Best Gaming Laptops to Buy in 2017

When it comes time to choose a new laptop for your gaming needs, the choices are varied. The time has come when there are more than just a few gaming laptops to choose from and they don’t all have to break the bank. In fact, you might choose your next gaming laptop based on other factors or variables too. You might choose a budget gaming laptop (because they actually exist now) or one that is lighter weight, or more portable. Of course, the graphics are key, and the type of processor will weigh in on your decision; but in addition to that, perhaps you are also looking for virtual reality capabilities. It is now possible to find the machine with all of the bells and whistles you are looking for and within the price range you need. Here is our breakdown of the top 5 best gaming laptops you can buy in 2017 including the other variables that might influence your decision.

1. Razer Blade (GeForce GTX 1060) 14”

This high performance gaming laptop also is the most comparable Windows laptop to Apple’s MacBook Pro. It is light and portable at 14 inches and 4.16 pounds. This is perfect for taking on the go if you need to work and play on the same machine. One of the most fun features is that you are able to assign each key on the keyboard its own custom colour. Here are the powerful yet tiny features of the Razer Blade:

• 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU
• 16GB RAM
• 512 GB SSD hard drive
• 1920 x 1080 resolution that displays 4K HD content

 

2. Acer Predator 17

This gaming laptop lives up to its name, as it is powerful. While this one doesn’t rank high for portability or being lightweight, it does tick all of the fast and powerful boxes for you. The Acer Predator 17 features include:

• Windows 10
• 6th generation Intel Core i7 processor
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU
• 16GB RAM
• 256 GB SSD hard drive
• 1TB HDD hard drive
• 1080 p widescreen LED backlit IPS display
• 4 built-in speakers
• Thunderbolt 3 Port
• Display Port
• HDMI Port
• 4 USB Ports
• 16.6 x 12.7 x 1.6 inches
• 9.3 pounds

3. Lenovo Legion Y520

This Lenovo Legion Y520 packs in a lot of features for a budget gaming laptop. It is available for under $900 and for that price, you don’t have to give up much in quality or performance. Here are its features:

• 5.6 pounds
• 15 x 10.4 x 1 inches
• 2.8-GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU
• 16GB of RAM
• 256GB PCIe SSD
• 2TB
• 5,400-rpm HDD
• Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti
• 4GB of VRAM

MSI GT72VR Dominator Pro Dragon

If you want to splurge on your next gaming laptop, one of the top of the line choices is the MSI GT72VR Dominator Pro Dragon. In addition to the top of the line specs, this computer has Tabii eye tracking technology so it can tell where you are looking and make real-time adjustments in game. It also has VR gaming capabilities. Other features include:

• Intel Core i7 quad-core processor
• 32GB of RAM
• 512GB SSD hard drive
• 1TB HDD hard drive
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8G GDDR5
• Thunderbolt 3
• HDMI
• Mini-Display Port
• USB 3.1 Type-C connector
• Six USB 3.0 slots
• SD card reader
• Microphone jack
• Headphone jack
• Anti-ghosting keyboard
• Full-color backlit keyboard

MSI GS43VR Phantom Pro-069

This is one of the best lightweight gaming computers out there. At just 3.75 pounds, this mini powerhouse is compact with a 14.3- inch screen but you won’t miss the speed, performance or graphics. Features:

• Intel Core i7=7700HQ processor
• NVIDIA’s GTX 1060 GDDR5 graphics
• Runs most title at above 60 fps on 1080p resolutions and high detail
• 16GB (8GB x2) DDR4 2400MHz of RAM
• 128GB M.2 SATA + 1TB (7200RPM) of storage with expandable options
• VR-ready
• Plug-and-play compatibility

About the Author:

Matt Thames is blogger and Brand Manager for Selby Acoustics, leading home theater accessories supplier in Australia.