent display, practical keyboard, and a great assortment of ports are definitely worth the price.
GP75 Leopard Specs
Model Number: | GP75888 |
Processor: | Intel ® Core i7-9750H 2.6 – 4.5GHz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce® RTX2060 6G GDDR6 |
Display: | 17.3-inch Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 512GB NVMe SSD |
GT76 Titan DT
For those who have some cash to spare, this machine is a great value for money. It features an array of mouthwatering hardware such as Core i9-9900K CPU, GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card, and 1TB hard drive offering blistering speed and performance. A range of RGB lights, an overclockable processor, impressive speakers, and a good battery life complement the raw performance. Four cooling fans and exceptional design makes it among the best gaming laptops in the industry.
GT76 Titan DT Specs
Model Number: | GT76DT089 |
Processor: | Intel ® Core i9-9900K 3.6 – 5.0GHz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce® RTX2080 8G GDDR6 |
Display: | 17.3-inch Full HD 240Hz IPS |
Memory: | 64GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 1TB NVMe SSD |
GE65 Raider
If a 15-inch screen is enough to suit your gaming style, then GE65 Raider is among the fastest machines in this category. A surprisingly high refresh rate coupled with a smooth 240Hz display will certainly please your eyes. The RGB backlit keys, a powerful macro editor to reassign keyboard keys, and programmable buttons also help streamline the gaming experience. If you can withstand average cooling, then additional features such as a good selection of ports, high-tech features, and decent speakers makes it one of the best mid-price gaming laptops.
GE65 Raider Specs
Model Number: | GE659SF049 |
Processor: | Intel Core i9-9880H 2.3 – 4.8GHz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce® RTX2070 8G GDDR6 |
Display: | 15.6″ Full HD 240Hz |
Memory: | 32GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 1TB NVMe SSD |
GS65 Stealth
Unlike most of the other gaming laptops, GS65 Stealth is a practical choice for gaming and home use. The sharp design, large keys, and a battery that can last almost 7 hours offer a polished well-rounded performance. The latest technology offers consistent experiences for games surpassing 60fps at 144Hz refresh rates. Plenty of choices for port selection offer additional comfort for networking and communication across different channels. While storage could be improved, it is a solid multi-purpose 15.6-inch gaming laptop.
GS65 Stealth Specs
Model Number: | GS65296 |
Processor: | Intel Core i7-9750H 2.6 – 4.5GHz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce® GTX1660 6G GDDR6 |
Display: | 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 512GB NVMe SSD |
Alienware Gaming Laptops
Alienware is a veteran when it comes to very high-end gaming equipment. Among the most sought after brand by gamers because of their dedication to quality and the hardware they put into each of their products. Always with the latest and greatest video cards, they are also well known for exceptional battery life and great keyboards which is a critical consideration for the serious PC gamer. These are the best Alienware laptops in the range…
Alienware Area-51m
If you ever wished to get a gaming laptop equipped with all the latest gadgets and perfect performance, Alienware Area-51m will not disappoint. Creating a new benchmark for gaming enthusiasts, it also excels in offering a breathtaking design with two amazing color options. Depending on the market, you can either get the baseline model or opt for the most powerful model with additional hardware. In fact, everything on this laptop is upgradable from socketed CPU to replaceable graphics. Yes, it’s pricier and bulkier and sometimes the fan gets loud and the chassis gets hot but compared to a lot of so-called premium gaming laptops, it’s the hallmark of next-generation technology.
Alienware Area-51m Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i9-9900K 5.0Ghz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce® RTX2080 8G GDDR6 |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 32GB DDR4 2400MHz |
Storage: | 1TB SSHD |
Alienware m15
It’s a slim, fast, and reasonably priced gadget that can take on almost any high-end game with ease. However, potential buyers should note that the Alienware brand offers a lot of customization, which means that you can build a computer based on your requirements. Accordingly, RAM capacity ranges from 8GB to 32GB and the display option can be either 60Hz full HD or GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics or something in between. Gamers who are not concerned about the built quality and a somewhat OK touchpad will otherwise appreciate slim design, good battery life, 144Hz display, and a strong HD gaming experience.
Alienware m15 Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i9-9900K 5.0Ghz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2080 8GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 15.6″ OLED UHD (3840 x 2160) 60Hz |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 4TB SSD |
Alienware m17
This is an upgraded version of the m15 because it boasts more power, a larger 17-inch screen, and a sleek look. Anyone looking for sheer performance will love the RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU and an Intel Core i9 CPU. Just like any other Alienware brand, you can also add or remove components to match the desired price and performance level. A decent battery life, multiple choices of graphic display, and 1TB of speedy SSD storage will help play high-end games. Overall, if you can ignore a straightforward built and the price, it can be customized to your liking.
