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The popularity contest for gaming platforms goes to the consoles, but the enthusiasts know that if you want to experience the true quality 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 laptops.
Most gaming laptops aren't what we in the business call "ultraportable" (unless you're the Sony VAIO VPC-Z1390X). The smallest designated gaming rig I've ever encountered is Alienware's M11x (Core i7); a 4.5-pound laptop. It packs quite a punch for an 11-inch laptop, managing 32.7 frames per second (fps) on our Crysis benchmark test—a respectable score considering its size. However, if you want to bump up your frame rates high-end components need room, which is why its 15-inch brother, the Alienware M15x, can pump out Crysis at 60fps on medium quality.
It's important to remember that what a laptop lacks in high-end components, it makes up for in battery life. Big GPUs and CPUs require lots of power to keep their components running, so that's why the M11x will give you 5 hours and 21 minutes of relative computing life and the M15x will give you a mere 2:13. Unless you're the type to carry around an extra battery or two, road warriors may want to factor this into their purchase.
Below are 10 of our best gaming laptops, all have gone through our Crysis test and all have come out around 30 frames per second or better.
AVADirect Clevo X7200
$4,957.64 Direct
This is a gaming rig made especially for the hardware fanatics who want to brag about specs without hauling a full desktop. It's perfect for that crowd, but complete overkill for anyone else.
Gateway ID49C13u
$849.99 street
The Gateway ID49C13u seduces with an aluminum design that not many can pull off for $850, let alone put in premium components like a Core i5 processor and Nvidia Geforce GT 330M graphics.
Dell XPS 15
$1,115 direct
The Dell XPS 15 is unlike any other desktop replacement out there, thanks to its long list of firsts.
Alienware M11x (Core i7)
$1,175 direct
There's no better laptop made for road gamers than the Alienware M11x (Core i7).
Alienware M15x (Core i7)
$3,244 direct
The M15x is the first Alienware laptop to transition to Intel's Core i7 processors, but the M17x is looking like the better pick when it gets the same Core i7 treatment.
Asus NX90JQ-A1
$2,530 street
The pair of Bang & Olufsen ICEpower speakers on the Asus NX90JQ-A1 is unlike anything you've seen on a laptop and targets serious audiophiles.
Asus U41JF-A1
$857 street
The Asus U41JF-A1 is the most well-balanced mainstream laptop, combining excellent power with all-day battery life.
HP Envy 14-1110NR
$1,050 list
With its fast parts, a bright screen, and a high-end audio system, the HP Envy 14 is one of the most luxurious 14-inch laptops and also the heaviest and least battery efficient.
Sony VAIO VPC-Z1390X
$3,800 direct
The Sony VAIO VPC-Z1390X is, hands down, the lightest and most powerful ultraportable money can buy.
HP Pavilion dv7-4283cl
$999.99 list
The HP Pavilion dv7-4283cl desktop replacement laptop is fast as it is battery efficient.
Most gaming laptops aren't what we in the business call "ultraportable" (unless you're the Sony VAIO VPC-Z1390X). The smallest designated gaming rig I've ever encountered is Alienware's M11x (Core i7); a 4.5-pound laptop. It packs quite a punch for an 11-inch laptop, managing 32.7 frames per second (fps) on our Crysis benchmark test—a respectable score considering its size. However, if you want to bump up your frame rates high-end components need room, which is why its 15-inch brother, the Alienware M15x, can pump out Crysis at 60fps on medium quality.
It's important to remember that what a laptop lacks in high-end components, it makes up for in battery life. Big GPUs and CPUs require lots of power to keep their components running, so that's why the M11x will give you 5 hours and 21 minutes of relative computing life and the M15x will give you a mere 2:13. Unless you're the type to carry around an extra battery or two, road warriors may want to factor this into their purchase.
Below are 10 of our best gaming laptops, all have gone through our Crysis test and all have come out around 30 frames per second or better.
$4,957.64 Direct
This is a gaming rig made especially for the hardware fanatics who want to brag about specs without hauling a full desktop. It's perfect for that crowd, but complete overkill for anyone else.
$849.99 street
The Gateway ID49C13u seduces with an aluminum design that not many can pull off for $850, let alone put in premium components like a Core i5 processor and Nvidia Geforce GT 330M graphics.
$1,115 direct
The Dell XPS 15 is unlike any other desktop replacement out there, thanks to its long list of firsts.
$1,175 direct
There's no better laptop made for road gamers than the Alienware M11x (Core i7).
$3,244 direct
The M15x is the first Alienware laptop to transition to Intel's Core i7 processors, but the M17x is looking like the better pick when it gets the same Core i7 treatment.
$2,530 street
The pair of Bang & Olufsen ICEpower speakers on the Asus NX90JQ-A1 is unlike anything you've seen on a laptop and targets serious audiophiles.
$857 street
The Asus U41JF-A1 is the most well-balanced mainstream laptop, combining excellent power with all-day battery life.
$1,050 list
With its fast parts, a bright screen, and a high-end audio system, the HP Envy 14 is one of the most luxurious 14-inch laptops and also the heaviest and least battery efficient.
$3,800 direct
The Sony VAIO VPC-Z1390X is, hands down, the lightest and most powerful ultraportable money can buy.
$999.99 list
The HP Pavilion dv7-4283cl desktop replacement laptop is fast as it is battery efficient.
