Even though companies like Razer may be fighting the cold hard truth that, when it comes to gaming, the platform of choice goes to the consoles. But enthusiasts know that if you want to experience the true quality that a game has to offer, then PC gaming is the way to go. Desktops will give you that extra oomph, but sometimes portability is a necessary factor for LAN party-goers or traveling pros. For those looking to take their game mobile without sacrificing too many frame rates, PCMag has rounded up the best gaming laptops.
Most gaming laptops aren’t what we in the business call “ultraportable” (the Acer Aspire AS3830TG-6431 is one exception). The smallest designated gaming rig I’ve ever encountered is Alienware’s M11xr3; a 3.3-pound laptop. It packs quite a punch, managing 55.6 frames per second (fps) on our Crysis (DirectX 10) benchmark test—a respectable score considering its 11-inch size. However, if you want to bump up your frame rates high-end components need room, which is why its 17-inch brother, the Alienware M17x (Sandy Bridge), can pump out Crysis at 93.3fps on medium quality.
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For those looking to game on the lighter end of the 3D graphics spectrum there are laptops with lower-end GPUs that cost a little less than the higher-end stuff out there. If you’re a World of Warcraft enthusiast, fan of games like Torchlight, or into older titles like Team Fortress 2, you might go for a laptop like the Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110) or Acer Aspire AS3830TG-6431.
Below are 10 of our best gaming laptops. All have gone through our Crysis test and all have come out around 30 frames per second or better. Pick one that will help you get your game on.
Featured in this Roundup:
Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110)
$1,039.98 direct
The Dell Inspiron 17R (N7110) gives you some 3D performance through its Nvidia GeForce GT 525M graphics chip, creative control of both your virtual media and the laptop’s physical appearance, and features to make this desktop replacement laptop pop.
Acer Aspire AS3830TG-6431
$750 street
The Acer AS3830TG-6431 is one of the most powerful ultraportables on the market, equipped with an Nvidia GT 540M graphics chip. This laptop will not only play Crysis, it has enough battery power to get you through a coast to coast flight.
Asus K53SV-B1
$990 street
The Asus K53SV-B1 desktop replacement laptop packs high-end performance without the price tag, offering quad-core Intel Core i7 processing and powerful Nvidia GeForce graphics for under $1,000.
$990 street
The Asus K53SV-B1 desktop replacement laptop packs high-end performance without the price tag, offering quad-core Intel Core i7 processing and powerful Nvidia GeForce graphics for under $1,000.
Acer Aspire AS8950G-9839
$1,499.99 street
Gamers will love the Acer Aspire AS8950G-9839 laptop’s big 1080p-resolution screen, built-in Blu-ray drive, and crisp-sounding speaker system. The AMD Radeon HD 6850M powering the system impress, with playable frame rates on Lost Planet 2 and Crysis.
$1,499.99 street
Gamers will love the Acer Aspire AS8950G-9839 laptop’s big 1080p-resolution screen, built-in Blu-ray drive, and crisp-sounding speaker system. The AMD Radeon HD 6850M powering the system impress, with playable frame rates on Lost Planet 2 and Crysis.
Dell XPS 15z (Microsoft)
$999 direct
The XPS 15z (Microsoft) is available from Microsoft’s Store and every bit as luxurious as the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch, but it won’t cost you nearly as much.
$999 direct
The XPS 15z (Microsoft) is available from Microsoft’s Store and every bit as luxurious as the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch, but it won’t cost you nearly as much.
Asus G74SX-BBK7
$1,199 list
The Asus G74SX-BBK7′s huge exterior speaks volumes: Intimidating to the casual consumer, but speaks to the gamer saying, “The bigger I am, the better I game.”
$1,199 list
The Asus G74SX-BBK7′s huge exterior speaks volumes: Intimidating to the casual consumer, but speaks to the gamer saying, “The bigger I am, the better I game.”
Alienware M17X (Sandy Bridge)
$2,254 direct
With outstanding gaming scores and the most wicked design, the Alienware M17X (Sandy Bridge) is the best gaming laptop, period.
Alienware M11xr3$2,254 direct
With outstanding gaming scores and the most wicked design, the Alienware M17X (Sandy Bridge) is the best gaming laptop, period.
$1,099 direct
Need a portable gaming device to keep you sharp while you’re on the road? Look no further than the Alienware M11xr3.
Asus G74SX-A2
$2,000 street
The Asus G74SX-A2 holds its own against top gaming laptops with its quad-core processor and Nvidia graphics, and its stealthy cooling system kicks in when those components get hot.
$2,000 street
The Asus G74SX-A2 holds its own against top gaming laptops with its quad-core processor and Nvidia graphics, and its stealthy cooling system kicks in when those components get hot.
Samsung QX411-W01
$799.99 list
The Samsung QX411-W01 is a mainstream laptop that includes top-notch battery life and a sturdy design among its features. It’s Nvidia GT 520M won’t get you far when it comes to high-end titles, but for those who like to play games like World of Warcraft, Portal, and Indie games like Limbo and From Dust, the QX411-W01 will suit your needs.
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$799.99 list
The Samsung QX411-W01 is a mainstream laptop that includes top-notch battery life and a sturdy design among its features. It’s Nvidia GT 520M won’t get you far when it comes to high-end titles, but for those who like to play games like World of Warcraft, Portal, and Indie games like Limbo and From Dust, the QX411-W01 will suit your needs.
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