Looking to buy a gaming laptop for $1000-2000 - Mainly play Warzone

[Moosh]

Been through every reddit post, all the credible youtube channels plus their personal spreadsheets, notebookcheck.net, and I am still unsure what laptop to buy. Some say to wait for Ryzen and Intel to release better chips, some say Ryzen's CPU's are better than Intel, then others say the opposite, some say the nvidia 3000 series are awesome, others say they can be underpowered. Seen some laptops like the Gigabyte G5 with top of the time hardware but painfully terrible thermals and noise levels. The Legion 7i has amazing hardware and thermals and noise leels, but has a battery that lasts 1.5 hrs. Plus it seemed well over $2k. Mainly looking to get over 120 FPS on average for Warzone. 1080p, 144hz+ monitor. Any and all advise appreciated.

 

[qubit]

If you're gonna spend 2K on a gaming laptop, make sure it's got NVIDIA graphics with a high end GPU, G-SYNC and 120 or 144Hz IPS screen, 1080p minimum. 1440p or 2160p are nice, but may be too pricey and compromising on GPU performance. Screen size is your preference and the choices you have by the manufacturers, so I won't suggest any particular size.

The latest 7nm Zen3 Ryzens are best for gaming and run cooler than Intel's 14nm CPUs, so get one of these.

I don't think battery life is especially important at this level, because any gaming laptop is gonna chew through the battery anyway, so assume it's gonna run on the mains all the time, with only very light duties on the battery.

Finally, thermals and noise are pretty important, too. For me, a quiet PC without any whining little fans is critical, but everyone's different.

Sorry, I don't have any specific models to recommend, just this general advice. Do let us know what you end up deciding to get.

 

[Moosh]

If you're gonna spend 2K on a gaming laptop, make sure it's got NVIDIA graphics with a high end GPU, G-SYNC and 120 or 144Hz IPS screen, 1080p minimum. 1440p or 2160p are nice, but may be too pricey and compromising on GPU performance. Screen size is your preference and the choices you have by the manufacturers, so I won't suggest any particular size.

The latest 7nm Zen3 Ryzens are best for gaming and run cooler than Intel's 14nm CPUs, so get one of these.

I don't think battery life is especially important at this level, because any gaming laptop is gonna chew through the battery anyway, so assume it's gonna run on the mains all the time, with only very light duties on the battery.

Finally, thermals and noise are pretty important, too. For me, a quiet PC without any whining little fans is critical, but everyone's different.

Sorry, I don't have any specific models to recommend, just this general advice. Do let us know what you end up deciding to get.

Thanks Qubit! Very kind of you! I’ll keep all those points in mind

 

[qubit]

No problem, glad to help.

These guys make extreme performance laptops, so you may wanna check them out. They'll probably have something in your price range, too.

Eurocom Mobile Superlaptops

eurocom.com

 

[Hachi_Roku256563]

why no amd gpu just curious?

 

[oxrufiioxo]

why no amd gpu just curious?

Because the 3070 and 3080 are much better than what amd currently offers in laptops


Pay attention to the tdp the laptop allows for the gpu the higher the better and that the laptop has excellent cooling.

 

[R0H1T]

There's' a few that allow you to adjust the TGP including the latest AMD based ROG(?) Scar IIRC.

 

[Moosh]

No problem, glad to help.

These guys make extreme performance laptops, so you may wanna check them out. They'll probably have something in your price range, too.

Eurocom Mobile Superlaptops

eurocom.com

Big help, will check it out!

 

[Bill_Bright]

Must it be a portable device? You mention noise and heat as concerns for you - and they should be!

An inherent problem with all laptops is the manufacturers can pack the horsepower in those tiny cases, but they cannot pack in the cooling too. If you consider even quality tower cases are challenged to keep gaming rigs properly cooled, it is no wonder laptop cases are not up to the task. So even on a good day, when tasked they run hotter forcing their fans to spin faster (thus louder). And of course, they frequently throttle back in speed to prevent thermal problems.

Other unavoidable problems include the fact they are much more difficult to keep clean of heat-trapping dust and they have very limited upgrade possibilities due to be extremely proprietary (a dirty word in my book).

