Best Laptops for Gaming – Top 3 Updated September 2020

Buying the best laptop for gaming should be seen as what it is, namely, an important investment, which aims to make your life easier and beautify the way you spend your free time!

However, some people run away from the idea of using a laptop for games, as they think they are poor in performance. False, because the exact same hypothesis applies to desktop computers, namely, it is not the platform that matters, but the specifications it has.

For several years now, Asus has been seriously entering the laptop gaming industry and is trying to optimize its configurations and components to create a gaming laptop model, it is perhaps the only competitor of the already famous AlienWare gaming laptops in the top range of laptops in world in 2020.

So, to avoid the mistake of buying a weak laptop, we decided to come to your aid by giving you as much information as possible about choosing a good gaming laptop, as well as a list of the top gaming laptops.

Best Laptops recommended in 2020!

Most laptops configured for gaming and video editing are optimized to perform at full power only when connected to the mains. When they run on battery power, they will no longer run at full power to conserve energy.

Otherwise we will not be able to have more than 2 hours maximum 3 gaming on the battery. Their purpose is more to be easy to carry, not to be able to play on battery. So, if you notice that the gaming laptop works hard, most likely those limitations are active when you play on the battery. There are some optimization tricks to work at maximum performance for Windows. Leave a comment if you have problems.

TOP 3 best gaming laptops on budgets:

Laptop Gaming ASUS ROG Strix

Here is a laptop recommendation capable of the latest generation of processors.

Is a very good model for this top. It is definitely at the top of the hierarchy of this top 3.

I set out to make a top 3 best laptops, but without exceeding the amount of 1,200$. For this price, its performance is extraordinary. Yes! Generation 9 processor, but the video card is not RTX. We can’t have them all in this price segment.

It handles almost anything on this laptop, including photo / video editing.

[expand title=”Description Laptop Gaming ASUS ROG Strix” tag=”h4″ elwraptag=”div” elwrapclass=”blueblaster”]

YOUR GAMES. GLORY OF VICTORY.

The great laptop ROG Strix G model is the perfect emblem of the elegant and functional design, offering a formidable experience for games, but also work tasks for productivity. Equipped with the latest Generation 9 Intel Core processors and GeForce GTX series video cards ™, the system offers performance with a significant impact on games, while addressing a wide audience. The Intelligent Cooling System unleashes the full potential of these state-of-the-art processors, while RangeBoost technology delivers the strongest Wi-Fi signal possible to your work environment. No matter where you play, illuminate your space with Aura Sync which controls the new light bar inserted on 3 of the sides of the laptop and the keyboard with 4 RGB lighting zones.

Laptop case design

 A NEW DESIGN PARADIGM - FORM SUPPORTS FUNCTIONALITY

The design of the Strix G is inspired by our collaboration with the BMW Designworks Group, combining elegance and functionality through the 3D Flow Zone – a highly visible cooling solution. The lid has contrasting finishing elements, which highlight the asymmetrical cutout that ensures an air flow in the back, where the scissors hinges provide additional space for increased ventilation. The sculpted shape and the secret surfaces add a note of style and subtle elegance.

 INSPIRED DESIGN LINES

The particularly attractive design is inspired by our collaboration with the BMW Designworks Group with the aim of outlining the future of gaming laptops. The embossed edges elegantly continue the aggressive slats of the “Face Off” concept, adding a sculpted surface that draws your attention to the additional ventilation elements in the back of the laptop. Connecting a ROG Keystone device initiates a transformation sequence that changes the look and feel of the system through a distinct physical interaction, evoking a deeper connection that mirrors another key theme explored in this project.

RGB

 ENLIGHTEN YOUR SPIRIT

Play in the light of the new light bar, now larger. Diffuse RGB LED lighting elements are installed on the perimeter of the case, projecting customizable colors and lighting effects on the front and sides of the system. Customize the lighting settings on all your Aura Sync compatible peripherals, and create the necessary conditions to maximize your competitive spirit.

Screen frames

 THIN MARGINS FOR SPECIAL REALISM

The ultra-thin edges used on the sides of the screen allowed us to install a larger screen in a more compact housing than most standard laptops in this class. The sides of the screen practically disappear during use, offering a special level of realism during the action and help you focus better on the games. And thanks to the screen-to-case ratio of up to 81.5%, it enjoys an expansive visual experience in games, streaming, movies and more.

