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Our top picks for gaming laptops after testing dozens of portable PCs
Gaming laptops have become versatile machines that not only cater to gamers but also offer powerful performance for media creation and multitasking. These laptops are now capable of handling high-resolution gameplay streaming and can even rival the portability of the smallest MacBook Pro. Whether you’re an Apex Legends player or a power user in need of a capable GPU for video encoding, finding a gaming laptop that suits your needs has never been easier. In this article, we will outline our top picks for gaming laptops and provide you with everything you need to know before making a purchase.
When it comes to purchasing a gaming laptop, your budget is the first thing to consider. The good news is that there are plenty of options available for gamers with different budgets. If you’re looking for an entry-level gaming laptop under $1,000, Dell’s G15 line-up, for example, offers great choices. While these budget-friendly laptops may not have the same build quality or power as pricier models, they can still handle most video games running at 1080p and 60 frames per second.
For a more mid-range gaming experience, you can consider gaming laptops priced at $1,000 and higher. These laptops, such as the ASUS Zephyrus ROG G14, offer improved build quality, graphics power, and sufficient RAM and storage space to handle demanding games. These laptops are recommended for most users as they provide a good balance between gaming and work for years to come.
If you’re willing to spend around $1,800 or more, you can explore premium options like Razer’s Blade. These laptops offer impeccably polished cases, the fastest hardware available, and incredibly thin designs. While machines like Alienware’s Area 51m may be too high-end for most users, they are worth considering if you have extra cash to spare.
In terms of processors, the choice used to be simple: an Intel chip with an NVIDIA GPU. However, AMD has made significant advancements with its Ryzen notebook processors in recent years. These processors are better suited for multitasking and offer comparable performance to Intel models at a lower price point. While AMD’s Radeon RX 6000M GPU may not match NVIDIA in terms of features like ray tracing, it can still provide excellent gaming performance.
If you want to future-proof your gaming laptop and experience the full potential of ray tracing, NVIDIA video cards are the way to go. NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs offer optimized ray tracing technology and feature DLSS technology, which upscales games to higher resolutions using AI. This allows for smoother gameplay and faster frame rates, especially when paired with high refresh rate monitors.
When choosing a gaming laptop, screen size is an important factor to consider. 15-inch laptops offer a good balance between immersion and portability, while larger 17-inch models provide more screen real estate. There are also 13-inch and 14-inch options available, which offer beefier performance while still being relatively portable.
In addition to screen size, refresh rates are also crucial for gaming laptops. Higher refresh rates, such as 144Hz or even 360Hz, ensure smoother gameplay and eliminate screen tearing. Adaptive sync technologies like NVIDIA’s G-SYNC and AMD’s FreeSync can further enhance the gaming experience by matching the screen’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate.
When it comes to storage and memory, it is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM, and 32GB if you plan on multitasking and streaming. As for storage, a 1TB M.2 SSD is ideal for juggling large game files, but a 2TB SSD would offer even more space. Some laptops also have room for standard SATA hard drives, which are cheaper and can hold more data.
It’s always a good idea to try out a gaming laptop before making a purchase. Retailers like Amazon or Best Buy offer simple return policies, allowing you to return the laptop if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Lastly, don’t forget about accessories. A good gaming mouse, keyboard, and headphones are essential for the best gaming experience.
To give you an idea of some of our top recommendations, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out for its compact design, powerful AMD Ryzen chips, and Radeon 6000M graphics. Dell’s G15 offers a budget-friendly option with solid performance. Razer’s Blade 15 impresses with its sleek design and bleeding-edge hardware. Acer’s Predator Triton 500 SE is a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance. For those who need a dual-screen setup, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is a standout choice.
While there are other options available, such as the Framework Laptop 16 and MSI Stealth Studio 14, they may not offer the same level of gaming performance or value for their price. The Razer Blade 16 and Razer Blade 18, on the other hand, may be overpriced and impractical for most users.
In conclusion, gaming laptops have evolved to offer powerful performance and versatility for gamers and power users alike. With options available for every budget, it’s easier than ever to find a gaming laptop that suits your needs. Consider factors like budget, processor, GPU, screen size, refresh rate, storage, and accessories to make an informed decision. Happy gaming!