The computer gaming industry is a massive enterprise valued at $45 billion. In a little over 10 years, the once dismissed PC has evolved from a near obsolete gaming platform to being the primary gaming choice for millions of people globally. Even game developers from Japan, who traditionally prioritized console gaming over PC, are now making concerted efforts to release their games on PC.
To fully immerse yourself in this thriving sphere of digital creativity, high-performance gaming laptops are the way to go. A compact, high-powered gaming device is among the finest possessions a gamer can have. But, how does one make a selection among the plethora of options available in the market?
Stay tuned and read our comprehensive guide to the top gaming laptop of 2021!
But First, a Few Points to Consider
Before you start sifting through various laptop brands, it’s crucial to understand what exactly you’re seeking. What types of games do you enjoy? Is portability important to you, or will your laptop primarily stay in one location? What budget have you allocated for this purchase?
Your responses to these inquiries can significantly influence your ‘ideal gaming laptop’ choice.
For instance, if your gaming preference leans towards lighter, less demanding games like Into The Breach or Baldur’s Gate, or even other older, smaller games, you don’t require a high-powered monster of a machine. A smaller, cheaper, and cooler running Windows laptop should suffice. Many older games even run well on integrated graphics, implying a discrete GPU may not be necessary in your device.
Conversely, if you’re inclined towards playing recent high-demand games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Call Of Duty: Warzone, a budget gaming laptop won’t cut it. These games put even desktop gaming systems to the test, which implies the gaming laptop deals you should be eying are those for large, high-performance gaming laptops.
However, this choice comes with its own set of compromises. If you wish to play the latest games at maximum settings while also desiring a portable laptop, you must be prepared to lug around a fairly bulky machine. Don’t fret; it won’t strain your back, but it will definitely weigh more than a lightweight ultrabook!
With that said, let’s delve into the top gaming laptop rankings of 2021!
Embrace the Power: ASUS TUF Dash F15 Eclipse
If you’re on the hunt for a gaming laptop that can handle any game you throw its way with ease, ASUS has the perfect solution. The ASUS TUF Dash F15 Eclipse, which sounds more like a stealth aircraft than a laptop, packs an immense amount of power into a surprisingly sleek laptop frame.
The highlight of this laptop is its cutting-edge GPU. It’s an Nvidia RTX 3070, part of Nvidia’s latest 3000 series of GPUs. This means it’s capable of running the newest games at ultra settings on its sharp, 1080p display. Additionally, because it’s an RTX card, you can leverage the increasingly popular ray-tracing graphics technology in modern games.
But that’s not all. The F15 Eclipse also boasts a 1TB SSD. If you’re not familiar, a solid-state drive (SSD) is the difference between a game loading in 2 seconds or 20. The reason why PS5 and Xbox Series X load their games incredibly fast is due to their SSDs, a first in console history.
Moreover, 1TB is a massive storage amount. You can forget about struggling with storage space for your game library! These factors make the F15 Eclipse the best gaming laptop for those prioritizing power above all.
The Ideal Gaming Laptop for Retro Lovers: Infinity O5-4R5G5-668 R5-4600H
If the ASUS model sounds like a jet plane, the Infinity model seems like a string of random characters. But don’t be fooled. If you’re seeking an affordable yet capable gaming laptop for playing older and less demanding titles, Infinity is your go-to.
The Infinity’s GPU, a GTX 1650, is a tad older than the one in the F15. It’s still potent enough to run older games at ultra and even newer ones at lower settings. However, it’s not an RTX series card, which means you can’t utilize any ray-tracing capabilities in your games.
While it’s equipped with a speedy SSD, it offers about 512GB of storage. That’s half a terabyte. It should be sufficient for older games, but for newer, larger games, you might need to manage your storage carefully.
All in all, the Infinity offers a great deal, with a slight reduction in power in exchange for a significant cost savings. Not a bad deal at all!
The Powerhouse: Gigabyte AORUS 17X YD
If budget isn’t a concern and you crave an outrageous amount of power in a laptop, meet the Gigabyte AORUS 17X YD.
Boasting an incredibly potent GPU, the most robust CPU available, and a17-inch screen with a 300 Hz refresh rate, the capabilities of this beast are almost indescribable. It’s ready to tackle any game you throw its way at any settings you desire.
If the ‘best gaming laptop’ for you equates to ‘the most powerful gaming laptop’, then this is it!
Embark on Your Gaming Adventure!
So, there you have it — a concise guide to the premier gaming laptop of 2021. Whether you’re a frugal retro gamer, a power-obsessed COD aficionado, or a wealthy individual who accepts nothing less than 300 frames-per-second, there’s a device tailored to your needs.
