Best notebook graphics card 2022: The Best Gaming Laptops for 2022

The Best Gaming Laptops for 2022

Purists will argue that you need a PC to truly play games, especially if you’re a fan of pushing the levels of graphics quality beyond the capabilities of a mere gaming console. To do that, the gaming desktop is still king, particularly when it comes to having the kind of components and horsepower needed to run 4K games smoothly and support virtual reality (VR) setups. But if you want or need something you can tote around the house or over to your friend’s place, we’re here to help you choose the right gaming laptop.

Our list of picks is ever-evolving as we test new models. We have organized our choices into our current favorites in the budget (under about $1,200), midrange (between budget and $2,000), and high-end ($2,000 and up) categories at each of the two major gaming-laptop screen sizes (15-inch and 17-inch). Smaller 14-inch gaming laptops fall into the «ultraportable gaming» class, and we’ve also designated a few additional favorites for areas such as overall value and unusual designs (such as twin-screen models). On occasion, we may designate a model in a different price class than what we tested it at, if the base model starts at a lower price.

Also note that the budget class saw some price inflation through 2021 into 2022, given the silicon shortages and supply-chain issues that have plagued the industry since the pandemic began. Before, we’d have set a hard limit of $999 for budget gaming machines, but we are seeing price rises at the lower end of this market. So we’ve lifted the price ceiling for this class of gaming machines.

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Alienware x15 Intel i7 RTX 3070 512GB SSD Laptop
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Razer Blade 14 Ryzen 9 RTX 3070 Ti 1TB SSD Laptop
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Dell G15 Ryzen 5 RTX 3050 256GB SSD 15.6″ Laptop
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Lenovo Legion Ryzen 5 RTX 3060 512GB SSD 15.6″ Laptop
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HP Victus Intel i7 RTX 3050 Ti 512GB SSD 15.6″ Laptop
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(List Price $1,219.99)

More About Our Picks

Acer Predator Triton 300 SE

4.5 Outstanding

Best Overall Value Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

Acer’s Predator Triton 300 SE will make major waves among gaming laptops, with its trim design and punchy RTX 3060 gaming performance at an aggressive price.

Pros

Sleek, compact, highly portable design
Very fair price for the component mix
Greater-than-60fps gaming performance at 1080p with GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
144Hz display
Long battery life

Cons

14-inch screen may be tight for some gamers
512GB SSD potentially cramped for large game libraries

Why We Picked It

A mainstream gaming laptop needs to fill the wants of a whole host of possible buyers: hardcore gamers without big bucks to spare, casual players, students on a budget, folks who may use it for work outside of game-time. The Predator Triton 300 SE is among the best we’ve seen at striking a happy balance for all of those folks. It’s not a bare-budget model that feels cheap, but it’s moderately priced, and its 14-inch screen is part of an emerging wave of more-compact gaming laptops that you actually might want to carry around. Plus, it doesn’t compromise on essentials such as physical ports or battery life.

Many other 14-inch models are premium designs that start at higher prices, so the Triton 300 SE occupies a bit of a «Goldilocks» spot in the gaming-laptop market: not too big, not too expensive, and just right on the power it provides. (The GeForce RTX 3060 of our test unit is an excellent middle-ground GPU.)

Who It’s For

We’d answer that with an initial caveat: You have to want a gaming laptop that’s slightly smaller than most. (The heart of the gaming-laptop market is your typical 15.6-incher.) Budget buyers who can stretch their spending a little are the prime target for the Triton. But it’ll also satisfy more serious gamers who simply can’t splash out two grand for a monster machine. Our $1,399 test unit is a realistic recommendation for a wide swath of gamers.

Read Our Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Review

MSI Katana GF66

4.0 Excellent

Best Budget 15-Inch Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

MSI’s Katana GF66 is a well-priced, well-rounded budget gaming laptop that cuts competing models down to size.

Pros

Aggressive price for the component mix
Solid 1080p gaming performance
144Hz display
Roomy 1TB SSD

Cons

Display isn’t overly bright or colorful
Middling CPU performance
Brief battery life

Why We Picked It

In a time of rising PC and component costs, MSI’s Katana GF66 is a breath of fresh air for true budget shoppers. Configurations start at just $799, and there’s a great in-store Micro Center deal on the upticked model we tested for just $1,199. What makes it such a good pick compared to other entry-level systems? It offers an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU at a lower price than other machines, plus an eight-core Intel Core i7 CPU. This is an all-around killer package considering the cost.

Expect, of course, some compromises—unavoidable for the price—but they’re relatively minimal. The Katana’s battery life is shorter, and its screen less vivid, than we’d like. But it hits the essentials and then some. Laptops at this price don’t normally offer a GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, which comfortably delivers 60fps-plus gaming at a low barrier of entry. The Katana also packs a 144Hz display to capitalize on titles that can go well beyond 60fps on a midrange GPU, like massively popular competitive multiplayer games.

Who It’s For

Cash-strapped gamers with big game libraries should give the Katana a long look. And one thing we didn’t mention: Unusual for the money in our test model was a roomy 1TB solid-state drive, well suited to the ballooning sizes of today’s game installs. All told, the Katana GF66 is a standout value and earns an Editors’ Choice award for budget buyers’ consideration.

Read Our MSI Katana GF66 Review

Acer Nitro 5 (2021, 17-inch)

3.5 Good

Best Budget 17-Inch Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

Acer’s latest 17-inch Nitro 5 may not inspire design-wise, but its top-end RTX 3080 and Ryzen 7 parts ensure brisk 1080p gaming for a bit less than its premium competitors.

Pros

Strong 1080p gaming performance with Ryzen 7 and GeForce RTX 3080
More bang for the buck than some high-end competitors
Plenty of useful ports including USB-C and Ethernet
Good battery life for a 17-inch gaming laptop

Cons

Relatively dull display
Uninspiring overall design and build quality for this price range

Why We Picked It

You’ll note that the test model we cite in our full review of this big Nitro is a bit above what we outlined as the «budget» price range in the introduction of this story. That said, the Nitro 5, for multiple generations, has been a classic budget laptop available at a range of prices, with plenty of models at the lower end. You’ll tend to find more budget models at the 15.6-inch screen size than the 17-inch, since the former is the heart of the market and 15.6-inch panels are traditionally the most cost-efficient in laptops due to volume of production.

Intel-based Nitro 5 configs at 17 inches start at $1,099 (note: the Nitro 5 is also available in a 15-inch-class model), and budget buyers should start from there and look at available configurations up the stack. Our test model was a highly kitted-out Ryzen 7 beast with an over-the-top RTX 3080 GPU, but you can come in at Core i5 or i7 chips and GeForce RTX 3050 or RTX 3050 Ti innards for at or just above the base price. And for that, you’ll get a lot of screen real estate and generous port connectivity. The display panel brightness betrays the Nitro 5’s budget roots a bit, but for basic indoor big-screen gaming, it’s perfectly fine.

Who It’s For

Budget-minded gamers looking for the biggest screen possible will be enamored with the lower-end configurations of the latest Nitro 5. If your laptop will mostly stay in one place, or you’re after a large-screen luggable, it’s a good fit, and you’ll get the wired Ethernet that is no longer standard issue on all gaming machines.

Read Our Acer Nitro 5 (2021, 17-inch) Review

Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022, Ph415-54-760S)

3.5 Good

Best Midrange 15-Inch Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

Acer’s Predator Helios 300 remains a good value among 15.6-inch gaming notebooks, even as a fiercely competitive field has caught up with the Helios line.

Pros

Solid 1080p gaming with GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
Bright, colorful 144Hz display
Good array of ports

Cons

No SD or microSD card slot
No fingerprint reader or IR webcam
Wi-Fi 6, not 6E
Noisy cooling fans

Why We Picked It

We gave Acer’s Predator Helios 300 four stars and an Editors’ Choice award in 2020 and again in 2021. It didn’t three-peat in this 2022 model, but it’s still a very solid buy and its screen size and price. You can get the Helios 300 in 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch configurations starting at $1,199.99; our 2022 test unit is $1,299.99, with a 15.6-inch, 144Hz screen. While the budget-minded MSI Katana GF66 mentioned above beats it on overall value (mostly thanks to its sizeable SSD), the Helios 300 packs a better display. (And in a laptop, that’s what you look at most!)

Otherwise, it’s a tight match between the two. The GeForce RTX 3060 in the Helios 300 we tested is dead-on for the price, a great complement to the 1080p screen. And the eight-core Intel processor inside should more than serve for productivity use outside games and even some light media editing. One possible decider for some folks? The Helios has an RGB-programmable keyboard.

Who It’s For

Gamers looking for a midrange gaming laptop with a little bling, a lot of pep, and a modicum of value will be pleased with the latest rev of the Helios 300. Competition among laptops in the $1,100 to $1,300 range is so intense, though, that you really want to look for new entries and discounts on a week-to-week basis.

Read Our Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022, Ph415-54-760S) Review

Alienware m17 R5

4.0 Excellent

Best Midrange 17-Inch Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

The Alienware m17 R5 is a powerhouse gaming laptop with the latest and greatest components and configuration options, keeping the brand’s unique aesthetic while hitting new performance highs.

Pros

Standout style
Sky-high frame rates from our all-AMD test unit
Display options include 480Hz full HD and 120Hz 4K panels
Many configuration choices including Nvidia GPUs and satisfying Cherry MX mechanical keyboard
Impressive battery life

Cons

Bulky and heavy
Intel 12th Gen CPUs outpace our Ryzen chip in processing tasks
Full Speed mode is awfully loud with little performance gain

Why We Picked It

How many gaming laptops (or laptops, period) have the option for a Cherry-switch mechanical keyboard? Not many. How many are as configurable as the Alienware m17 R5? That reduces matters to a class of pretty much…one. For our review we tested a way-above-midrange monster m17 with that keyboard option, an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU, and an AMD Radeon 6850M XT GPU, but you can opt for less elite parts and get one that starts at $1,600.

In that middle space, the m17 R4 shines. The build quality is great, the aesthetic stands out, and you can opt for high-refresh-rate screens (as high as 480Hz!) and various component combinations, including Nvidia GPUs. Our higher-end test sample’s benchmark and gaming tests soared, but even the more modest models will perform well in this roomy chassis with efficient and advanced cooling. The battery life is surprisingly long, too.

Who It’s For

Aspirational gamers are the heart of the target market for this unit. (Folks who mean to carry around their laptop a lot of the time, conversely, should keep looking; the m17 is pretty big.) Fans of big-screen gaming who are also particular about their laptop’s typing experience, if you want the Cherry keyboard, will flock to this machine. You’ll also want to be a fan of Alienware’s distinctive design: There’s no mistaking it for anything else from a hundred paces, but not everyone will love it. The performance, though, gets two thumbs up.

Read Our Alienware m17 R5 Review

Razer Blade 15 (2022)

4.0 Excellent

Best High-End 15-Inch Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model is still one of the costliest gaming laptops, but the latest CPU and GPU silicon bring its performance to the next level while maintaining a premium portable design.

Pros

Best-in-class design with a few small improvements from 2021
Intel «Alder Lake» CPU and Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti deliver strong performance in all types of games
Attractive 240Hz QHD display
Varied port selection, 1080p webcam, and a top-notch touchpad

Cons

High starting price, even higher as tested
Mediocre battery life undercuts portability appeal

Why We Picked It

Razer’s flagship 15-inch gaming laptop is one of our frequent premium favorites, balancing power with arguably the best physical design among gaming systems. No lie: This is a high-end option for big budgets—the 2022 edition starts at $2,499.99, and our review unit was $2,999.99—but the latest parts from Intel and Nvidia take its performance even further. Intel’s12th Generation «Alder Lake» CPUs and the newest GeForce RTX 30 Ti GPUs deliver a greater power ceiling than ever, within the same thin, all-metal build we’ve praised before. Plus: You get a QHD screen, a noticeable step up from the more typical 1080p.

This is not a groundbreaking redesign of this flagship system. But when a premium product is already a hit, it only needs gradual tweaks—and the major overhauls come by only every few years. The 2022 edition is what you’d expect from an iterative update, with larger keycaps, a new look for the speakers, and a better power button.

Who It’s For

For shoppers who value both power and portability without going to a 14-incher, the Blade 15 is the best pick. Our Core i7 and RTX 3070 Ti configuration cruises past the 60fps mark in modern titles (at both full HD resolution and its native QHD) and soars above 100fps on less-demanding games, all while maintaining the sleek design. You’ll find some better pure performers (Lenovo Legion 7) and some more portable options (the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14) out there, but this 15-inch-class machine synthesizes the best of both worlds.

Read Our Razer Blade 15 (2022) Review

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (G733)

4.0 Excellent

Best High-End 17-Inch Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

A first-class gaming experience comes naturally to Asus’ top-shelf ROG Strix Scar 17 gaming laptop, a 17.3-incher packed with an Intel «Alder Lake» CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000-series graphics.

Pros

Top-notch performance
Intriguing design
Quiet cooling fans
All-day battery life
Pleasant speakers
Dedicated macro keys

Cons

No webcam or biometric features
Good screen, if not the brightest

Why We Picked It

Want to go straight to the moon with your gaming-laptop configuration and your screen size at the same time? This Scar is going to leave a mark on your bank account, but for good reason: It nails what a high-end gaming laptop should be. You get the option for up to an Intel «Alder Lake» Core i9 CPU, supported by DDR5 memory. Our test model packed a GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. And the 17.3-inch display steps up the native resolution to a fine-grained QHD (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) panel. It’s a nice 240Hz screen with good color coverage in our tests, and the laptop is equipped with a MUX switch to reduce potential lag caused by feeding the GPU signal through the integrated graphics first.

The battery life is a pleasant surprise, too, as are its quiet fans, and it excels just about everywhere else. And if gratuitous RGB lighting is your thing, the Scar will be your star: It’s not just on the keyboard but around the chassis edges, too. Our only major quibble is that Asus requires you to supply your own webcam for use with this machine.

Who It’s For

Shoppers with deep pockets, looking for heavy performance and high resolution in a biggest-screen-possible gaming laptop, will be more than pleased with the Scar. It’s a classic big-boned gaming laptop with a cutting-edge spate of refinements.

Read Our Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (G733) Review

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

4.5 Outstanding

Best Ultraportable Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop offers blazing performance for gaming and everything else, and pairs it with awesome battery life and great portability.

Pros

Powerful processing and graphics
Superb gaming performance
Great battery life for a gaming laptop
Gorgeous 2,560-by-1,600-pixel display

Cons

A bit pricey, as tested
720p webcam could be sharper
Hard-to-see keyboard backlight

Why We Picked It

It’s a close call, but the ROG Zephyrus G14 is the laptop to beat at 14 inches if money is no object and CPU performance is king. The design is stylish and portable, its battery is long lasting, and its benchmark testing beats like-size competitors. (Thank the inclusion of a leading-edge AMD Ryzen 6000 series CPU. ) Simply put, price aside, it’s the best portability-focused gaming laptop out there, with power to match some larger gaming systems. Gaming systems at this size tend to cost; the G14 and the competing Alienware x14 both start at $1,649.99, while our G14 review configuration was $2,499.

The Alienware x14 (below) was briefly our top pick for ultraportable gamers. It’s great in its own right, but the G14 edges it in a few key areas. It posted objectively superior gaming-performance numbers, super-important in this category. It cruises at well over 60fps in demanding AAA titles and leverages its 120Hz display in esports competitive games. The G14’s battery also lasted longer on our rundown test.

Who It’s For

A whole host of folks: esports hounds, CPU-performance seekers, and folks who make heavy use of their PC for content creation outside of games. All should be united by one desire, though: a gaming laptop that they can actually carry. It may not be quite the value that the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is, but it’s a beast of a compact machine. Plus, bling hounds will adore its fun option for a customizable light-up outer lid, which dazzles with an elaborate array of LED pinpoints. Asus dubs that feature «AniMe Matrix,» and it can display custom animations, messages, and more. If you’ve got an itch for bling, it’ll be your thing.

Read Our Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) Review

Alienware x14

4.5 Outstanding

A Solid Alternative to the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Bottom Line:

The brand-new Alienware x14 joins the upper echelon of 14-inch gaming laptops, delivering a sound gaming experience and fast overall performance in a super-portable design.

