The awesome gaming laptops from last year just got even more awesome, and now there’s a bunch of new ones hitting the shelves. These new laptops come with Nvidia RTX 40-Series graphics cards, which are pretty cool and make the prices of the older ones drop a bit.
Now, these laptops are like magic because they give you the power of a big, heavy desktop computer, but they’re way lighter and easy to carry around. The cool part is, they also stay chill (not too hot) while you play games, and they give you a great display without breaking the bank.
We’ve done a bunch of testing and found the coolest gaming laptops for you to check out this year.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is the coolest gaming laptop of 2024 so far! But here’s the thing – there are lots of other great laptops that give you awesome power without breaking the bank. Some may not have the fanciest graphics cards or tons of RAM, but they still perform really well for their price. Why pay for more if you don’t need it, right?
We’ve tested a bunch of gaming laptops to find the best ones out there. We check how well they work compared to what they promise, how cool they stay, and if they give you good bang for your buck. We run them through lots of tests and even live, play, and work with them for a while.
1. Asus ROG Strix Scar 16
| REASONS TO BUY | +Classic RGB-laden aesthetic taken to new heights +Intel i9 absolutely sings +Vivid, bright display with excellent contrast +Three figure framerates at Ultra settings |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Ports moved back to sides -Translucent design won’t be for everyone -Trackpad feels a little mushy and clunky |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: Intel i9-13980HX GPU: RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 RAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: 2TB M.2 PCL 4.0 SSD Display: 16-inch QHD+ Mini LED, 240Hz | 16-inch QHD+ IPS, 240Hz Ports: 1x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, 2.5G LAN, 3.5mm |
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 | RTX 4080
- The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, we checked out the CPU/GPU combo. Even if you don’t go for the super-duper RTX 4090 model, the power it gives is seriously impressive. With 32GB of RAM, you’re all set for future games, and don’t even get us started on that Nebula display.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is now our favorite gaming laptop, beating the Razer Blade 15 (which you can still see below). It’s like a superhero – it handles everything smoothly, even though it’s not as expensive as some other top-notch RTX 40-Series laptops. This cool laptop focuses on what gamers really want – it stays cool, the brainy part (CPU) works efficiently, and it’s got a powerful graphics engine (GPU). Plus, it looks awesome with colorful RGB lights and a super cool Mini LED display that matches its futuristic design.
The look of this laptop is not exactly subtle. It’s made for gamers who love flashy things. There’s a colorful panel at the bottom, but you can turn it off if you want. The see-through design on the main part wasn’t our favorite, and it gives the laptop a very ‘gamer’ look, but some people might like it.
On the top, there’s a big ROG logo and some cool lines, making it clear that this laptop is not your typical work computer. But don’t worry, it’s not too loud – you can turn off the lights and keep it looking cool and smooth.
Features: The laptop has a really awesome screen – Asus calls it ‘Nebula HDR’, and it’s fantastic. With over 1,000 dimming zones and super bright colors, everything looks vivid and has a great balance with deep, rich contrast. Plus, it has Dolby Atmos and a surround sound system, making the gaming experience super immersive.
And guess what? The inside is just as cool. You can choose to have a super powerful i9-13980HX CPU and an RTX 4090 card – those are top-notch specs for anyone who wants a really high-quality gaming setup.
Performance: We tested a really powerful gaming setup with an RTX 4080 and an Intel i9-13980HX processor. It scored 17,611 in Time Spy and 32,876 in Fire Strike – beating the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 and even the bigger and more expensive Razer Blade 18 in these tests. These scores mean the laptop can handle gaming for the next five years or even more if there aren’t any super demanding games.