Solid hinges

 STRONG HINGES IN SCISSOR SYSTEM

Inspired by the doors with vertical opening in the car segment, the scissors-type hinges, with a particularly cursive operation, appear when the lid is opened and discreetly disappear back into the housing when it is closed. This hidden hinge design allows you to maintain a very thin profile and provides additional cooling and ventilation space around the radiator placed at the back of the system. Also, the hinges are much better protected against cracks or shocks.

Laptop case

 CASE WITH EASY OPENING

Strix G simplifies component change procedures due to its easy accessibility to memory module connectors and data storage units. The bottom of the housing is attached by means of standard screws, which are easily accessible and can be removed without the need for specialized tools. The edge mounting hooks are smaller and more durable than before, providing a small room for maneuver to ease the process of separating the bottom panel to access the components.

 EXPERIENCE IN GAMES

It alternates very quickly the serious game sessions with the very productive work sessions. The powerful 9th generation Intel® Core processor combined with 8GB of DDR4-2666 RAM is no problem, regardless of the usage scenario. The large storage capacity offered by the 512GB NVMe PCIe® 3.0 SSD M.2 drive gives you both the speed and space you need to access your entire game collection and workbook wherever you are.

State-of-the-art laptop processor

 9TH GEN INTEL CORE PROCESSOR

You can now perform even the most difficult tasks using the latest Generation 9 Intel® Core-i7-9750H processors. This 6-core processor pushes frequencies up to an incredible 4.5GHz on a single core, and Hyper technology -Threading activates up to 12 threads in parallel, in order to accelerate the performance in case of difficult work tasks. Content creators can focus on massive projects, such as video editing or 3D rendering, now faster and more efficient, while gaming enthusiasts can play, communicate and stream real-time action in games.

Dual-channel RAM

 DUAL-CHANNEL DDR4 MEMORY

Performs many tasks in parallel with the 8GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory. Tacted at 2666MHz, these high-performance RAM modules can successfully perform all the required functions, while offering an 11% increase in performance compared to DDR4-2400 modules. Gaming enthusiasts can thus approach the latest AAA titles, stream real-time video content and communicate with teammates without any problems, while professionals and media content creators can run every application they need to enjoy a maximum level of productivity.

SSD m.2 NVMe

 ULTRA-FAST SSD

Thanks to the NVMe PCIe® 3.0 M.2 SSD drive with impressive response speed, massive games and applications charge particularly fast on the Strix G, giving you a much smoother user experience and helping you save money. time when it matters most. The 512GB storage capacity offers enough space for massive projects, such as complex videos or 3D scenes, while allowing you to save your game collection.

Game drivers

 Drivers Ready for Games

Benefit from the highest performance, and the most cursive experience possible, from the moment you start playing.

 Very Innovative Technologies for Games

Enjoy the latest NVIDIA GameWorks technologies for smooth gaming, cinematic experiences and a revolutionary 360-degree image capture solution, including VR. In addition, you will get the performance to drive the latest displays, including VR solutions, ultra-high resolution and multiple monitors.

VR Ready

 VR support

Discover the performance of the latest generation VR solutions, the lowest latencies, and excellent compatibility with top headphones – driven by NVIDIA VRWorks technologies. The sound, the physical elements and the VR tactile response allow you to hear and feel every moment.

 INTELLIGENT COOLING SYSTEM IMPROVES YOUR USING EXPERIENCE

The design of the ROG Intelligent Cooling System combines the right system functions and settings to ensure the best user experience in any situation. The Strix G model benefits from a very well ventilated exterior, but also from a cooling module with a self-cleaning system that removes dust to improve the life of the system. The n-Blade dual fans rotate the 83 blades to increase airflow, and the ultra-thin blades expand the surface available for heat dissipation. The ROG Armory Crate software application automatically changes the active operating modes to optimize performance and sound level depending on the operating tasks.

Laptop case construction

 FOLLOW THE CURRENT

An expanded volume of air is a fundamental aspect of an efficient cooling system, and for this reason, the hinges are pushed forward to expand the free space available in the rear. That space is judiciously used by the heavily ventilated 3D Airflow Zone, which allows the Strix G to remove hot air more efficiently. The perforated edges on the back facilitate the appearance of an additional air flow that helps reduce the temperature of the components. A patented trapezoidal incision reduces the size of the bottom of the screen, ensuring that the ventilation area below is not obstructed, while giving the Strix G its specific, asymmetrical appearance.