Pros

Impressively fast Core i7 “Alder Lake” processor
RTX 3060 unit delivers a consistent 60fps-plus gaming experience
Compact design
Long-lasting battery
Wide range of connectivity, including three USB-C ports

Cons

Expensive
14-inch screen size may be too small for some hardcore gamers

Why We Picked It

The 14-inch laptop is definitively a new trend, and few OEMs have executed on this portable form factor better than Alienware has with its x14. The compact size may mean performance compromise for some, but the x14 comes out swinging.

No, it’s not a budget system, with a starting price of $1,649.99. (We tested a $2,299.99 configuration.) But a potent mix of portability and performance emerges for that money. Indeed, Alienware’s recent aesthetic makeover in the «X» series works a lot letter at the 14-inch size than in Alienware’s larger X models. The Intel Core i7 “Alder Lake” processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU in our review model offer a full-fledged gaming experience, comparable to or better than competing laptops. A 60fps frame rate in the most demanding titles, and above that in fast-paced esports games, should be attainable on this system, say our tests.

Who It’s For

PC gamers looking for a portable travel companion should shortlist this one. The Asus Zephyrus G14 mentioned above is its equal or better on some fronts, but some folks are simply satisfied by the distinct Alienware look. And that’s valid, because going super-compact really adds value at this screen size, making for a genuinely road-ready gaming laptop you’ll want to be seen with.

Read Our Alienware x14 Review

Gigabyte Aero 16

4.0 Excellent

Best Gaming/Content Creation Laptop Crossover

Bottom Line:

The Gigabyte Aero 16 is a powerhouse content-creation laptop that has the chops to handle everything from animation to AAA gaming. If you’re willing to pay for a muscular media-making system, this is one of the best you can get.

Pros

Aluminum alloy construction is sturdy and stylish
USB-C adapter hub included
Beautiful 4K OLED display

Cons

Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C require a dongle for most peripherals
Middling battery life

Why We Picked It

As you laptop-shop, you’ll see plenty of clearly defined gaming laptops (look at any Alienware or Acer Predator), as well as some clear content-creation machines (see Acer’s ConceptD or Asus’ ProArt notebooks). Then there are the crossovers, akin to those not-quite-SUV, not-quite-station-wagons of the automotive world.

The Gigabyte Aero 16 is one of the best such hybrid beasts. Armed with a 4K OLED screen, high-powered Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti graphics, and the latest Intel Core i9 processor in our test machine, this Aero, like many of its predecessors, oozes «great gaming machine.» But the fact that it can rock AAA titles is just a bonus. This content-creation machine can muscle through everything from graphic design to video editing and animation. The stellar OLED panel is what really sets it apart from a simple bulked-up gamer, though. You won’t play most games at 4K, but this super screen will deliver a glorious picture and great color for creative pursuits.

Who It’s For

Video editors and graphic designers will come for the panel, wrap up their work day, and stay for the gaming. It’s not a perfect answer for every creator—the battery life isn’t very impressive—but if you want one of the best laptops for video editing or media work with gaming on the side, it’s a powerful (if pricey) option. Few media makers wouldn’t lust after one.

Read Our Gigabyte Aero 16 Review

MSI GT77 Titan

4.0 Excellent

Best Cost-No-Object Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

MSI’s gigantic GT77 Titan ushers in a new era of gaming laptop performance, thanks to its Intel Core HX processor and Nvidia RTX 30 Ti series GPU.

Pros

Deity-level performance
Room for four storage drives (including one PCI Express 5.0!)
Tactile mechanical keyboard
Plentiful RGB lighting
Built-in biometric features
Impressive battery life

Cons

Huge and heavy
Colossal price, especially for RTX 3080 Ti configuration
Loud under load
Ho-hum webcam

Why We Picked It

Some of these picks are balanced for size or budget, but this selection goes for broke. If money is no object, your best bet is the MSI GT77 Titan, which goes all-in for power with little regard for cost. The latest Intel and Nvidia components are a chart-topping combination for gaming performance, with a supporting feature set that will make any shopper with a big budget happy.

Its roomy 17-inch screen provides a desktop-like experience, though it certainly isn’t made for portability at 1.5 inches thick and 7.2 pounds. The upside beyond the big screen? The Intel Core i9-12900HX CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU in our review configuration made mincemeat of our benchmark tests, posting some unmatched raw 3D and gaming results.

Who It’s For

Deep-pocketed gamers who are all about the speed and want the latest parts with the most power. This is just about the best-performing gaming laptop you can buy, especially if frame rates and performance in the latest titles are your primary concern. It isn’t travel friendly, so shoppers should mostly intend it as a desktop replacement, with the option to bring it with you when you need to. You’ll be rewarded with desktop-like performance.

Read Our MSI GT77 Titan Review

Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16

4.0 Excellent

Best Twin-Screen Gaming Laptop

Bottom Line:

Designed for deep-pocketed enthusiasts, the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is an impressive, spendy display of engineering, with its elegant dual-screen setup and top-end performance.

Pros

Impressively thin, elegant design considering dual displays and sheer power
Refined two-screen layout
Blistering gaming performance, with GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU, Ryzen 9 CPU

Cons

Eye-watering cost, especially as configured
Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
Poor battery life

Why We Picked It

Why opt for one screen in your laptop when you can get two? Earlier Asus Duo models wowed us with their deftly executed dual-screen designs, and now Asus has pumped up the performance and screen size, and improved the build even further. We tested a stacked AMD Ryzen 9 and RTX 3080 Ti flavor of this unique machine, and the main display is up to 16 inches, versus the previous 15-inch models. Our configuration is expensive—even the starting price means this laptop is for enthusiasts with a huge budget—but there’s no question this system impresses on its design and performance.

Sure, it’s a niche layout—a second screen remains a luxury rather than a necessity—but we can think of a dozen scenarios (not just in gaming, but in everyday work life, too) in which that second thin panel would come in handy. And the fact that the extra screen tilts up for better internal ventilation and viewability means that you don’t have to compromise on performance to keep this unusual machine at a reasonable size. This new 16-inch model pushes the second screen closer to the main panel, angled for a seamless transition between the two.

Who It’s For

Gamers who might like to keep a second panel open during play—say, for between-player conferencing, viewing a game-walkthrough website, or simple game streaming—will find the Duo an unusual solution to a problem they may not have known they had. And for everyday computing and work tasks, that second screen could be invaluable for keeping notes, real-time messages, or palettes visible below, while you focus on the main screen above.

Read Our Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Review

How to Buy a Gaming Laptop

Gaming systems have higher-end components than run-of-the-mill consumer laptops, so their prices consequently will be higher, but the range across the category is huge: from under a grand to $4,000 and up. Budget gaming laptops start at around $750 and can go up to about $1,250. For that, you get a system that can play games at full HD resolution (1080p) with the settings turned down in most titles, or at maximum quality settings in simpler games. Storage may be a hard drive, or more likely, a modest-capacity solid-state drive (SSD). An SSD as the boot drive is always preferable, and nowadays, hard drives have mostly been relegated to secondary drives in larger laptops.

Want something better? Midrange systems give you smoother gameplay at high or maximum settings on a better-quality 1080p screen (which will support high refresh rates; more on that in a moment), and should add support for VR headsets. These models will range in price from around $1,250 to $2,000.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

High-end systems, meanwhile, should guarantee you smooth gameplay at 1080p with graphics details maxed out, invariably on a high-refresh screen. They even might let you play at 4K resolution, if the screen supports it. A high-end model should also be able to power a VR headset and support additional external monitors. These machines tend to come with speedy storage components such as PCI Express solid-state drives, and they are priced above $2,000, often closer to $3,000.

Some laptops in this class support QHD (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) or 4K screens, a hard drive to supplement the SSD, and ultra-efficient cooling fans as optional extras. Thanks to modern advancements, an increasing number of these are even fairly thin and portable. With laptops in this tier, you’ll either pay a premium for high-end performance in a thin chassis, or for pay for the most possible power in a chunkier build.

Put the GPU First: Which Gaming Laptop Graphics to Get?

The main attribute that makes or breaks a gaming laptop is its graphics processing unit (GPU). We don’t consider a laptop to be a gaming laptop unless it has a discrete graphics chip from Nvidia or (less commonly) AMD.

A quick crash course for the uninitiated: In general, the higher the number in a GPU series, the more powerful it is. For example, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 will generally produce higher frame rates and higher-quality graphics than an RTX 3070, and so on down the stack, while the «30» denotes the generation. Nvidia is the dominant player in the field right now, currently producing discrete mobile GPUs based its «Ampere» microarchitecture. Ampere GPUs sell under the GeForce RTX 30-Series name (i.e., the RTX 3070 or RTX 3080) and originally launched on laptops in early 2021.

This platform supplanted the previous «Turing» (20 Series) generation, and you will rarely see these 20-Series GPUs (for example, the RTX 2070) in 2022. They may appear in past laptops that are still in stock at some online retailers, but you won’t find them in new systems. Unlike prior generations, the top-end GPUs available on new laptops carry an «RTX» designation rather than «GTX,» a nod to the ray-tracing technology that the platform offers for enhanced in-game visuals (with games that support it).

Ampere laptop GPUs are not 1:1 performers in line with their desktop counterparts, but performance is still very strong, and they’re more capable of ray-tracing than Turing. With Ampere, though, we’ve found that there can be some sizable performance variance between the same GPU in one laptop versus that same GPU in another depending on the power that laptop makers deliver to the GPU. To see our findings on why this is, read our mobile Ampere testing article. This makes laptop shopping a bit more complicated than going by just the GPU name on paper. Our individual testing of each system is more important than ever.

Nvidia also upped the ante for high-end laptop GPUs at CES 2022 with the RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080 Ti. We’ve reviewed just a few systems with these so far, but like the RTX 2070 Super and RTX 2080 Super, they inch the power ceilings ever higher from the base GPUs, and allow laptop makers to pick even more granular performance and price points for different systems.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Now, let’s move down the power hierarchy a bit. The distinctly midrange RTX 3060 occupies the space just under the RTX 3070 and 3080, at the bottom of the 30 Series stack, are the GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti, which launched in spring 2021. Joining these is the newly announced RTX 2050, filling out the middle ground between these and the previous generation. That’s a bit out of the ordinary, but its last-generation name and strange timing reflects supply shortages for 30 Series GPUs.

Compared with the premium RTX 3070 and RTX 3080, these GPUs are available in budget-friendlier gaming laptops (or in the base configurations of more premium machines), bringing Ampere architecture and, crucially, ray-tracing to entry-level machines. (See our primer on ray-tracing on the PC.)

Below the RTX 3050 are the GeForce GTX GPUs mentioned earlier. These are GPUs without the ability for ray-tracing, based on Turing architecture, including the GTX 1650, GTX 1650 Ti, and GTX 1660 Ti. These still offer good full HD/1080p gaming performance, cutting costs by dropping GeForce RTX-specific features like ray-tracing. (We’ll get into this a bit more below in the cheap gaming laptops section, where it’s most relevant.)

These GTX GPUs are older and less potent, but not yet irrelevant. The lowest-end gaming laptops, or non-gaming systems that want to provide some discrete GPU power, are still releasing with these GPUs, but the GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti will replace them in most cheap gaming laptops going forward. You will also see, for example, the GTX 1650 Ti employed in small gaming laptops like the Razer Blade Stealth 13, and in non-gaming laptops that can benefit from some graphics oomph, like the Dell XPS 15.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Nvidia is still the main player in graphics, but chief rival AMD is seeing an increase in adoption. A rising number of gaming laptops offer Radeon RX 5000 or 6000 Series GPUs. Radeon GPUs are sometimes paired with an Intel processor, though we’re also seeing more frequent examples of AMD graphics combined with AMD processors than before. (Dell and MSI, for example, were offering a few AMD-on-AMD CPU/GPU machines.) The latest are GPUs like the Radeon RX 6800M, RX 6700M, and RX 6600M, but we’ve still only seen and tested them in a handful of systems, like the MSI Delta 15.

Even with all the above complexity, we can still draw some basic conclusions about graphics performance. In 2022, a single midrange or high-end discrete GPU will let you play the latest AAA gaming titles on a 1080p screen with most of the bells and whistles turned on, and be fine for powering VR play. The RTX 3070 and 3080 have made smooth 1440p gaming the norm, and the latter GPU especially has made even 4K gaming on laptops much more plausible than before.

Combined with a rendering technique called DLSS, the high-end GPUs are even able to push ray-tracing at higher resolutions in some titles. More-demanding games may not hit 60fps at 4K, especially with ray-tracing on depending on the laptop, but it’s much more plausible to do either on their own with these top-end options. We’ll also see how much better the RTX 3080 Ti can do when available.

The Panel: How High a Refresh Rate to Get in a Gaming Laptop?

In the past, the power of an RTX 3070 or RTX 3080 would look like overkill for sticking with gaming at 1080p, but several new factors can absorb that extra potential. A high-refresh-rate screen is now the expectation in most gaming laptops, which allows for display of lofty frame rates in full to smooth out the perceived gameplay. You’ll need a powerful graphics chip to leverage the benefits of a high-refresh panel with demanding games. You’ll be able to identify machines like these by marketing lingo touting, say, a 120Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz screen. (A typical display on a laptop is a 60Hz panel, but new gaming models will all have a 100Hz-plus display at this point.)

(Credit: Molly Flores)

A 144Hz panel is emerging as the most common, but we’re also seeing some 240Hz and even 360Hz options in pricey models, so they can display more than 60 frames per second (for example, up to 144fps, in the case of 144Hz screens). This makes gameplay look smoother, but only high-end GPUs can push those limits, in many cases. Additionally, the aforementioned ray-tracing techniques (think real-time lighting and reflection effects) are demanding to run, and as more video games implement the technology, the more you’ll wish you could flip them on.

Because of that, you have multiple reasons to opt for an RTX 3070 or RTX 3080, even if playing games at a full HD (1080p) resolution doesn’t look too demanding to you on paper. On the lower end, DLSS can also help less powerful hardware like the RTX 3050 run or enable ray-tracing with limited downsides, so you’re not totally out of luck if you can’t afford the top-end chips. DLSS support is not yet universal, but it’s appearing in more and more titles.

Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync technologies are more down-to-earth. They help increase the quality of the gaming experience and smooth out frame rates by letting the laptop screen rewrite the image onscreen at a variable rate that depends on the output of the GPU (rather than the fixed rate of the screen). Look for support for one of those technologies if you’re a stickler for perfectly rendered visuals. These technologies, collectively known as «adaptive sync,» are becoming more common, but they tend to show up in pricier machines, with G-Sync being much more common.

The Processor: Which CPU to Get in a Gaming Laptop?

Intel launched its first 11th Generation «Tiger Lake H» processors in early 2021 (often dubbed the «h45» class), with the rest of the higher-powered chips debuting in May. By the end of 2021, these were virtually the only CPUs you would find in Intel-based gaming laptops. (We’ll get to AMD in a moment.) They will continue to show up in 2022, but Intel announced its 12th Generation «Alder Lake H» chips at CES 2022, and they’re poised to dominate the gaming laptop market this year. Early in 2022, we ran our first tests of this platform on a beefy Core i9 chip, followed by our first review of an Alder Lake-H laptop in the Alienware x14.

For now, most laptops included here encompass enthusiast Tiger Lake Core i9 CPUs, Core i7 processors for thin-and-light gaming laptops, and fresh Core i5 chips for budget machines. Unlike the processors from the initial wave, these more potent chips have at minimum six cores and 12 threads, and the Core i7 and i9 units boast eight cores and 16 threads. Alder Lake laptops will no doubt begin to replace them as we move through the year.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Even Alder Lake’s coming Core i5 offerings will include as much as 12 cores and 16 threads, though it’s not as simple as raw count these days. As with the hit Alder Lake desktop chips, Intel will be deploying its Performance Hybrid architecture, which makes use of Efficiency cores and Performance cores (or E-cores and P-cores). You can read more about the Alder Lake architecture here.

That’s not to say core and thread count still doesn’t help: The top-tier Core i9-12900HK will boast 14 cores and 20 threads, made up of 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores. One of what will doubtless prove to be among the most common of these chips, the Core i7-12800H, is using the same core mix. We will put laptops using these chips through their paces as soon as they’re in our hands here in 2022.

In general, more cores and higher clock speeds bring better overall efficiency and much-improved performance on multithreaded tasks like media projects, but it’s less vital for gaming, making most of the Tiger Lake H family a good fit. Gaming doesn’t usually see as much of a boost from more threads as many media tasks do, but they certainly don’t hurt. The eight-core/16-thread Intel Core i7-11800H, in particular, became the go-to for most high-end gaming laptops by the end of 2021.

