The online world has been able to connect people since the internet began to grow in popularity. With each technological advancement, we can only communicate with more people all around the world and relate to them over shared interests. One of the ways many young adults, teens, and kids have been able to relate to others across the globe is through online gaming formats via gaming laptops.
However, even in stores, you can’t put your games into computers and see how they run, so it is extremely difficult to know which ones are good. A great gaming laptop will have a sleek and slim design for travel, be able to be upgraded, run games well, operate quickly, and have a great display. We have gathered a list of favorites that includes all these characteristics and so much more.
Razer Blade 15 Gaming Computer
Best Overall
Gaming Computer with Detailed Display
This sleek and compact gaming computer is easy to travel with, so you can play games from anywhere. The detailed and bright display screen that runs heavy-duty games without much difficulty.
Why We Love It:
- Sleek and compact design
- Runs demanding games well
- Has a detailed and bright screen display
Something to Consider:
- Computer may get hot when running
- Rubber bumpers on bottom may be uneven
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Quickest Loading
Laptop with Upgradable Storage and RAM
This slim and easy to travel with gaming laptop does not compromise its loading capabilities due to its size. It also has upgradeable storage and RAM to process information even faster than normal.
Why We Love It:
- Slim and easy to take on the go
- Storage and RAM can be upgraded
- Loads very quickly
Something to Consider:
- Fans may be loud and interrupt the audio quality
- May not charge as well as expected
MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop
Best Screen
Fast CPU and GPU
The large display screen on this thinly-designed gaming computer is matte to help eliminate any glare and reflections. It also has an extremely fast CPU and GPU that is comparable to high-end laptops.
Why We Love It:
- Thin design, especially for a gaming laptop
- Large matte screen limits glare and reflections
- Fast CPU and GPU comparable to high-end laptops
Something to Consider:
- May arrive dustier than expected
- Charge may not go to full after long-term use
ASUS TUF Dash 15 Gaming Laptop
Best Battery
Easy to Setup and Use
Despite being newer technology, this gaming laptop is super easy to set up, even if you aren’t tech-savvy. It boots up quickly even with the excellent screen display and long-lasting battery.
Why We Love It:
- Easy setup even if you aren’t tech-savvy
- Boots up very quickly
- Screen and battery quality are excellent
Something to Consider:
- RAM may be low at the beginning of use
- ASUS armory crate may slow speeds to conserve power
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gaming Laptop
Best CPU and GPU
Upgradable Model
This gaming laptop is able to be upgraded to best suit your needs without compromising on CPU or GPU, and the laptop comes with various sizes of RAM so you can get the one that works best for you.
Why We Love It:
- Good CPU and GPU
- Multiple RAM size options
- Laptop is upgradable
Something to Consider:
- Battery may not last as long as expected
- Might look slightly different than pictured
HP Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop
Coolest Running
Fast Operating System
Even though this computer has a very fast operating system and runs heavy-duty computer games with ease and with an accurate display and audio, it will not get too hot and hurt its functionality.
Why We Love It:
- Very fast operating system
- Runs computer games easily and perfectly
- Computer does not run too hot
Something to Consider:
- Speakers may sometimes make strange noises
- Battery may not last as long as expected
FAQs
What’s the difference between CPU and GPU in a gaming computer?
CPU is short for the central processing unit and carries out most of the tasks your computer must complete. GPU is short for the graphics processing unit, which has enhanced mathematical computation capability for computer graphics and machine-learning tasks. Essentially, they work together in a gaming computer to make your computer run regular tasks quickly while also being able to render high-quality video and audio in a quick fashion.
What is RAM and how does it help a gaming computer?
Random Access Memory (RAM) serves as your computer’s short-term memory to run active tasks on your computer, and you wouldn’t be able to run streams, games, files, or other programs without it. It can come in various sizes to prevent slowdown when you have multiple or bigger files open.
Buying Guide:
Buying a gaming computer is a large investment, so you want to be sure it works well, but that is harder than it sounds. The most important things to look at when buying a computer are:
- CPU and GPU: Both of these determine how quickly your computer will load and how well it will display things that you put into them. Get a computer where they both are fast.
- RAM size: This will also affect how quickly your computer runs with larger-sized files or streams. Research into RAM sizes to prevent slowdowns and lagging.
- Cooling System: Gaming computers process a lot of information quickly, so they tend to get too hot if the right cooling system isn’t installed in the computer.
- Upgradability: You may find yourself running out of room or needing better operating systems, so look for computers that are able to upgrade, if possible.
- Display and Audio: A large part of gaming is the visual and auditory experience that designers spent months or even years designing. Research into how the screen and speakers function before buying your gaming computer.
