I currently own the new Asus Strix Scar 17
Ryzen 9 5900HX QHD 165hz display RTX 3080 32GB RAM
Is this the very best gaming laptop available in 2021 performance wise? (Not counting the Clevo x170km-g) I don’t really have space for a desktop so really I’m looking for the absolute best performance I can get. I did have the clevo mentioned above but returned it as it may have slightly better performance than the scar 17 it only has a 1080p screen and the build quality is not great.
What Is the Best Processor for Your Laptop?
Most $1,000 ultraportables use Intel Core processors or, less commonly, AMD Ryzen CPUs. All of these offer plenty of power for everyday computing tasks, but remember that higher CPU model numbers in a given family of chips typically indicate more processor cores, higher maximum clock speeds, and sometimes even multithreading. With multithreading, each CPU core can run two sets of software instructions simultaneously instead of just one. Modern software is designed to take advantage of as many CPU cores as possible so it can run faster on multithreaded chips.
Meanwhile, budget laptops typically use AMD Ryzen 3 processors, or Core i3 or newer Core 3 chips in Intel's case. These typically have just a few individual cores. At the other end of the spectrum, high-end powerhouse laptops have workstation-class Intel or AMD CPUs with double-digit core counts. However, expect to see many new Intel-based machines employing Core Ultra processors; these are the firm's successors to the Core i series, with an increased focus on AI processing.
Regardless of which CPU a laptop has, it’s typically designed to use less power and generate less heat than its desktop counterpart. In the latest mainstream, lightweight laptops, Intel laptop CPUs typically consume 15 watts (W) of power (or less) up to as much as 45W for the highest-end mobile chips.
Gaming laptops and mobile workstations typically feature higher-powered CPUs, usually denoted by an "H," "HS," or "HX" in the CPU's model name. These require more cooling hardware and consume more energy, but they drive performance closer to that of a desktop PC. You’ll find H-series CPUs from both AMD and Intel.
Apple is in its fourth generation of M-series silicon for MacBooks. Apple's MacBook Pro laptop models contain some variation of its M4 processors. Meanwhile, you can get the basic M4 chip in the latest 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air laptops.
Getting into laptop-processor specifics can get you pretty deep in the weeds, but for a decent overview that doesn't overwhelm you, check out our guide to choosing a laptop CPU that fits what you do. As a rule of thumb, though, Core Ultra-family chips are Intel's latest, while the Ryzen AI 300 and Ryzen 8000 series are AMD's newest offerings. Chips with a "U" in the model number are typically lower-powered CPUs for thin machines, and the "H" chips indicate power-user machines. A newer CPU variant is the Snapdragon X Elite and Plus family from Qualcomm, powering some recent AI-equipped models that run a special Arm-based version of Windows. (See more about these in What Is an AI PC?)
Which Brand of Laptop Is the Best?
Choosing a laptop based on what might be the "best" laptop brand isn't the best initial approach—assess laptops model by model instead. Some brands have reputations for what they're best suited for. But going by those alone can mean you miss a winner from a different brand.
For instance, Apple has long been known for its MacBooks' particular aptitude for creative professionals, from writers to photo/video editors and even digital designers. Meanwhile, Lenovo is best known for its class-leading keyboards and its ThinkPad business machines. As a last example, brands like Acer and Asus, while they have high-end models, tend to dominate the midrange and budget sectors with value-minded systems. Other major makers of first-rate laptops include HP and MSI. But you'll find tons of crossovers in all of these assessments that make relying solely on brand almost meaningless.
If knowing the top laptop brands still drives you, go with the wisdom of the crowd: See what you can find within our running Readers' Choice: Best Laptop Brands series, which polls readers like you to name their favorite laptop brands for specific use cases and scenarios.
Should You Get a Longer Laptop Warranty?
Most laptop makers offer one-year warranties on parts and labor. These standard plans are limited, so they won't cover accidents like spilling a drink on the keyboard or dropping the system on the sidewalk. Fortunately, your credit card issuer likely covers such mishaps for a short period after you buy a new product, and it also may extend the manufacturer's warranty. (For example, many Mastercard accounts include a doubling of the standard warranty period up to one year.) Check your account benefits guide for details.
If your credit card issuer doesn’t cover you, some top laptop makers will happily sell you extended warranties. Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo all offer a wide range of extended warranties and coverage for accidental damage. Expect to spend $100 to $300 for these options. Our rule of thumb is that if a warranty costs more than 15% of the laptop's purchase price, you're better off spending the money on backup drives or services that minimize downtime.
Of course, you can't put a price tag on peace of mind. You'll encounter instances when the logic board or the display—the most expensive parts of a laptop—fail, and while rare, such a catastrophe can cost you half of what the laptop is worth in repair costs.
Videos
Best Laptops of 2021 - For Gaming, Students & More Top Picks! | Hardware Canucks
Best Gaming Laptops (Updated for November 2021!)