Theoretically, you may find a gaming laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor, but those are uncommon: Systems with Intel Core i3 and comparable entry-level AMD processors are certainly capable of playing many games, but why limit yourself from square one? That said, if you have to make the choice between a high-end CPU and a high-end GPU, go for the graphics. For example, we’d recommend getting a Core i5 CPU over a Core i7 if the money saved could then go toward an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU instead of an RTX 3060. Spending the money on the GPU makes more sense than spending it on the CPU if gaming is your main concern.

Look for Intel Core i5 processors in midrange systems, with Core i7 H, HQ, and HK processors in higher-end gaming laptops. The H-series processors are higher-power, and tend to show up in more expensive gaming laptops, while lower-power U-series chips are designed for thinner, more portable machines. They are quite different, in terms of thermal profile, as well as overall performance potential; a U-series Core i7 processor may not even have the same number of processing cores as an H-series Core i7 chip. (Intel has started using a «G» suffix on its U-Series chips in its 11th generation to denote the improved integrated graphics, but they are functionally still U-Series processors).

(Credit: Molly Flores)

U-series chips are uncommon in true gaming laptops, but they are out there. H is better. The most expensive, biggest gaming laptops out there will even offer Core i9 H-Series processors, which are also superior for media tasks. Alder Lake U-Series laptops will follow later in the year.

On the AMD side, times are changing. Previously the mobile versions of the company’s Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors played far second fiddle to Intel’s offerings. They have their own performance advantages in desktops and laptops, but they have traditionally been far less common in gaming laptops than Intel’s offerings.

Things have been different since 2020 when, alongside its desktop chips’ success, AMD launched its new generation of mobile processors based on the Zen 2 architecture. The 4000 Series, and then the Zen 3-based 5000 Series in 2021, have been seriously impressive, and we saw more AMD laptops in 2021 than most years prior. Compared to Intel’s equivalents, these chips performed better on media tasks and offered comparable gaming performance at a lower cost. AMD offers lesser Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 chips, too, which have proven equally as capable.

Zen 3 has given CPU dominance over Intel on laptop and desktop, and while Alder Lake has the potential to wrest it back on both, AMD is not relenting. Team Red announced the «Rembrandt» Ryzen 6000 Series at CES 2022, which arrived in laptops in February. You can see the results and analysis of our initial Ryzen 6000 Series testing here. Again, for now, our top picks mostly include Tiger Lake H and Ryzen 5000 offerings, but it won’t be long before they’re replaced by Alder Lake H- and Rembrandt-based laptops as we move through 2022.

Display Size: What Screen Size to Get in a Gaming Laptop?

In terms of display size, a 15.6-inch screen is the sweet spot for a gaming laptop. You can buy models with larger 17-inch displays, but this will almost certainly jack up the weight to well beyond 5 pounds and put portability in question. In terms of resolution, however, it’s less of a question: A full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) native-resolution screen is the default minimum at this point, whatever the screen size.

Also note that 14-inch panel sizes, as well as 16-inch ones that are slightly bigger than the 15-inch class, are starting to emerge on the market here in 2022 as third and fourth classes of gaming-laptop display, not just one-offs. Major makers such as Acer, Alienware, Asus, and Razer have 14-inch gamers now.

Larger displays are capable of giving you higher-than-1080p resolutions, but choose wisely, as a resolution of QHD (uncommon), QHD+ (3,200 by 1,800 pixels, and even less common), or 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels, a bit more common) will boost the final cost twice: first for the panel, and second for the higher-quality graphics chip you’ll need to drive it to its full potential. As mentioned, look for increasingly common G-Sync or high-refresh-rate screens (as discussed earlier) if you want smoother visuals.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Because they require the most potent GPUs for smooth gameplay at native resolution, gaming laptops with a 4K screen (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) are still an exception, and still expensive. And keep this in mind: Only the most powerful graphics cards can render complex game animations at playable frame rates across the full screen at 4K, so a 1080p screen may actually be a better use of your money if all you do is play games (particularly if you can also get a high refresh rate screen). Even though the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 can handle 4K gaming much more reasonably than any laptop GPUs before them, we still don’t think it’s worth the cost to seek out 4K gaming in laptops. The screens sure do look nice, though, especially since they’re often paired with OLED technology.

Gaming Laptop Storage: Stick With an SSD

You should definitely give preference to a system with a solid-state drive as the boot drive, since prices have fallen considerably over the past few years. SSDs speed up boot time, wake-from-sleep time, and the time it takes to launch a game and load a new level. Only older laptops and extreme budget models will still have a hard drive as the boot drive.

Go ahead and get a gaming laptop with an SSD, but make sure you configure correctly. A small-capacity (256GB) SSD with a roomy (1TB or greater) spinning secondary hard drive is a good start if you also download the occasional video from the internet. (Only thicker gaming laptops will tend to support dual-drive arrangements like this.) High-capacity SSDs (1TB or more) are available, but choosing one will increase the purchase price of your gaming rig by a bunch. A 512GB boot SSD is a good balance for a basic gaming laptop.

SSDs are very fast, but in terms of capacity, your money goes much further with hard drives. Adding more SSD capacity can make the price rise very quickly. Still, recognize how big modern game downloads can be (in the tens of gigabytes) and shop accordingly. A too-small SSD can mean you’re forever shuffling games on and off the drive.

How Much Memory to Get in a Gaming Laptop?

Before we forget, let’s talk memory. In a gaming laptop, look for at least 8GB of RAM. (In practice, no self-respecting model will come with less.) That will give you some breathing room when switching back and forth between your gameplay window and your messaging app, but we’d save researching game tips for when you’re not playing, as each successive browser window you open eats into your RAM allotment.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

For a high-end system, we recommend 16GB, so you can have more than one gaming session, your messaging app, several websites, a webcam program, and your video streaming program open simultaneously. A midrange gaming laptop should function fine with 8GB of memory, but be aware that many new laptops are not upgradable. You may be stuck with the amount of memory you order. For an investment-grade gaming laptop, 16GB is the ideal target; for most folks who aren’t extreme streamers or multitaskers, more than that is overkill.

Buying the Best Cheap Gaming Laptop

If you’re shopping for a gaming system on a limited budget (in this case, between roughly $700 and $1,200), you’re going to need to make some sacrifices. Maximizing power while staying within a limited price range is the goal, but you’ll have to accept that some of the components won’t be comparable with the more expensive laptops you’ll see while browsing. That said, $1,200 is a reasonable ceiling for what some buyers are ready to spend on a gaming laptop, and you can still get a solid system for that much or less. (Check out our side roundup of the best cheap gaming laptops.)

(Credit: Molly Flores)

The main drop-off will be the graphics, since the dedicated graphics chip is one of the most expensive components in a machine and the major factor in a computer’s gaming prowess. The graphics chip almost single-handedly defines the class of laptop you’re dealing with, so it’s important to pay attention to that part when browsing options. Fortunately, even the less powerful GPU options these days are quite capable.

Past budget systems were equipped almost exclusively with those wallet-friendly Nvidia Turing GPUs like the GTX 1650, GTX 1650 Ti, and GTX 1660 Ti. As mentioned earlier, the GeForce RTX 3050 and 3050 Ti has started replacing these in laptops as low as $799. These, plus the new RTX 2050, are now the entry option for RTX GPUs, and for the advanced ray-tracing lighting technology that the «RTX» name denotes, bringing it to budget gamers for the first time.

The GTX 16-Series will remain available in some new budget laptops as a starting option, or mainstream laptops that want any discrete GPU, but the two new RTX 30-Series GPUs should be the expectation in new 2022 laptops.

With the GTX 1650 and GTX 1650 Ti, you’ll be able to play smoothly at 1080p, just not at the very highest settings in newer games. That’s less of a worry for the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti if you go that route, as it’s impressively capable in 1080p/full HD for the price, but even there you’ll have to accept dialing down a few settings for 60fps gaming in some titles. (That is much less the case for the RTX 3060.)

Virtual-reality gaming may be a stretch in this price range, but the GTX 1660 Ti is the current least-expensive VR-capable mobile GPU, so some laptops at the higher end of this price range will (just) get you in the door.

Processors are the next biggest difference. You’ll likely get a capable Core i5 instead of a faster Core i7. Still, some of the benefits of an i7 machine aren’t a major factor for gaming, but instead benefit video editing and other creative uses, so an i5 will do the job. The newest generation of these chips is fast and efficient at a base level, and won’t be too much of a bottleneck for gaming. Over the past year, we saw more Ryzen chips in cheap, general-use laptops than in cheap gaming laptops, despite their adoption in some higher-end or ultraportable gaming systems.

AMD GPUs are much less common in budget gaming laptops than Nvidia ones. The few new ones that we have seen in the last couple of years mainly use the Radeon RX 5500M or 5600M paired with an Intel CPU, but on the whole, there haven’t been as many. (One rare example is the good MSI Bravo 15.) There are more all-AMD laptops available than in the past, but not all are gaming systems, and just as few are budget-minded machines.

Outside of the graphics card and processor, the other components should actually be closer to more expensive machines than you’d expect. As far as storage is concerned, the price margin between hard drives and SSDs is narrowing, but hard drives hang on more stubbornly here than in other gaming-laptop classes. A 1TB hard drive with maybe a small boot-drive SSD alongside is common in budget laptops, but watch for models that are hard-drive-only; we strongly prefer an SSD boot drive, even in this price range. The display will almost certainly be 1080p, as 1,366-by-768-pixel panels are now reserved only for cheap non-gaming systems. The RAM will likely top off at 8GB in budget laptops, but you will find some (more ideal) 16GB laptops in this range.

What Else Do You Need to Up Your Game?

Given that high-end components tend to drain battery life, don’t plan on taking any of these gaming rigs too far from a wall socket very often. Cutting-edge ports like USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 are beneficial now, and will only be more so down the road, but look for at least two ordinary-shaped (aka, «Type-A») USB 3.0 ports so you can plug in an external mouse and a hard drive for your saved media files.

If you want to attach a VR headset to your GeForce GTX 1660 Ti-or-better rig, look for the right loadout of ports to accommodate it. You’ll need a well-placed HDMI or DisplayPort video out (it depends on the headset which one you’ll need) and enough USB ports for a possible hydra-head of cabling. Other video ports, like DisplayPort or mini-DisplayPort (sometimes implemented over a USB-C port), will be helpful if you want to play games on an external display, but they aren’t absolutely necessary if your laptop’s screen is large enough.

Razer Blade 15 Advanced gaming laptop review

Our Verdict

The Razer Blade 15 returns this year with even more power and speed without sacrificing any of its portability.

For

Stellar build quality
Impressive Game performance
Lots of configurations
Solid battery life

Against

Still no AMD options
Chassis is a fingerprint and dust magnet

Now finally making its 2020 debut, the Razer Blade 15 has set the bar for gaming laptops over the last couple of years. Excellent build quality, decent battery life, and superb performance have always been the trio that pushes the Blade 15 above everyone else. Can the latest Razer keep its crown and remain king of the hill even with everyone else drastically stepping up their game? Absolutely. As more affordable gaming laptops pop up all over the place, the flagship Razer notebook doubles down on performance and style to keep itself on top of the pile.

Technical Specs

Processor: Intel i7-10875H
Graphics: RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q
Memory: 16GB
Display: 15-inch IPS-level, 300Hz, 3ms
Resolution: 15. 6-inch, 1920 x 1080
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Battery: 80WHr
Connectivity: 3x USB 3.2, 2 x USB-C, 1 HDMI, 1x Mini Display, 1 Ethernet, SD Card Reader
OS: Windows 10 Home/Professional 64 Bit
Dimensions: .7″ x 14.11″ x 10.04″
Weight: 4.73 lbs
Warranty: One year limited

So far, this has been a pretty good year for gaming laptops. We are seeing more manufacturers embracing RTX Super Max-Q graphics, full AMD systems are becoming more viable, and Intel launched its 10th Gen chips. And this Razer Blade 15 is the $3,000 Advanced Model with the latest Intel i7 CPU, 16GB RAM (expandable to 64GB), 1TB SSD, 300Hz 1080p IPS display, and an RTX 2080 Super with Max Q Design.

All this is packed into a sub-five pound CNC milled aluminum chassis in metallic black. The Advanced Models of the Blade 15 (starting at $2,599) differ from Base Models by offering RTX Super graphics, 300Hz display, an 8-core Intel CPU, USB-C charge ports on each side, and built-in SD Reader.

If the Advanced price is a concern, the Base Models start $1,599 with more affordable options. Both Models have 4K OLED Touchscreen variants (inevitably for a premium) and a reasonably easy upgrade path for more memory and storage. There’s a lot of choice for speccing out anything from mid- to high-tier gaming performance.

We have to give Razer credit for offering a boatload of different configurations for purchase from the jump. You can keep it simple with a gaming-focused Base Model and a GTX 1660 Ti, or go with the excessively beefy Advanced Model and its RTX 2080 Super with a 4K OLED screen. I would love to have seen some AMD options, like with the Dell G-series or Asus’ Zephyrus gaming laptops. The performance of these systems is mostly on par with a lot of Razer’s latest lineup, but at lower costs.

It’s not the lightest gaming laptop you can buy, but five pounds is still way better than some of the mammoth-like workstation-esque laptops out there, offering similar performance and specs. It also means the Blade 15 travels well in your backpack or bag. An excellent choice for the gamer on the go… or if you don’t have the real estate for a full-blown gaming desktop and monitor.

As someone who uses a work-issued MacBook Pro, I’ve always found the Razer Blade to be the closet gaming laptop out there to nail that MacBook aesthetic I’ve grown to like. But the Blade still manages to have its own flavor, even though at a glance it looks like a close cousin with the placement of the vertical speakers bookending the keyboard.

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(Image credit: RAZER)

Benchmarks

Cinebench R20: 2,451 cb (multi-core) 425 cb (single-core)
Geekbench 5: 5200
CrystalDiskMark Q32 Sequential (Read): 3,000 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Q32 Sequential (Write): 2,100 MB/s
PCMark 10 Express: 5138 points
x264: 57 fps
Metro Exodus (1080p Ultra): 50 fps
Far Cry: New Dawn (1080p, Ultra): 82 fps
Division 2: 70 fps
Gears Tactics (1080p, Ultra) : 92 fps
Total War: Three Kingdoms (1080p, Ultra, Battle) 63 fps
3DMark Fire Strike: 16,698 points
3DMark Time Spy: (GPU) 7755 (CPU) 6461
3D Port Royal: 4686
Battery Life (gaming): 1 hour 14 minutes (Gaming) 4 hours 45 minutes (Productivity)

Keyboard snobs will be happy to see a larger shift and half-height arrow keys. The Blade 15 Advanced offers per-key RGB lighting over the Base Model’s zonal lighting. Typing feels great, and I’ve always liked the feel of the Blade’s keycaps. As you can see from the images, a lot of the similarities between the Blade 15 Advanced, and MacBook Pro seem deliberate when placed side-by-side. Other than this, the Blade’s design remains unchanged from last year with the focus being to double down on cramming the best components into its thin frame.

While I love the Razer Blade’s sleek modern design, I’m still surprised at how mediocre the built-in 720p webcam is. Even at $3,000, the Blade 15’s webcam left a lot to be desired. In the age of multiple video calls a day, the idea of needing to spend an additional $100 on a decent 1080p option seems ridiculous.

The sample we received came equipped with a 300Hz display using an IPS panel. The thin bezel means you get a lot of game to display on its 15 inches of screen real estate. If you’re considering the 4K OLED display, keep in mind that while the 4K benefits for content creation are evident, the extra demand on the system’s battery isn’t going to be great for any remote working away from a plug socket. From a more practical approach, I’ll take 1080p, 300Hz gaming over 4K 60Hz any day. Once you play Call of Duty or Valorent at 300Hz, it’s tough to go back to anything else.

As lovely as the Razer Blade 15 looks, it doesn’t matter unless the performance is there to justify that $3,000 price point. Here, the Blade 15 doesn’t disappoint as it easily trounces the benchmark scores from last year’s model in both gaming and productivity. As you can see from the 6,000 it scored on Geekbench 5 and 2,331 (multi-core) on Cinebench, you’ll be able to comfortably work through non-gaming tasks, such as video editing without much trouble. Though I did notice it ran a bit hot during some of our gaming benchmarks, consistently hitting triple digits Fahrenheit.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: RAZER)

(Image credit: RAZER)

Metro Exodus and Total War: Three Kingdoms are our current favorite games for pushing graphics cards to the brink, in which the Razer Blade 15 Advanced performed well. It managed 52fps in Metro (1080p, Ultra settings, and Raytracing on) and an impressive 63fps in Three Kingdoms (1080p Ulta, Battle Scenario). On less system-taxing games, such as the well-optimized Gears Tactics and Far Cry New Dawn, the Blade 15 easily topped 80+ frames, hitting 92fps in Gears and 82fps in New Dawn.