Alienware m17 Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i9-9980K 5.0Ghz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2080 8GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 4TB SSD |
Razer Gaming Laptops
Razor is arguably the best-known brand when it comes to PC gaming, especially when it comes to peripherals like keyboards, gaming mouse and headphones. Their range of gaming laptops is relatively new, but you can be sure they’ve brought their indepth knowledge of the gaming market to the table. Razor’s gaming laptops are made to be very thin and light without foregoing any of the necessary specs to make them great for gaming. We think these are the best Razor laptops…
Razer Blade Stealth 13
If you need a stylish, well-constructed, and a portable gaming laptop, there is perhaps nothing better than Razer Blade Stealth 13. Originally built as a 13-inch laptop for non-gaming fans, the newest model is sold as a sturdy hybrid model that offers a premium build, long battery life, and an Ice Lake Processor. Under the hood, you will find top-notch graphics, memory, and speed that is capable of 1080p gaming. The sleek build complements a thoughtful design as the machines are admirably quiet even during intense gameplay.
Razer Blade Stealth 13 Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 |
Display: | 13.3″ FHD |
Memory: | 16GB |
Storage: | 512GB SSD |
Razer Blade 15
Despite the steep price tag, it may be the best Razer Blade edition. Whereas its predecessor 2018 model was good, the newest edition surpasses expectations by offering a horde of features such as Nvidia Turing graphics, significantly longer battery life, and access to Windows Hello login features. The model also comes with RTX 2060 GPU, 144Hz 1080p display, and 512GB SSD storage. A 144Hz refresh rate, matte coating, and deep learning supersampling DLSS technique and 100% sRGB color gamut will guarantee a dazzling display. This computer is certainly expansive and it’s packed with the latest technology that gamers will love to pay for.
Razer Blade 15 Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i7-9750H (2.6GHz/4.5GHz) |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2070 8GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 15.6″ Full HD 240Hz |
Memory: | 16GB |
Storage: | 512GB SSD |
Razer Blade Pro 17
The most noticeable feature of this laptop is a massive 17.3-inch 4K touchscreen that has a refresh rate of 120Hz. These specifications are enough to offer a fluid and seamless gaming experience on high-end games. The all-black tasteful design, a responsive trackpad, and a generous port selection make it a practical choice for first-time buyers looking for a great hybrid computer. While it’s not a hardcore powerhouse like other Razor Blade alternatives, the high refresh rate at 1440p will certainly make minor details clearer – something that you will likely miss on competing devices.
Razer Blade Pro 17 Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i7-9750H 2.6GHz |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060 6GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB |
Storage: | 512GB SSD |
Origin Gaming Laptops
Origin is another gaming laptop specialist who have carved out a niche building super high spec’d machines. Many so called ‘gaming laptops’ are really desktop replacements, super heavy and cumbersome and not something you want to carry around for any distance, let alone actually use on your laptop. Origin manages to squeeze great specs into a light weight and low profile chasis which makes them popular with gamers who are also serious about portability. These are the best Origin models…
EVO16-S
If you need a gaming laptop that looks and feels different, try EVO16-S because it comes with a 16.1-inch display and the ability to customize the computer with a range of UV printed art. In fact, you can decorate the lid with your own designs. It makes excellent use of the hardware as gamers can enjoy 1080p gaming at 144Hz refresh panel. They can also play games with DXR support or even plug in a higher resolution screen at 4K. Overall, it’s a great gadget if you can ignore the low battery time and large bezels.
EVO16-S Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i7 9750H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 8GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 16.1″ FHD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 32GB 3000MHz DDR4 |
Storage: | 8TB |
EVO17-S
This gadget is a decent choice for anyone looking for a large 17-inch screen and a blazing fast performance complemented by excellent graphics. Just like any other Origin machine, the laptop can be customized and upgraded as you like. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics and the Intel i7 CPU processor is enough to provide a seamless experience across all gaming genres. While it’s slim, it may not be as portable as some of the other gaming laptops due to the large dimensions and 5.7 pounds. Accordingly, the most noticeable drawbacks are dim display and a low battery life.