I wanna say thanks for all you do and helping people with getting laptops.
Now, I'm trying to get a new laptop with a 17/17.3 inch screen (or something that is nice and big) that must be QHD. I'd prefer 165Hz, but not too big of a concern.
Price isn't an issue, so the best specs that are possible. Also weight and battery aren't a concern for portability or longevity. A bit more weight is my preference with studier materials. Some aesthetics would also be appreciated.
My search has led me to ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17, MSI GE76 Raider, and Razer Blade Pro 17. Though, I'm open to other options that I missed.
More on reddit.comBest Gaming Laptops (Updated for June 2021!)
Hi, do you have a budget in mind?
More on reddit.comBest performing gaming laptop of 2021??
Hi everyone,
Please visit our website laptopsdeals.net for laptop deals, reviews, and lists!
Although nothing new has come out, there are plenty of solid options available!
You may have already saw my list of general use laptops. This time, I have an updated version of my general list of good gaming options. If you are looking for a general use devices list, please click here to view my list from October 2021!
As a reminder, this list isn't a definitive list to determine what you should get. It should give you an overall idea of what you should be able to expect in a given price range. If you have any questions about anything listed here, let me know, I will assist you!
This category applies to anyone who is on a tight budget, all the way to the most expensive devices. It applies to anyone who want to play lighter games, as well as demanding games. Here are some bullet points to refer to when looking for a good gaming laptop:
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Look for a good processor! For gaming, the processor is definitely an important factor. It is more important than in a general use device, since games will benefit from having higher clock speeds and more cores / threads. Most of the U processors are not ideal for gaming, since they often cannot sustain their boost clock speeds. But, they can still make do on a budget. Here is the order of processor strength of the devices I will be presenting: i5-4300M < Ryzen 5 3450U < i5-10300H < Ryzen 5 5500U < Ryzen 5 5600H < Ryzen 7 5800U < i7-10750H < i5-11400H < Ryzen 7 4800H < i7-11800H < Ryzen 7 5800H < i9-11900H < Ryzen 9 5900HS < i9-11980HK < Ryzen 9 5900HX
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Look for a good graphics card! This is the most important aspect for gaming! This is the main factor that will be able to fuel gaming capability. Here is the order of weakest to strongest GPUs that are available on this list: Intel HD Graphics 4600 < Vega 8 (Ryzen 3000) < MX450 < GTX 1650 < RTX 3050 < RTX 3050 Ti < GTX 1660 Ti < RTX 3060 < RTX 3070 < AMD Radeon RX 6800M < RTX 3080
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Please keep in mind that for this generation of GPUs, wattage matters a lot, often more important than the GPU model. For example, a very high wattage RTX 3060 may outperform a lower wattage RTX 3070 or RTX 3080. I have included all of the wattages that are known for the RTX 3000 laptops on my list. Before purchasing, I would recommend watching reviews on YouTube.
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Pay attention to thermals! This has become larger and larger of an issue in recent times. As much as I love the power of the new AMD Ryzen 4000 and 5000 series processors, some manufacturers have decided to skimp out on cooling, meaning that these processors will happily run at 100°C, which really isn't ideal for long term use. So, you should search up reviews on the device you intend on purchasing for an idea about how hot it runs. If you intend on getting an AMD Ryzen 4000 series processor, take a look at my tutorial video on how to disable turbo boost on Ryzen 4000 series laptops. It will decrease temperatures by 20°C to 25°C in games without affecting gaming performance.
This month's list is conveniently organized in a table on laptopsdeals.net.
Click here to view this month's list.
A lot of these laptops are not necessarily on sale, so keep your eyes peeled for the deals that are regularly posted on the subreddit! If you're looking for a specific laptop recommendation, considering making a request in the pinned weekly request thread.
If you are looking for a general device instead, take a look at my Best General Use Laptop list from October 2021!
I wanna say thanks for all you do and helping people with getting laptops.
Now, I'm trying to get a new laptop with a 17/17.3 inch screen (or something that is nice and big) that must be QHD. I'd prefer 165Hz, but not too big of a concern.
Price isn't an issue, so the best specs that are possible. Also weight and battery aren't a concern for portability or longevity. A bit more weight is my preference with studier materials. Some aesthetics would also be appreciated.
My search has led me to ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17, MSI GE76 Raider, and Razer Blade Pro 17. Though, I'm open to other options that I missed.
Looking for a new gaming laptop that can run multiplayer FPS very well. Graphics are important to me. Looking at nvidia and intel based laptops since those are all I've owned.
I plan to hdmi out the laptop to a 4K 64” television to play games or stream videos/movies. Other times, I plan to go to my office and game, YouTube, and Reddit.
Also, plan to record music on the machine and travel with it.
Any suggestions?