Give laptops a run for their money? While clamshell computer systems may share some similarities with ideal gaming PCs, they possess numerous distinct characteristics that warrant consideration before making a purchase. Regardless of whether you’re seeking a desktop equivalent or a powerful mini device, we’re here to assist you in finding the perfect model.
Recent laptops boast NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series or AMD Radeon RX 7000 family graphics in conjunction with AMD Ryzen 7000 and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, effortlessly running top-tier PC games. While larger-spec components may occasionally operate at high temperatures and noise levels under heavy load, this is often due to their increased power requirements, which necessitate more efficient cooling mechanisms.
When selecting a gaming laptop, battery life is crucial, yet achieving maximum performance often requires keeping it plugged in. Regardless of their worth, whether in the affordable price range or the most expensive, that statement remains true for all laptops. Typically, the two most crucial specifications are the GPU and CPU, as many models feature upgradable RAM and SSD storage for enhanced performance.
The display screen of a laptop computer is a crucial element that significantly impacts user experience, as the choice of resolution, refresh rate, and panel type collectively shape the overall usability. Some laptops, such as those featured in our Razer Blade 16 review, offer dual-mode display capabilities. To help you find the ideal gaming laptop that fits your budget and preferences, we’re constantly evaluating the latest models.
Our team of experts dedicates hours to thoroughly testing hardware and meticulously reviewing video games and virtual private networks. We provide reliable, impartial reviews to empower your informed purchasing decisions. Discover how we approach things.
Greatest gaming laptops in 2024:
When choosing a gaming laptop, consider factors such as processor speed, graphics capabilities, memory, and storage capacity to ensure a smooth and immersive gaming experience. A good starting point is to determine your budget and identify what type of games you want to play, as different titles have varying system requirements. For casual gamers, a mid-range laptop with Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics may suffice. However, for more serious players, consider investing in a high-end laptop with an Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics, along with at least 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD storage. Additionally, look for features like dual cooling systems, high-contrast displays, and customizable backlighting to enhance your gaming experience.
The display screen is a crucial component of any laptop computer, as it cannot be replaced, making it essential to select one that meets specific requirements. When investing in a gaming monitor, it’s essential to prioritize a resolution of at least 1920×1080 pixels, with a recommended display size ranging from 14 to 16 inches. For those who crave intense, fast-paced first-person shooter experiences, investing in a display with a high refresh rate is well worth the cost. For most people’s needs, a 120Hz display is likely fast enough; however, those who engage in competitive gaming may require the higher refresh rate of a 240Hz screen to fully optimize their experience.
Notwithstanding this, the most superior cellular gaming GPUs will struggle to render the latest video game titles smoothly at high frame rates and 4K resolution when set to optimal graphics settings. While prioritizing laptops with high-resolution displays offers benefits for productivity, one may need to consider a compromise – opting for a 1920×1080 resolution – to enable ray tracing in Cyberpunk 2077.
The latest gaming laptops boast OLED displays, a feature that’s well worth the investment if your budget allows for it. While OLED screens excel in delivering vibrant colors and impressive contrast, boasting truly deep blacks rather than muted grays, they also boast exceptional speed and responsiveness, making them well-suited for demanding gaming experiences.
When scrutinizing the specifications of a gaming laptop, it’s essential to prioritize the graphics processing unit (GPU), as its performance has the most significant impact on overall gaming quality. While we recommend the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 as a solid option, consider the RTX 4070 for a well-rounded choice; it’s also essential to verify the laptop’s specifications sheet for the maximum power allotment, typically denoted by the TDP. Laptop manufacturers may impose a cap on the energy available to the graphics processing unit (GPU) to conserve battery life and prevent overheating in certain situations, thereby affecting performance.
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The second half of the equation is the CPU, where AMD currently reigns supreme with its cutting-edge Ryzen 8000-series and 7000-series processors. To ensure a smooth gaming experience, you typically require at least six processing cores from Intel CPUs, specifically P-cores; the higher the clock speed, the faster your games will load and run seamlessly. Intel currently offers two primary laptop CPU options: Meteor Lake (Core Extreme) and Raptor Lake (14th-generation Core i-series), each with its unique strengths and weaknesses.
