There are definitely laptops designed specifically for gaming. Gaming laptops have high-performance components like powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and plenty of RAM to handle demanding games.
What are the requirements for a good gaming laptop?
Here are some of the key requirements to look for in a gaming laptop:
- Graphics Card – An NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM is recommended for playing modern games on high settings.
- Processor – A fast multi-core processor like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 is ideal for gaming and multitasking.
- RAM – 16GB of RAM or higher is recommended so you can run games smoothly while having other apps open.
- Storage – A 256GB SSD for the operating system and some games, plus a 1TB HDD for more game storage is a good configuration.
- Display – A 1080p display with a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate results in smooth gameplay.
- Keyboard – Opt for a gaming laptop with an RGB backlit keyboard with anti-ghosting technology for the best experience.
Gaming laptops need powerful components to run graphics-intensive modern games smoothly. Compromising on the GPU, CPU, RAM, or display will result in a less than ideal gaming experience.
What are some good gaming laptop brands?
Some of the top gaming laptop brands include:
- Alienware – Famous for their unique spaceship design aesthetic and top-tier hardware. Models like the Alienware m15 R4 are excellent choices.
- ASUS ROG – Their Republic of Gamers series offers high-end specs in models like the ROG Zephyrus G14 and affordable options too.
- MSI – Renowned gaming brand with thin and light options like the GS66 Stealth and powerful rigs like the GE76 Raider.
- Razer – Premium gaming laptops crafted with MacBook-like quality. The Razer Blade 15 is a hugely popular model.
- Acer Predator – Aggressive sci-fi designs packing big hardware at more affordable prices than many rivals.
These major brands have a reputation for producing well-built gaming laptops with top-tier components, high-refresh rate displays, and extras like RGB keyboards. They offer excellent performance even on newer AAA game titles.
What is the best budget gaming laptop?
Some of the best budget gaming laptops are:
| Laptop Model | Key Specs | Price |
| Acer Nitro 5 | Intel Core i5, GTX 1650, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $779 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | Ryzen 5, GTX 1650 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $799 |
| MSI GF65 Thin | Intel Core i5, RTX 3060, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $899 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 | Ryzen 5, GTX 1650, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD | $769 |
These laptops all provide decent 1080p gaming performance in the budget range of under $1000. They make some compromises on the display, build, or storage but still pack a capable GPU that can run esports titles and AAA games at medium settings.
Should I get a gaming laptop or desktop?
Here’s a quick comparison of gaming laptops vs desktops:
| Gaming Laptop | Gaming Desktop | |
| Performance | Good but lower than desktops due to thermal constraints | Excellent with powerful components and superior cooling |
| Portability | Completely portable for gaming anywhere | Not portable, can only be used at a desk |
| Upgradability | Limited upgradability for components like RAM, storage | Very customizable with ability to swap any part |
| Initial Cost | More expensive for the performance | Less expensive for similar hardware |
Gaming laptops provide great performance considering their form factor but are limited compared to desktops. If you want top-tier power and don’t care about portability, a desktop is better. But gaming laptops are a versatile choice for frequent travelers or those with limited space.
Is it worth getting RTX 2060 laptop?
The RTX 2060 is currently a very solid graphics card for 1080p and entry-level 1440p gaming. Some reasons why an RTX 2060 gaming laptop is worth considering:
- Delivers smooth 60+ fps performance in most titles at high settings at 1080p.
- Support for ray tracing and DLSS provides an immersive gaming experience.
- 6GB of VRAM is enough for gaming at standard HD resolutions.
- Faster than previous gen GTX 1060 so it’s pretty future-proof.
- Costs less than RTX 2070/2080 laptops but not far behind in performance.
The RTX 2060 hits a nice sweet spot between price and performance. It can tackle the latest AAA games at 60fps with some compromises. For most gamers gaming at 1080p or 1440p on a laptop display, the 2060 remains a very capable option that should age well over the next few years thanks to DLSS.
Is a 3050 Ti good for gaming?
The RTX 3050 Ti is NVIDIA’s entry-level current-gen gaming GPU. Here is an evaluation of how good it is for gaming:
- It provides playable framerates (50-60fps) in most games at 1080p medium settings.
- In more demanding titles, you may need to lower some settings to get smooth performance.
- The 4GB of VRAM could be limiting in games with higher texture requirements.
- It’s around 2x faster than previous gen GTX 1650 Ti, offering a decent generational performance uplift.
- DLSS support helps boost fps in supported titles.
- Great for esports and competitive multiplayer games where high frame rates matter.
Overall, the RTX 3050 Ti is a good match for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings in most titles. It hits acceptable 60fps+ framerates but falls short of the buttery smooth 100+ fps gaming experience. It provides good value, but an RTX 3060 is recommended if your budget allows.
What is a good screen size for gaming laptop?
Here are some common gaming laptop screen sizes along with their benefits:
- 17 inches – Very immersive for gaming but less portable. Models like the MSI GE76 Raider provide a desktop-like experience.
- 15 inches – The most popular size, balancing screen real estate with mobility. The Razer Blade 15 has a great 15-inch display.
- 14 inches – More compact and easier to travel with. The ROG Zephyrus G14 packs a 14-inch high-refresh rate display in a tiny chassis.
Screen sizes under 14 inches are not recommended for gaming since they are too small to enjoy games fully. For most gamers, a 15-inch laptop provides the best experience and versatility.
Is a 4K screen worth it on a gaming laptop?
Here are some pros and cons of getting a 4K display on a gaming laptop:
Pros:
- Stunning, incredibly sharp visuals.
- More screen real estate for work and content creation.
- Future-proof for when you upgrade the GPU.
Cons:
- Very GPU demanding, difficult to run games at native 4K smoothly.
- Noticeably lower battery life compared to 1080p.
- Not viable for competitive esports gaming where high frame rates matter.
- Windows scaling can be wonky at 4K.
A 4K gaming laptop can provide an amazing visual experience but requires compromises. For pure gaming, even top-end GPUs struggle to maintain high frame rates at native 4K in demanding titles. An alternative is to get a QHD (1440p) display which strikes a good balance.
Conclusion
Gaming laptops provide an immersive high-performance gaming experience with the benefit of portability. Key factors to consider are the GPU, CPU, RAM, display, cooling system, and brand reputation. RTX 3060 equipped laptops deliver a great value for 1080p gaming. For most gamers, a 15-inch model from a top gaming brand like ASUS, MSI, or Razer is a smart choice. With the ideal gaming laptop, you can enjoy AAA titles anywhere without breaking the bank.