A PC case supports multiple fans and flexible (and upgradeable) cooling options, it can be opened up to thoroughly expose the innards for complete cleaning. And if you build your own or have one custom built for you - instead of a factory built system - it will be fully compliant with the ATX Form Factor industry standards giving you virtually unlimited upgrade options. Not to mention should one component fail, you can replace it instead of possibly having to replace the whole computer.

Then there's the full size keyboard and mouse that are NOT locked into an XYZ grid fixed orientation/position in relation the monitor. And there's the full size monitor (or monitors), 2.1 stereo up to 7.1 surround sound speakers - and so much more.

What does a gaming laptop have going for it? Portability and that's about it.

Despite what the marketing weenies want us to believe, laptops just do not make great gaming (or desktop replacement) computers. Unlike the TARDIS, laptop cases are not bigger on the inside.

With that generous budget, you have lots of options. And of course, with a PC, you can trim the budget during the initial buy, then evolve the computer with upgrades in the years to come. With a laptop, you better hope it has everything you will ever want in that computer with the initial purchase.

Laptops are great and irreplaceable for their intended purpose - as portable "office machines" for business road warriors and students.

 

[64K]

Every gaming laptop that I have ever used I had to keep them plugged in for gaming because they are taxing on battery life. They do run hotter and even worse if you put the laptop on your lap then some of the bottom fans will get blocked. There is a way around that though. You can get a laptop pad to set it on. Not trying to discourage you though. Just offering some advice from years and years of experience.

 

[Bill_Bright]

They do run hotter and even worse if you put the laptop on your lap then some of the bottom fans will get blocked.

LOL - This is so true. I started a campaign years ago to stop calling them "laptops" and instead, stick with "notebooks". But it was a futile battle so I stopped trying to dissuade others from using that word.

Another problem with laps is there's body heat there too.

Always use notebooks on a flat, solid surface. Rugs, carpets, and bedding are to be avoided too. I agree with using a notebook cooling pad. My only comment there is to get one that comes with its own power supply, or use a USB wall-charger/adapter to power it instead of powering the pad from the notebook's USB port. No need to add additional power demands on the already tasked notebook.

One problem I found with my own cooling pad is while it works great for keeping my notebook sufficiently cooled, the wedge shape of the pad changes the angle of attack of my wrists to the keyboard. On a long road trip a few years ago, I didn't notice at first but soon discovered that angle was putting excess stress on my wrists - and my carpel tunnels. Not fun.

That said, RSI can be an issue with any keyboard - fixed in a notebook case, or with a desktop keyboard too. Its onset is typically subtle. If you start to feel any (even very minor) wrist (or neck, shoulder or back) pain. Do NOT ignore it. Make frequent position adjustments, add frequent rest periods, and if persistent or it gets worse, seek professional medical help. Just do not ignore it.

 

[nguyen]

Well you can look for Asus ROG Strix G17 G713 configured with 5800H and 3060 or 3070, this laptop should provide the best bang for buck.

 

[Moosh]

I’ve heard good things about that notebook, thanks!! Will look into it further

Every gaming laptop that I have ever used I had to keep them plugged in for gaming because they are taxing on battery life. They do run hotter and even worse if you put the laptop on your lap then some of the bottom fans will get blocked. There is a way around that though. You can get a laptop pad to set it on. Not trying to discourage you though. Just offering some advice from years and years of experience.

Solid point! No way it’s going on my lap without some platform underneath. I’ll look into the pads, thanks!

Must it be a portable device? You mention noise and heat as concerns for you - and they should be!

An inherent problem with all laptops is the manufacturers can pack the horsepower in those tiny cases, but they cannot pack in the cooling too. If you consider even quality tower cases are challenged to keep gaming rigs properly cooled, it is no wonder laptop cases are not up to the task. So even on a good day, when tasked they run hotter forcing their fans to spin faster (thus louder). And of course, they frequently throttle back in speed to prevent thermal problems.

Other unavoidable problems include the fact they are much more difficult to keep clean of heat-trapping dust and they have very limited upgrade possibilities due to be extremely proprietary (a dirty word in my book).

