Gaming laptops aren’t cheap. Not only do they need to pack in a bunch of powerful hardware, but they also need to be durable, reliable, and boast a screen that can take a beating after years of unforgiving travel.
However, having the option to play all your favorite games wherever you go can’t be understated—and the convenience of gaming laptops continues to make them one of the most popular products for PC gaming.
Unfortunately, shopping for a gaming laptop isn’t nearly as easy as gaming on one. Hundreds of models have flooded the market over the past few years, and there’s no shortage of marketing jargon to cut through before you can start comparing different models. However, understanding a few key aspects of a good laptop will make finding the perfect gaming laptop a breeze.
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Above all else, pay close attention to the graphics processing unit (GPU) on your prospective rig. If it boasts a GeForce RTX 30 series GPU, you’ll likely be purchasing a device that will run popular games for years to come. You’ll also want to look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, as these are powerful enough to play just about all of today’s most demanding releases.
Buying a laptop with a high-end GPU and processor doesn’t come cheap, so you’ll need to carefully consider your budget. We wouldn’t recommend spending too much on a gaming laptop, as they often feature components that can’t be upgraded, meaning you’ll be purchasing a whole new rig sooner than you may think. This is wildly different from gaming desktop PCs, which allow you to swap out individual components as needed.
If your game library consists of just a handful of games, you can save a few bucks by opting for a laptop without much internal storage space. Alternatively, you can purchase an external SSD or HDD to house a growing catalog. The best option is always internal storage, as it tends to load games faster than external solutions, but these often carry higher price tags.
In short, pay close attention to the GPU, processor, and SSD of your prospective gaming laptop. Just keep in mind that, unless you’re willing to break the bank, you’ll probably need to make a few compromises.
There are plenty of other aspects to consider when buying a gaming laptop, but the five products below offer the best combination of performance, pricing, and reliability for their respective category.Razer is consistently churning out high-end gaming products, and the Razer Blade 15 is no exception. A variety of configurations are available, but we’d recommend opting for the GeForce RTX 3070 and Intel Core i7to get the most out of your money.
As one of the most powerful GPUs money can buy, the RTX 3070 lets this portable behemoth run today’s most demanding games without batting an eye. The action is captured on a 15.6-inch QHD display with a refresh rate of 165Hz, offering buttery smooth performance that wouldn’t be out of place on a bulky desktop rig.
Completing the package is a spec list that never seems to end. Vapor chamber cooling, Wi-Fi 6, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD are packed inside an intricate aluminum chassis, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-looking laptop.
If you don’t mind the price tag, the Razer Blade 15 is close to a perfect gaming rig.There’s a lot to love about the ASUS ROG Zephyrus. The popular laptop is somehow able to pack in a GeForce RTX 3070, AMD Ryzen 9, 1TB SSD, and a 15.6-inch QHD screen without managing to bump its price tag above the $1,900 mark. It’s also equipped with 16GB DDR4 RAM for all your multitasking needs.
Unlike some entries on this list, the Zephyrus is built around an unassuming chassis. You’ll still get backlit keys and a few sharp edges, but its all-black design is surprisingly professional. It clocks in at just 4.21lbs, making it easy to throw into a backpack and lug around without adding too much weight to your inventory.
Its minimalist design, RTX 3070, and Ryzen 9 are the specs that’ll keep you gaming for years to come, and the Zephyrus doesn’t cut any corners to offer a sub $2000 price. Dolby Atmos support, HDMI output, Wi-Fi 6, and even AI noise cancelation for voice chat make the laptop a surprisingly well-rounded purchase.
The Zephyrus is only lacking a ten-key number pad, but that’s a small price to pay for such a powerful, portable, and well-priced gaming laptop.
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