EVO17-S Specs
Processor: | Intel Core i7 9750H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 8GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 32GB 3000MHz DDR48TB |
Storage: | 8TB |
Dell Gaming Laptops
Dell is known for its great balance between the price, durability, performance, and design of their computers. Some of the gaming models made by this company can be easily upgraded if needed to be able to handle more as there are advancements made in the equipment needed for gaming on a computer. Dell has had some previous issues with overheating problems on their gaming models, but this does seem to be a thing of the past with advances in the current range made to prevent that. These are great Dell laptop choices for gaming…
Dell G7 15
This newer version is an effort by Dell to improve the performance of G7 budget gaming laptops. The upgrade comes with higher performance, graphic card, and a robust metal looks. If you can spend more than $1,000, it’s a reasonable choice considering a strong 1080p gaming performance, 144Hz display, solid keyboard, practical number pad, and a good range of storage. You will also get support for Thunderbolt 3 with a USB Type C port on the left flank. This gaming laptop is suited to first-time buyers and anyone looking to use it for their personal use apart from playing games.
Dell G7 15 Specs
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7-9750H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060 6GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 15.6 inch FHD IPS 144Hz |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 256GB + 1TB HD |
Dell G7 17
For an entry-level gaming laptop, this model will please most gamers who are not too concerned about the style. Instead of the looks, Dell has provided a practical machine at a reasonable price that will allow gamers to experience almost any type of game. While you can’t expect it to match the highest quality of gaming laptops, the i7 processor can be upgraded to Intel i9 and GeForce RTX 2080 Max Q design graphics card to significantly improve the performance. The large 17.3-inch screen is also a big plus considering that 17-inch gaming laptops are often two times expansive.
Dell G7 17 Specs
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7-9750H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2070 8GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 17.3″ Full HD 144Hz IPS |
Memory: | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
Storage: | 256GB + 1TB HD |
Lenovo Gaming Laptops
Lenovo is a well known Chinese PC brand that has a long history of producing models specifically for gaming which is a very popular past time in China as it is in the west. As you can see below their gaming models are well spec’d with large amount of RAM, good sized screens, high end graphics cards and powerful processors to prevent any lagging. All this in a light weight and low profile package. These are the best Lenovo gaming laptops available in the US…
Legion Y545
A combination of performance, design, and price makes it among the top competitors for entry-level gaming computers. Just like the Y540 model, this edition also boasts a lot of configuration choices. The standard version comes with Intel i5 and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU but you can upgrade it to Intel i7 or use GTX 1660 Ti graphics card if required. Irrespective of the hardware, it can deliver excellent 1080p gaming performance. For additional setup options, the laptop supports two internal storage devices and ports are well-placed to provide plenty of communication channels. Unlike the Y540, the chassis is prone to get hot, which is likely the result of additional gaming power.
Legion Y545 Specs
Model: | 81Q60046US |
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7-9750HF |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2060 6GB |
Display: | 15.6 inch FHD IPS 144Hz |
Memory: | Up to 32GB DDR5 |
Storage: | Up to 1TB SSD |
Legion Y740
Despite its somewhat higher price at the lower end of expansive gaming laptops, this is a great choice for most users who are not willing to sacrifice performance. The attractive and well-built Legion Y740 has a 144Hz display with Nvidia G-Sync and plenty of SSD storage. Interestingly, it also has a customizable per-key backlighting feature and a display hinge set in the front of a rear thermal block. These sleek and aesthetically pleasing features complement a strong hardware lineup consisting of Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and 1TB HDD. It will consistently outperform some of its peers as frame rates on medium preset and higher preset is over 100 when tested at 1080p on games such as Rise of the Tomb Raider and Far Cry 5.
Legion Y740 Specs
Model: | 81UJ0001US |
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7-9750H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2080 8GB & G-SYNC support |
Display: | 17.3″ FHD IPS |
Memory: | Up to 32GB DDR4 |
Storage: | Up to 1TB SSD |
HP Gaming Laptops
HP makes some great gaming laptops though not as high end as some of the other brands. HP has taken its original laptops and upgraded some of the internals to make them more suitable for gaming. One of HP’s key differentiators is their advanced cooling system, which can keep the laptop cool for long periods of gaming and running. These HP gaming machines are definitely worth a look…
HP Omen X 2S
For a blockbuster gaming experience at a reasonable price, try HP Omen 15, which offers a surprising amount of power. Even the standard budget model comes with 256GB SSD and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB of VRAM. For an additional price, the HP Omen can be packed with all the latest hardware in the market. Watching movies and games on this machine offers warm and bright vistas helping viewers observe the tiniest details. The audio won’t disappoint either when playing AAA titles. In addition, the manufacturer-branded software allows customizable lighting, fan control, and the ability to steam your game to another device.
