During the last two decades, gaming technology has advanced significantly. Nowadays, PCs and gaming consoles are more crucial than ever. Game playing has changed fundamentally with the new generation of gaming laptops. A gaming laptop with high-performance processors and advanced graphics gives you a fantastic gaming experience.
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Things To Check While Buying A Gaming Laptop
1. Graphics Processing Unit Or GPU
The GPU or the Graphics Card of a gaming laptop is an important thing to consider when buying one. You will need a powerful dedicated graphics card with at least 6GB of VRAM, but the more VRAM you have, the better the results you will get.
2. Storage
The laptop you are considering might come with either any of these three storage devices: A hard disk drive (HDD), a Solid-state drive (SSD), and a Solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD). A gaming laptop with SSD or SSHD is ideal if you are a gamer who values speed and does not like loading screens.
3. RAM
Since RAM allows games to load efficiently, increasing the amount of RAM leads to a better gaming experience. A computer with low RAM won’t be able to store all the game data resulting in choppy frame rates and poor performance.
If there is an extreme shortage of RAM, the game may not even be able to function at all. For optimal performance, it’s better that you use between 8GB and 16GB of RAM.
4. Screen Resolution
In terms of resolutions, the most common standard resolutions you can expect to find are 1920x1080 (full HD/1080p) or 2560*1440 (2K, 1440p) or 3840×2160 (4K UHD). The resolution of your display directly affects the visual quality of games and the performance of your laptop.
Experts recommend a Full HD display in most cases. However, if you are willing to invest heavily and give the most important for the gaming experience, you can opt for a 4K display.
The Best Gaming Laptops Under $2k
1. Acer Predator Helios 300 - $1,799.99
|
Processor |
12th gen intel i7-12700H |
|
GPU |
GeForce RTX 3060 |
|
Screen |
17.3 inches, Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS |
|
RAM |
16 GB |
|
CPU Model |
Core i7 |
|
CPU speed |
4.7 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512GB Gen 4 SSD |
The Predator Helios 300 is one of the best gaming laptops under $2,000. It has a solid build quality with an updated design in 2022. In addition, the GeForce RTX 3060 GPU and 1080 full HD resolution give you a fantastic gaming experience. Acer Predator Helios 300 has various configurations with 15-inch and 17-inch variations and different CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage options.
Acer upgraded the design, the screen options, the inputs, and the ports, added a 90 Wh battery, and a beefed-up thermal module. Despite these upgrades, the 2022 Helios 300 still struggles in audio quality and runs warmer than the previous models.
Pros
- Smooth 240Hz IPS Display with 3ms Response time
- Strong performance and solid graphics
- Powerful gaming performance for the money
- RGB backlit keyboard with good battery life
- Storage and memory easily accessed for upgrades
Cons
- Sharp edges are uncomfortable
- Average speakers
- Short battery life
- It heats up considerably under a heavy load
- No memory card reader and thunderbolt port
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2. 2022 Newest MSI Crosshair 17.3 - $1,678.88
|
Processor |
Intel 8-Core i7 |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti |
|
Screen |
17 inches, 144Hz FHD |
|
RAM |
32 GB |
|
CPU Model |
Intel Core i7 |
|
CPU speed |
2.4 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
1TB SSD |
At its latest MSIology launch event, MSI announced its latest Intel HX series laptops, which feature the latest 12th generation Intel HX processors. A new design has been introduced, inspired by the intense colors in sci-fi-themed gameplay, with the upper lattice air exchanger to enhance cooling efficiency.
As part of the latest 2022 MSI Crosshair 17.3 gaming laptop, a new design has been introduced, inspired by the intense colors in sci-fi-themed gameplay. Featuring the latest Intel Core i7-12700H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, this gaming laptop weighs 2.47kg.
However, the new version only has one GPU. With all the advanced features, 2022 Newest MSI Crosshair 17.3 gives you the best gaming experience.
Pros
- The latest CPUs and GPUs
- Good Display
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Nice keyboard
- Good 1440p performance
Cons
- No Thunderbolt 4 or SD reader
- It’s a little bulky
- No USB-C charging
3. Victus 16 Gaming Laptop - $849.99
|
Processor |
AMD Ryzen 5 5600H |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
|
Screen |
16 inches, FHD (1920 x 1080) |
|
RAM |
8 GB |
|
CPU Model |
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
|
CPU speed |
4.2 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
HP Victus 16 is also one of the best gaming laptops under $2000. You can handle most workloads with its Intel 11th Gen CPU and NVIDIA dedicated GPU, including graphic design and 3D animation. The keyboard typing is a good experience, and the touchpad is big and responsive. However, it’s a pretty bulky laptop that’s hard to carry around, and the battery lasts less than six hours of light work.
