Best Gaming Laptops of 2023: Gamers on the Go

Who Is This Article For? 

Beginners: This article offers basic guidance in simple terms for those new to PCs.

Confused with any of the technical lingo used in this article? Check our PTS Glossary for more information on everything we touch on in this and other articles.

Gaming laptops have changed a lot lately. They used to be big, heavy, and not so great. Now, they're powerful, lighter, and have long battery life. This means they're easy to carry and work as  well as desktop computers.

 They also have new cooling tech and screens with high refresh rates. These features make gaming on the go even better.

In 2023, gaming laptops are at their best in performance and design. Gamers can now find laptops with top GPUs like the RTX 4090 or RX 6800M. These offer amazing graphics, even in 4K. The newest Intel and AMD CPUs, like the 13th gen  Intel and Ryzen 7000 series, can handle gaming and creative tasks.

Screens with high refresh rates, up to 300Hz, and resolutions from 1080p to 4K make everything look super clear  and smooth. This is really important for competitive gaming.

 

What Makes a Laptop Great for Gaming?

In the quest for the ultimate gaming experience, the choice of a gaming laptop is pivotal . It's not just about flashy designs or brand names; the essence of a great gaming laptop lies in its technical specifications.

These specifications are what empower  gamers to dive into the most immersive gaming worlds with ease and efficiency.

Crucial Specifications

- GPU: The GPU is the cornerstone of gaming performance. For cutting-edge graphics, the RTX 30 and 40 series, as well as  the AMD RX 6000 series, stand out in 2023. Click here for our the best GPU 2023 analysis.

- CPU: The processor is crucial for overall speed and task management. Leading the race are Intel's 13th gen and AMD's Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. Click here to read our analysis on our choice for the best CPU on 2023.

- RAM: Memory plays a significant role, with a minimum of 16GB recommended for gaming. For more intensive tasks, 32GB is advisable. Click here to read our analysis on how to choose RAM on 2023.

- Display: The quality of the display, especially high-refresh-rate panels (144Hz or higher), greatly  affects the smoothness of gameplay. The choice of resolution should align with the GPU's capabilities. For a Desktop Monitor recommendation on every category possible check here.

Cooling and Battery Life

Beyond these core specs, the laptop's cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and maintain peak performance. While battery life is often a secondary concern in gaming laptops, it remains important for those who value portability. For the best gaming experience, it's recommended to play while plugged in to ensure optimal performance.

Top Contender #1: Alienware m16 with RTX 4090 GPU

Atribute	Details
Current Price	$2,799 at Dell (Originally $3,499)
Processor	13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX (36 MB cache, 24 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.40 GHz Turbo)
Graphics Card	NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090, 64 GB GDDR6
Display	16" QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz, 3ms, ComfortView Plus, NVIDIA G-SYNC + DDS, 100% DCI-P3, FHD IR Camera
Memory	32 GB (2 x 16 GB), DDR5, 4800 MT/s
Storage	2 TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD
Pros	·         High-End Components: Features top-tier CPU and GPU, large storage, and high RAM capacity.
	·         Display Quality: High-resolution screen with fast refresh rate and full DCI-P3 color gamut.
	·         Portability: Offers mobility and an integrated high-quality display.
	·         Current Deal: Significant discount from its original price.
	·         Complete Package: Includes all necessary components, such as screen, keyboard, and trackpad.
Cons	·         Price: High investment despite the discount.
	·         Desktop Alternatives: Options like Aurora R15 and R16 may offer better value for some users.
	·         Mobile GPU vs. Desktop GPU: The mobile RTX 4090 GPU doesn't match the desktop counterpart.

 

Optional Desktop Deals

Alienware Aurora R15 Desktop: Ryzen 9 7950X CPU, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, RTX 4090, priced at $3,099 (reduced from $3,899).

Alienware Aurora R16 Desktop: Core i9-14900KF CPU, similarly configured to the R15, priced at $3,699.

Note on Performance

A review made by Toms Hardware  of the Aurora R15 with an RTX 4090 and an Intel Core i9-13900KF CPU demonstrated impressive frame rates in Gaming benchmarks (263 fps in Borderlands 3 at 1080p ultra, 128 fps at 4K).

Top Contender #2: MSI Raider GE78 RTX 4090

 

Attribute	Details
Price	$2,699.99 on Amazon
Processor	Intel i9 13980HX CPU
GPU	RTX 4090, 175W TGP
RAM	32GB DDR5
Storage	2TB NVMe SSD
Pros	Top-tier performance, ample storage, and memory
Cons	High price, less portable

 

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 4090

 

Attribute	Details
Price	$3,049.00 on Amazon
Processor	Ryzen 9 7945HX CPU
GPU	RTX 4090
RAM	64GB DDR5
Storage	1TB SSD
Screen	240Hz 1440p
Pros	High-refresh-rate screen, powerful AMD CPU
Cons	Slightly less premium feel, Ryzen CPU not for all users

 

Gaming on a Budget: Lenovo LOQ 15 15.6" Gaming Laptop 

Attribute	Details
Price	$749 on NewEgg
Processor	Intel Core i5 12th Gen 12500H (2.50GHz)
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU 8 GB GDDR6
RAM	8GB Memory
Storage	512 GB Gen4 SSD
Screen	15.6" 1920 x 1080 144hz
Pros	Very Good Price-to-Performance ratio.
Cons	Might be worth investing a bit more for a better performance.