The Blade 15’s battery can get you about seventy-five minutes of game time, which is typical for these sorts of laptops. The near five non-gaming hours of battery life, however, was a bigger shock to me, especially considering we’d be lucky to get a couple of hours from some of our other favorite laptops.

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced has got the size and power to make itself a serious competitor for replacing your desktop. It’s still my favorite gaming laptop I’ve tested this year, but the gap is closing with other brands offering impressive price/performance combos that could give the Blade 15 a run for its money. Today’s Razer Blade 15 Advanced might essentially be more of the same, but that’s not always bad.

With all that power, you can be sure the Razer Blade 15 Advanced will run any of the options on our list of best laptop games as well.

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Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (2020)

The Razer Blade 15 returns this year with even more power and speed without sacrificing any of its portability.

Jorge is a hardware writer from the enchanted lands of New Jersey. When he’s not filling the office with the smell of Pop-Tarts, he’s reviewing all sorts of gaming hardware from laptops with the latest mobile GPUs to gaming chairs with built-in back massagers. He’s been covering games and tech for nearly ten years and has written for Dualshockers, WCCFtech, and Tom’s Guide.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) review

Our Verdict

The new ROG Zephyrus G14 puts AMD in total control of your gaming experience, and it works wonderfully. High frame rates, at high resolution, and tons of processor power in a sleek package—it’s just a shame the 2022 G14 isn’t afraid to charge a pretty penny for it.

For

AMD’s latest CPU
And latest GPU
Fantastic gaming performance
Sturdy and stylish chassis
16:10, 2560 x 1440, 120Hz IPS panel

Against

Not as affordable as I’d expect from G14
Disappointing gaming battery life

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The new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a stunner—a new screen, webcam, and improved chassis all see this model step on the already impressive G14 before it. The addition of AMD’s latest Ryzen 6000 processor and Radeon RX 6800S GPU only sweeten the deal for this slick and well-liked gaming laptop. Though it’s not entirely a machine without faults: the battery life and price tag are notably a bit of a let-down.

I expect the standard to be high for the G14. I’ve had a good look at all the Zephyrus G14 models these past few years and I’ve come away impressed on every occasion. It’s the laptop I recommend when a friend asks for a mid- to high-end gaming machine: something that they can game on, work on, while looking great, and coming in cheaper than a Razer Blade. In all but one of those aspects, the new 2022 model is still one of the best all-round packages money can buy.

I’d fall short of recommending the exact model I received for review, however, because it isn’t that much cheaper than a new Razer Blade 14. Asus wasn’t able to provide me an exact price of this model in all territories, but some snooping determined you’re looking around the $2,500 / £2,000 mark for this laptop with all the bells and whistles it can offer.

And don’t get me wrong there’s a lot of silicon under the hood of the Zephyrus G14 to justify its price tag, at least to an extent.

Zephyrus G14 (GA402RK) specs

(Image credit: Future)

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6800S (8GB), Radeon Graphics RX 680M
Memory: 32GB DDR5 (16GB soldered, 16GB removeable SO-DIMM)
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Screen size: 14-inch
Aspect ratio: 16:10
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
Refresh rate: 120Hz
Features: Webcam, AniMe Matrix lighting, backlit keyboard
Connectivity: 3.5mm, HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C x2, microSD card reader, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A x2, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Battery: 76WHrs
Price: ~$2,500 / £2,000

At its heart is the AMD Ryzen 6900HS. That’s one of the top chips from AMD’s Ryzen 6000-series, but not its best and brightest—though you’re really fighting over boost clocks and not much else when it comes to the tippy top of the red team’s mobile processors anyways. It delivers eight cores and 16 threads of the Zen 3+ architecture, capable of boosting to 4.9GHz (which it actually does on occasion), so that’s more than acceptable by me.

It also comes with onboard Radeon graphics, the new Radeon 680M. That’s equipped with 12 RDNA 2 GPU cores, which all things considered is actually a pretty hefty number considering Valve’s Steam Deck Aerith APU comes with just eight and is a dab hand at 800p gaming.

Though, more importantly, the Zephyrus is powered by a Radeon RX 6800S discrete GPU, which inevitably blows its integrated GPU sibling out of the water.

That Radeon silicon has one major task to carry out: hit the G14’s 120Hz refresh rate as often as possible while gaming. Thankfully, AMD’s RX 6800S is more than capable of that ask in plenty of games and definitely pushing more than your usual 60fps in many more.

Though it has its work cut out for it. The Zephyrus G14 comes with a 2560 x 1600 display—yep, 16:10—which means you’ve really got some screen room to work with while you’re browsing the web or editing photos. But that does also mean your GPU needs to work extra hard to keep the frame rate up.

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(Image credit: Future)

The RX 6800S makes quick work of our benchmarking suite, and I have to say I’m heartily impressed with the G14’s gaming performance overall. That’s even without turning to the more aggressive Turbo preset—I tested everything with the standard Performance mode. It’s able to top the framerate of RTX 3080 and RTX 3070 mobile chips pretty much across the board, and while it does slip below the RTX 3080 Ti in the Razer Blade 17, that’s a much larger laptop with a much larger price tag.

When it’s running smoothly, the G14’s high refresh and high resolution panel also looks fantastic. Being such a bright and colourful IPS display on this model, you really get to soak in every detail.

Though one slip up I was quite surprised by was the battery life on the G14. It’s one of the lowest lifespans for any modern gaming laptop we’ve tested as of late, managing just 53 minutes. That’s only two minutes more than the Razer Blade 17, which stuffs an RTX 3080 Ti and Intel Core i7 12800H inside its metal chassis—parts not known for being particularly power-savvy.

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The rear of the Zephyrus is easily accessible by removing a couple of cross-head screws. (Image credit: Future)

A single SO-DIMM DDR5 RAM can be removed and replaced if need be. The other is soldered in. (Image credit: Future)

There’s one occupied M.2 slot within the Zephyrus G14, so an upgrade would require a complete file transfer. (Image credit: Future)

The G14 has lost that quality of being surprisingly cheap for what you get, too, even if you do get stellar performance out of it.

Perhaps one reason for that is the inclusion of 32GB of DDR5 RAM—16GB of that is soldered to the board, and the other 16GB attached via removable SO-DIMM from the underside of the laptop. That’s not cheap memory. DDR5 prices have hardly settled down since the memory standard was introduced last year, and 32GB is a bounty of high-performance memory by comparison to most gaming PCs today.

Though I’m happy to see DDR5 makes its way into the mobile gaming market, I suppose with that comes a price premium while it’s early in the new tech cycle. It’s not like DDR5 is really doing heaps for our gaming performance right now either, but we’ll just have to bear with for the time being, until prices (hopefully) drop.

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(Image credit: Future)

The productivity and CPU performance of the G14 warrants some praise here, and that’s going to be partially down to that speedy memory as well. It does a lot to help unlock the full potential of that AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS chip—single-threaded Cinebench scores are impressive; multi-core scores way up there; and while you’re probably not going to notice a practical difference in the top laptops during a video call, the G14’s PCMark 10 score was sky-high too.

And there are also some improvements to the 2022 G14 model that I’m a fan of beyond its faster, better silicon.

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Here’s the old G14’s 16:9 screen (right) versus the new G14’s 16:10 one (left) (Image credit: Future)

The differences between the 2022 model and last year’s are generally slim. (Image credit: Future)

Asus has decided to fill in the top of the 2022 model for a more rectangular shape, however. (Image credit: Future)

One of my favourite things about the G14 is in the name—it’s a 14-inch laptop. The blend of screen real estate and compact size is a great inbetween of bulkier 15- and 17-inch designs, and not quite as compromised as a 13-inch model can feel.

But the big thing with the 2022 model of the G14 is that 14-inch size has been fit with a larger 16:10 aspect ratio than previous models’ 16:9 panels.

For the few negatives I have with the design, Asus has offset them with heaps of positives.

The new G14 is just that little bit more commanding of the entire bezel space available to it, and it offers nearly complete coverage from the top to bottom of the laptop’s chassis. And before you think you’re not going to get much out of that extra space in gaming: it’s actually found relatively often in a game’s option menu nowadays. Even the Steam Deck’s rocking 16:10, so clearly the cool kids at Valve are all for it.

You’ll find most games are happy to run at the slightly less common 2560 x 1600 resolution without black bars or anything of that sort. Though it’s not the end of the world if you have to game at regular ol’ 1440p with them there.

Asus has included a 720p webcam on the 2022 model. (Image credit: Future)

The other major improvement with this model over previous ones is the inclusion of a webcam in the upper bezel. This is a 720p webcam and the colour is decent and fairly well calibrated out of the box. That means you won’t feel at a loss in a meeting or over Discord. I will say the contrast isn’t great, however, and you lose some details in low-light settings. But this isn’t all that surprising of a compact laptop cam.

With that in mind, the chassis is remarkably well-made and svelte, though it hasn’t changed much with the new 2022 model. It’s not the thinnest laptop going, though hardly the bulkiest at 312 x 227 x 19.5 mm and 1.72 kg. I also have the model with the AniMe Matrix LED get-up on the rear. This is definitely a gasp-worthy feature for those seeing it for the first time, though arguably a little against the overall design of this sleek gaming laptop. I’d think this laptop more of a good fit for work and play without it, and it’s also a bit of a pain to disable at night unless you unplug the whole laptop.

I’m hoping that’s a software issue, as I wasn’t able to access any settings to tweak this rear lighting whatsoever in Asus’ Armoury Crate app, which is where these settings are supposed to live.

The G14’s chassis is beautifully clean. (Image credit: Future)

Overall, though, the G14 experience is a pretty easy and straightforward one. I didn’t run into any major issues with it over the couple of weeks I’ve had it, and for the few negatives I have with the design, Asus has offset them with heaps of positives. It’s just a shame that the biggest of all its cons is its price tag. At least there’s some hope for a cheaper Zephyrus G14 model to make more of an impact—a scaled-back GPU, perhaps without the high-end CPU to match, and just 16GB of RAM could be a more fitting device for the more parsimonious among us.

I for one would look to a sub $2,000 model with a little more love than I do this expensive option. This particular model nails the performance aspects, and the looks too, but doesn’t quite capture what made the G14 so desirable and easy to recommend. At least, not as much as others I’ve used these past few years.

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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Jacob earned his first byline writing for his own tech blog from his hometown in Wales in 2017. From there, he graduated to professionally breaking things as hardware writer at PCGamesN, where he would later win command of the kit cupboard as hardware editor. Nowadays, as senior hardware editor at PC Gamer, he spends his days reporting on the latest developments in the technology and gaming industry. When he’s not writing about GPUs and CPUs, however, you’ll find him trying to get as far away from the modern world as possible by wild camping.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2022) gaming laptop review

Our Verdict

A well configured desktop replacement that’s actually portable. While it only has an hour gaming time on battery, the 12th Gen Intel chip owns. That 150W RTX 3070 Ti means it kicks plenty of RTX 3080 powered laptops’ butts, too.

For

150W RTX 3070 Ti performs above average
12th Gen Intel CPU is immense
More DDR5 RAM than you probably need
Speedy SSD performance

Against

Prone to grease marks
Gaming battery life is sorely lacking

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It’s clear Asus is not messing around when it comes to the 2022 evolution of its high-end ROG gaming laptops. With the Strix Scar 17’s G733Z configuration as my first taste—touting its masterful combination of Nvidia’s new, more-powerful RTX 3070 Ti, and Intel’s Core i9 12900H—that became very clear.

With a 12th Gen Alder Lake chip on its side, and a higher wattage GPU than some RTX 3080s we’ve spied in the wild, there’s hardly an iota of competition for the price. But does the rest of the laptop stand up next to that immense config? I’d say yes, with a few small gripes.

First impressions: it’s a gorgeous machine, but the chassis’ finish collects grease marks super easily. Our Alan and Graeme aren’t too keen on the smokey, translucent corner of the chassis, but the translucence does give the design a bit more flair. From the back, at least, it gives off a subtle enough gamer vibe that you could happily use it in the office, without looking like you’re sneaking in a round of LoL.

The big ROG logo with RGB lighting is a bit of a giveaway, but you can turn the lighting effects off for a more subtle look.

Usually with these high-end laptops subtlety goes out of the window thanks to the tell-tale fan whine it gives out under load. This laptop, though: surprisingly quiet. It’s blustery, but there’s no high pitched noise to upset those without one of the best gaming headset protecting their ears. Not while it’s in silent mode, anyhow.

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(Image credit: Future)

Sadly, the cooling system doesn’t translate into as fantastic temperatures as I’d have liked. Even unobstructed on my work desk, the GPU topped out at 87°C (189°F), while the CPU hit 100°C (212°F) over a day’s gaming. While that’s within spec, it’s at the worrying end of okay.

If you’re willing to risk the heat, though, here’s what this Alder Lake beastie can do:

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(Image credit: Future)

We’ve not had a chance to check out many 12th Gen gaming laptops, but seeing this one pitted against previous CPU generations, the difference is obvious.

The ROG Strix Scar 17’s x264 video encoding scores are not to be trifled with, and it’s up a good 600 points against the Razer Blade 17’s Core i7 12800H when it comes to multi-core performance in Cinebench rendering tests. It also has around 1,800–2,000 points on the ROG Zephyrus G14’s Ryzen 9 6900HS, and Lenovo Legion Pro’s Ryzen 7 5800H’s multi-core scores, respectively.

As for single core, the Scar manages to best the closest contender—the Ryzen 9 6900HS—by 130-odd points. Impressive.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 spec

Processor: Intel Core i9 12900H
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (150W)
Memory: 32GB LPDDR5-4800
Display: 17.3-inch IPS, 240Hz, 3ms
Resolution: 1440p
Storage: 2TB M.2 SSD
Battery: 90Wh
Connectivity: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort, 1x 2. 5Gb LAN port, 1x Thunderbolt 4 DisplayPort, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E
OS: Windows 11 Pro
Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.1 x 0.9in (395 x 282 x 234mm)
Weight: 6.39lbs (2.90Kg)
Price: $2,999 | £2,600

All this gives the Strix Scar 17 an edge when it comes to productivity and, of course, games with intense CPU loads. In Hitman’s Dartmoor benchmark, for instance, you’re looking at fps averages of 120, and lows of 23 even with all those particle effects going off.

Metro Exodus, too, sees lows of 47fps and 82fps averages. And while that’s not quite as impressive as the Blade’s RTX 3080 Ti, that 150-Watt RTX 3070 Ti really kicks butt. Even compared to some portable RTX 3080 SKUs we’ve tested—the MSI GS66 Stealth’s 95W RTX 3080 for example—it’s chugging out 167fps in F1 2020, and 113fps in Horizon Zero Dawn proves that this is a gaming powerhouse. It’s certainly a vast improvement over the previous generation’s 130W limit.

Topping it all off, the ROG Strix Scar 17’s ray tracing performance is right where you’d expect it to be: sitting between the portable RTX 3080 Ti and RTX 3070, and miles above any AMD GPU config. Keep in mind that we tend to run our benchmarks on Ultra graphics settings and at 1080p resolution for comparisons—so not the laptop’s native 1440p.

At 1440p you can expect scores to slip below the 100fps mark, but not enough to warrant turning the graphics down in most cases.

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(Image credit: Future)

Importantly, all this power comes at a cost not only to the component’s temperatures, but also to the battery life. Sure, you’re not as likely to play games with the thing unplugged, but if you ever have to, an hour is all you get.

I’m not enamoured with the touchpad of the Strix Scar either, while we’re nit-picking. I keep trying to click the space beneath it, and my poor, callous fingers keep forgetting where the edges are.

This particular model doesn’t come with a camera either, which is a glaring omission for the price, and there’s a distinct lack of USB Type-A ports for the unnecessary arsenal of peripherals I’m packing.

It doesn’t feel as much like a hulking desktop replacement as we’ve seen. And that’s okay.