Cooler construction

 MORE BLADES FOR IMPROVED AIR FLOW

Dual n-Blade fans are designed to provide maximum airflow. Carefully designed suction holes use rounded edges and raised guide elements to help fans suck in more air. Once the air has been sucked inside the housing, it is pushed into the radiator area by the liquid crystal polymer slats, 33% thinner than the standard variants, but strong enough to achieve very high rotational speeds. Strix G also offers the highest blade density of 83 per fan, improving airflow by up to 15%.

 KEYBOARD WITH SPECIAL COOLING AREA

Extensive gaming sessions heat up the internal components and can reduce the touch comfort level of the keyboard directly above them. To keep your fingers low, Strix G includes vents strategically placed around the WASD keys to allow airflow from the fan just below, improving the comfort level for marathon gaming sessions by reducing surface temperature by 2 ° Celsius compared to the previous generation.

Efficient processor cooler

 SELF-CLEANING COOLING SYSTEM

Maintaining radiator cleanliness is critical to ensuring optimal heat dissipation, and for this reason, our engineers have created a special dust tunnel that captures and channels particles out of the housing to prevent their collection in the area of ​​the slats. This self-cleaning system helps maintain consistent cooling performance over time, which improves long-term stability and reliability.

 MORE ULTRA-THIN BLADES

The thermal energy is dissipated through the radiators on the sides. Each of them has ultra-thin copper slats, with a thickness of only 0.1mm, which make possible a higher density and a lower air resistance compared to standard slats, which are usually twice as thick. The cooling system is equipped with up to 189 radiator blades, with a total area of ​​102,500mm2, increasing the heat dissipation rate by 10.4% and reducing air resistance by 8.2%.

Cooling

 RADIATOR WITH EXTENDED SURFACE

The special design of the cooling system includes an extended radiator that absorbs heat from the CPU and GPU area and redistributes it to minimize performance drops due to high temperatures. The radiator covers up to 5 heat pipes, allowing the efficient maintenance of the temperature of the components of the supply floor below 85 ° Celsius. This highly advanced cooling system helps support and improve the performance, reliability and service life of laptop components.

Operating system

 THE RIGHT MODE OF OPERATION, ALWAYS

Gaming laptops are versatile enough to successfully perform a range of user tasks, but their requirements can vary significantly, and for this reason, the Intelligent Cooling System adapts its settings accordingly. It automatically changes the operating modes that optimize performance and noise level for different games and applications. Turbo mode uses the highest fan speeds and highest clock frequencies to support maximum performance, Balanced mode adjusts frequencies and cooling system to reduce noise during games, and Silent mode further reduces noise in the case of work or entertainment tasks.

RGB light

 AURA SHINES MORE STRONGLY THAN EVER

Turn off the light and allow the Aura Sync system to glow. The keys of the Strix G model have translucent edges and the transparent covers of the WASD keys highlight in a very elegant way the keyboard. The system also offers, optionally, a lighting bar installed around the outer perimeter of the housing. Add your favorite Aura Sync devices to create a gaming environment perfectly suited to your personal style. Now you can access the full spectrum of colors and effects through the Aura control panel to allow your personality to shine.

 KEYBOARD - PRECISION KEYS

The highlighted WASD keys and the 4-zone RGB lighting system allow very easy visual navigation, with quick access to vital control elements and shortcuts. Built to withstand over 20 million clicks, the Strix G’s keyboard can maintain its accuracy and reliability even when the system is used intensively and long-term in games.

Keyboard design

 SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR GAMES

With a design inspired by the best desktop gaming keyboards, the Strix G has functional keys placed remotely to minimize the risk of accidental keystrokes and isolated arrow keys for precise control. The Space key has been extended and redesigned to provide a better level of comfort and accuracy when you need to launch into the fire of action. The 15-inch G531 is equipped with digital numeric keys implemented directly on the touchpad.

