Buying a gaming laptop is an investment. It’s something you want to think about more than once before spending your hard-earned money. The wide range of gaming laptop brands available makes choosing a little complicated.
As such, we’re here to provide you with a comprehensive guide. Discover what gaming laptop will meet your needs to the T—from prices, features, and specifications. Let's get started.
5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Gaming Laptop
While a desktop still reigns supreme among gamers, some are looking for something they can bring anywhere. If you’re still on the fence about the idea of buying your very first gaming laptop, here are some factors you should consider:
1. RAM
If you’ve been into gaming for quite some time now, you know that it can use a huge chunk of the RAM. The ideal RAM when you’re on a budget is at least 8 GB. But, if you can, go for a gaming laptop with 16 GB RAM, the better.
If you want to experience smooth and uninterrupted digital fun, go for a gaming laptop that has 16GB RAM. However, 32 GB and above is the standard for pro gamers or power users. What’s even better is if you can upgrade it in the future.
2. Storage
When checking out gaming laptops, give special attention to the storage. Are you looking for something with only a hard drive or one that already has an SSD? The combination of the two guarantees a smooth experience in the gaming world.
3. Resolution and Refresh Rate
A 1920 x 1080 resolution is the standard. It has more pixels, which means you can display more content on the screen. If someone offers you a lower resolution, don't grab it. The 1920 x 1080 resolution is your best bet if you're looking for a gaming laptop that won't compromise the image quality and make it difficult for the hardware to function.
The laptop’s resolution affects your gameplay. If you want to be on the same pedestal as pro gamers, opt for something that supports a 60 Hz display and a 1080p resolution. If you can spend a little more, you'll have a better gaming experience.
4. CPU
Gaming calls for a solid processor. Low-end gaming or work devices usually have GX 1660 or NVIDIA® GeForce MX450 GPUs. So, when comparing gaming laptops, double-check the graphics chips. You want an i5 Intel processor for superior gameplay. However, the Intel i7 is your best choice so you can get the most out of your gaming laptop.
5. Ports
The wide range of gaming laptops has unique features. Others don’t have ports, which you may not like. It can be a bit of a hassle to get connected in the absence of ports. You want a gaming laptop with HDMI and USB 3.0 ports.
Newer models already use Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. The Thunderbolt 3 is USB Type-C, while the Thunderbolt 4 is USB Type-C compatible.
4 Gaming Laptops Perfect for Beginners
1. Acer Nitro 5 (AN515-55-56AF)
Price: $1,698.00
Processor Type: Core™ i5
Operating System: Windows 10 Home (*upgradeable to Windows 11 Home)
Standard Memory: 8 GB (*upgradeable up to 64 GB)
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060 6GB GDDR6
Screen Size: 39.6 cm (15.6”)
Processor Core: Quad-core
First on our list is this powerhouse. The Acer Nitro 5 is ideal for individuals on a limited budget. Though in the mid-range, this gaming laptop can elevate your gaming experience. This laptop comes with a GeForce® GTX 1660Ti graphics controller model for high-caliber images—allowing you to enjoy gaming on a whole new level.
With its impressive specifications come some drawbacks. The build of the Acer Nitro 5 is of plastic material. It also has a hard-to-read keyboard and has no microSD or SD slot. If you can let go of these elements, this gaming laptop is suitable for you.
2. Acer Predator Helios 300 (PH317-54-732Z)
Price: $2,126.00
Processor Type: Core™ i7
Operating System: UEFI Shell
Standard Memory: 16 GB
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060
Screen Size: 43.9 cm (17.3")
Processor Core: Hexa-core (6 Core™)
The premium features of this gaming laptop model give justice to its price. The Acer Predator Helios 300 puts you in a great place in the world of gaming. Slightly bigger than the earlier model with a 17.3-inch screen, the PH317-54-732Z comes with various configurations.
If you're a fan of the lit Predator logo, this model has it. It also has an impressive 144 Hz matte screen—giving you the ultimate display and experience. However, the current design is still on the heavy side.
Are you looking for something that you can upgrade in the future? This one's easy to upgrade. One of the disadvantages of this gaming laptop is its small battery capacity of 58 Wh battery. If you're critical of the design and overall build, you may not appreciate some design lines and branding elements.
3. ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 (GX550LXS)
Price: $6,998.00
Processor Type: Core™ i9
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (*upgradeable to Windows 11)
Standard Memory: 16 GB
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2080 SUPER™
Screen Size: 39.6 cm (15.6")
Processor Core: Intel Comet Lake Core i9
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 brings gaming and multitasking to a different level. This gaming laptop monster has a secondary display that enhances your gaming and working experience. Though it falls within the high-end, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is worth the price.
If you can splurge, this is the best choice. It has a 90Wh battery that makes it possible to create, play, and work anytime and anywhere. This gaming laptop is ideal for gamers looking to bring their career to the streaming world. With its top-tier cooling, overcome any challenge that may come your way.
The thing you may not like about this one: it doesn't come with a built-in webcam. Also, the keyboard and touchpad placement is different from other gaming laptops. If the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 ticks all the boxes for a laptop, it might be worth every penny. With this laptop, you can put your best foot forward in the world of gaming.
4. Razer Blade Pro 17
Price: $3,649.00
Processor Type: Core™ i7
Operating System: Windows 10
Standard Memory: 16 GB
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2080 SUPER™ (Max-Q)
Screen Size: 43.9 cm (17.3")
Processor Core: 8-core
The Razer Blade Pro 17 is ideal for gamers looking for a sleek design. Its all-metal build makes this gaming laptop look exceptional. It has a 300Hz display coupled with GPU power that can elevate your experience.
Its design is a testament that something compact can match the performance of high-end gaming laptops. This portable powerhouse allows you to play and stream your games at once.
The downside to this laptop is the fan noise. It also has a poor battery life compared to other gaming laptop brands and models within the same price range. However, if you're not going to bring it with you outside, the Razer Blade Pro 17 is a perfect substitute for your desktop.
5. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Price: $1689.01
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
Graphics card: NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 - 3070
RAM: 16 GB
Display: 16”,, 2560 x 1600 pixel, IPS, 165 Hz
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD
The Legion 5 Pro will enhance your experience in and out of the gaming world. Engineered with pro-level performance in mind, this is a superb Singapore gaming laptop.
Its processor and graphics card will deliver a high-resolution gameplay experience. The 165 Hz refresh rate will make you king of the battlefield in no time. If on a budget, Legion 5 Pro will not disappoint.
It has dimensions of 1.1 by 14 by 10.4 inches (HWD)—making the Legion 5 Pro thicker than an inch. It also has a QHD IPS display along with a Dolby Vision and 500 nits of brightness. However, the Legion 5 Pro lacks the design that makes you feel like a pro in the game. Aside from the four vents located on the back edge and the sides, it lacks visual interest.
Victory Starts With the Perfect Gaming Rig
With the right gaming laptop, you'll be ready to dive into epic adventures and conquer virtual worlds with ease. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can find the perfect portable powerhouse to level up your gaming experience. Keep in mind that investing in a quality gaming laptop is the first step towards unleashing your inner pro gamer and leaving your newbie days behind. Game on!
