Best Gaming Laptop for Performance in 2023
Over the years, the popularity of gaming laptops has surged, primarily due to the rise of esports and the need for high-performance machines. These portable computers are specifically designed to cater to the demands of modern video games, equipped with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and high-speed storage to deliver seamless gameplay and immersive visuals.
For gaming laptops, performance is the key factor that determines their worth. The best gaming laptops for performance are those that can handle the latest games at high settings without any lag or stuttering, with a high refresh rate display to ensure smooth gameplay and quick response times.
When selecting a gaming laptop for performance, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the graphics card is crucial and should be powerful enough to handle the latest games. Secondly, a high-end processor is necessary to ensure smooth gameplay and fast load times. Finally, the laptop’s cooling system is crucial to prevent overheating and ensure consistent performance.
We have invested countless hours researching and testing various gaming laptops to identify the best gaming laptops for performance. In the following sections, we will discuss our top pick and why we believe it is the best option for gamers who demand high-performance machines.
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5 Best Gaming Laptops for Performance
We have researched and tested various gaming laptops to bring you the best options for high-performance gaming. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional, these laptops offer top-notch graphics, speed, and power to enhance your gaming experience. Our list includes laptops from well-known brands, each with their unique features and specifications. Without further ado, here are the best gaming laptops for performance.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
We highly recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 for anyone looking for a high-performance gaming laptop that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- The latest AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics deliver excellent gaming performance.
- The 15.6″ FHD IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
- The Lenovo gaming keyboard comes with all the best media control and number pad features stocked out of the box.
Cons
- The battery life is good but not great, with a maximum of 8 hours.
- The USB-C port only supports DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0, which may not be enough for some users.
- The laptop can get quite hot during intense gaming sessions, so a cooling pad is recommended.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a sleek and slim gaming laptop that is designed to deliver top-notch gaming performance. The latest generation AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics ensure that you can play even the most demanding games with ease.
The 15.6″ FHD IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience, while the Lenovo gaming keyboard comes with all the best media control and number pad features stocked out of the box.
The laptop also offers excellent connectivity options, including built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, two USB-A ports, one USB-C (DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery 3.0), HDMI 2.0, RJ45, and an audio jack.
The rear I/O notch streamlines your accessibility, positioning one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ (DisplayPort™ 1.4, Power Delivery 3.0), an HDMI™ 2.0, a RJ45 port, and a DC-In port at the rear of the computer, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports – one on the right side and one on the left.
You can also enjoy powerful sound with 2 x 2W stereo speakers with Nahimic Audio.
One downside of the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is the battery life, which is good but not great, with a maximum of 8 hours. Additionally, the USB-C port only supports DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0, which may not be enough for some users. Finally, the laptop can get quite hot during intense gaming sessions, so a cooling pad is recommended.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance gaming laptop that won’t break the bank. With its powerful hardware, sleek design, and excellent connectivity options, it’s sure to provide an enjoyable gaming experience for years to come.
MSI GP63 Leopard Performance Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop, the MSI GP63 Leopard is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 6-core processor and GTX 1060 6G graphics card make for sharp, detailed visuals and smooth gameplay.
- Large speakers deliver high-quality music and sound effects.
- The Cooler Boost 5 system helps prevent overheating and there are multiple performance profiles to choose from.
Cons
- The battery life could be better.
- The space bar can be a bit stiff.
- Some users have reported issues with games using the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated 1060.
We recently had the chance to test out the MSI GP63 Leopard and were impressed with its performance. The 6-core processor and GTX 1060 6G graphics card make for sharp, detailed visuals and smooth gameplay. We also appreciated the large speakers, which deliver high-quality music and sound effects.
One potential downside is the battery life, which could be better. We also found that the space bar can be a bit stiff, which may be an issue for some users. Finally, some gamers have reported issues with games using the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated 1060, so be sure to check your settings.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop, the MSI GP63 Leopard is definitely worth considering. With its impressive specs and solid performance, it’s a great choice for gamers who want to take their gaming to the next level.
MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop
We highly recommend purchasing the MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop for its exceptional performance and portability.
Pros
- The 15.6” 144hz display delivers stunning visuals with a high refresh rate for seamless gameplay.
- The 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor provides outstanding performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card delivers supercharged graphics for today’s most popular games.
Cons
- The speakers could be improved, and the screen could be brighter.
- The battery life could be longer.
- The power supply may be difficult to find a second 240W power supply.
The MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop is a well-designed, lightweight, and powerful gaming laptop that can be taken anywhere. The 15.6” 144hz display delivers true-to-life images with a high refresh rate so you can see every frame of the game.
The 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor delivers high performance with cores, taking on any games and applications with ease. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card provides supercharged graphics for today’s most popular games.
The MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop is designed to be thin and light for gamers to carry around every day for games, study, or work. MSI’s exclusive Cooler Boost Technology ensures optimal thermal dissipation, featuring state-of-the-art fans and heat pipes, providing the airflow needed for gaming.
The Stealth 15M features a wide range of I/O ports, Thunderbolt 4 supporting power delivery and up to 40Gbps of data transfer and USB 4.0.
In conclusion, the MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice for gamers on the go who need a powerful, lightweight, and portable gaming laptop.