Sure, it didn’t have as high framerates as the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 mentioned below, but you’re not paying an extra $1,000 for a fancy second screen you might not even use. With this laptop, you get really fast framerates in Ultra settings for all the cool and demanding games, thanks to its powerful performance.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Benchmarks (RTX 4080)
| Benchmark Test | 1080p | QHD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High: 193fps / Ultra: 148fps | High: 121fps / Ultra: 87fps |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High: 201fps / Highest: 191fps | High: 179fps / Highest: 173fps |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Balanced: 118fps / Highest: 107fps | Balanced: 95fps / Highest: 94fps |
| The Division 2 | High: 167fps / Ultra: 138fps | High: 140fps / Ultra: 108fps |
| Metro Exodus | High: 134fps / Ultra: 115fps | High: 101fps / Ultra: 93fps |
2. Alienware M15 R7
| REASONS TO BUY | +Incredible performance +Satisfying keyboard +Fast display +Some premium design features | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: i7-12700H | i9-12900H GPU: RTX 3050 Ti | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 Ti RAM: up to 64GB Storage: up to 4TB SSD Display: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz Ports: 3x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45 Killer E3100 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, 1x 3.5mm headset jack | |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Cheaper plastic body Difficult to transport Particularly loud fans |
Alienware M15 R7 | RTX 3060
- We tried out the Alienware M15 R7, and it had a really strong RTX 3070 Ti GPU, but that version is pretty expensive, costing over $2,000. However, with the RTX 3060 build, you’re still getting a super powerful 12th generation processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM, and it’s more budget-friendly. We decided to keep the awesome 360Hz display we tested in this version, and it’s only $100 more – totally worth the money for such a cool and impressive screen!
The Alienware M15 R7 upgraded the fancy laptops to meet the standards of 2022. And guess what? It’s still the best choice for anyone who wants a really powerful laptop in 2023. It has Intel’s super cool 12th generation processors and Nvidia’s Ti GPUs, so you’re getting a lot of power with this laptop!
Design:The way this laptop looks and feels. Just so you know, it’s built for power, but that makes it a bit chunky and heavy. The charger is quite big, almost the length of the keyboard. So, it’s not the kind of gaming laptop you can easily toss into your backpack. And yes, the fans can get pretty loud. But, if you want a laptop that can keep up with much more expensive ones, these little things might not bother you.
It has that classic Alienware look – a slim design on the front, a ’15’ watermark on the back, and a cool RGB strip around the ports at the back. The matte finish helps hide the fact that it’s made of cheaper plastic, but it still feels tough, even though the screen can bend a bit.
Features: The M15 R7 has a lot of ways to connect things – it’s got plenty of different ports for USB-C, USB-A, WiFi, and Ethernet. The keyboard is also really nice, with keys that feel good when you press them, making it great for playing games and typing.
On the top, the screen in our test unit was super fast, with a 360Hz display. It was really good at showing fast movements in games and reducing any tearing. We did notice that lighter colors didn’t look as good as darker ones, a bit washed out, but overall, it looked pretty nice, even in bright light.
Performance: We were super impressed with how well this laptop performs. The one we tested had an i7-12700H processor and an RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, and it handled all our tests without breaking a sweat. It breezed through heavy games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Metro Exodus, giving us 76fps in RDR2’s Ultra settings and 72fps with all the fancy RTX stuff maxed out in Metro Exodus. These settings would make even the really expensive RTX 3080 Ti Razer Blade 15 struggle.
Alienware is known for being a fancy brand, and their M-series laptops are not as expensive as the X-series. The Alienware M15 R7 is more affordable compared to other Alienware laptops, but it still has that premium Alienware quality. There are cheaper laptops out there, but they won’t have the same brand reputation. This laptop performs really well, almost as good as the top gaming laptops, and you’re not paying as much. So, if you’re looking for a great gaming laptop without breaking the bank, this is a fantastic choice. The X15 may sound better on paper, but when you consider the price and what most people need, the M15 R7 is the winner.
Alienware M15 R7 Benchmarks (RTX 3070 Ti)
| Benchmark Test | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High – 148fps / Highest – 129fps |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High – 120fps / Ultra – 83fps |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Balanced – 79fps / Highest – 76fps |
| Metro Exodus | High – 98fps / Ultra – 72fps |
| The Division 2 | High: 124fps / Ultra: 97fps |
3. Acer Nitro 5
| REASONS TO BUY | Good gaming performance at 1080p Solid chassis and keyboard |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / Intel i7-11800H GPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 Ti RAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: up to 1TB SSD Display: FHD at 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz | UHD at 144Hz Ports: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x RJ45 |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Battery life is quite poor Display is unexciting |
Acer Nitro 5 | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- The Acer Nitro 5 is a good deal with a nice mix of features. It has strong components inside and a cool 144Hz display on the top. The best part is, you can often find it on sale at Amazon for prices between $1,049 and $1,329.
The Acer Nitro 5 may not have fancy features or the absolute best performance, but it’s a solid pick for gamers who are always on the go and don’t want to spend too much money.