Easy orders

 VITAL COMMANDS AT YOUR HAND

The five dedicated quick access keys for games are placed in an isolated position above the keyboard, for faster access to the volume and microphone control buttons, performance modes and the Armory Crate application. They are positioned on the top left, so you can access them instantly without having to lift your hand from the mouse. Turn on your microphone so you can create strategies with your team or turn up the volume to hear every move up close without losing focus on the game.

ROG Overstroke

 MORE ACTIONS PER MINUTE

ROG Overstroke technology records keystrokes faster, allowing you to enjoy a much better typing experience, both in intense gaming sessions and when working. The faster operation of the buttons allows you to enjoy effortless control, which can improve your accuracy over time, and the longer post-press stroke results in a superior feeling of comfort and control. Now you can increase the number of actions per minute you can perform using a calibrated keyboard for a high-precision gaming experience.

Keys with good travel

 HIGH PRECISION UNDER PRESSURE

It benefits from a high level of accuracy in the action fire due to the N-Key technology of false pressure detection. This ensures that each button press is detected and recorded correctly, regardless of the number of commands entered simultaneously. Shortcuts, function keys and all other commands that require simultaneous presses can be executed more precisely, at any speed. Play with more confidence and enjoy a tactical advantage when quick response is a vital element in games.

Audio

 AUDIO SYSTEM - LISTEN TO THE CALL OF BATTLE

The particularly immersive, side-oriented speakers of the Strix G model catapult you directly into the middle of the action. Intelligent Amplification Technology monitors audio outputs and makes real-time changes to keep the audio system within normal operating range, preventing possible damage to speaker cones. The resulting sound offers low sound distortion, a higher dynamic range, accentuated bass and a significantly higher volume potential. Turn up the volume so you can hear every move, every exchange of fire, and every audio clue offered in your favorite games.

Wireless signal

 SUPPORTS THE MOST POWERFUL WI-FI SIGNAL

ROG RangeBoost technology provides the most stable Wi-Fi signals possible. RangeBoost’s unique algorithms evaluate the signal strength of the four internal antennas and choose the optimal pair for your location, minimizing areas without coverage and increasing the signal coverage by up to 30%. In addition, thanks to the latest Intel® 802.11ac (2 × 2) Gigabit Wi-Fi technology, which offers top speeds of up to 1.7Gbps, you will be able to connect and play at high speeds almost anywhere you are.

Sharing

 CONNECT ALL YOUR FAVORITE DEVICES

Connect your favorite peripherals and easily launch your favorite games. Enjoy Gen 2 speeds via the USB 3.1 Type-C interface Display with DisplayPort ™ 1.4, or connect an external display to successfully perform multiple tasks in parallel. The three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A interfaces are ready for all the equipment you might need, while the HDMI 2.0b connection allows you to enjoy movies and games on a 4K monitor or 4K TV. The integrated Gigabit Ethernet interface offers low latency in the network for a high level of competitiveness in multiplayer games, complementing the built-in Wi-Fi interface.

The VR world

 EXPLORE NEW VIRTUAL WORLDS

Discover the latest game titles with support for virtual and augmented reality with the help of ROG Strix G. Its GeForce GTX graphics solution provides support for a smooth, flicker-free, low-latency VR experience. Guaranteed compatibility with top headset sets allows you to access new media on your favorite platforms. Explore digital worlds with a cinematic fluency that makes possible an unprecedented level of realism.

 ARMOR CRATE SOFTWARE

ROG Armory Crate unifies the control functions of the system and lighting to facilitate your quick access, through a single application. You can easily define and customize Usage Profiles that automatically make changes when you launch your favorite games. In addition, by combining these customization features with the new ROG Keystone devices, you’ll be able to quickly load all of your carefully optimized settings.

[/expand]

Laptop Gaming Lenovo Legion

A recommendation as an alternative to Asus

A laptop as an alternative to the above Asus. The specifications are similar, but it points to certain chapters.

First of all, the screen of this laptop is much brighter, being an IPS backpanel, it is also more suitable for multimedia. But, it sacrifices the fact that it doesn't have the 120Hz refresh rate. But, brightness, viewing angles, color accuracy, all are better with this laptop model.

Otherwise, the specifications are similar. Both have 8 GB of ram like black balls from me. Both have 1660 gtx ti video cards with the latest generation of processors.