HP High-Performance OMEN 17.3″ Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can handle demanding games and applications, the HP High Performance OMEN 17.3″ Gaming Laptop is a great choice.
Pros
- The laptop is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H (14-Core) Processor that runs at 3.50 GHz, up to 4.70 GHz Max Boost, 14 Cores, 20 Threads, and 24 MB Cache, which makes it an excellent performer.
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Graphics, 8GB, provides excellent graphics performance, and the 17.3″ IPS Micro-Edge Anti-Glare QHD (2560 x 1440) 300-Nits 165Hz Display is perfect for gaming.
- The Full-Size 4-zone RGB Backlit Keyboard and 26-key Rollover Anti-Ghosting Key Technology make it easy to play games in the dark.
Cons
- The laptop is a bit heavy, weighing in at 6.15 lbs.
- The laptop can get a bit hot during extended gaming sessions.
- The laptop is a bit pricey compared to other gaming laptops in its class.
Overall, we believe that the HP High-Performance OMEN 17.3″ Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice for gamers who want a powerful laptop that can handle demanding games and applications.
The laptop is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H (14-Core) Processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Graphics, 8GB, and a 17.3″ IPS Micro-Edge Anti-Glare QHD (2560 x 1440) 300-Nits 165Hz Display, making it an excellent performer.
The Full-Size 4-zone RGB Backlit Keyboard and 26-key Rollover Anti-Ghosting Key Technology make it easy to play games in the dark. However, the laptop is a bit heavy, weighing in at 6.15 lbs, and it can get a bit hot during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the laptop is a bit pricey compared to other gaming laptops in its class.
MSI Katana GF66 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that offers excellent performance without breaking the bank, the MSI Katana GF66 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 12th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor delivers maximum efficiency in gameplay, multitasking work, and productivity.
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU offers the most realistic ray-traced graphics and cutting-edge AI features.
- The 15.6” 144Hz display delivers a fast refresh rate for smooth and vibrant gameplay.
Cons
- The laptop can get quite hot, especially when running demanding games.
- The battery life is not great, so you’ll need to keep it plugged in if you’re gaming for an extended period.
- The keyboard is not backlit, which can make it difficult to use in low-light conditions.
We’ve been using the MSI Katana GF66 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 12th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU provide excellent performance when gaming, and we’ve had no issues running even the most demanding games.
The 15.6” 144Hz display is also a highlight of this laptop. It delivers a fast refresh rate, which makes gameplay smooth and vibrant. The display is also large enough to provide an immersive gaming experience without being too bulky or heavy.
One downside of the MSI Katana GF66 is that it can get quite hot, especially when running demanding games. We’ve found that the laptop’s cooling system is not always effective, and we’ve had to take breaks from gaming to let it cool down.
Another issue with this laptop is its battery life. If you’re gaming for an extended period, you’ll need to keep the laptop plugged in to avoid running out of power. The battery life is not terrible, but it’s not great either.
Finally, the keyboard on the MSI Katana GF66 is not backlit, which can make it difficult to use in low-light conditions. This is not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you often game in dimly lit rooms.
Overall, we think the MSI Katana GF66 is an excellent choice for gamers who want a powerful laptop without spending a fortune. It offers excellent performance, a fast refresh rate display, and a sleek design that’s perfect for gaming on the go.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a gaming laptop, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best performance for your money. Here are some key features to look for:
Graphics Card
A powerful graphics card is essential for running the latest games smoothly. Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, rather than an integrated one. Nvidia and AMD are the two main graphics card manufacturers, and their latest models are the most powerful and efficient.
Processor
The processor is the brain of your laptop, and a powerful one is necessary for gaming. Intel and AMD are the two main processor manufacturers, and their latest models offer the best performance. Look for a quad-core or higher processor with a high clock speed.
RAM
The amount of RAM in your laptop determines how many programs and processes can run simultaneously. For gaming, 8GB of RAM is the minimum, but 16GB or more is recommended for the best performance.
Storage
A fast and spacious hard drive is essential for storing games and other files. Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster load times and boot times. A hybrid drive, which combines an SSD and a traditional hard drive, can offer the best of both worlds.
Display
The display is where you’ll be seeing all the action, so it’s important to choose one that’s high-quality. Look for a laptop with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) or higher resolution, and a high refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
Cooling
Gaming laptops can get hot quickly, especially during intense gameplay. Look for a laptop with a good cooling system, such as multiple fans and heat pipes, to prevent overheating and maintain performance.
By considering these factors, you can choose a gaming laptop that will provide the best performance and gaming experience for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest processor laptop for gaming?
The fastest processor laptop for gaming is the Intel Core i9. This processor has the highest clock speed and the most cores, making it the best option for gaming laptops.
Do gaming laptops have good performance?
Yes, gaming laptops have excellent performance. They are designed specifically for gaming and have powerful graphics cards and processors that can handle even the most demanding games.
What are the top gaming laptop brands?
The top gaming laptop brands are ASUS, MSI, Alienware, Acer, and Razer. These brands are known for producing high-quality gaming laptops with excellent performance.
Where can I find the best gaming laptop deals?
You can find the best gaming laptop deals on websites like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. These websites often have sales and discounts on gaming laptops, especially during holiday seasons. Additionally, you can check out the manufacturer’s website for any ongoing promotions or deals.