Design:The Acer Nitro 5 has a specific appearance, and the latest one is not much different. It’s made of plastic, which might show fingerprints easily, but it feels strong when you hold it. Also, it’s one of the lighter gaming laptops, weighing 2.3kg. The screen doesn’t look its best because of the borders around it, and the corners and lines might seem a bit old-fashioned. But overall, it’s a simple design for a more affordable laptop.
Features: The RTX 3060 Nitro 5 is often priced below $1,000, and it brings strong components at a budget-friendly cost by skipping some extra features. It’s great for those who want powerful performance without paying for fancy add-ons that can make gaming laptops expensive.
The laptop has a good-sized keyboard with a number pad, making it suitable for both work and play. It’s a nice substitute for a big desktop PC at home, and it’s not too heavy for a gaming laptop. The screen might not be as vibrant as others in the same price range, and the battery life isn’t amazing, but considering the low cost, these trade-offs seem reasonable. Plus, the display still has an excellent 144Hz refresh rate.
“The RTX 3060 GPU, along with a Ryzen 5800H processor, did really well in our tests. It reached 86 frames per second (fps) in High settings on The Division 2 and only went down to 77fps in Ultra settings. The SSD (storage) could be a bit faster, but it’s not a big problem. Most games will run smoothly with over 60fps at the highest settings, and you can even use ray-tracing, although it might make the performance a bit slower.”
The Nitro 5 It’s a great way to spend less money, enjoy gaming for a few good years, and figure out what you really want in a bigger purchase later on.
There are also other good choices like the Dell G15 and Asus TUF Dash F15. The Dell one is often a bit cheaper than the Acer Nitro 5, but it doesn’t handle heat quite as well. Asus’s budget option is a bit more expensive but comes with a higher quality display, although it sacrifices some processing power.
| Benchmark Test | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High: 118fps / Highest: 107fps |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High: 81fps / Ultra: 58fps |
| Metro Exodus | High: 79fps / Ultra: 39fps |
| The Division 2 | High: 86fps / Ultra: 77fps |
4. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
| REASONS TO BUY | Perfect mix between portability and power Slick design and subtle aesthetic Durable and reliable build quality Nvidia graphics make for excellent performance Impressive speaker system |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Mini LED display isn’t as slick as other 2023 options |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS / Ryzen 7 7735HS Graphics: Nvidia RTX 4060 / 4070 / 4080 / 4090 RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5 Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD Resolution: 14-inch QHD+ Mini LED / IPS Refresh rate: 144Hz / 165Hz Ports: 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C 4 (Display Port + PD), 1x Micro SD card reader |
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | RTX 4070
- We tried out the RTX 4090 version of the G14, but it’s quite expensive at $3,799. The RTX 4070 version, even though it doesn’t have the Mini-LED display, gives you a great balance in terms of value for your money.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 was the king of slim gaming laptops. It was one of the first easy-to-carry machines, designed to fit in your backpack and on your desk. In 2023, Asus made it even more powerful. They brought back Nvidia with the RTX 40-Series graphics (last year’s AMD version was fast but missed some cool graphics features), and now it’s rocking Intel’s 13th generation processors. This new version keeps that perfect mix of power and portability.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 has always looked cool, and the 2023 version is even better. The laptop is made of a strong material, so it feels sturdy but is still easy to carry around, weighing only 1.7kg. The special LED display is there, but you can skip it if you want to save money. Both models look good enough for work or play.
A cool thing about the design is the hinge – when you open the laptop, it lifts a bit to create more space for air and gives it a cool floating look. It’s not just for style; it helps keep the laptop running well.
In terms of features, the return to Nvidia graphics is a big win. You have lots of options, from RTX 4060 to RTX 4090. The screen is still 16:10, but the top-tier RTX 4090 version comes with Asus’ special Nebula HDR MiniLED panel. It’s not as bright as some other models, but it still looks good.
In performance, this little laptop did really well, hitting over 120 frames per second in games, even at high settings. It stays smooth whether you’re playing in 1080p or 1440p. Just be aware that it can get a bit warm under heavy use, so it’s better to use it on a desk than on your lap. Still, not many 14-inch laptops can match these specs, and having that extra screen space is a nice bonus.
