If you want the best laptop aimed for gaming purposes, you first have to look into the specifications that you want for the unit. As soon as you have determined what you need, you can then settle on a budget. If you have many requirements, then, by all means, you should be ready to spend a little more on best gaming laptops.
There are good cheap laptops available now because computer manufacturers have finally answered the demand for more affordable gaming laptops. These days, it is easy for gamers to get an excellent laptop that will meet their needs for just under $500.
There are also laptop features that you have to keep in mind when shopping for one. Here are the crucial elements you should always look for:
Processor
The processor is responsible for managing the speed of the laptop; the speed of the processor is always measured in GHz or gigahertz. Remember that faster processors mean your laptop will also gain speed. Purchase a laptop with the fastest processor that your money can buy so your rig will last longer.
There are available quad-core processors now which have 4 cores and these items can contribute lots of advantages in multiple threaded applications. A majority of newer games now accommodate a multi-core processor. It is always suggested that you go for the quad core kind.
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Operating system (OS) – Best Gaming Laptops
The most used operating system at the moment is Windows 10, however, many still use Windows 8 or 7. If you want a professional version of the OS, it is up to you if you need it. You can match up versions of the OS by looking for it online.
Memory
The memory is responsible for handling the manner in which the laptop multitasks; it is also popularly known as RAM. If the laptop model has a bigger RAM, your laptop will easily be able to handle tasks all at once. Standard recommendations for RAM are at least 4 GB, but many opt for 8 GB, which is not a bad thing. It should have at least a speed of DDR3-1066.
Hard drive
There are 2 types of hard drives available today and they are the standard mechanical drives and the solid state drives. The former is slower and is considered an older kind of model. The drive includes moving components which move slowly compared to solid state drives, which are flash-based.
Solid state drives are costly for the quantity of storage space you will acquire. The most suggested right now are drives with 320GB 7200 RPM (rotations per minute). However most still go for 7200 RPMs.
Graphics processing unit (GPU) or video card
The GPU or video card will find out the amount of load it will get off of the processor for graphics-related duties. Get a laptop with the best graphics or video card that your money can buy. You have to be very careful in choosing the video card because cannot be upgraded. A great video card will depend on the laptop size.
Optical drive
This time around, the stock optical drive is the dual-layer DVD burner. This translates that every dual-layer DVD features a maximum capacity of 9.4 GB.
There are also Blu-ray burners and Blu-ray readers available now; however, they are not really necessary and the purchase of a laptop with these features will depend on the user’s preference. These items only have to be considered in case you really need and have the budget for them, or you want to watch Blu-ray movies on the laptop.
Wireless LAN
The card should be quality in case you want to use it for work or particular projects. Most recommend the wireless kind for gaming.
Battery
It is always suggested that you take into consideration the cell count of the laptop model’s battery; a higher cell count means it will have a longer battery life.
If you want a laptop with tons of power, you have to make sure that the battery will be able to accommodate it, especially if you want to use the laptop for gaming. There are available best cheap laptops with decent batteries that can provide long hours of laptop usage.
Display
The size of the monitor ranges from 8.6” to a whopping 19”. Its resolution ascertains the size of the icons, text, and windows as they appear on the monitor. A lower resolution means everything else will have a bigger size.
Laptops for gaming with greater resolutions will need a lower amount of AA/AF on the games, hence offering you a boosted frame rate. You should always go for a model with the highest resolution that you can afford.
Ethernet/LAN
The Ethernet or LAN must always be in gigabit (1000Mbps) LAN. Anything lower is out-of-date.
5 Suggested Laptops for Gaming
There are lots of affordable options now made available by computer companies who want their customers to experience excellent gaming through the best cheap gaming laptops. It might seem like it’s impossible to secure anything that’s easy on the wallet, but it is, and it has since resulted in happy, satisfied gamers. Here are some of the most suggested models.
Acer Laptop Aspire E 15 E5-575G-52RJ – Best Gaming Laptops
The Aspire E5-575G-52RJ strives to provide a quick-running, dependable performance that is designed solely for gaming and media files. The model has been praised for its power and excellent performance plus, it has a nice range of features for a price that’s friendly to a budget.
