Gaming laptops

The graphics chip decides

In a gaming laptop the frame rate is set by the graphics chip, not the processor. The whole current line is on the shelf: the RTX 5060 is the most common (24 models), the RTX 5070 next (18), with the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 on top. The entry RTX 5050 suits esports titles, while comfortable 1440p starts at the RTX 5070.

• Refresh rate. 144, 165 and 240 Hz. A fast panel matters more here than resolution: at 165 Hz motion is clearly smoother.
• Panel. OLED on 28 models, IPS on 30. OLED brings contrast and a fast response; IPS is brighter and less fussy about static images.
• Storage. 1 TB is the rule here (45 models) — one big current game takes 100–150 GB.
• Memory. 16 GB on 36 models, 32 GB on 25.
• Weight and battery. 1.7–3.4 kg and 60–96 Wh. Gaming needs the charger: on battery the game runs slower and for an hour or so.

Cooling and noise

All that power turns into heat that has to leave the chassis. A larger body spins its fans slower and quieter, a compact one faster and louder — so most models here are 16-inch (36 models), with 17- and 18-inch machines at the top. Windows 11 Home is on 52 models, Pro on 11.

What goes with it

At a desk a fast screen adds more than any setting: see gaming monitors. If you want the same picture quality in everyday work, look at laptops with an OLED display. The full range: laptops.

Frequently asked questions

Is a laptop RTX as fast as the desktop card? No. A chip with the same name runs at a lower power limit in a laptop, so frame rates are lower. Check the graphics power in watts in the specs — that explains the gap between two identically named models.

Is 16 GB of memory enough? For games, yes. If you stream at the same time or edit video, take 32 GB; 25 models offer it.

Can I play on battery? You can, but slower: the machine cuts power, and 60–96 Wh lasts an hour or so. Keep the charger plugged in for gaming.