A PC case supports multiple fans and flexible (and upgradeable) cooling options, it can be opened up to thoroughly expose the innards for complete cleaning. And if you build your own or have one custom built for you - instead of a factory built system - it will be fully compliant with the ATX Form Factor industry standards giving you virtually unlimited upgrade options. Not to mention should one component fail, you can replace it instead of possibly having to replace the whole computer.

Then there's the full size keyboard and mouse that are NOT locked into an XYZ grid fixed orientation/position in relation the monitor. And there's the full size monitor (or monitors), 2.1 stereo up to 7.1 surround sound speakers - and so much more.

What does a gaming laptop have going for it? Portability and that's about it.

Despite what the marketing weenies want us to believe, laptops just do not make great gaming (or desktop replacement) computers. Unlike the TARDIS, laptop cases are not bigger on the inside.

With that generous budget, you have lots of options. And of course, with a PC, you can trim the budget during the initial buy, then evolve the computer with upgrades in the years to come. With a laptop, you better hope it has everything you will ever want in that computer with the initial purchase.

Laptops are great and irreplaceable for their intended purpose - as portable "office machines" for business road warriors and students.

Thanks Bill, I will certainly consider all these points. Your time and effort providing feedback is greatly appreciated. You are all so kind.
I would love to avoid the need for portability but unfortunately it seems unavoidable. I will need to move to different rooms in our place while staying logged in for work. Got a little one who’ll be moving around in no time. Only way to do that is with a notebook. But i do want to use it for rec use too, so there in lies the rub, as you point out. A PC would be ideal. Maybe in a year or so when i can get a new place with a dedicated office i’ll just get a stand alone PC for gaming then have the notebook for work. Thanks for helping me think this out. Seems like ideally i’d hold off but i’m too psyched on gaming atm.

LOL - This is so true. I started a campaign years ago to stop calling them "laptops" and instead, stick with "notebooks". But it was a futile battle so I stopped trying to dissuade others from using that word.

Another problem with laps is there's body heat there too.

Always use notebooks on a flat, solid surface. Rugs, carpets, and bedding are to be avoided too. I agree with using a notebook cooling pad. My only comment there is to get one that comes with its own power supply, or use a USB wall-charger/adapter to power it instead of powering the pad from the notebook's USB port. No need to add additional power demands on the already tasked notebook.

One problem I found with my own cooling pad is while it works great for keeping my notebook sufficiently cooled, the wedge shape of the pad changes the angle of attack of my wrists to the keyboard. On a long road trip a few years ago, I didn't notice at first but soon discovered that angle was putting excess stress on my wrists - and my carpel tunnels. Not fun.

That said, RSI can be an issue with any keyboard - fixed in a notebook case, or with a desktop keyboard too. Its onset is typically subtle. If you start to feel any (even very minor) wrist (or neck, shoulder or back) pain. Do NOT ignore it. Make frequent position adjustments, add frequent rest periods, and if persistent or it gets worse, seek professional medical help. Just do not ignore it.

‘Notebook’ it is, like notebookcheck.net. You’ve converted me. And sadly i’ll likely still get a keyboard, and possibly a monitor over time. The monitor depends on if that’ll unlock additional FPS ability

Every gaming laptop that I have ever used I had to keep them plugged in for gaming because they are taxing on battery life. They do run hotter and even worse if you put the laptop on your lap then some of the bottom fans will get blocked. There is a way around that though. You can get a laptop pad to set it on. Not trying to discourage you though. Just offering some advice from years and years of experience.

Yeah i currently leave my laptop plugged in when gaming. Fans and heat go crazy when unplugged. Will check out pads.

 

[Atomic77]

Hmm How about a AIO? its bigger than a laptop but has the function and quality of a desktop computer.

 

[Moosh]

Hmm How about a AIO? its bigger than a laptop but has the function and quality of a desktop computer.

Never heard of an AIO, i’ll look into it now

 

[qubit]

Never heard of an AIO, i’ll look into it now

Careful with an AiO, because they're basically laptops built into a desktop monitor, so have the disadvantages of a laptop, without the advantages of a desktop such as expandability and in particular, more powerful graphics cards.