Pros
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad.
- Attractive 16.1-inch screen
- CPU and GPU can handle heavy workloads.
- Speedy 1080p gaming
- Good webcam video quality for video calls
- Numerous configuration choices
Cons
- Bulky and heavy.
- No Windows Hello biometrics
- The battery lasts less than 6 hours
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
4. MSI GF75 Thin 10UEK-029 17.3 - $1,399.99
|
Processor |
2.6 GHz corei7_10750h |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
16 GB DDR4 |
|
CPU Model |
Corei7-10750H |
|
CPU speed |
2.6 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
MSI GF75 Gaming Laptop has an excellent-looking design and a good range of specs for its price. Significant parts of MSI GF75 are made of solid metal, making it feel sturdy and robust. Furthermore, the laptop’s lid has a nice black brushed finish without any patterns.
The MSI GF75 Gaming Laptop weighs 2200 g. It is lightweight and portable for a gaming laptop with a 17.3-inches display. Overall, it delivers a good performance for its price.
Pros
- Bezels are thin
- Good keyboard spacing
- It’s less noisy than most gaming laptops
- Relatively light
Cons
- The Thunderbolt 3 port isn’t there
- There’s no SD card reader
- Weak battery
5. MSI GF75 Thin Gaming Laptop, 17.3 - $899.00
|
Processor |
2.5 GHz core_i5 |
|
GPU |
GeForce GTX 1650 |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
8 GB DDR4 |
|
CPU Model |
Core i5 |
|
CPU speed |
2.5 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
As the name suggests, the MSI GF75 Thin is a remote machine. The thickness is only 2.2 cm, and the weight is only 2.2 kg. This machine’s main attraction is its 17-inch screen. It’s easy to manage with a 17-inch gaming machine.
Typical for gaming computers, the resolution isn’t too high, at 1920x1080 pixels. For games, it’s great because it allows faster graphics. There’s a 120 Hz refresh rate on the screen. 144 Hz is the norm in higher price ranges, but 120 Hz is okay for most games.
Pros
- For a 17-inch device, it is relatively lightweight and slim
- An excellent price-performance ratio
- Surfaces made of metal
- Display with 144 Hz
Cons
- Battery life isn’t great
- Coverage of color spaces is low
- There’s a lot of fan noise
- Connectivity isn’t great
6. Asus TUF Gaming A17 Gaming Laptop, 17.3 - $1,544.99
|
Processor |
4.2 GHz ryzen_7_4800h |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
16 GB DDR4 |
|
CPU Model |
Ryzen 7 4800H |
|
CPU speed |
4.2 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
Asus TUF Gaming A17 is a 17-inch gaming laptop with an AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU, plus long battery life and a comfortable keyboard. With 3DMark, you can test your graphics muscle by rendering sequences of highly detailed 3D graphics emphasizing particles and lighting.
There are four faux screws in each corner of the gunmetal lid of the Asus TUF Gaming A17. The TUF logo is at the center of the cover, omitting the letters. TUF Gaming’s logo and the texture on the revealed deck make the laptop look militaristic.
Pros
- Performance and graphics are great
- Battery life is excellent
- Keyboard is comfortable
Cons
- The display isn’t great
- The speakers are a little quiet
7. Asus - TUF Gaming FX705GM 17.3 - $1,539.99
|
Processor |
2.2 GHz Core_i7_860 |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
16 GB DDR4 |
|
CPU Model |
Core i7-860 |
|
CPU speed |
2.2 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
Asus’s 17.3-inch TUF FX705 series is one of the best value products in its class. It performs reasonably well, runs excellently, and lasts a reasonable time on a charge. It comes with an RGB keyboard and an optional 144 Hz IPS display. However, it has some quirks, and the biggest is that the CPU/GPU reaches high temperatures with gaming and doesn’t perform to its full potential.
The Asus TUF FX705 is a thin, light, and well-designed computer. A thin 7.2 mm bezel surrounds the screen, but a thicker 14 mm forehead accommodates the camera and mics, and a prominent chin pushes the screen upwards. However, at 5.8 lbs (2.6 kg), it’s lighter than most 17-inches and a bit heavier than most mid-range 15-inches.
