When it comes to gaming, the platform of choice goes to the consoles. Well, at least as far as the average consumer goes. But enthusiasts know that if you want to experience the true quality that a game has to offer, then PC gaming is the way to go. Desktops will give you that extra oomph, but sometimes portability is a necessary factor for LAN party-goers or traveling pros. For those looking to take their game mobile without sacrificing too many frame rates, PCMag has rounded up the best gaming laptops.
As with desktops, the best gaming laptops tend to be configured specifically for gaming performance. That means the best gaming graphics card out there (in this case, either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M or AMD Radeon HD 6990M), and at least an Ivy Brdge Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU. The screen size for gaming laptops tends to be big (think 15 to 18 inches), though there are one or two ultraportable gaming laptops on the market today. And given that high-end components tend to drain battery life, don't expect these gaming rigs to stray too far from a wall socket very often. Lastly, be prepared to brownbag it for your workweek lunches for a while, as all this performance (especially in a portable package) doesn't come cheap.
But maybe you're not looking to burn up the gaming grid. Maybe you want a laptop that offers smooth gameplay on the lighter end of the 3D graphics spectrum without sacrificing your rent check. In that case, there are laptops available with lower-end GPUs that cost a little less than the higher-end stuff out there and still let you hold your head up when competing in World of Warcraft or Torchlight, or older titles like Team Fortress 2.
Below are 10 of our best gaming laptops, which range from the luxury to the more moderate purchase that can still keep you competitive on the gaming grid.
FEATURED IN THIS ROUNDUP
Alienware M17x R4
$2,599 list
The Alienware M17x R4 adds the latest Intel Core processor and Nvidia Graphics to one of the best gaming laptop chassis in the business. It's ostentatious, audacious, over the top, and strangely enough, more affordable than rivals.
$2,599 list
The Alienware M17x R4 adds the latest Intel Core processor and Nvidia Graphics to one of the best gaming laptop chassis in the business. It's ostentatious, audacious, over the top, and strangely enough, more affordable than rivals.
Alienware M18x
$4,529 direct
The Alienware M18x looks intimidating and has the performance chops that gamers crave, but it doesn't come cheap.
$4,529 direct
The Alienware M18x looks intimidating and has the performance chops that gamers crave, but it doesn't come cheap.
Dell XPS 15 (Summer 2012)
$1,699.99 list
This latest incarnation of the Dell XPS 15 boasts a refined, if not entirely original, design and impressive performance.
$1,699.99 list
This latest incarnation of the Dell XPS 15 boasts a refined, if not entirely original, design and impressive performance.
Eurocom Scorpius
$5,297 list
The Eurocom Scorpius is hands-down the fastest laptop to hit PC Labs, at least for now. It is offers ton of features, blazing frame rates, and a stunning big screen display, but it is extremely heavy and extremely expensive.
$5,297 list
The Eurocom Scorpius is hands-down the fastest laptop to hit PC Labs, at least for now. It is offers ton of features, blazing frame rates, and a stunning big screen display, but it is extremely heavy and extremely expensive.
Maingear Pulse 11
$1,349 list
If you value portability in your gaming rig, then the Maingear Pulse 11 should be your gaming laptop of choice. It has the power to play games on its 11-inch screen, and portable enough to bring around the house or over to your friend's place without risking a hernia.
$1,349 list
If you value portability in your gaming rig, then the Maingear Pulse 11 should be your gaming laptop of choice. It has the power to play games on its 11-inch screen, and portable enough to bring around the house or over to your friend's place without risking a hernia.
MSI GT70 0NC-011US
$2,000 list
Equipped with an Intel Ivy Bridge CPU and a super-trick SSD RAID storage system, the MSI GT70 0NC-011US laptop is a hardcore gamer's bargain at $2,000.
$2,000 list
Equipped with an Intel Ivy Bridge CPU and a super-trick SSD RAID storage system, the MSI GT70 0NC-011US laptop is a hardcore gamer's bargain at $2,000.