There are a couple of USB Type-C ports around the back to make up for it, though, and I’m happy there’s a full sized keyboard. Such gripes as I’ve mentioned are easy to overlook when Asus has managed to pack such an immense config in here. The frankly unnecessary 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM’s memory bandwidth sits at an impressive 53.27GB/s, and that 2TB SSD can load FFXIV Shadowbringers in just over 10 seconds, which is a solid score.

For a machine with a 17-inch chassis it doesn’t weigh the world, and doesn’t need two power adapters to work to its full potential either. For that, it doesn’t feel as much like a hulking desktop replacement as we’ve seen. And that’s okay. Particularly when you crown a portable machine like this off with a 1440p, 240Hz IPS panel with 3ms response time, which also does a smashing job of reducing glare.

While you could get a Lenovo Legion 5 Pro with its RTX 3070 for half the price, spending $2,999 (£2,600) on this Strix Scar config will put you ahead of the competition with very little effort. And sure, it’s not as stylish or as apt with ray tracing as the Blade 17, but there’s a good $1,000 price difference there. And for something that can outpace the laptops of yesteryear in almost every running, I’d pay that price for sure.

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Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2022)

Screw sports, Katie would rather watch Intel, AMD and Nvidia go at it. Having been obsessed with computers and graphics for three long decades, she took Game Art and Design up to Masters level at uni, and has been demystifying tech and science—rather sarcastically—for two years since. She can be found admiring AI advancements, scrambling for scintillating Raspberry Pi projects, preaching cybersecurity awareness, sighing over semiconductors, and gawping at the latest GPU upgrades. She’s been heading the PCG Steam Deck content hike, while waiting patiently for her chance to upload her consciousness into the cloud.

9+ BEST Laptop Graphics Card for Gaming in 2022 [Top Picks]

In this article, we cover the best laptop graphics cards for gaming in 2022.

With so many great graphics cards (GPUs) out there on the market today, we’ll consolidate it into the best few.

So let’s dive in.

Best Laptop Graphics Card for Gaming in 2022

Here are the top laptop graphics cards for gaming:

Nvidia RTX 3090

The Nvidia RTX 3090 is the best laptop graphics card for gaming. It is based on the Ampere architecture and offers excellent performance.

The RTX 3090 has 24 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, a 384-bit memory interface, and a TGP of 115 W. It offers great performance for 4K gaming and is also VR Ready.

The RTX 3090 is the best laptop graphics card for gamers who want the best possible gaming experience. It is also great for content creators and professionals who require the best possible performance.

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Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti

The Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti is the second best laptop graphics card for gaming. It is also based on the Ampere architecture and offers excellent performance.

The RTX 3080 Ti has 20 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, a 384-bit memory interface, and a TGP of 115 W. It offers great performance for 4K gaming and is also VR Ready.

The RTX 3080 Ti is the best laptop graphics card for gamers who want the best possible gaming experience. It is also great for content creators and professionals who require the best possible performance.

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Nvidia RTX 3080

The Nvidia RTX 3080 is the third best laptop graphics card for gaming. It is based on the Ampere architecture and offers excellent performance.

The RTX 3080 has 10 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, which is enough for most games. It also has a boost clock of 1,710 MHz and a memory clock of 14 Gbps.

The RTX 3080 is available in both mobile and desktop versions. The mobile version is slightly less powerful than the desktop version, but it is still very good for gaming.

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Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti

The Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti is one of the best graphics cards you can buy right now. It offers great performance at a relatively affordable price, and it’s ideal for 1440p or 4K gaming.

The RTX 3070 Ti is based on Nvidia’s Ampere architecture and it’s powered by the GA104 GPU.

It has 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a 256-bit memory bus. The card has a boost clock of 1,665MHz and it supports NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology.

The RTX 3070 Ti is a great option for gamers who want to enjoy smooth gameplay at high resolutions without spending a lot of money.

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Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti

The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is one of the best graphics card for most PC gamers right now.

It offers excellent value for money, and is capable of running most games at 1440p with high or ultra settings enabled.

If you’re looking to game at 4K, then it’s doable, but you’ll need to lower some image quality settings to maintain a smooth frame rate.

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Nvidia RTX 3060

The Nvidia RTX 3060 is one of the best graphics card for gaming laptops in terms of raw power.

It is based on the same architecture as the high-end RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti cards, but it is significantly more affordable.

The 3060 also offers great performance at 1440p resolution, making it a great choice for gamers who want to game at high resolutions.

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Nvidia RTX 3050

The Nvidia RTX 3050 is a laptop graphics card for gaming that was released in early 2021. It is based on the GA106 GPU and offers 2 GB of GDDR6 VRAM.

The RTX 3050 is a very powerful laptop graphics card and is capable of running most games at high settings.

It also supports G-Sync and can be overclocked to improve performance.

The RTX 3050 is a great choice for gamers who want a powerful graphics card that can handle any game.

It is also a good choice for those who want to use G-Sync or overclocking to improve their gaming experience.

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AMD Radeon™ RX 6900 XT OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card

TheAMD Radeon™ RX 6900 XT OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card delivers extreme graphics and incredible video game performance.

It’s powered by AMD’s new RDNA 2 architecture and features up to 16GB of GDDR6 memory.

With support for 4K resolution, this graphics card is ideal for gamers who demand the best visuals.

TheAMD Radeon™ RX 6900 XT OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card is available now on Amazon.

Specifications:

GPU: AMD Radeon™ RX 6900 XT OC Edition
Memory: 16GB GDDR6
Bus Interface: PCIe® 4. 0 x16
DirectX® Support: 12 API feature level 12_1
OpenGL® Support: 4.6
Display Connectors: 3x DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1
Power Requirements: 750W PSU with two 8-pin PCIe® power connectors
Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.73″ x 5.28″ x 2.13″

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Best Laptop Graphics Card for Gaming – FAQs

What Is a Good Graphics Card for Gaming Laptop?

There are a few different things to consider when choosing a graphics card for your gaming laptop.

First, you need to decide what resolution you want to game at. If you’re looking to game at 4K, then you’ll need a powerful card like the Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti.

However, if you’re happy with 1440p or lower, then there are a number of more affordable options available.

Secondly, you need to decide whether you want ray tracing and DLSS support.

Ray tracing is a new lighting technique that can make games look more realistic, but it requires very powerful hardware to run well.

DLSS is an AI-based rendering technique that can improve performance and image quality simultaneously.

Not all games support these features yet, but if you’re looking to future-proof your purchase, then it’s worth considering a card that supports them.

Finally, you need to decide how much money you’re willing to spend. Graphics cards can vary widely in price, from around $100 all the way up to $1,000 or more.

It’s important to find a balance between performance and price that suits your needs.

What Is the Best Budget Laptop Graphics Card for Gaming?

If you’re looking for the best budget laptop graphics card for gaming, then the Nvidia GTX 3050 is a great option.

It offers excellent value for money, and is capable of running most games at 1440p with medium or high settings enabled.

It’s also worth considering the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8, which offers similar performance but is slightly cheaper.

What Is the Best Graphics Card for Fortnite?

The best graphics card for Fortnite is the Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti.

It’s capable of running the game at 4K with all settings enabled, and can even reach up to 144 FPS if you’re willing to lower some image quality settings.

However, it is worth noting that this card is very expensive, so it might not be the best option if you’re on a budget.

?STOP? Making These GPU Mistakes! Best GPU for Gaming 2022 | Best Graphics Card for Gaming

Summary – Best Laptop Graphics Card for Gaming

In conclusion, there are a number of great laptop graphics cards available on the market today.

If you’re looking for the best possible gaming experience, then the Nvidia RTX 3090 is the best option.

However, if you’re on a budget, then the Nvidia GTX 1650 or the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 are both great choices.

Whichever card you choose, make sure to do your research and pick one that suits your needs.

RTX 3080 vs 3080 Ti – Which One Should You Get?
RTX 3080 Ti vs 3090 – Which One Should You Get?
RTX 3080 12GB – Where to Buy (Top Picks)
9+ BEST RTX 3080 Laptops [Top Picks]
11+ Parts of a Desktop Computer
Why Don’t Most Laptops Have Touchscreens?
Best Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti Laptops
Best Gaming Laptops
Best RTX 3080 Ti Laptops
7+ Most Secure Laptops
Best Laptops Under $3,000
Best Laptops Under $2,500

Best laptops for graphic design 2022: Reviewed and ranked

Best Picks

The right laptop can make a world of difference.

By Ashley Biancuzzo

Associate Editor, PCWorld Oct 3, 2022 9:00 am PDT

Whether you’re creating a sleek new logo for your company or a magazine cover that’s popping with bright colors and interesting shapes, graphic designers need the right kind of laptop to get the job done. The most important thing is powerful hardware. For tasks like 3D modeling, you’re going to need a powerful CPU and a good amount of RAM. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, you may need a processor with multiple cores. Another essential piece of hardware is the graphics card. This is important if you’re working with massive textures.

If you’re not sure where to begin your search, don’t worry. We’ve assembled a list of top picks. Not only are these machines graphically powerful, but they’ve also got awesome screens for those times when detail and color accuracy are paramount. We’ve also included options at different price points. So, whatever your budget may be, we’ve got something for every type of graphic designer. If you’re looking for something different, be sure to check out our comprehensive roundup of the best laptops for all purposes.

Updated 09/26/2022 Check out our latest review of the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1. Besides its ability to easily transition from a laptop to a tablet, it also stands apart with its long battery life and attractive design. Also, be sure to take a look at our review of the Acer Predator Helios 300. You may give up some portability with this gaming laptop, but you more than make up for it with solid performance where it beats out some of the more expensive competitors.

Asus VivoBook Pro 16X OLED – Best overall

Pros

Beautiful 4K OLED display
Long battery life
Useful DialPad tool

Cons

Design lacks flair
Lackluster webcam

Graphic designers need a high-quality display for their projects, which is why you should consider picking up the Asus VivoBook Pro 16X OLED. The 4K OLED display is absolutely stunning, as it produces vibrant colors and deep blacks. It’s also a good option for those who suffer from eye strain and tension headaches. If you’re to spend hours peering into a display, it might as well be a top-quality one. The VivoBook also packs a decent punch in the processing department.

The CPU is the Ryzen 9 5900HX, which should be plenty zippy for basic graphic design needs and general use. It also has 32GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage. That’s sufficient enough for multitasking or firing up a couple of applications simultaneously. There are a couple of trade-offs you should be aware of like the lackluster webcam and the temperamental fingerprint reader. Those shortcomings are fairly small, though. Overall, the VivoBook Pro is a great machine that any graphic designer would love.

Read our full
Asus VivoBook Pro 16X OLEDreview

MSI GF76 Katana – Best value

Pros

Decent CPU performance
Interesting design with plenty of flair
Comfortable keyboard and trackpad

Cons

Lackluster GPU performance
The display lacks brightness
Audio produces less-than-stellar bass

If you’re working with an inflexible budget, the MSI GF76 Katana is the best bang for your buck. It comes with an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050Ti GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of PCle 4 SSD storage. In other words, this machine should be able to handle most design tasks with relative ease as well as everyday workloads. The GPU is a little underwhelming when running newer games, but MSI offers up to seven different configurations, so you can always chose a more powerful option. The display is also dimmer than we like, but it’s 17.3-inches and that’s a lot of screen real estate to work on. So, if you’re a beginner graphic designer looking to save some money, you should definitely consider the GF76 Katana.

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MSI Katana GF76review

Razer Blade 17 (2022) – Best for video game designers

Pros

Huge 17-inch screen in a relatively compact laptop
Intel’s newest 11th-gen CPU and Nvidia RTX graphics

Cons

No USB-A port and no Gigabit Ethernet
Hybrid charging likely sacrifices a little performance

The Razer Blade 17 (2022 version) is our top pick for video game designers. It’s got what it takes for graphically intensive projects thanks to its Intel Core i7-12800H CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, 1TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD storage, and beastly GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU that renders 3D scenes ultra-fast. The 17.3-inch QHD display is beautiful, too. Not only does it have an impressive 240Hz refresh rate, but the 2650×1440 resolution makes for a crisp and colorful picture. The Blade has a lot to offer, that’s for sure, but it’s incredibly expensive. If you’re in a position to spend the money, then it’s an awesome buy. If you’re looking for more options for both work and play, be sure to check out our roundup of the best gaming laptops.

Read our full
Razer Blade 17 (2022)review

ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) – Most portable

Pros

Powerful CPU and GPU performance in a very compact design
AniMe Matrix screams unique
It has a webcam

Cons

Half-permanent RAM
Keyboard backlighting is subpar

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is something of a rarity because of its compact form factor and powerful internals. It weighs just a little over three pounds, which makes it a capable traveling companion. It’ll also deliver reasonably fast performance thanks to the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU, the AMD Radeon RX6800S GPU, the 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and the 1TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. These components are a phenomenal combination for heavy-duty design work. The keyboard isn’t the best, though, as it feels a bit soft and the backlighting is subpar. That said, when it comes to a combination of portability and fast performance, the Zephyrus G14 is a fantastic pick.

Read our full
ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)review

Asus ROG Flow Z13 – Best folio-style laptop

Pros

Big performance in a small package
Bright, crisp display
Compatible with XG Mobile for GPU boost

Cons

Versatility doesn’t come cheap
Detachable keyboard poor fit for gamers

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is one of the more unusual entries on this roundup. Simply put, it’s a folio-style gaming machine. You can pop open the kickstand on the back and voila! You’ve got a clamshell laptop. You can also remove the keyboard and use it as a touch-enabled tablet. The versatility here makes it a cool pick for creative work. As for the components, it’s rocking an Intel Core i9-12900H CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage. It’s powerful, that’s for sure. The 1200p IPS touch display also produces sharp, vibrant images. This kind of versatility costs a premium though, so it’s not the most budget-friendly option. That said, if you’re looking for something truly unique, the Flow Z13 is well worth it.

How we tested

The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each test and the reasons why we run them.

Windows laptops

PCMark 10: PCMark 10 is how we determine how well the laptop handles lighter tasks like web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and so on. Essentially, it’s how we simulate everyday use.
HandBrake: HandBrake is more intensive than PCMark 10. It basically measures how long a laptop’s CPU takes to encode a beefy 30GB file.
Cinebench: Cinebench is a brief stress test of the CPU cores. It does this by rendering a 2D scene over a short period of time. A CPU with multiple cores better divides the workload.
3DMark: 3DMark checks if 3D performance remains consistent over time by running graphic-intensive clips. We check for things like lag, screen tearing, and so on.
Video rundown test: To gauge battery life, we loop a 4K video using Windows 10’s Movies & TV app until the laptop dies. If you travel a bunch, you’ll want something that’ll last more than a full work day.

FAQ

How much processing power will I need?

If you’re just beginning a career in graphic design, go for an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. If you work in video editing or motion design, we’d recommend an Intel Core i9. However, the number of cores is important for design work. That’s because the processor has to divide the workload when running a 3D-rendering program. A processor with four cores is the minimum requirement (in our book at least), but the more cores the better. As for AMD processors, the Ryzen 5 series is powerful enough for basic graphic design work. For more oomph, shoot for a Ryzen 9.

Do I really need a GPU?

For graphically intensive projects like 3D design, you’re going to want a dedicated graphics card. Fortunately, most gaming laptops have dedicated graphics and should be able chew right through those projects. If you’re looking to save some money, go for an Nvidia RTX 3060 or 3050 Ti. For a serious boost in graphics performance, we’d suggest springing for an Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti or an AMD Radeon RX6800S.

What about memory?

Graphic designers are constantly juggling a bunch of files, so you’re going to want at least 8GB of RAM to keep things relatively speedy. That’s the bare minimum, though. For bigger projects, 16GB of RAM should be plenty.

Should I spring for a hard disk drive or an SSD?

For those massive video editing projects, you’re definitely going to need a high-capacity SSD. 256GB is the minimum amount we’d recommend, but 512GB is obviously better. If you work with large files, you may want to even go for a 1TB+ SSD. Again, the right amount of storage really depends on the size and complexity of your project.

How big should my display be?

Ah, the display. It may be one of the most important aspects of a laptop, especially for design work. The size and resolution really depends on the complexity of your project, though. First, let’s talk about the size. Do you regularly commute into the office? If so, you’ll want a 13- or 14-inch display, as it’s smaller and more portable. If you’re working on high-resolution files or something that requires a lot of screen real estate, you’re going to want a 17-inch. However, the bigger the screen, the heavier the laptop will be. As for the resolution, don’t settle for anything less than 1080p. That’s the baseline you want to go for. If you can stretch your budget, a 4K display is lovely and the ideal option for creative work.