Pros
- A well-made product with excellent design lines
- Performs well with everyday tasks and simpler games
- Affordable
Cons
- CPU/GPU run at high temperatures when you’re playing demanding games
- Games and other demanding loads can make fans sound loud
- It’s an average speaker
8. MSI GF75 Thin 17.3 Full HD Gaming Notebook - $944.50
|
Processor |
Intel core_i5 |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
8 GB |
|
CPU Model |
Core i5 |
|
CPU speed |
2.6 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
The MSI GF75 Thin 17.3 has the latest 10th Gen. Intel CoreTM i5 processor for a gaming experience like no other. It provides blazing-fast performance for today’s most popular games. The fastest gaming display brings you breathtaking visuals, so you won’t miss a thing with a lightweight metal top.
It has a futuristic design and extensive power. Enjoy more immersive gameplay with a thinner bezel design. Low-Key Gaming Cooling Solutions Dedicated thermal solutions for CPU and GPU, with up to 7 heat pipes, provide smooth gaming performance by minimizing heat and maximizing airflow.
Pros
- Lightweight and slim
- Well-built design
- Smooth gaming experience
Cons
- Battery life isn’t great
- Average speakers
9. Asus ROG Strix G17 G713 - $1,599
|
Processor |
2.9 GHz amd_r_series |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
32 GB DDR4 |
|
CPU Model |
AMD R Series |
|
CPU speed |
2.9 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
1 TB SSD |
With the latest RTX series, GPU from Nvidia will enhance your gaming experience. The Asus ROG Strix G17 has some high specifications and a funky design. It has an AMD Ryzen 9 6000-series APU based on a 6nm process. In addition, it comes with an app called Asus Armoury Crate that lets you adjust CPU and GPU performance, noise reduction, energy-saving settings, and cooling.
Pros
- It looks smaller, lighter, and cleaner
- It’s got powerful hardware and solid performance
- long battery life
- For the price, it’s good
Cons
- It doesn’t have a card reader, Thunderbolt, camera, or biometrics
- Gaming and demanding loads can raise CPU/GPU temperatures
10. Asus TUF Gaming F17 - $1,630
|
Processor |
4.6 GHz core_i7 |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
16 GB DDR4 |
|
CPU Model |
Core i7 |
|
CPU speed |
4.6 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
Asus’ TUF Gaming F17 FX706HE is an affordable gaming laptop with a large, inviting 17.3-inch screen. The laptop is more of a gaming desktop since its battery life is short and last only about 2 hours; it’s somewhat portable with a light weight of just 5.73lbs (2.6kg).
Instead of metal, the TUF Gaming F17 chassis is mostly plastic. The rough texture and lines make it feel more professional than a solid plastic sheet.
Pros
- Gaming on a large screen is a great experience
- Lightweight and portable
- Price is affordable
Cons
- Some games aren’t compatible with the RTX 3050 Ti
- Short battery life
11. 2020 HP Pavilion 16.1 - $999
|
Processor |
10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti 4GB |
|
Screen |
16.1 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
32 GB SDRAM |
|
CPU Model |
Core i7 |
|
CPU speed |
2.60 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
1024 GB |
With Pavilion gaming laptops from HP, you get excellent performance at a great price. The Pavilion Gaming 16 has subtle design elements like the OMEN laptops from 2020. It has a hexagonal footprint, a classic Pavilion Gaming design element. Both the lid and chassis have a matte finish, which makes the laptop feel premium. It’s an all-plastic construction that feels as solid as a tank.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Fast enough to play Full HD
- Solid-state drives are fast
- The battery lasts a long time
Cons
- The color space isn’t covered well
- The speakers are a little quiet
12. Acer Predator Helios 300 17.3 - $1,749
|
Processor |
4.5 GHz core_i7_family |
|
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti |
|
Screen |
17.3 Inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|
RAM |
8 GB DDR4 |
|
CPU Model |
Core i7 Family |
|
CPU speed |
4.5 GHz |
|
Hard disk |
512 GB SSD |
The Acer Predator Helios 300 has good speakers with enough volume to hear over the cooling fan while gaming. The fan noise isn’t that loud in most environments. The Predator stays cool enough to touch during extended gaming sessions thanks to two rear-corner fans.
There are dedicated Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys and a numeric keypad, but they are tiny, along with Escape and Delete. This keyboard isn’t exceptionally responsive and has a soft, shallow typing feel.
Pros
- Cools pretty quietly
- Once tweaked, it performs flawlessly
- Excellent thermal implementation; rarely need to push fans over 50 dB for best performance.
- Upgrading is easy
Cons
- A few disputed branding elements and design lines
- Some sharp chassis corners