“The G14 is the best 14-inch gaming laptop we’ve tried. It’s a mix of being powerful and easy to carry, which not many laptops can do. It gives you good value for your money, more options for parts, and it’s cheaper than the Alienware x14. If you want a small and strong gaming computer, this is the one to get.
| Benchmark | 1080p | 1440p |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High: 165fps | Highest: 153fps | High: 130fps | Highest: 124fps |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High: 145fps | Ultra: 118fps | High: 117fps | Ultra: 86fps |
| Rainbow Six Extraction | High: 238fps | Ultra: 192fps | High: 170fps | Ultra: 141fps |
| Returnal | High: 131fps | Epic: 124fps | High: 122fps | Epic: 121fps |
| Hitman 3 | High: 121fps | Ultra: 115fps | High: 114fps | Ultra: 110fps |
5. Razer Blade 15
| REASONS TO BUY | +Powerful components in a slimline build +Excellent color and contrast +Luxury design with solid build quality |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Last year’s components |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: i7-12800H | i9-12900H GPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 Ti RAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: 1TB SSD Display: FHD at 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz | UHD at 144Hz Ports: 3x USB-A Gen 2 | 1x USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 | 1x USB-C | 3.5mm audio jack | SD card slot | HDMI |
Razer Blade 15 | RTX 3080 Ti
- This is currently the top-notch 15.6-inch gaming laptop available, but it comes with a high price tag. If you have a good budget, we strongly suggest going for the top-tier specifications, including an RTX 3080 Ti GPU, an i9-12900H processor, and a stunning 144Hz 4K display. While there are more affordable options, if you’re aiming for the absolute best, these specs should be your starting point for comparison.
We got to try out a really powerful Razer Blade 15, and it proved how strong 15.6-inch gaming laptops can be. The one I had on my desk with the RTX 3080 Ti and i9-12900H was like a performance monster. What’s even cooler is that it managed to be super powerful while staying slim and sleek – that’s why it’s one of the best gaming laptops out there.
This Razer laptop looks. It’s the classic matte black with a shiny green Razer logo on the lid – you know the style. The Blade 15 sticks to this design but manages to fit in all the powerful parts while staying slim and looking luxurious. However, there’s a bit of flex in the display, and the hinge wobbles a bit, but that’s common for laptops this size. The hinge is strong though, so it’s not a big worry.
Opening it up, you’ll see a keyboard without a number pad, and there’s extra ventilation underneath. The screen is really good, especially the 4K display. It not only keeps up with demanding games but also gives vibrant and clear visuals, making the gaming experience much better.
Inside, Razer put in a powerful RTX 3080 Ti GPU. At the time of the review, only a few gaming laptops had this strong GPU. With the i9 CPU it comes with, you have a lot of power for gaming.
In terms of performance, I could play Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 74 frames per second (fps) in 4K with everything set to the max. While more demanding games struggled in 4K, I was still impressed with over 60 fps in 1440p for Red Dead Redemption 2 and 78 fps in The Division 2 at the same resolution. I only needed to adjust some visual effects for higher frame rates in 4K, and everything looked amazing while doing so.
The Razer Blade 15 is the best when it comes to performance, powerful components, and being easy to carry around. No other machines with RTX 3080 Ti graphics cards, at the time of this writing, can match its 4K 144Hz display at this price.
But let’s be clear – this isn’t a cheap laptop. The starting price for the 2022 Razer Blade 15 with an RTX 3060 is $2,499.99. You’re paying more for the Razer brand, but if you want one of the most powerful and portable machines, it’s worth the investment.
| Benchmark Test | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High: 101fps / Highest: 97fps | High: 94fps / Highest: 67fps | High: 66fps / Highest: 74fps |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High: 107fps / Ultra: 79fps | High: 67fps / Ultra: 49fps | High: 33fps / Ultra: 23fps |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Balanced: 84fps / Highest: 67fps | Balanced: 69fps / Highest: 52fps | Balanced: 43fps / Highest: 26fps |
| Metro Exodus | High: 87fps / Ultra: 67fps | High: 69fps / Ultra: 53fps | High: 42fps / Ultra: 25fps |
| The Division 2 | High: 107fps / Ultra: 86fps | High: 78fps / Ultra: 61fps | High: 45fps / Ultra: 35fps |
6. Alienware M18
| REASONS TO BUY | +Incredible power under the hood +Cheaper configurations than Razer or Asus +Subtle design +Plenty of ports with excellent placement +Full sized keyboard and number pad |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -The heaviest gaming laptop we’ve tested so far -Display quality doesn’t live up to the competition -Speakers don’t feel as robust as the Scar 18 |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: Intel i9-13900HX | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel i9-13980HX | AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX | AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX | AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX GPU: RTX 4060 | RTX 4070 | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 | Radeon RX 7600M XT RAM: 16GB | 32GB | 64GB Storage: 1TB SSD | 2TB SSD | 4TB SSD | 8TB SSD Display: 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 165Hz | 18-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 480Hz Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (PowerShare), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort), 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x mini-Display, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Alienware M18 | Intel i9-13900HX
- We tried out a laptop with an RTX 4090 graphics card and an i9-13900HX processor, but our favorite configuration is a bit more budget-friendly. You can get an RTX 4080 setup for under $3,000, making it a great choice. This keeps the competition strong, especially against the Asus mentioned below, for those who don’t want to go past the $3,000 mark.