HP Omen X 2S Specs
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i7 9750H |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2070 8 GB GDDR6 |
Display: | 15.6″ 4K IPS |
Memory: | 32 GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 1TB SSD |
HP Pavillion 17t
This is a gaming laptop that is designed for customization. The typical Omen tag, For Gamers by Gamers, is lacking because HP wanted to introduce it as a hybrid version that can be used for the general task. It’s precisely why you will see HP logo instead of the demon face. The standard model uses the baseline Intel i5 and the latest generation GTX 1050 graphics, which will suffice for first-time buyers. For power-hungry consumers, there is an option to upgrade it to Intel Core i7, advanced graphic cards, and the latest high-tech features. If you can withstand a rather average display and no mouse button, the backlighting options and sleek design makes it a practical choice on a budget.
HP Pavillion 17t Specs
Model: | 5XX64AV_1 |
Processor: | Intel® Core™ i5 |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 (3 GB) |
Display: | 17.3″ FHD |
Memory: | 8 GB |
Storage: | 256 GB SSD |
The Best high end gaming laptop
When budget is not a consideration and you are simply looking for all out gaming performance and style, then there is only one choice in our opinion…
ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS S GX701
If you are a gamer, then laptop shopping elevates to another level. With so many laptops on the market offering the great gaming experience, it might be tough to settle on one. That said, our pick for high end customers is the ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS S GX701.
Reasons to buy the ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS S GX701
- For starters, the Zephyrus is incredible light and thin, making it easily portable. This machine is considered the most compact 17″ gaming laptop in the market. The computer does not have an inbuilt webcam; instead, it comes with a clip-on slim-line webcam which can fold to 17mm when not in use.
- The keyboard is right at the front, and the track-pad has been placed at the right side of the keyboard. The touchpad lights up with a number pad. It may take a while getting used to this adaptation.
- The keyboard has large keys with Asus Aura RGB lighting. Given the machine’s thinness, the keys travel proves to be shallow, and it may not be as satisfying as a mechanical keyboard. For most gamers, this is a fair trade for the laptop’s thinness.
- The ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS s GX701 has a RAM of 24 GB, with 8GB smouldered to the motherboard. The machine has a Core i7-8750H and a 144-Hz Full HD display. The laptop comes with five USB ports with three operating at 3.1 Gen 2 speeds.
- To avoid overheating, the laptop has an aerodynamic cooling system with twelve AV fans. The bottom panel allows heat to escape by lifting on hinges when the clamshell is open.
- The Zephyrus is pretty expensive compared to other gaming laptops, with the price tag going well over $3000, but this is the high end category we’re talking about afterall.
The Best Under $1500
Let’s be clear, $1500 is still a lot of money and so you can still buy a lot of machine for this price. In our humble opinion, the best buying in the under $1500 category is…
Razer Blade 15
The Razor Blade line has always had a great reputation and the latest edition of the Blade 15 takes the gaming experience to a whole new level. The laptop is ultra-compact for a gaming laptop, but it has retained its fast ultra-powerful specs which is why we think it is the best buying in the under $1500 segment.
Reasons to buy the Razor Blade 15
- The model packing for this laptop is NVidia Geforce RTX graphics, meaning you get 144 Hz 1080 display. The SSD storage is at 512 GB with a RAM of 16 GB. The screen is 15 inches.
- For fast charging, the machine has a thunderbolt three-port that connects to numerous monitors. On the left side, the laptop has two extra USB 3.1, Type-A ports. Compared to other gaming laptops, the Razor Blade 15 has an Ethernet port that allows for a fast and robust internet connection. This is very convenient for playing online since it prevents buffering.
- The machine’s Base Model comes with two display options. One is a 15.6″, 1080p panel with 144Hz refresher rates. This option is clear but not super bright, offering only a mere 275 units.
- Nonetheless, the colors are pretty vivid, and the panel allows for detailed viewing, which is perfect for gaming.
- If you are not a fast-paced gamer, you can choose to settle for the 60Hz display option.
- The touchpad is also pretty amazing. It is super responsive and smooth, allowing you to execute gestures efficiently.
- With continuous web connection, the base model has a runtime of five hours and forty-eight minutes. This means that you can have extended battery life for gaming compared to other brands.
The Best Under $1000
If you have a budget up to $1000 you still have many good choices for gaming laptops. We think the Lenovo Y7000 represents the best buying under $1000 for the following reasons….
Lenovo Legion Y7000
Most gamers understand that they have to dig deeper into their pockets to get a good gaming laptop. Nonetheless, an affordable quality machine is not an impossibility. The Lenovo Y7000 is an excellent example of good quality that can be purchased on sale for less than $1000.
