Gaming laptops stand out for their visually stunning display, heavily-muscled processing power and excellent sound texture. With the absence of one of these traits, a laptop is simply an ultrabook or a notebook.
Since gaming laptops are one of the most expensive desktop counterparts, it’s no surprise that manufactures pop out here and there to convince consumers to pick their product. The freedom of customization and upgradeability is a big plus in the laptop industry.
It is important to know what to look for and have a brief idea of the top 5 customizable laptops before making a major gaming laptop purchasing decision.
For one thing, a gaming laptop will not only feel the part but it will aesthetically look the part- usually with back-lit LED keyboard and a chassis that screams powerhouse performance.
1. Dell Alienware 15 Customizable Gaming Laptop
- up to Intel Core i7-6820HK (Quad-Core, 8MB Cache, Dynamically Overclocked up to 4.1GHz )
- up to 16GB memory
- Hard drive: up to 1TB Hard Drive + 256GB SSD
- up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M with 8GB GDDR5
- up to 15.6″ UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS-Panel TrueLife 350-nits Display with Touch Technology
- Weight 7.07 Lbs
- Price starts from $1199>
There’s no denying that Alienware is one of the leading manufacturers of gaming laptops. Their 15 is an eye popper with its 1920 x 1080 resolution. This Alienware can run Max Payne 3 (highest preset at 8x Anti-Aliasing) without breaking a sweat. And under normal settings, the 15 was easily averaging a frame rate average of 84 fps. It’s no surprise that this gaming laptop scored generously above 38,000 on the 3DMark Vantage.
Despite its shortcomings in the subwoofer department, the Alienware 15 produces decent audio. It also has a keyboard that features a complete number pad. As for heat, this 4GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M-outfitted laptop passes with flying colors by maintaining a temperature below 84 degrees Fahrenheit even while playing graphic intensive games such as Batman: Arkham City.
2. Dell Alienware 17 Customizable Gaming Laptop
- up to Intel Intel Core i7-6820HK (Quad-Core, 8MB Cache, Dynamically Overclocked up to 4.1GHz)
- 8GB memory, expandable to 32GB
- up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M with 8GB GDDR5
- up to 1TB Hard Drive + 128GB Solid State Drive
- up to 17.3 inch UHD (3840 x 2160) IGZO IPS Anti-Glare 400-nits Display
- Weight 8.33 lbs
- Price starts from $1499>
The term “pimping out one’s ride” should definitely apply to this particular gaming model. The 17 is known for its customizable keyboard and touchpad-lining LED lighting scheme. Accessing the Alienware Command Center provides the user the ability to switch the lights into 19 different colors (with the 20th being dark).
This said, the amount of firepower packed in this 8.33 lb beast is out of this world. Sporting a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M (4GB GDDR5) and and 6th gen Intel Core i7 processor, the 17 keeps up with Origin EON17 which almost costs twice the 17 price.
Finally, its exterior is coated with a fingerprint repelling chassis finish.
3. ASUS ROG G752VL-UH71T Gaming Laptop
- 6rd generation Intel Core i7-6700HQ Processor
- 24GB memory, expandable to 64GB
- 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M with 2GB graphics memory
- 17.3 in Full HD IPS touchscreen (1920 x 1080), 10-finger multi-touch support
- Weight from 9.55Lbs
- Price starts from $1799>
New for 2016 ASUS ROG G752VL features latest Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, Anti-ghosting keyboard and four DDR4 slots, allowing you to upgrade to 64GB DDR4 RAM for 20% more performance with 30% more power efficiency.
The exterior finish in an armor titanium and plasma copper color scheme may be what every gamer dreams of. Asus Rog G752VL slightly heavier than Alienware 17 and including Dual-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW optical drive.
4. HP ENVY – 17t Touch Laptop
- up to 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700HQ Quad Core Processor
- up to 16GB memory
- Operating system: up to Windows 10 Pro
- up 4TB 5400 rpm Dual Hard Drive or 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD
- SuperMulti DVD burner
- up to 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M Graphics
- up to 17.3” Full HD (1920×1080) WLED IPS Touch display
- Weight 7.25 lbs
- Battery life: up to 9 hours 30 min
- Price starts from $899 >
The HP ENVY 17t touch customizable notebook is one of the latest gaming laptops out in the market. The term “notebook” doesn’t seem to fit it when this gaming laptop can easily break performance barriers with its 6th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM and 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M graphics card. The graphics card alone supports PhysX and TXAA technologies. There’s nothing more to ask from the 17.3″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 LED display.
The HP ENVY 17t notebook not only promises an intense gaming experience graphically, but HP also made sure that this model is kept cool with its HP CoolSense Technology even after prolonged usage.
5. Lenovo Y70 Touch Gaming Laptop
- 4th generation Intel Core i7-4710HQ Processor
- Memory: up to 16GB
- Hard drive:up to 512GB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M GDDR5 4GB graphics
- Display: 17.3″ FHD LED AntiGlare Multitouch (1920×1080)
- Bluetooth Version 4.0
- 720P HD video streaming webcam
- Weight 7.5 lbs
- Price starts from $999 >
The Lenovo IdeaPad Y70 is a laptop for the true gamer who still wants or needs portability. It features a removable HDD bay that can be used as a space for a second graphics card, cooling fan or other gaming need. Read more >
Final Words
The line between gaming desktops and gaming laptops is slowly thinning. Manufacturers such as Alienware are starting to incorporate powerful processors and GPUs while at the same time putting into consideration thermal efficiency and weight. To experience gaming at its best, consumer research in important to be able to choose the right gaming laptop for every user.
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