The Alienware M18 competes closely with the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 mentioned below when it comes to pure performance, but it doesn’t quite take the title of the ‘most powerful.’ Still, with various configuration choices, a stylish design, and features designed more for desktop use, we consider it the top choice for an 18-inch gaming laptop overall.
The Alienware M18 looks and what it can do. When we opened the box, we noticed a cool design with a sloping front that makes it feel more manageable than some other big gaming laptops. It’s not a portable laptop, though – it’s still big and heavy. The design has the classic Alienware style, with an aluminum lid and an embossed 18 at the top. The main body is plastic and keeps a gray color. There’s also some RGB lighting, but it’s not as flashy as some other laptops.
Now, the main feature here is the 18-inch screen. Dell offers two options – one with a higher resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, and the other with a lower resolution but a super fast 480Hz refresh rate. It would have been nice to have something in the middle. The display isn’t as bright as some other options, and it doesn’t have fancy HDR capabilities.
But the M18 has some great features – lots of ports, a built-in 1080p webcam, and a full-sized keyboard with a number pad. It feels like a real desktop PC alternative. What’s really good is the choices you have with the components. You can get an M18 with an RTX 4060 for under $2,000, which gives you a big screen without spending a ton on graphics cards you might not need.
In terms of performance, the M18 almost did as well as the Strix Scar 18 in our tests, even beating it in some cases. While the Asus laptop is still the best, the M18 is really powerful. It performed really well in demanding games and always had really high frame rates, even with the graphics settings turned up.
The Alienware M18 is a gaming laptop that can do a lot of different things. You can customize it a lot if you have a big budget, or you can keep it simpler for gaming on a big screen for under $2,000. Not many 18-inch laptops can do that, especially ones that are this powerful.
Alienware M18 Benchmarks (RTX 4090)
| Game | 1080p | 1600p |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High: 210fps | Highest: 196fps | High: 184fps | Highest: 173fps |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High: 222fps | Ultra: 171fps | High: 144fps | Ultra: 105fps |
| Rainbow Six Extraction | High: 212fps | Ultra: 174fps | High: 168fps | Ultra: 148fps |
| Returnal | High: 183fps | Epic: 142fps | High: 152fps | Epic: 138fps |
| Hitman 3 | High: 168fps | Ultra: 153fps | High: 139fps | Epic: 121fps |
7. Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
| REASONS TO BUY | Top of the line components means incredible power Super vivid and bright display Full sized keyboard Robust, well rounded speakers Sophisticated cooling |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Not easily portable Port placement is messy Loud fans Chassis design isn’t for everyone |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: Intel Core i9-13980HX GPU: RTX 4070 | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 RAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: 1TB + 1TB PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 | 1TB PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 Display: 18-inch QHD+ IPS @ 240Hz Ports: 1x USB-C (DisplayPort, power delivery), 1x UBS-C Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, 2.5G LAN, 3.5mm audio |
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
- This is the best version of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, and we used it for three weeks. It has a super powerful Intel i9 processor that works even better when matched with an RTX 4090 for an amazing performance. Plus, it comes with a big 32GB RAM, which adds to its overall awesomeness.
Big gaming laptops that are 18 inches in size have arrived, and many of them find it tough to stand out compared to cheaper desktop computers or more portable 16-inch laptops. However, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 manages to grab the top spot. It’s really strong and fast, beating other laptops in our tests, including the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16. It’s the most powerful one we’ve tried so far, and that’s something important to notice.
the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18! First, the way it looks might not be everyone’s favorite, with see-through plastic and colorful lights. It’s not the fanciest for its price, but it feels tough and durable. Even though there’s an all-metal Razer Blade 18 that costs a lot more, the Scar 18’s build is still good.
Now, about the ports (the places you plug things in) – they are on the sides, which might be annoying when the laptop is on a desk. Wires can get messy.