It combines an Intel Core i5 6200U CPU with a high-bandwidth 8 GB or DDR4 memory for a faster, more dependable performance. For your advanced gaming needs, the model is also equipped with a NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics card. It has an outstanding 1080 pixel display for excellent views, plus, a new USB 3.1 Type-C, ultra-fast AC wireless, and longer battery life.
The model measures 1.19” x 15.02” x 10.20” and weighs approximately 5 lbs. It is portable and has a 4-cell Li-Ion battery with a capacity of up to 2800 mAh which can bring up to 8 hours of battery life on a full, single charge.
Pros
- Has plenty of horsepower that can handle your gaming style
- Has sufficient 1 TB storage for bigger multimedia files, software, games and more
- Can install software
- Can back up important files
- Users can watch movies from DVDs by means of optical driveHigh-performance sound care of Acer TrueHarmony
Cons
- Screen is not that bright as claimed
- Keyboard buttons feel a bit fragile
Verdict – Best Gaming Laptops
If there is a gaming laptop that you should buy just for gaming, this might be it. It has a powerful setup that accommodates your gaming needs, enough storage to keep all of your games and media files from movies to MP3s, is capable of installing software, and can back up files as well.
If you like collecting DVDs but do not have the player at home for it, you can watch it instead on this unit because of the included optical drive. You can install additional software too and the system will not lag since it has all the power it needs to keep everything smoothly running. Another bonus of the unit? It has excellent sound thanks to TrueHarmony.
Toshiba Satellite S55-A5279 – Best Gaming Laptops
The Satellite S55-A5279 includes powerful features like the Intel Core i7-4700MQ and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M with 2 GB GDDR3 VRAM and NVIDIA Optimus technology.
In turn, the user will get an HDD with a higher capacity, plus, a 1 TB HDD at 5400 RPM. An 8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz SDRAM is also included with both of the slots engaged but it’s expandable up to 16 GB. It is built with Harman/Kardon stereo speakers boosted by DTS Studio sound for a better gaming experience.
It provides a total of 4 USB ports, with the majority of them being USB 3.0 and two with Sleep and Charge features. Other ports provided are a mic port with Toshiba’s Sleep and Music, a headphone jack, an RGB port, RJ45 port and an HDMI output port.
This is a 15-inch model with a LED backlit keyboard for better typing in low-light conditions, a 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WLAN, HD webcam, card reader slot and a DVD SuperMulti drive.
Pros
- Has great processing power perfect for daily gaming and multimedia use
- Excellent cooling system prevents overheating
- Has powerful speakers with great low bass
- Nice screen and resolution for gaming
Cons
- PhysX processing is not that good
- Short battery life
- Touchpad is not user friendly
Verdict
One of the most important matters that you have to consider on a gaming laptop is its cooling system. A great cooling system means your rig will be taken care of. Gaming is a heavier task than the usual email browsing or Office application so it will make the processor and other related components work harder, in turn bringing more heat.
Hence the unit should have an excellent cooling system. This unit makes it happen so it was provided with great feedback from its users. Other than that, due to its superb processing power, the model can be used daily for gaming and multimedia tasks. It has excellent sound too with topnotch bass, something that is a rarity on laptops.
Furthermore, it has a nice screen and resolution that will make your gaming experience more enjoyable.
ASUS ROG G752VT (i7-6700HQ) Gaming Notebook
The ASUS ROG G752VT is for the gamer who wants to invest in an excellent piece of laptop work aimed for gaming. It has a hard-hitting design with a construction that supports formidable hardware meant to level up your gaming experience and allow everything to flow smoothly.
It has the superb Intel Core i7-6820HK processor with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. Hence the model is perfectly capable of running high-end games and heavy-duty design software. It also features an unlocked multiplier, which means users will be able to do some processor overclocking. The ROG G752VT also includes a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 with video memory that clocks in at 8 GB.
Storing all of your multimedia files and games will be made easier too thanks to the installation of a 1TB 7200rpm mechanical hard drive and a 256GB solid state drive. It has a full HD 17.3” screen that provides G-SYNC capabilities for better image quality and brighter, crisper colors.
