How does one sift through the plethora of options to find that one perfect gaming beast?
The stakes are high. A subpar gaming laptop not only affects your in-game performance but could also set you back by a significant amount of money.
According to a 2021 survey, gamers regretted 32% of their tech purchases due to inadequate research. That’s almost one in every three purchases! And with the gaming industry predicted to grow by 9.3% in 2023, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck is more crucial than ever.
Fear not, for we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Based on rigorous testing and in-depth analysis, this guide will unveil the top gaming laptops of 2023, helping you make a choice that you won’t regret. Plus, as a bonus, we’ll also shine a light on one laptop you might want to steer clear of.
1. The Underrated Gem: Asus Tough A16 Advantage Edition
Firstly, let’s discuss the heart of the device, its performance. The Asus Tough A16 is equipped with the AMD Ryzen processor, a powerhouse in the computing world. AMD’s Ryzen processors have quickly gained traction among gamers and professionals alike for their unparalleled multi-core performance, and this laptop proudly houses the Ryzen 7 7735HS.
The Harmonious Blend of Performance and Price
This 8-core, 16-thread processor, with a turbo frequency of up to 4.7 GHz, ensures that the laptop can handle not just games, but also intense multitasking and professional tasks like video editing with ease. When I switched from my previous laptop to the Asus Tough A16, the difference was night and day. Load times were faster, gameplay was smoother, and there was no sign of the pesky lag that had plagued my previous devices.
Then there’s the AMD Radeon RX 7600 S graphics. With 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, it offers a gaming experience that’s comparable to the NVIDIA RTX 37 ETI gaming laptops. But here’s the game-changer – the Asus Tough A16 accomplishes this at a significantly reduced price point. For a gamer who’s always on a budget, finding a device that offers such high-end performance without burning a hole in my pocket was like a dream come true.
Quality Features and Enhancements
While performance is paramount, the features and build of the laptop play an indispensable role in the overall gaming experience. The Asus Tough A16, despite its affordability, does not skimp on quality. Its plastic build might sound ordinary, but having used it personally, I can vouch for its durability and ergonomic design. The mock switch is an added convenience, providing tactile feedback that’s reminiscent of the high-end mechanical keyboards.
Battery life is another ace up its sleeve. As someone who often finds himself engrossed in marathon gaming sessions, there’s nothing more frustrating than having to scramble for a charger midway. The Asus Tough A16’s commendable battery life means fewer interruptions and more immersive gameplay.
Graphics and the Future-Proof Approach
True, the absence of NVIDIA graphics means missing out on DLSS and frame generation. But Asus compensates for this by incorporating the FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). While it might not be as renowned as DLSS, my personal experience with FSR has been nothing short of impressive. It enhances the gaming visuals, providing crisper, more detailed images, ensuring that the gameplay experience remains top-notch.
State-of-the-Art Specifications
The specifications of the Asus Tough A16 read like a gamer’s dream. The 16″ FHD+ 165Hz IPS-Level Display is a treat for the eyes. The visuals are sharp, the colors vibrant, and the refresh rate ensures that there’s no motion blur, even in the most intense action sequences. HIDevolution, an authorized Asus dealer, further enhances the laptop’s thermal performance by adding Gelid GC Extreme on the GPU. This, combined with the pre-installed Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut on the CPU, ensures optimal system temperatures even during prolonged gaming sessions.
The 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD is another gem. For someone like me, who’s impatient at the best of times, the fast boot-up and minimal load times were a godsend. And with 16 GB DDR5 4800MHz dual-channel system memory, the laptop runs even the most memory-intensive applications with ease.
Lastly, it comes with the Windows 11 Home operating system, ensuring you remain up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
Who Should Buy?
- Avid gamers seeking top-notch performance.
- Professionals needing multitasking capabilities.
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting high value.
- Content creators requiring fast processing.
- Users prioritizing optimal thermal performance.
Who Should Avoid?
- Avid gamers seeking top-notch performance.
- Professionals needing multitasking capabilities.
- Content creators requiring fast processing.
- Users prioritizing optimal thermal performance.
Pros
- AMD Rysin processor and AMD Radeon RX 7600 S graphics.
- Outlasts many gaming laptops in its category.
- 165Hz display for smoother gameplay.
- Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut and Gelid GC Extreme for optimal temperatures.
- Uses AMD’s FSR, an evolving graphic tech.
Cons
- Uses last year’s CPU architecture rather than the latest.
- Might not feel as premium as metal counterparts.
- Missing out on features like DLSS and specific frame generations.
- Limited to RX 7600 S, no availability of higher-tier graphic options.
Bottom Line: The Asus Tough A16 Advantage Edition offers impressive AMD performance at an unbeatable price point, though it compromises slightly on build material and misses out on NVIDIA-specific features. Ideal for gamers seeking value and performance in a balanced package.
2. The Powerhouses: Asus SCAR 17 and SCAR 18
Distinguishing Factors: SCAR 17 follows the previous year’s design but houses the 16 core AMD Rysum processor and NVIDIA RTX 40. Meanwhile, SCAR 18 boasts a new design with a 16 by 1018 inch screen.
Performance: Both laptops shine in the multi-core CPU performance even when unplugged. They consistently topped the charts in various game tests.
3. The Balanced Performer: Lenovo’s Legion Pro 5I
What’s New: 2023’s model is an updated version of the acclaimed Legion Five or Five Pro.
Hardware: Comes equipped with RTX 4070 graphics. The price might seem steep at first but offers value for money when on sale.
Features: Frame generation enhances gameplay, making it smoother in supported games.
4. The Crown Jewel: Asus Ephorus M16
Overview: This sleek gaming laptop, with its impeccable build quality and mini LED screen, has topped our list.
Performance: While it might not beat the bigger, more powerful laptops in raw performance, the M16 offers an excellent balance between portability and power.
Upgrades: This year, Asus has introduced two memory slots and a third fan for the M16, ensuring enhanced performance.
5. Laptop to Avoid: MSI’s GF63
Despite its attractive price, the MSI GF63 fails to offer a satisfactory gaming experience, especially when compared to other laptops in its price range.
Conclusion:
Selecting the perfect gaming laptop is a critical decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. With our comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed choice, ensuring you enjoy a seamless and immersive gaming experience.