How long should my laptop last on a single charge?

If you plan on carrying around your laptop, you’ll want something that can last 10 to 12 hours on a single charge. That’s more than a full work day. However, battery size directly impacts the portability of the machine. The bigger the battery, the heavier the laptop.

How diverse should my port selection be?

A wide array of ports is always a good thing, as it eliminates the need for an adapter. You should get a laptop that has both USB-C and USB-A. An HDMI port is good, too. This is useful for hooking up to an external monitor, especially if the laptop’s display is dim or not as clear.

Author: Ashley Biancuzzo, Associate Editor

Ashley is a professional writer and editor with a strong background in tech and pop culture. She has written for high traffic websites such as Polygon, Kotaku, StarWars.com, and Nerdist. In her off time, she enjoys playing video games, reading science fiction novels, and hanging out with her rescue greyhound.

top-11 rating according to KP version

The article discusses external video cards that are connected to laptops as additional ones. They are designed to upgrade devices if the basic parameters are not enough to perform the necessary tasks. You can decide on the choice of the desired model yourself, but it is recommended to entrust the installation of a video card to a laptop to specialists.

Many manufacturers have their own technologies and developments in the field of graphic processing and acceleration of calculations, including for displaying images on multi-monitor systems. When choosing the best graphics card, you first need to consider the functions that the device should perform for you.

Expert’s Choice

Komsomolskaya Pravda turned to Denis Murin, reviewer of PLAYER.ONE and Mail.Ru Games , with a request to choose the best graphics card for a laptop in 2022.

Palit GeForce GTX 1050 Ti StormX 4GB

Palit GeForce GTX 1050 Ti StormX 4GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

A fairly compact model, its length does not exceed 166 mm. Built-in memory 4 GB operates at a frequency of 7000 MHz. The processor has a Boost mode, the frequency of its operation is 1290-1392 MHz, and the maximum supported screen resolution is 4096 x 2160. The video card is equipped with an efficient cooling system consisting of a fan and a radiator, which works well even at high frequencies.

Main characteristics

14 Nm

0005

The fan is noisy under heavy loads. Users note that overclocking may not be effective

Top 10 best graphics cards for laptops in 2022 according to CP

1. GIGABYTE GeForce GT 710 2GB

GIGABYTE GeForce GT 710 2GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

The design of this model is minimalistic: it is a compact video card with a single-slot active cooling system. The radiator is made of aluminum and has a fairly massive fins, and the fan is also responsible for cooling. A distinctive feature of the model can be considered the presence of a DisplayPort output, which allows you to connect not just Super Ultra-Wide monitors, but also monitors with a refresh rate of over 100 Hz.

By default, the GPU operates in Gaming mode with a frequency formula of 1228 / 1468 MHz, but in the GPU Tweak II proprietary utility, you can activate the “OC” profile with frequencies of 1266 / 1506 MHz. Video memory consists of Micron GDDR5 chips with a total capacity of 2 GB. With a 64-bit bus and an effective frequency of 6008 MHz, the bandwidth of the video memory subsystem reaches 48.1 GB/s.

Key Features

Nuclear/memory frequency	1290 MHz/7000 MHz
Video memory	4096 MB GDDR5
		14 Nm

Core/Memory Clock

1228MHz/6008MHz

Compact size and low profile bar included, overclockable for increased performance. Low heating and at the same time quiet cooling system, DisplayPort output to support high-speed monitors with high resolution

Only one HDMI connector, users note cooler noise during games at high graphics settings

2.

MSI GeForce GTX 1650 4GT LP OC

MSI GeForce GTX 1650 4GT LP OC. Photo: market.yandex.ru

MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card is made in a small size of 168mm and occupies two expansion slots. The cooling system consists of a radiator and two 55 mm fans with a curved impeller. A 1485 MHz GPU (1665 MHz in Boost mode) provides a high level of performance throughout the entire time of use. There is also a 4 GB GDDR5 video memory with a bandwidth of 128 GB / s. The latest version of MSI Afterburner for RTX 20 series graphics cards has a special overclocking scanner OC Scanner that automatically searches for the most powerful settings in which the device will work stably. Maximum resolution 7680×4320 Number of monitors supported 2

The cooling system produces a little noise, some users report heating during overclocking.

3. DELL Quadro P620 2GB

DELL Quadro P620 2GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

The video card runs on an lNVIDIA Quadro P620 processor with a 128-bit memory bus. Ease of use is guaranteed by the active cooling system, which includes a heatsink and two fans. Thanks to this, the Dell NVIDIA Quadro P620 graphics card will not overheat and fail. The card features a low-profile, one-slot wide form factor that delivers the performance you need to power demanding professional applications. Provides a wide visual workspace with support for up to four 4K displays and HDR technology.

5120×2880 Number of supported monitors 4

High card performance, cooling system works efficiently PNY Quadro K620 PCI-E 2.0

PNY Quadro K620 PCI-E 2.0. Photo: market.yandex.ru

This model has excellent performance in leading professional applications. The processor frequency is 1075 MHz, and 2 GB of DDR3 memory with a capacity of 128 bits is responsible for the simultaneous processing of multiple threads. The model claims support for OpenGL 4 and DirectX 11 technologies, as well as the use of NVIDIA’s Tesla computing accelerator. The model is equipped with a function of smooth image smoothing, which allows you to achieve maximum realism of the picture. The maximum power consumption of 45W ensures economical power consumption, the active cooling function evenly cools the entire surface of the board and ensures high performance and stable operation.

3840 × 2160 The number of supported monitors 4

Effective cooling system, quiet work

Sm low memory, lack of factory acceleration

5. Lenovo NVIDIA 2 GB

NVIDIA Quadro P400 2 GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

The Nvidia Quadro P400 three-port video card is based on the Nvidia Pascal GPU. This model is one of the most accessible maps for CAD designers and visualization work. 2GB GDDR5 graphics memory and 256 streaming multiprocessor (SMX) cores deliver incredible performance with 40W peak power consumption in a cool and quiet single slot form factor. Supports four simultaneous displays and resolutions up to 4K with VESA DisplayPort 1.4. NVIDIA Quadro 400

Performance, low power consumption, up to 4K resolution

Small memory, average image quality

6. ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 2GB

ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 2GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

A feature of this model is that cooling is carried out by one radiator, and there is no fan. The ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition graphics card is equipped with the GeForce GT 730 video processor. The performance of the model corresponds to the entry level. The video card has 2 GB of GDDR3 video memory. The video adapter is equipped with three video connectors — DVI-D, HDMI and VGA (D-Sub). You can use two or three monitors at the same time. The maximum supported resolution is 2560×1600. The advantage is the maximum power consumption 4 Maximum resolution 4096 × 2160 The number of supported monitors 3

Compact size, low electricity consumption

9000, small volume of ocular system, non-effective ocular system. KFA2 GeForce GT 1030 2GB

KFA2 GeForce GT 1030 2GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

The video card has 2 GB of DDR3 memory for storing information that is used during the operation of the device. The model is connected to the board using the PCI-E 2.0 interface. The video card occupies one and a half expansion slots. To connect up to two monitors, you can choose from a selection of DVI-D, VGA and HDMI connectors.

8. INNO3D GeForce RTX 2060 1680MHz PCI-E 3.0

INNO3D GeForce RTX 2060 1680MHz PCI-E 3.0. Photo: market.yandex.ru

This video card is one of the most cost-effective video cards with its powerful characteristics. This model is universal, because. unlike other variations, INNO3D is an excellent embodiment of the balance of price and quality. The main advantage of the model is the famous GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. Its nominal frequency is 1470 MHz, while you can get an image with a maximum resolution of 7680 × 4320. Also, the video card is equipped with 6 GB of high-speed GDDR6 memory and a powerful cooling system, consisting of a radiator with four tubes, two fans and a metal backplate.

Generally speaking, laptops with GeForce RTX 3060, 2060 Max-Q and 2070 Max-Q will allow you to play any modern game in FullHD 1080p resolution and are suitable even for e-sports games that require high reaction speed. The RTX 3070, 2080 Max-Q, and 2080 Super Max-Q will handle higher 2.5K resolutions and deliver near-maximum settings just about anywhere. And the RTX 3080 for laptops is the king of the hill for uncompromising performance for gaming and work.

9. HP Quadro P1000 4GB

HP Quadro P1000 4GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

A powerful low-profile graphics card that provides professional users with the highest performance available in a small form factor. The NVIDIA® Quadro® P1000, powered by the NVIDIA Pascal™ GPU, delivers high performance for rendering 3D models and 2D images, and expands your visual workspace to up to four 4K monitors. This model is equipped with a stock of its own memory 4 GB standard DDR5. The video card also has a basic set of interfaces, including four Mini DisplayPort video outputs for high-definition image transmission.

5120 × 2880 The number of supported monitors 4

High quality image, good performance and effective cooling system

It is difficult to find a regular bar (only low -profile)

10. COLORFUL GEFORCE GTX 4 GB

Colorful GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB. Photo: market.yandex.ru

The Colorful iGame GTX 1050 Ti U-4G is based on a 14nm NVIDIA GP107 graphics processor with 768 CUDA cores, 48 texture units and 32 raster units. The memory of the video card, with a total volume of 4 GB, is recruited using four GDDR5 chips from Micron, which operate at an effective frequency of 7008 MHz. Data exchange between the graphics core and memory is carried out through a 128-bit bus, which is capable of passing 112.1 GB of information per second.

A special feature is the presence of a button for switching between two operating modes: «Normal» and «Turbo». In the first mode, the GPU operates at reference frequencies (1290 / 1392 MHz), and in the second — under factory overclocking to 1380 / 1493 MHz. The cooler consists of an all-metal radiator with fins, two axial fans with an impeller diameter of 86 mm and a plastic casing that covers the entire structure from above.

Key Features

Core/Memory Clock

Powerful and overclockable, efficient and quiet cooling system, good image quality

Some users report problems when trying to overclock

How to choose a graphics card for a laptop. Expert advice

Denis Murin says the first thing to think about is what you use your laptop for. If for documents, the Internet and periodic gatherings in World of Tanks or DotA 2, then can stop at the built-in graphics — 11th Gen Intel mobile processors with Iris Xe and UHD Graphics (Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 models 11XXX) and AMD Ryzen 4000 and 5000 Gen with Vega 6 and 8 graphics can easily handle everyday tasks and save battery power.

If you plan to play modern games, or your work involves video editing, photo editing or 3D modeling, then you should consider laptops with graphics cards based on NVIDIA GeForce RTX . A separate video card, of course, will increase the thickness and weight of the laptop (but not so much), but it will be able to run any modern games and significantly speed up the work (especially video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve), and will also allow you to broadcast video in high quality (stream ) from anywhere thanks to the NVENC hardware codec. If we talk about competitors, then laptops with AMD Radeon 5000-series are great for games, but noticeably worse for work.

How to connect a video card to a laptop (video)

Best laptop graphics card in 2022

When a user wants to run demanding gaming applications or work with graphics programs from a laptop, an integrated graphics card will not be enough. This will require full-fledged graphic acceleration — fast, productive and not very voracious in terms of power consumption. In order to choose the best laptop graphics card in 2022, this rating has been compiled.

What integrated and discrete graphics cards do

The meaning of each video card in a laptop is to calculate graphic information and generate a signal in order to display an image on a display. But their functions differ significantly:

Integrated. Performance is much weaker than discrete. The goal is to save energy. Slightly drains the battery. Developers will be able to reduce the weight of the product without lowering the autonomy indicators.
Discrete. It has the greatest advantages in gaming applications. The best laptop graphics cards can easily handle the most demanding applications.

By replacing a discrete graphics card with a different model that can be mounted in a particular product, it is easy to significantly increase the performance in gaming applications. With an embedded chip, everything is much more difficult. Some products require replacement with a more productive one, others do not provide such an option.

Choosing the right laptop

At the moment, each manufacturer is trying to present products in different price ranges that are designed for a specific audience. Among the models, the buyer needs to choose the best. When you want to save money and later mount a more powerful video card, you should choose the right model:

Type of processor. In order for the video card to show its full potential, it should not be mounted in a system with a low-performance processor. It is recommended to purchase a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 chip.
Processor voltage. Most video cards require standard power. Installed in a system with insufficient voltage, they will not be able to demonstrate their full potential. The type of power can be identified by marking the class of the processor.
Integrated video. When a product has an option to install a discrete card, it is recommended to select a product with a more advanced graphics adapter.

Today, there is a competitive struggle in the graphics card market. Often, laptops use video cards from NVIDIA manufacturers. Most sites on the net have a table that lists test data for a large number of products from this developer. But AMD Radeon graphics cards shouldn’t be tossed aside.

The best graphics cards for laptops

This list includes various models for laptops. There are variations here for those who want to play undemanding games with minimal investment. There are also mid-range graphics cards. In addition, there are top-end video adapters that perform the most complex tasks.

AMD Radeon R7 M340

The model in question is a discrete accelerator that is installed in a PCIe3 generation interface that does not require external auxiliary power. The system has 320 shader processors, operates at stable frequencies of 1121 MHz and does not involve auto-overclocking. In a number of modern high-performance gaming applications, the device is unable to meet their requirements.

Pros:

it is possible to play virtually any application at a minimum of settings;
fully discrete solution;
does not require external power;
moderate heat generation.

Cons:

obsolete;
relatively low power;
hard to buy;
allows you to play at maximum settings only in a small list of applications.

AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL / 870

This model is an extremely attractive option for products with an Intel Kaby-Lake-G processor. The device will replace the integrated graphics card. In addition, this device has its own Vega GPU and uses 4 GB of memory. Also, the video card will support the DirectX 12 instruction set, auto overclocking mode is supported. In gaming applications, such a product will show excellent results. The power of the model is enough for all gaming applications in Full HD mode.

Pros:

will be a great addition to products with an Intel processor;
high performance;
can allocate a lot of memory;
automatic overclocking.

Cons:

is installed only in small laptops;
65 watt heat output;
not replaceable;
will cut off the laptop’s RAM during operation.

AMD Radeon RX 560X

This mid-range graphics card is an excellent choice for unpretentious gamers. The graphics adapter is characterized by high power. 4 GB of RAM is installed on the video card in maximum configurations. The model supports DirectX 12 hardware instructions, there are a large number of outputs for connecting external monitors.

Pros:

high performance;
reasonable price;
is an excellent analogue of expensive video cards;
popular solution.

Cons:

heat generation;
sometimes only fitted to larger models;
HDMI port functions via adapter;
Shared memory mode is not supported.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 SLI (Laptop)

Best laptop graphics card. It is an accelerator for users who play various gaming applications at maximum settings. In fact, it is two cards of the GTX 1080 class, which are combined in SLI mode. As a result, each will read its own frame directly, outputting them one by one. The overall performance will be doubled, a minor drawback is associated with the processing of the amount of data.

Pros:

maximum performance to date;
4K in virtually every gaming application;
8 GB GDDR5 RAM as standard;
All proprietary NVIDIA extensions are supported.

Cons:

only for systems with special cooling system;
heat dissipation 360 W, special power system required;
only works properly with original drivers;
Possible out of sync frame output.

IntelIrisPlusGraphics 655

Integrated chip product. To date, the device in question is installed in AppleMacBook, MicrosoftSurface and other expensive laptops. But such a graphics chip is announced in any Intel processors with a KabyLake core, so it will soon be possible to purchase such a platform for an adequate amount.

Since this hardware solution is offered completely free of charge, it is a great option for customers looking to save money. It will be sufficient to purchase a laptop with an Intel 9 processor.5 generations to get a high-performance integrated video adapter.

Pros:

integrated processor core;
power as in budget discrete cards;
maintenance free;
operates with 2 types of RAM;
has an extended internal cache for processing information.

Cons:

cannot be replaced or modified;
processors of this generation are expensive;
can run high-performance gaming applications only at minimum settings;
cannot be purchased as a standalone solution.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (Laptop)

The device in question is a representative of the premium class of video accelerators for laptops. In the basic configuration, the consumer is offered 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM. The accelerator is intended directly for gaming systems with a proper laptop cooling system. The level of heat generation is quite high, therefore, it will not be possible to do without a special cooling system. The video card has an extremely high performance.

Pros:

increased performance;
large amount of RAM as standard;
Large number of graphics processing protocols supported;
NVIDIA original technologies and extensions.

