Key Points
- Gaming laptops have better specifications, including powerful CPUs and GPUs, larger batteries, and better cooling systems, making them ideal for playing AAA-rated games with little-to-no lagging.
- Gaming laptops have the capacity to handle most PC games, unlike standard laptops that may struggle with high-quality games and produce substandard graphics.
- Gaming laptops offer flexibility, allowing gamers to play anywhere and anytime, unlike gaming desktops that limit gaming to a designated space.
- Important factors to consider before buying a gaming laptop include price, battery life, CPU and GPU clock speeds, and screen size and resolution.
For decades, gaming consoles and desktop computers have dominated the gaming industry. However, recent developments in processor technology, memory devices, and improvements in cooling systems have made it possible for PC manufacturers to build gaming laptops capable of rivaling consoles and desktops, leading us to discuss reasons to buy a gaming laptop today.
Despite such developments, some gamers still question whether buying a gaming laptop is worth it. That is unfortunate because gaming laptops have so much to offer.
Below are some reasons every gamer should consider buying a gaming laptop. We also recommend some suitable options that are worth your money. Let’s get to it!
A Glance at Gaming Laptops
Any laptop can be used for gaming; however, only some laptops have the specifications to handle the performance requirements for heavy games. As a result, when you install a high-end game on a laptop with substandard specifications, one of two things will happen.
Either the game will not play, or you will experience issues like video lagging and poor picture quality. Such issues may dampen your gaming experience.
To resolve the issue, laptop manufacturers created a segment of gaming laptops built using the best central and graphics processors, cooling systems, and memory sticks. Some laptops also come with keypads tailored for gaming.
However, it is only until you use a gaming laptop that you will differentiate the experience from gaming on a standard laptop.
Reasons to Buy A Gaming Laptop
Every gamer has unique reasons why they chose a specific gaming laptop. Some were drawn to its design and build, others to its RGB lighting, and others to its graphics processor. As such, we have compiled reasons that would resonate with most gaming laptop users.
1. Better Specifications
As mentioned, PC games, especially AAA-rated games, can be very demanding on a device’s hardware. Therefore, getting a device that can handle such demands is integral to enjoying your gaming sessions. Gaming laptops are the ideal solution to playing AAA-rated games with little-to-no lagging.
Manufacturers often fit gaming laptops with powerful central processing units (CPUs), as they are responsible for executing commands and game logic. Additionally, the CPUs should be paired with a reasonable cache memory size.
Gaming laptops must also have a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) to guarantee accurate image rendering and improve visual appeal.
We must also mention that gaming laptops have better batteries than standard laptops. Laptop manufacturers understand that PC games drain batteries faster than most activities carried out on a laptop.
Thus, they pair gaming laptops with large-capacity batteries that can last at least 10 hours of intensive gaming. Laptops also tend to produce a lot of heat when handling intense activities like gaming. Consequently, gaming laptops have better cooling systems than ordinary laptops to guarantee non-stop gaming.
2. Capacity to Handle Most PC Games
Having a standard laptop limits the type of games you can play. Most ordinary laptops have specifications that struggle to process the demands of high-quality games.
As a result, such laptops produce substandard graphics and will occasionally freeze mid-game as the processor tries to execute commands.
Such laptops force users to play less demanding games like Solitaire and Candy Crush. On the other hand, gaming laptops have high processing capacities that can handle the demands of even the “heaviest” PC games. This means gamers can buy any PC game without worrying that their laptops will hang.
3. Flexibility
The urge to play a game can strike at any moment. You might want to do so on your cab ride home, while on a study break at the library, or while having lunch at your local cafe.
However, gaming desktops limit you to only playing within a designated gaming space. On the other hand, when you own a gaming laptop, you can whip it out wherever you want and scratch the itch to play.
4. Versatility
The only function of a gaming console like a PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, or Xbox One is to provide entertainment through games, movies, and music. On the other hand, gaming laptops are ordinary laptops with improved specifications.
- 17.3" screen with FHD Display
- 1TB state-drive disk storage and 16GB RAM
- 2.5Gbps ethernet connection for fast file transfers
- Alienware keyboard with rapid keystroke response
- Exceptional processing power, and upgradable CPU
This means you can still use your gaming laptop for work and school assignments. For example, gaming laptops have high-powered GPUs and CPUs ideal for activities like 3D animation, graphics design, and video editing.