Pros
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
- Has unlocked multiplier for overall excellent performance
- Great cooling system
- 32 GB of RAM
- VR-ready
Cons
- Heavy and cumbersome
- Comes with a higher price tag
- Does not have a backlit keyboard
- Poor battery life
Verdict of Best Gaming Laptops
If you consider yourself a hardcore gamer, then the ASUS ROG G752VT might be the rig for you. This is an investment though, due to it having a higher price tag. However, if you care about its poor battery life, you may consider other options and to get the best gaming laptops in the market.
MSI GT72S Dominator G-037 – Best Gaming Laptops
MSI Micro Star International is a computer hardware company that is based in Taiwan and is known for their extensive range of desktop computer motherboards. Their GT72S Dominator G-037 has constant favorable ratings among gaming and tech enthusiasts.
One of its best features is the inclusion of the NVIDIA G-SYNC. The G-SYNC gets rid of screen tearing and it reduces sputter and input lagging as well so gamers can continue with their games at ease. The inclusion of the feature also makes items on the screen sharper and leads to more fluid gameplay.
The model makes use of the latest in CPU technology and quick-acting DDR4 memory support. It has the brand new Intel 6th Generation Core i7 K processor which is currently believed to be the most formidable mobile processor today. For the best possible performance, the model supports an advanced DDR4 memory.
It also accommodates the current PCI-E Gen 3.0×4 bandwidth making use of NVMe technology on a single M.2 SSD. Transfer larger files effortlessly with its 40Gbps transfer speed and improved pixel performance with its dual 4K display.
Playing games can do a number on your laptop so the model also comes with Cooler Boost 3; the feature draws heat away from the GPU and the CPU with heat pipes that minimize heat production and maximize heat dissipation for longer hours of dedicated gaming.
Pros
- NVIDIA G-SYNC
- Fast DDR4 memory support
- Includes Intel 6th Generation Core i7 K processor
- Has 40Gbps transfer speed
- Has the excellent Cooler Boost 3
- True Color Technology
- DoubleShot Pro
- Excellent, powerful sound
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Expensive
Verdict
This is the most expensive item on the list and true to its price in the best gaming laptops list, has all the fantastic features you need out of a gaming laptop. However for its price, many may feel they can build their own rig instead. If battery life is not your top priority, then the item will bring value to your money due to its excellent array of powerful features.
If you think its price does not justify poor battery life, you can opt for the best cheap laptop with a decent battery at a lower cost.
HP High Performance 15.6 Inch Business Laptop
The HP High Performance Business Laptop features 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB solid state drive. Boot-up time is a cinch due to the inclusion of the SSD. If speed matters to you, then this one will be your best companion in gaming.
However, you have to take into consideration that 128 GB is not that big when it comes to storage, especially in a world now dominated by 1 TB storage. Windows takes up a huge chunk of the storage and it will be used even more if you like storing games or placing applications or other software on it.
It is recommended that you acquire a 1 TB external hard drive in case you store lots of big files, MP3s, and movies.
When it comes to the cooling system, the unit’s cooling fans have performed excellently thus far. The unit also presented a crisp, clear sound for its price. The battery life on this unit performed well.
If you want to check the extent of the battery’s power, you can test it out by putting it on a selection of power settings. If you like using the battery saver settings you could probably save more and allow for a longer battery time.
Pros
- 128 GB solid state drive
- 8 GB of RAM
- Excellent cooling system
- Clear, audible sound system
- Battery life is very good
Cons
- 128 GB might not be enough storage for some
Conclusion For Best Gaming Laptops
In order to get the best gaming laptop, you have to consider several important factors before buying the first laptop you see in your favorite gadget store. All of the factors mentioned above will help in determining what type of laptop you should buy. There is a variety in terms of features, designs, and prices.
There are high-end models that work excellently, while there are also good, cheap laptops that are highly recommended by users. You can browse the internet for more information about the products you want to check out. As soon as you have streamlined the features you want and the budget you are willing to allot for them, you are more than ready to shop for a new laptops.
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