Cons:

high price;
for special systems only;
needs special cooling at 150W heat dissipation;
significantly reduces the frame rate at 4K resolution.

NVIDIA GeForce 930M

One of the most popular products. The functionality of an already outdated video card is sufficient for the device to be installed in modern products from HP, Asus and other developers. For systems with low power consumption, there is an NVIDIA version of the model with a TDP of 12 watts.

Pros:

low heat option available;
2 versions with different RAM capacities;
many gaming applications where you can play at a minimum of settings;
popular in modern laptops.

Cons:

performance applications do not allow you to play at maximum settings;
in many games at medium settings the frame rate is low;
difficult to purchase separately for replacement purposes;
obsolete.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (Laptop)

Popular laptop model. It has a reduced frequency, but it has a large number of computing cores. The maximum set has an accelerator with 4 GB of GDDR5 RAM.

The mobile version of the video card, in average cases, is not far behind and offers about 30% more power than the common GeForce GTX 960M solutions.

Pros:

high performance even in demanding applications;
excellent set of options;
chip 14 nm.

Cons:

need a special laptop cooling system;
overpriced;
is installed in large notebooks;
overheating during continuous operation with maximum loads.

NVIDIA Quadro M600M

The video card of the budget price segment shows quite good results. In any gaming applications, the device provides a good frame rate at minimum settings. With medium, and in terms of high settings, the image is quite acceptable.

The main advantage of the video card will be the use of efficient DDR5 RAM. The accelerator has a 128-bit bus, 2 GB of RAM in the maximum configuration. Support for DirectX 12 will be an important advantage in modern operating systems.

Pros:

good performance for demanding gaming applications;
the latest graphics engines are supported;
performance memory;
great platform.

Cons:

is installed only in large laptops;
heat dissipation 30 W;
obsolete;
is difficult to obtain.

The question often arises which graphics card is best for a laptop. To buy good laptop graphics cards for gaming, this rating has been compiled. The list includes the best models. They are characterized by efficiency and quality.

Vote for this rating!

[Votes: 51 Average rating: 4.9]

Best Laptop Graphics Cards — Ranked 2022 — Top 7

Data processing for displaying on a laptop screen or external equipment connected to it is performed using a video card. The quality of the picture depends on the performance and other characteristics of the board. The best graphics cards for laptops, which have a large amount of memory, a powerful core and are able to cope with high resolution, will help you to immerse yourself in the content as much as possible. The VyborExperta.ru team decided to find out which video chips deserve the attention of gamers, architects, professional photographers and designers.

Contents

Rating of video cards for laptops

When compiling the review, we studied the technical characteristics, compared the performance of the boards, and work in different modes. We took into account user reviews, the opinion of an expert — a consultant of a computer equipment salon with 11 years of experience. The main attention was paid to the following parameters:

The amount of video memory — affects performance;
Frequency — the higher the indicator, the more work the video chip does;
Connectors — determine the type of connected monitors;
Interfaces — Affects throughput.

Low performance, overheating, picture quality that does not meet modern requirements — devices with such shortcomings were excluded from our rating.

Best Notebook Cards of 2022

1. Msi GeForce RTX 2060

The graphics card from the Taiwanese company is high performance and designed for the attention of gamers, e-sportsmen. The video adapter has an original design of the cooling system based on two Torx 3.0 fans. Among their features is the presence of dispersion and classic blades that create an intense air flow directed to a massive radiator. Thoughtful aerodynamics improve heat dissipation, reduce temperatures and provide high performance under any load.

The board is based on the Nvidia Turing architecture, which allows you to create a picture with realistic lighting and shadows. This will help you dive into the content as deeply as possible. The laptop video processor comes with software that allows the user to access all the features of the card. The software allows you to personalize the settings.

Advantages:

Low noise;
Auto-shutdown of the cooling system when idle;
Memory frequency 14000 MHz;
Temperature does not exceed 60 degrees;
Supports 3 monitors and HDMI port.

Flaws:

None found.

The GeForce card has an original LED backlight, the user can adjust not only the color scheme, but also the visual effect. With the help of a proprietary application, synchronization is enabled for other brand devices.

2. Msi GeForce RTX 3070

In terms of performance, the model is superior to analogues. It was possible to improve the performance of a video card for laptops due to an efficient cooling system. The manufacturer installed three Torx Fan 4.0 fans. The design of the coolers ensures precise focusing of cold air. Twin blades increase the cooling intensity. The contact area of the heat pipes, increased to the maximum values, helps to evenly distribute the removed heat. The fins of the integrated heatsink are shaped like a wave, which simplifies the airflow and reduces the noise level.

Designed using the Nvidia Ampere architecture with next generation Tensor Cores. Stream processes managed to be doubled. The 8 GB video memory is fast enough to support any game. Branded LED backlight enhances immersion in content, and the Dragon Center application will help you adjust the gadget’s settings in real time.

Advantages:

Reinforcement bar for bend protection;
Additional fuses for protection against electrical overloads;
Extended life for heavy workloads;
Silent operation;
Excellent cooling with maximum performance.

Drawbacks:

Large size.

3. Msi GeForce RTX 3090

This model occupies a high place in the rating of video cards for laptops due to its characteristics. The amount of video memory is 24.6 GB, frequencies — 19500 Hz. Created a graphics chipset based on 8 nm technology. Supports 3 monitors and has an additional HDMI output. Three additional power connectors provide uninterrupted power supply. Implemented Nvidia Ampere microarchitecture, installed RT and tensor cores, new generation streaming multiprocessors.

Heat pipes installed on all sides. For fast cooling, thermal pads are installed, which allow you to instantly transfer heat from the chipset to the radiator. Three 2-bladed fans with directional flow provide intensive air flow. The design of these devices use double bearings that operate silently.

Advantages:

Additional electrical protection line in the board;
Improved heat dissipation due to increased copper content;
Reinforced plate for reinforcement;
Spectacular illumination;
Advanced artificial intelligence technologies.

Drawbacks:

Overpriced.

4. HP Radeon Pro WX 3100

Silicon Valley 4GB graphics card based on the fourth generation graphics chipset architecture. Eight computing units help to cope with intense workloads. Peak performance exceeds 1.2 teraflops. A high level of detail, accuracy in the transfer of shades provides support for 10-bit color. Support for 4K and 5K displays allows you to work with the latest technology. AMD Eyefinity technology is implemented to simultaneously solve the problem on multiple screens.

A centrifugal fan is used for active cooling. Complex graphic scenes in heavy games require all the resources of the chipset, but low power consumption allows you to work without overheating. The characteristics of the board make it attractive to designers and architects.

Advantages:

Good heat dissipation;
High bandwidth memory;
Low price;
Works with 5K monitors.

Disadvantages:

Sometimes there are difficulties with driver installation.

5. Msi GeForce GTX 1660

The characteristics of the board fully justify the price of a gaming graphics card for a laptop. 6 GB memory, 1860 MHz frequency and 12 nm architecture provide high performance in heavy games. Comes with two Torx 3.0 fans with classic and dispersion blades. The cooling system delivers intense, precisely directed airflow, while the heat sink dissipates heat evenly to keep temperatures cool. When there are no intensive computing tasks, the Zero Frozr function stops the fans, reducing noise and power consumption.

Tuning shaders have double cache memory and work with adaptive shading technology. As a result, the speed of data processing increases. You can optimize game settings using the app. By making changes, the user can conduct spectacular streams, shoot videos.

Advantages:

Maximum resolution 7680×4320;
Low power consumption;
Robust construction;
The fans are silent.

Drawbacks:

Overpriced.

6. Sinotex Ninja Radeon R7 350

Budget model with 2 GB memory. Suitable for intensive Internet surfing, watching videos and playing undemanding games. It has a two-slot cooling system based on one fan and a radiator. For connection, a PCI-E x 16 connector is used, no additional power is required. HDMI, VGA and DVI-D ports allow you to work with different types of monitors with a maximum resolution of 4096×2160.

The graphics processor runs at 800 Hz. 24 texture units provide high speed when choosing textures. Easy to install, finds drivers well. Works inaudibly against the background of the CPU cooler. The fan speed is adjusted automatically depending on the temperature of the video chip.

Advantages:

Low price;
Good results when working with heavy games at medium settings;
Does not overheat;
Smooth 4K video picture.

Flaws:

Not found.

7. Palit GeForce GTX 1050 Ti StormX 4GB

Gaming model with 4 GB of video memory based on GDDR5, frequency 7000 MHz. Developed on the basis of the 14 nm process technology. Supports up to three monitors via HDMI, DVI or DisplayPort ports. The maximum supported resolution is 4K.

High performance with solid capacitors and advanced PWM system. Chokes are completed with ferrite tips. The TurboFan Blade fan generates powerful high-pressure airflow and runs silently. Can be used in VR games: the user will be able to capture images, take screenshots from any angle in the range of 360 degrees. Connection via PCI-E connector, additional power supply is not required.

Advantages:

Small size;
Low temperature;
Efficient aluminum heatsink;
There is a possibility of overclocking.

Drawbacks:

Overpriced.

What to look for when buying

A good discrete or hybrid graphics card can improve graphics, provide maximum immersion in content. When choosing a board, it is worth considering the purpose of the purchase, the amount of video memory, the frequency of the video processor. Models have different connectors and interfaces, which may not always provide the best connection option. Only by paying attention to all these parameters, you can buy components that can increase the performance of a laptop.

Purpose of purchase

To surf the Internet, work with office applications and watch videos in FullHD format, a video card from the TOP world rating is not required. The situation changes dramatically if the user is an advanced gamer or professionally works with graphic applications. For gaming, you will need a discrete model with 4-8 GB video memory, 4K or 5K support, and a powerful cooling system. Equally high demands are placed on equipment by architects and designers who care about detail and speed of image processing.

The amount of video memory

It is easy to answer the question of which video card is better: the one with more video memory. This parameter is responsible for the formation of the image on the screen. For games with a screen that supports 1080p resolution, you must select a board with 4 GB video memory. If the monitor is 1440p, then you should buy a 6 GB video chipset. For higher screen resolutions, a board with 8-12 GB video memory is recommended. This will allow you to play games at maximum settings with a dynamic and detailed picture.

Frequency

The higher this value, the better the performance of the chipset. The characteristic tells how many operations per unit of time the board performs. The density of pixels, the dynamics of the picture depend on this. The indicator should not be lower than 10000 MHz for a gaming laptop. For gaming medium-heavy games at full settings, it is better to choose a chip with a clock frequency of 14000-16000 MHz. For work with graphic applications and e-sports, top gadgets are recommended, the frequency of which exceeds 19000 MHz.

Connectors and interfaces

The comparison of laptop video cards should be completed with an analysis of the available ports and video interfaces. Connectors allow you to connect an external device to a portable computer — a monitor, a TV. This is true when making presentations, working on complex projects. The wider the choice of formats — HDMI, DVI and its variations, VGA — the better. Video chips use two basic interfaces — PCI and AGP, which differ in bandwidth. They must match the ports on the built-in motherboard.

Q&A

Which video card is better for a laptop: built-in or discrete?

The integrated chipset does not have its own memory. It is backed up from RAM. This reduces the performance of the gadget. It is better to buy a discrete graphics card for a laptop, which has its own memory and cooling system.

Is it possible to replace the video card installed on the laptop with a more powerful one?

Yes, but it must be done at a service center. When replacing, professional equipment for desoldering is used. The work is simplified if the video chip is built into the laptop as a separate board.

Is it possible to install a video card from a computer to a laptop?

This can be done with a docking station or by connecting to a mini PCI Express. The docking station has a slot for a video chip, a power supply system and control elements. To connect to a laptop, use the port with the highest bandwidth. It is best to connect via Thunderbolt.

VyborExpert.ru recommends

To improve performance, you can use different types of video chipsets. Components differ in their price, technical characteristics. 4K video playback does not require a 19-speed card000 MHz. For this reason, it is worth choosing boards taking into account the area of \u200b\u200bapplication. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends:

Msi GeForce RTX 2060 — for gamers;
Msi GeForce RTX 3070 — for designers and architects;
Msi GeForce RTX 3090 — the choice of e-sportsmen;
HP Radeon Pro WX 3100 — on a budget;
Sinotex Ninja Radeon R7 350 — for watching video.

All the devices presented in the review are worthy of attention, but only the most productive chipsets in their class received the title of the best.

cool gaming laptops that will help you have a good time / Habr

Summer has come, which means you can take a break from the labors of the righteous. If not completely, then at least partially, distracting from everyday work. It is clear that there are many ways to do this, one of them is computer games.

Playing AAA titles requires a powerful gaming system, and manufacturers offer interesting laptops worth looking into. In the selection are those devices that we would buy ourselves. If you have other preferences, then tell us about them in the comments, we will evaluate together. Well, let’s get started.

In the selection there are both very expensive and relatively budget models. The devices differ in screen quality and filling. There are those that come with Full-HD devices, but there are also gadgets with 4K displays that allow you to enjoy the smallest details of the graphics.

Alienware x17 R2

Let’s start with the large and heavy Alienware x17 R2 laptop, which has a 17-inch screen. It is equipped with an Intel Core i9-129 processor00HK and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics. This is one of the most powerful laptops on the market. The device looks good — the company’s engineers are always trying, and it’s noticeable.

Looking at the laptop, it immediately becomes clear that it is a gaming one, such a design cannot be confused with anything else. Of course, you can use it not only for games, but also for work — the most demanding tasks for PC resources, including video processing, 3D modeling, etc.

The device was released last year, but it still occupies the top lines of the ratings of gaming machines.

Features:

Processor: Intel Core i9-12900HK
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
Display: 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 360Hz
Weight: 3. 09 kg

Everything is fine with the device, except for the price — of course, it is clear that such a machine cannot be cheap. But the price tag of almost 4,000 euros may put many gamers off the hook.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

But this is a model that can be called a budget. At the same time, the characteristics of the device are quite good. So, the developers installed AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS and AMD Radeon RX 6800S. In addition, the laptop is equipped with branded features like SmartShift. It allows you to switch tasks from CPU to GPU and vice versa for optimal performance and saving resources.

By the way, in the previous models of the line there was no camera, which is rather strange, but here it is.

Despite good performance, the device’s energy efficiency is excellent — it can work offline for about 10 hours, which is very cool for a gaming laptop.

Specs:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6800S
Screen: 14″ 2560 x 1600, 16:10, 120Hz
Weight: 1. 72 kg

The model is available in several versions, with different amounts of RAM and storage capacity. The cost of the base model is about €1399, the most fancy one will cost already €1746.

Lenovo Legion 5i Pro (Gen 7)

I’ve always liked Legion gaming laptops — I’ve had a couple of different models, I have no complaints about them. Now there is an update in the form of the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro model. The system adapts to the game and the type of tasks performed. For example, you can customize the image for a game that requires maximum fps or for a game that needs maximum image quality.

The model comes with different specifications, one of the best configurations is Intel Core i7-12700H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, plus 16GB DDR5 and 512GB RAM.

In addition to other advantages, the device performs well in battery life — about 7 hours on the battery is cool. This is more than many other gaming laptops.

Features:

Processor: Intel Core i7-12700H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Screen: 16″, 2560 x 1600, 165Hz
Weight: 2.49 kg

The cost of the device is about 2100-2500 euros, depending on the configuration.

Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE GX551

One of the coolest models in the review, both in terms of performance and appearance. True, and at a price too — but more on that below.

The device has two screens at once, and the one located on the topcase can be lifted to provide better cooling of the motherboard. The second display has always raised questions about the reliability of the design, in addition, if you drop something on the keyboard, this is one thing. But on the screen — it’s completely different. But it looks cool, yes.

Both displays are bright and provide excellent image quality. Moreover, you don’t need to carry a suitcase of batteries, the device works for about 5 hours offline. For a gaming device of this class, this is an excellent indicator.

Because of the second screen, the developers had to place the keyboard and touchpad in an unusual place, shifting it all down. But no matter how beauty requires sacrifice, there are gamers who liked such a device.

Features:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
Screens: 15.6-inch 3840 x 2160 main display, 3740 x 1100 ScreenPad Plus secondary.
Weight: 2.4 kg

The device costs about 4 thousand euros, so not every gamer will buy it. But if you have money and a desire to get something unusual, then this laptop is quite an interesting choice.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733

Well, the selection is completed by an ordinary in appearance, but a powerful gaming laptop. It is great for a variety of tasks besides gaming. But it’s a good option for gaming, thanks to its powerful hardware and 360Hz screen refresh rate.