In addition, gaming laptops support internet connections, allowing you to stream music and movies. You can also use them for conference calls, including Zoom meetings.
5. A Sturdy Build and Stylish Design
Most manufacturers use plastic as the primary casing material for most appliances, including some laptops. Unfortunately, plastic can be a flimsy material that does not adequately protect against mechanical impact.
That is why PC manufacturers use heavy-duty materials like aluminum when making gaming laptops. Such materials reinforce your laptop’s sturdiness, protecting its internal components against damage.
Regarding design, gaming laptops tend to be more stylish than ordinary laptops. They have features like RGB backlights that light up the keyboard when gaming. Some gaming laptops even allow syncing the RGB lights with other accessories like gaming mice, keyboards, and headsets.
5 Best Gaming Laptops You Can Buy Today
Now that you know some valuable reasons to own a gaming laptop, you may be in the market for a new one. There are tens, if not hundreds, of gaming laptops on the market today. We compared different gaming laptops’ specs and compiled a list of the best models you can buy today.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor
- 15.6” 2560 x 1440 display with adaptive sync
- 4.2 lbs ultraportable form-factor
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Weighing 1.90 Kg (4.19 lb.), the Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is one of the lightest gaming laptops, making it perfect for on-the-go gaming. It has a decently sized 15.6-inch screen with 1080p resolution for high-resolution video output and a 240Hz refresh rate to guarantee smooth motion transitions.
Asus also reported that the laptop had a three-millisecond response time, one of the fastest among gaming laptops. The highlighted specs make the Zephyrus G15 ideal for playing fast-paced games, like first-person shooter (FPS) games.
Now let’s talk about processing speed. The laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS Mobile Processor with a maximum clock speed of 4.8 GHz. This CPU is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, responsible for graphics processing.
Asus fitted this laptop with 16GB RAM, expandable to 32GB, that can run AAA-rated games. You also get 1TB of storage to store data generated when gaming. Lastly, the G15 incorporates Dolby Atmos technology into its audio system, delivering high-quality surround sound for immersive gaming.
MSI Titan GT77HX 13VH-046US
- 17.3-inch display
- Windows 11 Pro OS
- 13th Gen Intel Raptor Lake Core i9-13980HX (24 cores)
- DDR5 3600MHz 64GB RAM
The MSI Titan GT77HX 13VH-046US made it to our list as the best gaming laptop for PC performance enthusiasts. However, this recommendation comes with a disclaimer, as you may need to break the bank to buy this laptop.
The MSI Titan GT77HX runs on an Intel Core i9 processor. It comprises 8 performance and 16 efficiency cores, with a maximum clock speed of 5.6 GHz.
This super powerful CPU is complemented by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU with a maximum boost clock of 2.52 GHz. That means you will never have to worry about video lagging and buffering.
In addition, the Titan GT77 has 64GB RAM, expandable to 128GB, which ensures the device runs smoothly and faster than most laptops. It also has two 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) slots to ensure you always have enough storage space.
You will enjoy gaming on this laptop as it comes with a 17.3-inch display, providing enough viewing field for any PC game. This laptop’s only shortcoming is its 7.3 lb. weight; it is bulky and inconvenient to move around with. All in all, go for this laptop if you want a gaming laptop that can handle any PC game you throw at it.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
- 240Hz 16-inch WQHD IPS display
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX Processor
- 32GB DDR5 SDRAM
- 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i made it on our list as the best all-around gaming laptop. It offers the best balance regarding performance, specifications, and pricing.
Lenovo fitted the laptop with an Intel Core i9 13900HX CPU comprising eight performance cores and sixteen efficiency cores. Additionally, the Pro 7i is compatible with three NVIDIA GPUs: the GeForce RTX 4070, 4080, or 4090, responsible for graphics processing.
Regarding memory, the laptop supports up to 16GB RAM. It also comes with spacious storage, expandable to 2TB. However, where this laptop edges out other gaming laptops is its expansive battery capacity.
The Pro 7i has a 99.99Whr battery that delivers up to 12 hours of playing time on a single charge. Lastly, the Pro 7i comes with a 1080p camera with a shutter — handy for streaming your online gaming sessions.
Razer Blade 15
- 15.6-inch display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7
- 4.8 GHz of Turbo Boost
- 50% faster than the previous generation
- Next-Gen Vapor Chamber Cooling
- Built-in HDMI 2.1 port, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, and UHS-III SD card slot
The Razer Blade 15 is one of the best-designed and built gaming laptops. It has a strong T6 CNC aluminum chassis that has been anodized to improve its durability. It is also lightweight, weighing 2.01 kg (4.4 lb.).
