How to shop for the best gaming laptop, according to experts
Experts explain how gaming laptops stand out with powerful performance and fast response times.
CPU: Intel i7-12800H
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Screen: 240Hz, 1440p
Storage: 1TB SSD
Model: RZ09-0421NED3-R3U1
Gamers looking for a top-of-the-line, premium machine should consider the Razer Blade 15. The Blade series is known for its premium design and components, and this 2022 model is no different. It features many high-end parts, such as the 12th generation Intel i7 CPU and blazingly fast 240Hz refresh rate 1440p screen. Perhaps the most premium element of the Razer Blade 15 is its design — it features an all metal chassis reminiscent of a sleek Macbook Pro. But, unlike a Macbook, the Razer Blade 15 is an incredible gaming machine that can tackle any game with ease.
CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Screen: 144Hz, 1080p
Storage: 512GB SSD
Model: AN515-58-527S
Great gaming performance doesn’t have to come with premium pricing. The Acer Nitro series of gaming laptops marries good performance with affordable price tags. While the design isn’t as premium or durable as something like the Razer Blade 15, the Nitro 5 costs half as much, and still runs the latest games, albeit with less impressive graphics. The Intel CPU and NVIDIA GPU are reliable performers, and the rest of the components run with little issue. This laptop is a good value, especially if you are shopping for younger gamers who don’t need a premium laptop design.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Screen: 360Hz, 1080p
Storage: 1TB SSD
Model: AWM17R5-A355BLK-PUS
The m17 R5 has one of the fastest screens out there at a 360Hz refresh rate, which is great for action-heavy games like Apex Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This zippy screen is paired with a very powerful AMD CPU and NVIDIA GPU to deliver desktop-like performance in a laptop-shaped package. It isn’t very portable, with a bulky build that weighs a whopping seven and a half pounds. But all that chassis space does feature tons of connectivity and cooling components, leaning into that desktop-replacement style. For gamers who mostly play in the same space, the m17 R5 is definitely worth a look.
Gaming laptops are inherently techy products. Our experts broke down what specs to look for and how to simplify the process by prioritizing your needs over flashy specs.
Casual gamers enjoying smaller games like Stray and Tunic don’t have the same needs as gamers competing in fast-paced titles like Apex Legends and Overwatch 2. Think about what games you play regularly. “A lot of today’s games will play great on an $800 computer, while other games require more horsepower and a more powerful laptop,” said Lisa Emard, the director of media relations at Acer.
It can be easy to get distracted comparing the aesthetics of different laptops. Regardless of your budget, our experts say to place gaming performance first and foremost. “Focus on the components (CPU, GPU) that will enable games to play well,” said Yeh.
Unless you plan on having two laptops, your gaming laptop will be for video games and everyday tasks. Our experts recommend paying attention to how big or small a laptop is as well as how much internal storage space it offers.
Small 14-inch laptops are well-suited to travel, business and school, and can easily be hooked up to an external monitor when necessary. Large 17-inch laptops aren’t very portable, but offer a large, immersive screen. Unlike other specs, screen size really comes down to what’s best for your everyday use.
For storage, we recommend a laptop with at least 512GB of storage space. Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Red Dead Redemption II take up over 150GB of storage each. Add on everyday apps and documents, and 512GB is actually less than you might think.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Lisa Emard is the director of media relations at Acer.
Cliff Yeh is the associate product marketing manager at MSI.
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