Based on the provided information, this laptop is a good choice for budget-conscious gamers due to several key factors:

1. Performance: The laptop features an 8-core, 12-thread Intel i5 12450H CPU and an RTX 4060 GPU with 8 GB of VRAM, providing solid Gaming performance. The inclusion of DLSS 3 technology helps to boost frame rates in supported games.
2. Upgradability: The laptop offers good upgradability options with two M.2 SSD slots and removable RAM modules, making it easy for users to expand storage or upgrade memory without having to replace the entire unit
3. Competitive Pricing: At around $800, this laptop offers competitive pricing, especially considering its Gaming performance. While there are models with slightly better specs at similar or lower prices, this laptop remains a strong contender in its price range.
4. Good Cooling for GPU: The GPU is well-cooled, maintaining a stable temperature during intensive tasks, which is essential for sustained Gaming performance.
5. Decent Port Selection: The laptop includes a good range of ports, including USB Type-A, Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and a Micro SD slot, catering to various connectivity needs.

However, there are some downsides to consider:

- The laptop experiences thermal throttling with its CPU, which may limit performance under heavy loads.

- The build quality is primarily plastic, which might not feel as premium or durable.

- The trackpad and keyboard quality are not ideal for Gaming.

- The webcam quality is poor, and the laptop can be loud under heavy use.

In summary, this laptop is a good choice for budget gamers who prioritize solid Gaming performance, upgradeability, and a competitive price, and can overlook some build quality and ergonomic compromises.

Choosing the Right Gaming Laptop for You

When selecting a Gaming laptop, consider the games you play and your mobility needs. A more powerful GPU and CPU are essential for AAA titles and VR Gaming, while mid-range specs suffice for less demanding games. Portability and build quality are crucial for gamers on the move, and some might prefer laptops from brands with established Gaming ecosystems for better integration and support.

Don't Overlook These Features

When diving into the world of gaming laptops, it's easy to focus solely on the core specs like CPU, GPU, and display. However, to fully appreciate and utilize your gaming rig, certain often-overlooked features demand attention. These aspects, ranging from keyboard quality to after-sales support, play a pivotal role in enhancing your overall gaming experience.

 Let's delve into these crucial but sometimes underestimated features that can significantly impact your gaming sessions and laptop longevity.
Keyboard Quality: Comfortable for long Gaming sessions and with good feedback.

Trackpad: Though most gamers use a mouse, a responsive trackpad is useful on the go.

Sound: Good speakers enhance the Gaming experience.

Port Selection: Essential for connecting peripherals and external displays.

After-Sales Support and Warranty: Crucial for dealing with potential issues and repairs.

Customizable Options for Gaming Laptops

For enthusiasts, customizable Gaming laptops offer the flexibility to upgrade. Being able to swap out RAM and storage allows for future-proofing the device and tailoring it to evolving Gaming needs. This flexibility means that a Gaming laptop can evolve alongside the latest games and software, ensuring longevity and a better return on investment.

In 2023, Tyler   Prime Tech Support, his Gaming laptop equipped with an RTX 4060, but handicapped by just 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. While his GPU was ready for battle, playing modern sagas like COD MW2 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, along with running essential work apps, proved too much for the limited memory and storage.

Seeking salvation, Tyler consulted Darian, the labs Gaming PC expert. The solution was a leap to a 2TB SSD and an upgrade to 32GB of RAM at 3600MHz. This revamp transformed his machine into a formidable Gaming and work powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of his RTX 4060.

In 2023, Gaming laptops are not just a convenience but a serious choice for gamers who want high performance in a portable package. With the right knowledge and considerations, one can choose a laptop that not only meets current Gaming needs but also stands ready for future challenges.

Conclusion

The gaming laptop landscape in 2023 is a testament to technological evolution, offering unparalleled performance and convenience for gamers on the go. The key to unlocking the ultimate gaming experience lies in understanding and choosing the right specifications, from powerful GPUs like the RTX 4060 to robust CPUs and ample RAM.

While considering portability, build quality, and brand ecosystems, one must not overlook vital features like keyboard quality, trackpad responsiveness, sound quality, port selection, and after-sales support.

The ability to customize and upgrade components like SSDs and RAM further enhances the longevity and adaptability of these gaming powerhouses.

As gaming continues to evolve, these laptops stand ready to meet the challenges, offering an unmatched blend of power, portability, and performance for every gaming enthusiast.

For personalized guidance in selecting the perfect gaming laptop, consider visiting Prime Tech Support for a consultation at, where expert advice can tailor a solution to your specific gaming needs.

Sources

Best GPU 2023 analysis

Best Gaming CPUs in 2023

Optimal RAM for Gaming 2023

2023 Top Gaming Monitors

Alienware m16 with RTX 4090 GPU

Toms Hardware Review of Alienware Aurora R15

MSI Raider GE78 RTX 4090

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 4090

Lenovo LOQ 15 15.6" Gaming Laptop

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Graphics Card

Gaming PC Consultation at Prime Tech Support