Razor allows buyers to customize their gaming laptops to their preferences. For example, buyers can choose their preferred CPU from the following options:
- 12th-generation Intel Core i7-12800H
- 12th-generation Core i9-12900H
- 13th-generation Core i7-13800H
As for the GPU, the choices include: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 3070 Ti, 3080 Ti, 4060, or 4070. The Blade 15 also comes with 1TB of storage and a choice between 16GB RAM and 32GB RAM. Lastly, this gaming laptop has an 80Wh battery that guarantees at least six hours of use.
Razer provides a 2-year warranty for its batteries as proof of quality and reliability. Ultimately, this is the device to buy if you want a gaming laptop that checks both the design and performance boxes.
Alienware m17 R5
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
- 17.3" Full HD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
- Max. resolution of external monitors can be 8K @ 60Hz
The Alienware m17 R5 is a powerful machine that offers more specification options than other laptops on this list. First, for the CPU, consumers can choose between an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H with a max clock speed of 4.7 GHz and an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX with a max clock speed of 4.9 GHz.
Users can also choose from five NVIDIA graphics cards for the GPU. They include: GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, 3060, 3070 Ti, 3080, and 3080 Ti, and AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT GPU.
Lastly, this 17.3-inch gaming laptop offers a minimum of 16 GB RAM expandable to 32GB, and 512 GB of internal storage — expandable to 4TB.
What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Laptop
Every manufacturer advertises its gaming laptops as the fastest in the market. Their sensationalized marketing begs the question: Which gaming laptop is actually the best or offers value for money?
While different buyers may attribute the answer to personal preferences, any decent laptop should satisfy the criteria discussed below.
Price
Gaming laptops are generally more expensive than standard laptops. The price difference is attributable to their superior cooling systems, CPUs and GPUs, RAM and ROM storage, and expansive batteries.
Consequently, most premium gaming laptops cost more than $2,500, while a respectable mid-range gaming laptop costs between $900 and $1600. An important tip to remember when shopping for a gaming laptop is to set your budget and stick to it.
Battery Life
Gaming not only exerts pressure on a laptop’s processors but also its battery. Intensive gaming often drains a laptop’s battery faster than web surfing and streaming. In addition, most gamers spend several hours playing per gaming session.
These factors underline the importance of buying a gaming laptop with better-than-average battery life. An expansive battery allows you to enjoy long missions without the fear of the laptop shutting down unexpectedly.
CPU and GPU Clock Speeds
The CPU interprets and executes a program’s instructions. That means it is responsible for executing the actions assigned to each keystroke in a game. The clock speed is a crucial metric when analyzing CPU stats; it indicates how fast a laptop responds to program instructions.
A gaming laptop with slow clock speeds will always execute commands slowly, which can be frustrating. In the worst-case scenario, a slow clock speed could cost you a mission. Opt for a gaming laptop with a fast clock speed to ensure the laptop can run commands as quickly as possible without lagging.
On the other hand, the GPU helps a laptop generate clear and realistic images. Slow GPU clock speeds mean a GPU cannot competently render high-resolution images. This often results in a pixelated display. On the other hand, a GPU with a high clock speed will produce images as intended by the game maker.
Screen Size and Resolution
A gaming laptop’s screen size is essential because it dictates your field of view. Though laptops are at a disadvantage in screen size compared to desktops and TV screens, they come in several sizes.
The smallest gaming laptops often have 14-inch screens, while the largest have 18-inch screens. It is up to you to decide which size suits you.
Regarding screen resolution, the standard for most gaming laptops is a 1920 x 1080 resolution. You can get a gaming laptop with a higher screen resolution. However, it will make little difference, as most games are designed with the standard resolution in mind.
Final Thoughts
If you have doubts about buying a gaming laptop, the above reasons should be enough to put them to bed. Investing in a gaming laptop is a worthwhile venture. That is especially true in a gaming industry constantly churning out AAA-rated games requiring powerful devices.
You do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a standard laptop only to replace it one year later because it cannot handle the newly-released games.
A gaming laptop is also handy for other non-game-related activities, including school and office work. So, don’t hesitate to purchase one online or run to the retail store for a decent gaming laptop.
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