When it comes to features, Asus didn’t spend money on a fancy screen but instead focused on what’s inside. The screen is super fast, and the laptop has a top-notch Intel i9 processor. It also has a full-sized keyboard (with a number pad), great speakers, a MUX switch, and good cooling. It’s got more features than the Razer Blade 18, which is heavier, and the Alienware M18.
Now, the best part – performance! The Scar 18 is a powerhouse. It outperformed other top gaming laptops we tested, including the Razer Blade 18 and the Zephyrus Duo 16. It scored really high in tests, showing it’s one of the best gaming laptops around.
This Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is a super strong gaming laptop. It can run games like Returnal, Total War: Three Kingdoms, and Hitman 3 at really high graphics settings with smooth and consistent frame rates (over 100 frames per second). It’s the most powerful gaming laptop we’ve tried.
But here’s the thing – it’s not for everyone. Only a few people might really like it. If you want a powerful machine that can stay on your desk most of the time but can also be taken with you sometimes, this could be the best option we’ve found.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 Benchmarks (RTX 4090)
| Benchmark Test | 1080p | 1600p |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High: 219fps | Highest: 199fps | High: 191fps | Highest: 187fps |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High: 220fps | Ultra: 170fps | High: 140fps | Ultra: 100fps |
| Returnal | High: 161fps | Ultra: 142fps | (1440p) High: 129fps | Ultra: 108fps |
| Rainbow Six Extraction | High: 270fps | Ultra: 253fps | High: 216fps | Ultra: 177fps |
| Hitman 3 | High: 198fps | Ultra: 173fps | High: 172fps | Ultra: 143fps |
8. HP Omen Transcend 16
| REASONS TO BUY | Slick, slimline design while still offering new components Even FHD display still packs a punch Impressive performance despite skinny design Remarkably quiet |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Lower bezel is a little large Maxes out at RTX 4070 |
| SPECIFICATIONS | CPU: Intel i7-13700HX | Intel i9-13900HX GPU: RTX 4050 | RTX 4060 | RTX 4070 RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz | 32GB DDR5 4800 | 32GB DDR5 5600 MHz Storage: 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD | 2TB SSD Display: 16-inch 1920×1200 @ 165Hz | 16-inch 2560 x 1600 @ 240Hz | 16-inch 2560 x 1600 Mini LED @ 240Hz Ports: 1x HDMI 2.1 | 2x USB-A | 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4, power delivery, DisplayPort) | 1x RJ-45 | 1x 3.5mm |
HP Omen Transcend 16 | RTX 4070
- We really liked the HP Omen, especially when it has the RTX 4070 inside. It’s even better with a 1TB SSD and a fancy WQXGA display. All of this power is packed into a slim and sleek design.
We used to think the really thin Alienware x14 was the best slim gaming laptop, but now we believe the slightly thicker HP Omen Transcend 16 is even better. It’s more powerful with the latest Intel i9 processor and an RTX 4070 GPU. Plus, it’s easy to carry around, making it a great choice.
The HP Omen Transcend 16! First, how it looks: It’s a slim gaming laptop with a cool black design made of fancy materials. It’s not as heavy as other gaming laptops with similar power, weighing only 2.1kg.
Now, the cool features: It has powerful components, like the RTX 4070 and Intel i9, which are great for most gamers. You can even get a super fancy display, lots of RAM, and a big SSD if you want to spend more money. The screen quality is impressive even at 1080p resolution, and it has lots of ports for different connections.
And now, performance: Even with a not-so-crazy RTX 4060 inside, it does really well in games and tests. It stays cool, and the upgraded cooling system keeps things running smoothly. While there are bigger gaming laptops that might perform a bit better, the Transcend is efficient and well-designed, making it a good choice for many gamers.
We really liked the HP Omen Transcend 16. Even though people didn’t always think HP was as good as brands like Razer and Alienware, this laptop might change that. It’s the best slim gaming laptop we’ve tried, and it could be the beginning of a new and better time for HP in the gaming world.
HP Omen Transcend 16 Benchmarks (RTX 4060)
| Benchmark Test | 1920 x 1200 |
|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | High: 138fps | Highest: 131fps |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | High: 104fps | Ultra: 75fps |
| Rainbow Six Extraction | High: 169fps | Ultra: 136fps |
| Returnal | High: 68fps | Epic: 63fps |
| Hitman 3 | High: 117fps | Ultra: 102fps |