 

[Lionheart]

Here's some good youtube channels when it comes to gaming laptops.

GizmoSlipTech - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7u5APUApfF8MzbGHPJXF7w

Jarrod'sTech - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Rzju32yQPkQ7oIhmeuLwg

 

[Ja.KooLit]

checkout asus zypherus g15 or g14. i should be getting my g15 today

 

[Moosh]

Thanks will do, enjoy!

Here's some good youtube channels when it comes to gaming laptops.

GizmoSlipTech - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7u5APUApfF8MzbGHPJXF7w

Jarrod'sTech - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Rzju32yQPkQ7oIhmeuLwg

Great rec’s, thanks! Quality channels

 

[yotano211]

Check out

Eluktronics

Customize Powerful Gaming Laptops from the ground up. Assembled and shipped in the USA at an unbelievable value!

www.eluktronics.com

I have heard many good things about them, and they are up-to-date on their laptops. Good prices also.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Maybe in a year or so when i can get a new place with a dedicated office i’ll just get a stand alone PC for gaming then have the notebook for work.

I think having more than one computer is a good strategy for all. For one, it provides redundancy should something go wrong. Gaming machine often take a lot of abuse - simply due to the fact they are heavily tasked much of the time. Having a single computer for work and play is like taking the family's only car to drag races every weekend. Probably not a good idea if the family needs that car for other than play.

Another nice thing about having two computers is one can be used to backup the other. For example, you can keep a copy of your password manager on both. Everyone is using a good password manager, right?

Hmm How about a AIO? its bigger than a laptop but has the function and quality of a desktop computer.

Hmmm, you do keep pushing AiOs. It was made pretty clear in that thread that, like notebooks, AiOs do NOT have the same functionality, flexibility, capability, upgradeability, compatibility [shall I go on?] of PCs.

And there is absolutely nothing at all to suggest "quality" is a factor anywhere here. That is, there is nothing to indicate any computer format (PC, tablet, notebook, AiO, etc.) has better (or poorer) quality than another. Quality is a function of design, manufacturing, the quality of the parts used, etc. There are cheap, poor quality, unreliable AiOs just as there are cheap, poor quality, unreliable PCs and notebooks. Conversely, there are good quality of each.

Last, note Moosh has made it clear, he needs a portable device. AiOs are not portable.

 

[Vader]

Hmm How about a AIO? its bigger than a laptop but has the function and quality of a desktop computer.

Literally every disadvantage of a notebook, without the portability. AIOs are garbage and should be avoided. Build a mini-itx instead

 

[Vayra86]

Hmm How about a AIO? its bigger than a laptop but has the function and quality of a desktop computer.

An AIO has the SIZE of a monitor and the overall functionality of a laptop. You're mixing things up. Its the single most horrible combination of ideas. Expensive components in a chassis built for portability, on a device that isn't portable at all and can't even run without a wall socket. You also have custom everything so any repair or upgrade paths are dead unless you go through the manufacturer itself, and given the fact they release one-offs only for any AIO design the best you can hope for is grossly overpriced repair services.

Its good it works for you, but if you want to sell the idea, sell it with the correct info.

 

[Vader]

Ryzen 5000 cpus are overall the better package, but they need a mux switch to get to the level of performance you want. Thing is, there are no laptops available (yet) with these two specs. A way to get around this is to get an external monitor and plug it directly to the dgpu. So do your research as some laptops only connect to the dgpu through a type-c usb plug, and a few don't even have a direct connection to it.
For the level of performance you're aiming for, you're looking to get a high wattage (100w+) 3070 or a "max-p" (115w+) 3060

Check this out:
GE-66

Here's a playlist to get a feel of how it performs in games (warzone included)

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYUNT4_RmzWOYScosJW-xoG1jj6ECdaLG

Also, check this handy list by GizmoSlipTech of all available and upcoming laptops with rtx 3000 and their specs:

GizmoSlipTech's Gaming Laptop List w/ Ratings!

docs.google.com