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Gaming laptops have come a long way in the past few years, making it easier to enjoy your favourite PC games on the go. Gone are the days where a big desktop rig is required to get the best experience from your game.
Traditionalists may argue a desktop is still the best option for playing games, but if space is at a minimum or you need something you can move around, there are plenty options available that will still provide a great gaming experience. As with most things these days, buying a gaming laptop isn't as simple as one would hope, there are several elements to consider to get the best machine for your budget and needs.
Basics to Look Out For
We have highlighted the main features to consider when choosing your machine. This list is not exhaustive, and priorities will vary depending on your individual needs, but it is important to consider the below:
· GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): This is the main component of a graphics card and one of the most important things to consider when choosing your gaming laptop.
· RAM: For the best performance, we recommend choosing a machine with at least 16GB of RAM. This can jack up the price slightly but trust us when we say you won’t be sorry in the long run.
· SSD (Solid State Drive): The must have gaming drives are M2 SSDs. All M2 SSDs are good, however you need to be careful as they come with different levels of speed depending on the underlying bus used for communication. Generally, you're at the mercy of what the motherboard supports but it's worth careful consideration to squeeze out that extra juice and support as many games as possible. Nowadays 256GB will barely be sufficient, buy as much storage as you can afford to future proof your machine.
· Screen Size: The majority of gaming laptops come with either a 15” or 17” screen. You may be tempted to go for the larger of the two but remember the bigger the screen the heavier the machine will be. Think about how portable you need the laptop to be. If you are travelling a lot the 15” screen will be the better option, but if you will only be moving it around occasionally then go for the 17”.
· Keyboard: Of course, what kind of keyboard you like will come down to personal preference, but it is an important element to consider. Unlike a desktop set-up you won’t be able to switch out the keyboard if you find it isn’t to your liking. Think about the size, backlighting and the responsiveness of the keys.
Even if you know what to look out for, there are still hundreds of products to choose from. To help make things a little easier, we have selected our top 5 gaming laptops to look out for in 2021. At EuroPC we continue to receive great models from current and previous generations so you can expect these to be in stock at various points throughout the year.
1. Dell Alienware m15
Designed from the ground up, the m15 features premium magnesium alloy materials that deliver weight savings while reducing thickness and delivering a stiffer, sturdy, chassis - all within a sleek aesthetic.
Best for: Gamers seeking the best performance and value for money
Basic Specification
· Screen size: 15.6 inch
· Max resolution: 3840 x 2160 UHD, OLED
· Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce
· Audio: Alienware Sound Centre
· Keyboard: Alienware Alien FX lighting keyboard
· Weight (kgs): 2.160000
2. Dell Alienware m17
The incredibly thin design and unrelenting power of the Alienware m17 laptop lets you game like never before. Featuring reengineered hyper-efficient voltage regulation and Cryo-Tech Cooling technology.
Best for: Gaming enthusiasts who are looking for a big, fast screen without the added weight
Basic Specification
· Screen size: 17.3 inch
· Max resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD, IPS Anti-Glare
· Audio: Alienware Sound Centre
· Keyboard: Alienware Alien FX lighting keyboard
· Weight (kgs): 2.630000
3. Dell Alienware Area-51m
The Alienware Area-51m is by far the most powerful gaming laptop on the market, thanks to its desktop-class hardware, stunning chassis and comfy keyboard. This one of the best desktop replacement laptops ever constructed.
Best for: Hardcore gamers who are sceptical about stepping away from a desktop set-up
Basic specification
· Screen size: 17.3 inch
· Max resolution: 1920 x 1080
· Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce
· Audio: Alienware Sound Centre
· Keyboard: Alienware Alien FX lighting keyboard
· Weight (kgs): 4.760000
4. HP OMEN 15
Not a fan of DELL? The OMEN 15 could be exactly what you are looking for. With a powerful Intel processor and NVIDIA graphics cooled by OMEN Tempest Cooling, it makes you think how it all fits into such a tiny little package. It’s easy on the eyes with a luscious design and fast display.
Best for: Gamers who are looking for the perfect gaming/business mix
Basic Specification
· Screen size: 15.6 inch
· Max resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
· Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce
· Audio: OMEN Audio Control
· Keyboard: 4-zone RGB backlit
· Weight (kgs): 2.360000
5. HP OMEN 17
The HP Omen 17 brings Nvidia's Pascal graphics, a 4K display, plenty of storage, and excellent performance to the midrange price tier, making it a good gaming laptop that is also a good value.
Best for: Gamers looking for a larger screen, with a lower price tag
Basic Specification
· Screen size: 17.3 inch
· Max resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
· Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce
· Audio: Bang & Olufsen; HP Audio Boost; Quad speakers
· Keyboard: Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with numeric keypad
· Weight (kgs): 3.350000
Affordable Gaming Laptops
Due to their superior spec, gaming laptops are naturally higher in price than their day-to-day counterparts, however, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to get a top-level machine. Considering a refurbished product is the best way to save yourself some money without compromising on spec. Not only will you receive a high-end machine for a fraction of the price, you will (in most cases) benefit from upgraded processors, graphics cards and increased memory.