The design of the laptop is not bad, the keyboard is with RGB backlighting of each button, which is customizable. The case material is of high quality, thanks to which the laptop looks great, plus there are no negative impressions during operation.

The keyboard is comfortable, the audio system is on top, which allows you to play with great pleasure.

Specs:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
Screen: 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 360Hz
Weight: 2.7 kg

In general, that’s all for today — if you have a favorite model that you can recommend, from those devices that are not in the selection — leave comments.

Best of 2022: Gaming Laptops | Digital World Magazine

Gaming laptops combine power and portability. With this technique, you can run modern games in any place convenient for you.

Gadgets are well cooled thanks to fans and vents, they work at maximum capacity and have a stylish design. These devices are also typically equipped with premium GPUs and high refresh rate displays. The top versions have RAM and SSDs above average.

You can now run AAA games from external drives via USB 3.2, so high-quality USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt ports are a must. There are many components, and perhaps the best laptop can be called one in which the components are harmoniously placed in a small case.

Best overall: Alienware m17 R4 17.3″ FHD
Best value for money: Acer Nitro 5
Best for play and study: Razer Blade 15
Best for gaming and work: MSI GS66 Stealth 15.6
Best Big Screen: ASUS ROG Strix G17
L Best for mobile games: GPD Win Max

How We Picked the Best Gaming Laptops

Methodology

Top-of-the-line laptops usually come with many components, but for gaming laptops, there are several parameters that are important. For example, RGB lighting effects are a big plus, but performance is more critical. We have identified the main criteria in 5 categories:

Video card. A dedicated graphics card must be in a gaming laptop. It takes over the job of displaying the game’s graphics instead of the main processor. The best graphics cards are expensive and have built-in internal memory. A powerful graphics card allows you to run a game with higher image quality and do it faster. It provides hundreds of beautifully rendered frames per second, which is especially valuable for games in real time.

Processor: is the brain of the laptop. The CPU performs computer calculations by assigning tasks to other parts of the system and executing them. In non-gaming systems, processors tend to handle graphics computing as well. Without a powerful processor, you won’t be able to enjoy a cool game or, for example, fully use Adobe programs. These processors have several cores (intel chips have up to eight). Due to the distribution of computations by these cores, tasks can be processed simultaneously.

Screen quality. This is one of the most important parameters of a gaming laptop. Update in Hz should be fast, this characteristic is more important than brightness or color accuracy. For example, if you are playing a shooter, the refresh rate of the screen is very important, as the picture should be built without delay. At the same time, the brightness and color reproduction of the Alienware M17 R4 screen is also good.

Memory. Two important components of system memory are random access memory and information storage. Large RAM allows you to simultaneously edit files in Photoshop, stream music to a Bluetooth speaker, and run Firefox with multiple open tabs. If there is not enough RAM, the system will run slower in multitasking mode. The drive, on the other hand, shows the amount of space on the system’s hard drive. So, thanks to SSD — solid state hard drives — the software and the computer are loaded faster, access to files is accelerated.

Connections: Thunderbolt ports and Premium USB 3.2 connections let you run AAA games and edit large files from your external hard drive. Data transfer speeds are 5-40 gigabits per second (Gbps), with Thunderbolt offering the highest speeds. Such connections open up wide opportunities for creativity and games.

Read more: how we test gaming equipment.

6 best gaming laptops 2022

Best all around: Alienware m17 R4 17.3″ FHD

Why best: This model is overall the best among gaming laptops as it has a busy 8-core processor, ultra-fast screen, as well as a stellar graphics drive.

Specs:

Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10870H 8-core
Video card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB
Screen: 360Hz, 300nits, 100% sRGB
Memory: 16 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD
Ports: 3 USB-A 3.2, 1 Thunderbolt

Benefits:

octa-core processor

Excellent graphics card
Fast screen refresh, above average color quality
17″

Disadvantages :

expensive
warm

This laptop has everything you need to play AAA games at the highest settings. The i7 processor with 8 cores is twice as powerful as the top models from two years ago. The RTX 3060 graphics card delivers a massive performance boost with hundreds of frames per second. The screen is bright, with a 360Hz refresh rate and excellent color gamut, resulting in smooth graphics animation. The Thunderbolt port lets you play games from your external hard drive without lag. The Alienware m17 R4 will fit just about any virtual world you like.

For non-gamers, an 8-core processor, powerful RAM and a 100% sRGB screen open up creative possibilities in 3D, Adobe Suite or video work. However, remember that the sRGB spectrum is different from Adobe RGB. The color scheme is suitable for gaming laptops, but not Macbook Pro or other computers with a rich color gamut, such as the ASUS Zenbook 15. Like a number of other gaming laptops, it can overheat. To use the device at maximum settings, you will need a cooling pad. For maximum performance, the computer voltage must be lowered so that the circuit does not burn out.

Best for the price: Acer Nitro 5

Why the best: The ‘s 144Hz screen and ray-traced graphics make it the best laptop in the budget category, especially for esports and shooter fans.

Specs:

Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H Quad Core
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 4GB dedicated RAM
Memory: 256 GB hard disk, 8 GB RAM
Screen: Full HD, 144 Hz,
Ports: 1 x USB-C 3.2 (up to 10 Gbps), 3 x USB-A 3.2

Benefits:

Available
Quick screen update
Powerful graphics card
Upgradable RAM

Weaknesses:

4-core processor lags behind more expensive models
Plastic case
No Thunderbolt port

The Acer Nitro 5 is a relatively inexpensive yet decent gaming laptop. With a ray-traced graphics card that is as good as the cards found in more expensive gaming laptops, this model is capable of delivering high frame rates with good quality. The screen limits the frame rate to a refresh rate of 144Hz, but that’s still enough to play online shooters, for example. The underpowered i5 chip won’t let you fully enjoy detailed worlds (e.g. Cyberpunk 2077), but provides enough frames per second for games with lower graphics requirements, even at fairly high settings. This powerful laptop has an excellent graphics card and barely overheats.

Best for study and play: Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop

Why the best: Thanks to the aesthetic appearance and all the advantages for choosing laptops from this brand with an excellent reputation.

Specs:

Processor: 10th gen Intel i7 8 core
Video card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super MAX-Q
Screen: 300Hz, Full HD, approx. 100% sRGB
Memory: 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD capacity
Ports: 3 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 Thunderbolt 3

Benefits:

Great GPU
High refresh rate
Powerful cooling system

Faults:

Very hot
Possibly not the longest lifespan
Not the best keyboard

The Razer Blade has been one of the most famous gaming laptop brands ever since the company entered the market in 2005. Released in 2020, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced is still among the top laptops. Thanks to the 2021 versions with increased performance (which are also noteworthy), it has become more affordable. The 2020 model is the best laptop for study and play given the reduced price and aesthetics. Even a year later, this laptop with 8 cores and RTX is suitable for intensive work: 3D modeling, using Adobe Suite, video editing. High screen refresh rate — 2 milliseconds or 300 Hz — will keep you ahead of the competition in online multiplayer. The gorgeous Blade 15 ray-traced GPU renders your favorite world in every detail.

Best for gaming and work: MSI GS66 Stealth 15.6

Why the best: Featuring an 8-core i7 processor, a fast-refresh screen, a reliable RTX graphics drive, and an elegant appearance.

Specs:

Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i7 8 cores
Video card: RTX2070 Max-Q
Memory: 1 TB SSD, 16 GB RAM
Screen: 240 Hz, HD
Ports: 2 USB-A 3. 2, 1 USB-C 3.2, 1 Thunderbolt 4

Benefits:

Powerful ray-traced graphics card
Relatively light weight
Stylish design

Flaws:

Not the best screen
Possible overheating

Tastefully designed with a solid metal chassis and discreet ventilation holes. The RGB backlit keyboard can be programmed according to user preferences, some keys flash during important moments in the game. A laptop with a powerful processor and graphics card is perfect for creating 3D models. Thanks to the Thunderbolt port, it can be integrated with an external SSD.

The laptop is good, it is elegant, so it is also suitable for office work. However, its overheating is not ruled out (although competitors also suffer from this).

Big screen best: ASUS ROG Strix G17

Why the best: With an 8-core Ryzen processor, a powerful graphics card, and a large, bright, fast screen, the is a powerful machine.

Specs:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.3GHz 8 cores
Video card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8 GB
Memory: 1 TB HDD, 32 GB RAM
Screen: 300 nits, 165 Hz
Ports: 1 USB-C, 3 USB-A

Benefits:

High Definition Quick Update Screen

Upgradable hard drive
Powerful 8-core AMD Ryzen processor

Cons:

No Thunderbolt port

Potential Alienware rival. The ASUS ROG Strix G17 is the only laptop on our list to feature an AMD Ryzen chip. The chip has an 8-core processor, and its power is comparable to the more expensive 8-core Intel i7 processors. As the best large screen gaming laptop, it supports smooth 300Hz video at twice the resolution of some of the other laptops on this list. The 2021 version of the laptop can be pre-ordered.

The ROG Strix G17 (2020) version still delivers high picture quality. They have different specifications, so be careful.

Best for mobile gaming: GPD Win Max

Why the best: for mobile gaming GPD Win Max is powerful, compact and has a built-in gamepad.

Specs:

Processor: Intel 11th Gen 10nm Core i7-1195G7
Video card: Intel Gen 12 Iris Xe Graphics 96Eu
Memory: 1 TB HDD, 16 GB RAM
Screen: 4K, 60 Hz
Ports: 2 USB Type-A, 1 USB Type-C 3.1, 1 USB 3

Benefits:

Multipurpose Playset

Small size
For mobile and desktop games

Weaknesses:

Poor battery life
Most games play at 60 fps, AAA games at 30 fps

If you want to play on the go, on the subway, the GPD Win Max is the one for you. Like a laptop, it has a full keyboard, a bright 8-inch touchscreen, a touchpad, and a 16-button gamepad. Four triggers, two interactive mini-joysticks, D-Pad, four buttons. There is no complicated user interface. The gadget, despite the built-in gamepad and its size, is a powerful Windows 10 computer. You can easily run most of the Steam games on it. With multiple ports, easy to pair with desktop gaming station with full mouse, keyboard, curved bright gaming monitor. The main advantage is the ability to take it with you and quickly start the game. GPD Win Max promises to work up to 10 hours, however, in practice it is about four.

Things to keep in mind before buying a gaming laptop

Laptop or desktop?

Gaming laptops powerful enough to run PC games. Custom PCs with good ventilation are more expensive. Obviously, travelers need a laptop.

Durability

Due to the large graphics cards and powerful processors housed inside, gaming laptops experience overheating. The design of the laptop helps dissipate heat to maximize power. For example, using gas pipes, fans, special hot melt adhesive, metals. These design elements are often effective, but running a laptop for years at temperatures above 100 degrees can be detrimental. Before buying a gaming laptop, consider whether durability is important to you.

All-In-Ones

Gaming laptops aren’t just for entertainment, these powerful devices are good for other tasks as well. You can create high-quality content, including 3D models, work with large files or edit videos on a gaming computer with large RAM (from 16 GB). Choose a processor with 8 cores and a screen with a high refresh rate. A laptop like the Asus Zenbook 15 with its 4K screen, dedicated graphics card, and great color gamut is a good choice for creativity.

Laptop as desktop gaming rig

Sometimes gaming laptops cost more than a gaming desktop with the same specs. Optionally, you can turn a gaming laptop into a desktop PC. To do this, you will need a quality gaming mouse, keyboard and a large gaming screen. For example, take Logitech G502 HERO customizable gaming mouse, Razer Cynosa Chroma keyboard suitable for gaming and work. Let the gaming monitor be Samsung, and if there is an opportunity to pay more — Odyssey G30A.

FAQ

Q: How much does a gaming laptop cost?

They cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. As a rule, a reliable PC costs from $1,000. Want to save? Pay attention to the premium models of last year.

Q: How do I dispose of my laptop?

A big problem is the disposal of old and faulty equipment. Often it contains a lot of harmful, polluting substances. It’s good that many manufacturers offer to hand over their used electronics for recycling. There are also centers for the processing of various batteries, promotions for the reception of recyclables.

Question: CPU or GPU — which is more important?

You can’t play without a processor (CPU), but the graphics processing unit (GPU) is the most important for a gaming device. It is worth paying attention to the stellar GPU. The combination of a good CPU and GPU, CPU and GPU, delivers the performance and class of a laptop.

Question: Is 32 GB of RAM a lot or a little?

Good RAM speeds up PC calculations. This is not necessary for all users, but mainly for those who work with video, 3D models or play AAA games. 16 GB of RAM is already the bare minimum for a solid gaming laptop.

Question: Core i5 — is it suitable for gaming?

Typically, Core i5 systems are found in budget laptops. In more expensive models, processors are at least Core i7.

Q: What is the optimal screen size for a gaming laptop?

The more the better. On the other hand, a 17-inch 4K screen with a high refresh rate and excellent color gamut can cost a fortune. Search the screen for the features you need.

Conclusion

A gaming laptop has many specifications. In order not to get lost in them and many models, decide what the CPU and GPU should be, and the screen quality for your purposes. For esports and cool gaming, choose the Alienware m17 R4. If you want to save money, give preference to Acer Nitro 5.

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TOP-7. Best RTX 3060 Gaming Laptops 2022 Ranked!

Author Anatoly Vorontsov Reading 7 min. Views 117 Posted

The first laptop in my TOP from Lenovo. On board is an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and, oddly enough, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. 16 GB of DDR4 RAM at 3200 MHz. The only drive is a 1TB SSD. But it is possible to expand the memory, since there are two free M.2 PCIE slots. The display of the device has a diagonal of 16 inches, a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels, an IPS matrix and a refresh rate of 165 Hz, which makes it truly gaming. It also has an anti-reflective coating, has support for NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD Freesync technologies, DolbyVision and VESA DisplayHDR 400. The maximum amount of RAM in this model is 32 GB. Two built-in stereo speakers support NahimicAudio technology. The webcam has an electronic shutter, which is very convenient. The keyboard has 4-zone RGB backlighting. The device is made in a strong metal case. Buyers praise the bright screen, comfortable keyboard with large buttons, large touchpad, case, sound, performance and cooling. Some users are unhappy with the fast discharge of the laptop and the fact that the device is quite heavy for them in terms of weight. 920×1080 pixels, IPS-matrix and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. The display has a matte finish. And the keyboard has RGB backlighting. There are also two built-in stereo speakers. Buyers in the reviews praise the build quality, performance, lighting, stylish design and sound. Sometimes they criticize the high noise level under heavy load.

Lenovo ThinkBook 16p Gen 2 (20YM001VRU)

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
RAM: 16 GB, DDR4, 3200 MHz
Storage: 512 GB, SSD
Display: 16″ (2560×1600), IPS,
Another representative of Lenovo
my TOP. This time, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor is paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. The amount of DDR4 RAM is 16 GB with a frequency of 3200 MHz. The maximum volume can reach 24 GB. The only drive is a 512 GB SSD. At the same time, it is possible to install two more M.2 SSDs. The screen has a diagonal of 16 inches, a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels and an IPS matrix. Among other things, I would note the fingerprint scanner, which is integrated into the power button; protective shutter for the webcam; support for SecureBIO technology, which provides secure login to the system using biometrics; LowBlueLight technology that protects your eyes from harmful blue light. Buyers in the reviews write positively about the laptop’s value for money, performance, design, beautiful picture, thin bezels and keyboard. There are no serious cons to speak of. 95900HS and, you guessed it, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. A truly powerful bundle that provides comfortable gameplay in QHD resolution. It is worth adding 16 GB of DDR4 RAM with a frequency of 3200 MHz, which can be expanded up to 40 GB. The storage is a 512 GB SSD. It is possible to install another M.2 drive. The screen has a diagonal of 15.6 inches, a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels, an IPS matrix, a refresh rate of 165 Hz and an anti-glare coating. It is noteworthy that there is no built-in webcam in this laptop. But there are as many as six speakers with support for DolbyAtmos technology. The keyboard is backlit but lacks a numeric keypad. I also want to note that this model has a pre-installed Windows 10 Home operating system. In reviews, owners praise the design, performance, screen, touchpad, keyboard, battery, and compact size. Some users are unhappy with the fact that the laptop heats up quite strongly under heavy loads, while others do not like the lack of a webcam. 920×1080 pixels, IPS matrix and a refresh rate of 165 Hz. The screen supports HDR10, DolbyVision and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies. It also has fairly thin bezels.