Reasons to buy the Lenovo Y7000:
- The machine has an Intel Core i7-8750H processor with 2.2- GHz. The GPU is an impressive NVidia GeForce GTX 1060 with 6 GB of VRAM, 256 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, and a 1TB 7200-rpm HDD.
- This piece has a remarkable selection of ports that allow quality gaming and streaming, with most of them located at the back. It has an Ethernet RJ45 port, a mini display port 1.4, a USB Type-C, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a Kensington lock slot.
- The 15.6 inches of display offers spectacular color and contrast, with the 1920x 1080p. The screen may be a little dim. Nonetheless, the machine is covered with 153% of the sRGB color spectrum, which is way above the standard gaming average.
- For any gaming laptop, the Lenovo Y7000 has remarkable battery life. With continuous Wi-Fi use at 150 units of brightness, the laptop can last up to four hours and twenty-eight minutes. This performance can be considered as slightly above the average of the 4:26 category.
- Like most gaming laptops, the track-pads are on the left and centered on the space bar. Most gamers will prefer to plug in a mouse. Furthermore, the soft-touch plastic and the track-pad are smudges easily.
- The speakers are nothing to write home about, but they are remarkably loud. For daily use, the laptop does not heat up much so that you can watch videos. However, while gaming, you should expect a whoosh of air.
The Best Under $500
Under $500 is a tight budget for a gaming laptop, but thanks to advances in material sciences and computing power (thanks Moore’s law!), you can still buy some amazing machines at this price. For under $500 we think the Dell E6430 is the best buying…
Dell Latitude E6430
The Dell Latitude E6430 laptop provides a wonderful gaming experience to users for a multitude of reasons. It’s 9 cell battery delivers 10 hours and 37 minutes of continuous streaming, almost a full 2 hours longer than the category average. Weighing in at 2.1 KG, the E6430 model elegantly toes the thin line merging durability and maintaining sleekness. Very rigid, nothing on the laptop warps or dents, but the overall profile remains astonishingly slender at the same time. This lovely machine can be purchased for under $500 for the Intel 2nd Generation Core i3-2350M CPU, which operates at 2.3 GHz. Of course, the newer and faster 3rd gen is available as well depending on preference and budget. The Dell Latitude E6430 boasts many other intriguing specs as well for the gaming community.
Reasons to buy the Dell E6430:
- “Tri-Metal” chassis with a magnesium alloy frame
- A spill-resistant keyboard in case you enjoy snacking while gaming
- Very strong tactile response on the keyboard for lightning execution and precision
- HD LED Anti Glare Display
- Intel HD Graphics 4000 processor
- 35.6 cm diagonal display size
- 4 GB memory capacity
- 1600 Mhz RAM speed
FAQs
How to improve gaming performance on a laptop?
With a laptop there are usually limited ways to improve the performance with hardware updates. High end laptops might allow you to add new RAM or replace your HDD for an SSD, but generally speaking the best place to start is with your software and OS. Make sure you are always running the latest version of the OS, and ensure that all drivers are always up to date. Most importantly ensure that you are running the latest version of DirectX. Optimize your power settings and for sure activate Windows 10’s game mode. And lastly, make sure your network connection is a fast and latency free as possible.
How much is a gaming laptop?
Gaming laptops range in price from under $500 to well over $3000. The difference comes down to specifications and performance. If you must have the fastest processor and graphics card then you should expect to spend more.
How to keep your laptop cool when gaming
There are a few things you can do to improve the thermal performance of your laptop during heavy gaming sessions. First, connect to power rather than running off your battery. This ensures that the laptop doesn’t have to limit fan activity to conserve power. You can also try elevating your laptop so air can easily circulate around it…or better still, get one of the those cooling pads that forces air through the machine. If overheating is still an issue, try adjusting down your frame rate. Higher frame rates make for smoother graphics but they also make the machine work harder so it is a trade off. You can also try adjusting your power settings for the same reasons. By lowering the max processor state your laptop won’t have to work so hard.
How to build a gaming laptop?
To be clear, it simply is not practical to build a custom gaming laptop in the same way you can build a custom desktop from off the shelf parts. The main issue is the form factor and associated thermal management issues. It is hard enough for actual manufacturers to build high performance laptops for gaming, and they don’t always get it 100% right. The closest you can get to building a legit gaming laptop is to go to your favorite manufacturer and spec out your dream machine based on the options they offer. This way you get a machine that has all the specs you really want, but will also operate properly.