Another plus is this good gaming laptop model, the battery that is a little over Asus. But the sound does not rise to the same level, so somewhere there is a balance. Anyway, this model is the best laptop in this price category and I can say that it is a good laptop at all.

[expand title="Description Laptop Gaming Lenovo Legion" tag="h4" elwraptag="div" elwrapclass="blueblaster"]

Gaming laptop. Even more evolved.

A 15.6 ″ portable laptop that takes gaming performance to a new level. The latest technologies will give you real power. Moreover, the thermally optimized system causes this laptop with a full keyboard with white backlight to run at lower temperatures and with lower noise. The Lenovo Legion Y540 laptop is ready for those who want to play from anywhere.

Hardware performance

 Reliable hardware for legendary gaming sessions

Legion laptops with 8th generation Intel® Core ™ processors are designed to support the latest gaming experiences, from testing the latest 4K titles to HDR streaming. Enjoy the advantages that will lead you to victory: speed, power, performance and quick reactions. In addition, you can play on-the-go on your Legion laptop due to its impressive battery life and slimmer and lighter design.

 Gaming has a new look

Now is the time to get acquainted with a system worthy of you: elegant on the outside, high-performance on the inside. With a thickness of only 26 mm and a weight of 2.3 kg, the Legion Y540 has been redefined to provide the perfect balance between epic gaming performance and practical portability.

 Even more power per millimeter

Expert design extends beyond design. The Legion Y540 is the result of thousands of hours of engineering spent creating a powerful and slim laptop. Lenovo engineers have used their expertise to optimally incorporate the best hardware components - 2666 MHz DDR4 memory, PCIe SSD storage, battery, port interface, cooling system and motherboard design into a powerful gaming laptop .

Screen

 Test the limits of the games

The Legion Y540 gathers over 2 million pixels in an almost borderless 15.6 ″ FHD screen. Together with the brightness of 300 nits and the IPS Antiglare screen, this laptop gives life to your favorite games for a truly captivating mobile gaming experience.

Dolby atmosphere

 Get in the middle of the action

Dolby Atmos® attracts you in the game with a powerful sound that surrounds you with incredible precision and realism. You will always be one step ahead due to the surround sound that will give you the competitive advantage with the new Sound Radar. Listen to where every sound comes from and enjoy an audio system that attracts you and captivates you in an even more intense gaming experience.

 It's time to act

Intense sessions require command-sensitive keys. The Y540 laptop keyboard offers the best control in its range to give you a competitive advantage over your opponents. This complete keyboard offers 100% anti-ghosting, details highlighted by WASD laser engraving, response speed under 1 ms, white backlight and much more for you to have extreme control over your system. Moreover, the Y540 is compatible with Windows Precision with multi-gesture control for effortless navigation whether you are at the office or in a gaming session.

Laptop cooling system

 Coldfront is here

Heat, the strong and traditional enemy of gaming performance, is no longer a concern thanks to Legion Coldfront. Which offers the latest features of a two-channel cooling system: individual cooling for CPU and GPU. For lower temperatures, for ventilation ducts for improved air circulation and 70 individual fan blades per cooling duct to reduce system noise.

Lenovo advantage

 Perfect your gaming style with Lenovo Vantage

Reach the next level in gaming with Vantage. Spend less time adjusting your settings and more time in the game by automating your performance, cooling and power control settings. With a single application, you will receive support for CPU and RAM overclocking, lighting controls, real-time system performance monitoring and much more.

 Expand horizons

You need to get more from your battle station. The Legion Triple Display Support system uses HDMI 2.0 ports. MiniDisplay and Type-C so you can connect your Y540 laptop to three screens at the same time. For maximum control and immersion. Moreover, port design helps with cable management. Keeping your battle station clean and organized for maximum concentration during games.

Connectors

 Connectivity in the back

The Y540 comes with a wide range of ports and connections. Connect an external device or accessory or simply charge or secure your laptop with the following ports. Located according to the image above:

1. USB-C | 2. Mini DisplayPort | 3. USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 4. HDMI | 5. Ethernet | 6. AC adapter port | 7. Kensington® lock slot Connectivity in the side

Also, Y540 is provided with the following ports and connections, located according to the image above:

7. USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 8. USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 9. Headphone / microphone combo jack

[/expand]

Laptop Gaming MSI GP65 Leopard

A successful laptop that I put in this top

Initially, I decided to fit in the budget of 1,200$ for this top. But I couldn't help but recommend this laptop model from MSI.