MSI GT70 0NE-276US
$2,599.99 list
With its impressive specs, slew of nifty features, and overall cool design, the MSI GT70 0NE-276US is a fine choice for a gaming laptop, but better choices are out there.
$2,599.99 list
With its impressive specs, slew of nifty features, and overall cool design, the MSI GT70 0NE-276US is a fine choice for a gaming laptop, but better choices are out there.
Origin EON17-S
$3,499 list
The Origin EON17-S is an attractive 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an over-clocked Ivy Bridge CPU and Nvidia's latest GeForce GTX graphics engine. It's big in stature and carries a hefty price tag but it delivers game-worthy performance.
$3,499 list
The Origin EON17-S is an attractive 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an over-clocked Ivy Bridge CPU and Nvidia's latest GeForce GTX graphics engine. It's big in stature and carries a hefty price tag but it delivers game-worthy performance.
Razer Blade (2012)
$2,499.99 list
Slim and sexy, the Razer Blade (2012) laptop offers lighter, more portable gaming, and the innovative Switchblade UI, but it will cost you, both in price and features.
$2,499.99 list
Slim and sexy, the Razer Blade (2012) laptop offers lighter, more portable gaming, and the innovative Switchblade UI, but it will cost you, both in price and features.
Samsung Series 7 Gamer
$1,899 list
The Samsung Series 7 Gamer delivers on most fronts, making for a powerful gaming laptop that's equipped with some great features. Its minor shortcomings are tempered by its reasonable price tag.
$1,899 list
The Samsung Series 7 Gamer delivers on most fronts, making for a powerful gaming laptop that's equipped with some great features. Its minor shortcomings are tempered by its reasonable price tag.
Want to take your PC gaming mobile? Then check out the top 10 best gaming laptops out there today.
| Name | Alienware M17x R4 | Alienware M18x | Dell XPS 15 (Summer 2012) | Eurocom Scorpius | Maingear Pulse 11 | MSI GT70 0NC-011US | MSI GT70 0NE-276US | Origin EON17-S | Razer Blade (2012) | Samsung Series 7 Gamer |
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| Gaming | Gaming | Gaming, General Purpose, Desktop Replacement | Gaming, Desktop Replacement | Gaming, Ultraportable, Gaming Ultraportable | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming, Media, Gaming Ultraportable | Gaming | |
| Processor Name | Intel Core i7-3720QM | Intel Core i7-2960XM | Intel Core i7-3920XM Extreme Edition | Intel Core i7-3612QM | Intel Core i7-3610QM | Intel Core i7-3610QM | Intel Core i7-3632QM | Intel Core i7-3610QM | ||
| Processor Speed | 2.6 GHz | 2.7 GHz | 2.1 GHz | 2.9 GHz | 2.1 GHz | 2.3 GHz | 2.3 GHz | 2.9 GHz | 2.2 GHz | 2.3 GHz |
| Operating System | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Weight | 9.6 lb | 12.9 lb | 9.3 lb | 3.7 lb | 8.3 lb | 8.37 lb | 8.3 lb | 6.6 lb | 8.4 lb | |
| Screen Size | 17.3 inches | 18.4 inches | 17.3 inches | 11.6 inches | 17.3 inches | 17.3 inches | 17.3 inches | 17.3 inches | 17.3 inches | |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce GT 680M | nVidia GeForce GTX 580M | Nvidia GeForce GTX 680M | Nvidia GeForce GT 650M | nVidia GeForce GTX 670M | Nvidia GeForce GTX 680M | nVidia GeForce GTX 675M | Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M | nVidia GeForce GTX 675M | |
| Storage Capacity (as Tested) | 532 GB | 1000 GB | 750 GB | 736 GB | 120 GB | 128 + 750 GB | 750 + 250 GB | 1240 GB | 564 GB | 1500 GB |
| Primary Optical Drive | DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray | DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray | DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray | DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray | Blu-Ray Disc | DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray | DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray | External | Blu-Ray Disc | |
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