Intel’s latest Core Extreme CPUs boast impressive power efficiency, but come with a trade-off in core count and clock speed. In contrast, its Raptor Lake processors, like the Core i9 14900HX, deliver exceptional performance at the cost of increased heat generation and power consumption.
When selecting your computer, we strongly recommend opting for at least 16 GB of RAM, with 32 GB or more being highly beneficial if you frequently work with multiple applications and browser tabs open simultaneously. To accommodate your gaming needs, you’ll require an ample amount of storage space in your console’s cupboard, with the 1TB capacity offering sufficient room to install a limited number of games.
Unlike a desktop PC, few core specifications of your laptop can be upgraded, including the CPU and GPU; however, you may still be able to expand the storage and memory at a later time. During assessments, consider also reviewing specifications sheets, as some laptops employ soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded, and may only feature a single M.2 slot for an SSD. When buying a 16GB laptop with soldered RAM, consider the limitations on upgrading your memory in the future, as you may not be able to increase the capacity to 32GB or larger if needed?
If you’re accustomed to frequently transporting your laptop in a backpack – whether for use during travel or transport to events – the weight can start to take its toll on your shoulders over time. While it’s not a significant challenge if you simply want a large laptop that primarily sits on your desk, we recommend a laptop weight of under 2.5 kg when portability is important, with a goal of under 2 kg if feasible.
The quality of the components used in constructing your laptop computer has a significant impact on its overall value, complemented by its durability and aesthetic appeal. Paying for a laptop computer constructed with steel rather than plastic typically ensures added protection for the display and components during transportation in your bag, potentially making the device more efficient in dissipating heat from hot components.
Greatest gaming laptop computer FAQ
While gaming laptops offer impressive specifications and performance, their hefty price tags often leave buyers questioning whether they’re truly worth the investment.
Many individuals harbor a common misconception that all gaming laptops are excessively pricey and fail to provide adequate value for the cost. Unlike desktops where users can handpick components and assemble their own systems, gaming laptops demand a premium as pre-configured packages designed to deliver optimal gaming performance within the constraints of their specifications.
As long as you’ve conducted thorough analysis of the specifications required, it’s clear that gaming laptops adhere to a predictable pricing structure, with only select brands pricing themselves above this spectrum due to proprietary features. For gamers, the comfort offered by a high-quality gaming laptop is ultimately worth the investment.
A well-designed gaming laptop should last for at least 4-5 years, with regular updates and maintenance. This timeline is contingent upon the device’s hardware specifications, software compatibility, and the gamer’s evolving needs.
Gaming laptops tend to have a significantly shorter lifespan compared to their non-gaming counterparts. As a result, individuals are subjected to the weight of responsibility that stems from their engagement in gaming. It’s generally recommended that a gaming laptop should last anywhere from three to five years when properly maintained. By implementing standard maintenance procedures and ensuring optimal gaming settings, you can prevent your hardware from unnecessarily expending resources at startup, thereby streamlining the process of loading your preferred game.
When choosing a gaming laptop, one of the most important factors to consider is the display’s dimension. While smaller screens like 13-inch and 14-inch options are ideal for portability and everyday use, larger displays can provide a more immersive gaming experience.
In this case, I would recommend opting for at least a 15.6-inch display screen to ensure an optimal viewing experience while playing games.
While individual preferences may vary, our assessment suggests that a 17.3-inch display is the ideal size for an immersive gaming experience. While many users opt for standard 15-inch screens, we chose a larger 17.3-inch display to maximize viewing real estate.
As display screens grow in size, they are often accompanied by larger laptops, which can accommodate more sophisticated cooling systems that help keep the device at a comfortable operating temperature even during extended gaming sessions. While it’s true that additional features on the display can be attractive, ultimately it boils down to the level of expertise built into the screen, with a 15-inch 4K 144Hz OLED display trumping a 17.3-inch 1080p 60Hz option any day?