Although I wanted to put an ACER laptop on top, unfortunately ACER laptops have undergone major price changes. From the cheapest gaming laptops they have come to cost more than their competitors. The price / quality / performance ratios did not push me to put them in the top.

So, MSI fully deserves to be included in this top 3 best gaming laptops.

A gaming laptop with very good specifications, and not only specifications, but also "in real life". This model excels. It has some advantages compared to the other 2 gaming laptops, but also small shortcomings on the charging / autonomy side.

[expand title="Description Laptop Gaming MSI GP65 Leopard" tag="h4" elwraptag="div" elwrapclass="blueblaster"]

Nvidia GTX

 NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX SERIES

GeForce ® GTX 1660 Ti is built with the outstanding graphics performance of the award-winning NVIDIA Turing architecture ™. With performance that rivals the GeForce GTX 1070. It is a super-fast charger for today's most popular games and even faster with modern titles.

 DOMINATE BY HIGHER SPEED

The Generation 9 Intel Core i7 processor offers up to 10% more performance than previous models.
performances

 PERFORMANCE AND STYLE IN PERFECT HARMONY

Directly from the GP line comes this beast with sporty design and strong performance. With the new GP series you dominate the gaming world.

 GAMING SCREEN WITH THIN EDGES

The fastest gaming display gives you the most vibrant images.

Large laptop screen

 SMALLER LAPTOP BIGGER SCREEN

The latest model of laptop with thin edges not only offers immersive images but also a larger display in a compact laptop. The perfect fit for your mobile experience.

Laptop keyboard lighting

 IL-LIGHT KEYBOARD PER-KEY RGB BY STEELSERIES. CUSTOMIZE YOUR KEYBOARD

Customize each key to your liking and receive real-time game status by lighting the keyboard. Or even watch the lights dancing to your heart's content!

MULTI-TASKING WITH UP TO 3 MONITORS

Expand your view to multiple displays with HDMI and mini DisplayPort. And enjoy up to 4K resolution (3840 × 2160) for extra productivity and fun.

Thermal cooling design

 IMPROVED COOLING DESIGN FOR HIGH GAMING PERFORMANCE

Dedicated thermal solutions for both processor and GPU, with a total of 7 heat pipes ensure maximum performance in extreme games.

 SOUND MORE POWERFUL AT A BETTER QUALITY

Players can feel every sound of the engine through the giant updated speakers. Exclusive design of the audio module and independent sound camera for top auditory sensation.

NAHMIC 3

 THE NEW NAHMIC 3 - FOR AUDIO IMMERSION AT ANOTHER LEVEL

Improves the 3D surround sound of the game and offers finer control over music, movies and conference calls.

 AUDIO BOOST - THE SOUND IN WHICH THE SOUND MUST BE HEARD

Enhance sound details by 30% with the built-in AMP (Audio Power Amplifier) ​​and gold-plated audio jacks.

MSI APP PLAYER

 MSI APP PLAYER

Developed in an exclusive partnership with BlueStacks. MSI APP Player offers a seamless gaming experience between mobile games and the PC platform. Uses custom features, such as specific keyboard lighting and better graphics in multi-task tasks.

 DRAGON CENTER 2.0

Monitor and optimize system performance through various customizations and freeing up system memory to prioritize in-game performance.

Key features:

Ports: 1x Type-C USB3.2 Gen2, 2x Type-A USB3.2 Gen1, 1x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2, 1x RJ45, 1x SD (XC / HC), 1x (4K @ 60Hz) HDMI, 1x Mini -DisplayPort;
Keyboard: Per key RGB by SteelSeries;
Display: 15.6 ″ FHD (1920 * 1080), IPS-Level 144Hz 72% NTSC Thin Bezel close to 100% sRGB;
SSD: 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen3x4.

[/expand]

What is the best gaming laptop?

There are only 3-4 companies fighting on this budget segment for gaming laptops, Asus, Lenovo, Acer (excluding Alienware). There are also attempts from other companies but they fail and I cannot recommend them.

Acer

Of all the 3, it seems to me that the fight is in vain, the only thing that attracts is the price. Reliability is somewhere forgotten by manufacturers. But this does not mean that it will be left behind when it comes to gaming experience, the performance will be similar. With small deficiencies at gpu + cpu temperatures that exceed the limit.

Asus

It sacrifices from the construction of the case that looks like a cheap gaming laptop at the first touch, but when we test it in gaming it changes our first impression radically. Reasonable gaming temperatures for a laptop, outstanding performance, grade 10 sound. But the noise produced by the fans is ubiquitous.

Lenovo

It is somewhere between the 2 mentioned above, it scores a plus in each chapter but it does not excel in anything. Maybe in the integrated speakers option which is very inspired to go on JBL speakers. The case being much more pleasant than Asus together with the speakers give a certain plus to the sound without distortion at maximum volume.

MSI

It has come a long way and I have to admit that their gaming laptops don't look bad at all. Neither in terms of performance nor in terms of the appearance of laptops. Not long ago they made "mistakes" with some models of gaming laptops. Either they had problems with cooling, or the batteries died after 1 hour of intensive testing. Now, I have to admit that it looks good from MSI.

Is a gaming laptop comparable to a gaming PC?

NO, if we look at the price, we cannot have the same performance at the same price. But no desktop PC is as portable as a laptop. But, we can find configurations on high-end laptops that are more powerful than some PC gaming systems but at a lower price category.

I said at the beginning of the article that if you want to buy a gaming laptop, you have to accept compromises.

Don't think that gaming performance is comparable to a desktop gaming system, this is not the role of a laptop. It will complement a gaming PC system, it does not aim to replace the traditional PC. The purpose of a laptop is to be easy to transport, during which time it can be used at quite high performance, judging by the size of a laptop.

So you will have to make this compromise from the start.

Is it worth buying a cheap gaming laptop?

If you have a strict budget, laptops are cheap and good for gaming. You don't have very high performances, but for a few games with minimal details you can easily play. I prefer a much better desktop PC at that price, because I'm used to working on 27-30 inch monitors and I sacrifice mobility to the detriment of performance and production capacity.

Specifications of a Gaming Laptop

Video Card (GPU)

The most important aspect to remember is that if you want a good gaming laptop, it must have a dedicated video card, without a doubt.

Even though most manufacturers promise that you will be able to play certain games easily and on an integrated video card, as we discussed above, a gaming laptop is an important investment, and you certainly will not want to regret at some point. that you did not opt for a dedicated video card.

As for this, it is recommended to be a nVidia GeForce 10 series video card (for example, 1060).

Processor (CPU)

The processor of a laptop is very important, as it performs all the tasks that are not related to the video card.
For example, the processor of a gaming laptop also helps to process the other characters in the story of the game you come in contact with (such as GTA 5 or Mafia 3), while taking into account other processes, such as the browser or the software. video recording if you stream or capture video from the game to YouTube.

As a benchmark, the processor of a good gaming laptop must be Intel, preferably from the 7th generation, the Kaby Lake series (ex: i7-7700) or Coffee Lake (i7-8750H).

Remember that series starting with 7 are Kaby Lake, while series starting with 8 are Coffee Lake. As cores, it is also important that the processor be quad core (4 cores), or hexa core (6 cores).

Memory Capacity and Type (RAM)

In short, the more RAM, the better, because the RAM capacity is directly proportional to the number of tasks and executions that the laptop can perform and run.

As a benchmark, a gaming laptop should not have less than 8 GB of RAM (DDR4), ideally 16 GB.

It should also be borne in mind that during games, you most likely run other processes, such as the browser, Discord / Skype, Steam, Battle.net, etc., which in turn eat RAM resources.

Display and Resolution

It would be a shame for the gaming laptop you choose to meet all of the above recommendations, but not for the display or resolution.

Fortunately, most gaming laptop manufacturers have complied, because fortunately it is somewhat difficult not to find a gaming laptop that is not Full HD, which is the recommended standard for the display. As for the resolution, the ideal you should opt for is 1920 × 1080.

How To Choose The Best Laptops For Gaming?

Laptop price

In general, the price is the most important aspect, and as with any other product, there are facilities for laptops that are worth the investment or not.
We will go over each aspect below, but, given that a gaming laptop is not the kind of accessory we change monthly, it is important not to limit yourself strictly to exactly the needs you have at the moment.
As we are used to, new games will appear constantly, and they will be constantly growing in terms of requirements, so the laptop must be able to keep up with them.

Storage Capacity and Type (HDD / SSD)

A good gaming laptop you can buy should not be without an SSD as a type of storage, vital at least for the operating system installation partition.
This will drastically reduce the waiting time from the time the laptop is started until it enters the interface, as well as the fluidity and speed of using the programs installed on the SSD.

For the rest of the needs, such as movies, games or documents, a simple HDD is enough.

As a standard capacity, a 120 GB SSD is enough for the operating system, and as a HDD, depending on your preferences, you can opt for a 1TB HDD.

Keyboard

The best keyboard of a gaming laptop is among the most important things, because whatever you do with the laptop, you will get in touch with it, becoming practically your command center. Equally important is the mouse, but it is purchased separately with other laptop accessories, we will discuss it separately.

Depending on your habits as a gamer, you need to be careful that the laptop keys have the same size and positioning as the ones you are already used to. So, as selection criteria for the laptop keyboard, we list:

• tactile feedback when pressing the keys;
• sufficient distance between the key and its base;
• enough space between the keys;
• important keys (ESC, Enter, Backspace, etc.) to have normal sizes;
• (optional) to have Numpad.

Audio / Sound

It is important to mention when it comes to the audio part of the laptop, it would be ideal for the laptop you choose to have two separate audio jacks - one for headphones, and another for microphone.

However, laptop models with two audio jacks are becoming increasingly rare, which is not very handy, because as a gamer, you need a microphone almost as much as you need headphones.

Fortunately, there are also 3-ring audio jack gaming headphones (such as the mobile phone), which allows the same audio input and the use of headphones and microphone simultaneously. Remember that the required plug must have 3 rings on the audio jack.

Operating System

As candidates for operating systems for a build quality laptop, we have Windows, Mac (OS X) and Linux (Ubuntu). In short, the best option we recommend for a gaming laptop is Windows 10.

Windows 10 dominates the gaming market compared to other operating systems, and not only that, but game makers first consider perfect game optimization for Windows, even before thinking about whether to launch it for another gaming system. operation.

However, Mac (OS X) keeps up as well as possible in terms of games, but as a brand, they are not designed for gaming, and, between us, they are much more expensive due to the brand.

So, in conclusion, the only version of the operating system for a gaming laptop is Windows 10.

Cooling and Ventilation

In general, the thinner a laptop, the more problems it will have with cooling and ventilation, as the lack of space inside deprives it of the freedom to have sufficiently large and efficient fans.

However, a gaming laptop should not be too thin, as it will certainly have problems with heating, which will require a separate cooling pad.

Warming up the laptop will not only affect the performance of the games, but will also give an unpleasant sensation, because depending on the model of the laptop, certain keys (such as W A S D) will also heat up.

Also, the material of which the laptop is made also helps to alleviate the problem, especially regarding the heating of the keys.

Connectivity

When we talk about connectivity, we refer to the ability of the laptop, through the input and output slots, to be able to connect or to be connected to other devices.

Unfortunately, many of the new laptops no longer have an optical drive (CD / DVD), which can be problematic if you need it, but fortunately, you can buy an external one.

Therefore, as benchmarks, it would be ideal for the laptop you choose to have the following:

• Optical drive (if possible) - CD / DVD-RW;
• HDMI output;
• USB 3.1 type C, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports;
• Exit Mini DisplayPort;
• Audio input (if possible - for microphone);
• Audio output;
• RJ-45 input (LAN / Internet cable plug);
• Card reader;
• Wireless - 10/100/1000 - 802.11 ac or 802.11 ac 2 × 2.

Battery

For a gaming laptop, our suggestion would be not to have high hopes for the battery or its life.

True, some laptops can support gaming quite easily and when running only on battery, but when you play without a power cord, you have a choice between the quality at which you want the game to run and the duration of the gaming session (long battery life), since they are inversely proportional.

The better the quality of the game on the battery, the less it will last, and vice versa, the lower the quality, the longer the battery will last.

In conclusion, for a gaming laptop, it must be taken into account that for its maximum performance, it must be connected to the mains, so do not worry too much about the chosen battery.

Last update on 2021-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API