Finding a balance between study and play can be challenging for students, especially when their favorite pastime is gaming. In an ideal scenario, a gamer's everyday laptop should have the specifications to play their favorite video games anytime, anywhere. Although there are countless options for students available, the best budget laptops for students don't always cut it when it comes to the hardware demands of the latest gaming titles.
When a laptop is used for school and gaming, it is important to find a laptop that is reliable, powerful, and affordable. Although the best gaming laptops may be a great place to start when searching for unmatched gaming performance, students especially understand the need for a reasonably priced gaming laptop. If you are actively looking to upgrade your everyday laptop to a gaming beast, but aren't sure where to start, then this guide is for you. To get the most out of your gaming laptop, consider checking out The Best War Games's articles about the best gaming laptop accessories and these must-have laptop travel accessories!
Updated on August 23rd, 2024 by Michael Akuchie: Since its last publication, four new gaming laptops, the Razer Blade 16, MIS Thin, ASUS TUF Dash 15, and Alienware M17R5 have been added to the guide. These new options offer varying levels of performance for the ultimate gaming and academic experience.
The Best War Games's Best Gaming Laptops for School
Razer Blade 16 (2024) Gaming Laptop
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-14900HX 14th Gen
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 6GB RAM
- Storage
- 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (Up to 8 TB)
- Battery
- 95.2 Whr (6182 mAh, 4 cells)
This high end laptop comes with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU for vivid, realistic images. The 16-inch QLED display has a fast response time and an impressive refresh rate. It has an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and 16GB of RAM for indefatigable gaming and reliable multitasking. 1TB SSD storage offers ample space for files and games.
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16" OLED QHD+ 240Hz Display
- Speakers
- 4 speaker array (tweeters x2, sub x2)
- Weight
- 2.45 kg / 5.40 lbs.
- Incredible performance
- QHD+ 240Hz OLED display
- Sophisticated and effective cooling solution
- 0.2ms response time
- Expensive
- No Thunderbolt 5
The Razer Blade 16 can comfortably serve a user's academic and gaming needs thanks to its top-tier Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, which elevated its performance by far. To ensure that it can handle gaming, video editing, and any other demanding activity with high-quality visuals, the Razer Blade 16 comes with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 4090, which promises great graphics power. Laptops, especially the gaming types, often overheat due to the heavy programs they have to run. To allow the system to run at optimal performance without any overheating issues, the laptop features a single-piece vapor chamber design that can lower keyboard temperatures by up to 12%.
Sporting a 16-inch 240Hz OLED display, the laptop promises more vibrant images in games, videos, and virtually any content. If you're an FPS lover, then you understand the importance of reacting quickly in tense situations. Thankfully, the Razer Blade comes with an amazing 0.2ms response time, allowing you to record more accurate hits without the inconvenience of input lag. Admittedly, the Razer Blade 16 is pretty expensive and the price may discourage many prospective shoppers. Some users have also noted that the keyboard’s tactile feedback is not the best out there. Despite these flaws, this is one remarkable gaming laptop for school that trumps the other options.
MSI Thin 15 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i7-12650H
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- RAM
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
Looking for a gaming laptop that won't break the bank but packs great power under the hood? From its Intel Core i7-12650H processor to the GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, prepared to run most games without any issues. The MSI Thin’s 15.6-inch 144Hz delivers immersive gameplay along with smooth visuals. You also get a plethora of connectivity options which comes in handy for peripherals and other devices.
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6 Inches
- Brand
- MSI
- Model
- THIN15131451
- 16GB RAM for multitasking
- RTX 4050 with raytracing feature
- Quite affordable
- Battery isn't great
- Tends to overheat
The MSI Thin 15.6-inch laptop is ideal for students who want a gaming laptop that strikes a unique balance between affordability and performance. Equipped with the Intel Core i7-12650H processor, you can run games and other demanding programs smoothly most of the time. The MSI laptop with the GeForce RTX 4050 unveils the incredible abilities of ray tracing, which simulates real-world lighting to ensure better visuals while gaming.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD screen makes gameplay feel immersive with a high refresh rate, ensuring that you don't encounter any motion handling issues. Depending on your preferences, the MSI Thin laptop allows you to switch between two performance modes: the Discrete Graphics Mode, which locks on the dedicated GPU to draw standard power, and the MSHybrid Graphics Mode, which relies on the IGPU or the dedicated GPU depending on the task it's asked to run. Some users have bemoaned its battery life, saying that it charges just as quickly as its battery drains. It's worth mentioning that the laptop tends to get hot quickly, too.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070)
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 76WHr 4-Cell
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop is one of the most well-respected compact gaming laptops in the business, throwing in impressive CPU and GPU combinations in a tight form factor while exacting a significant amount of performance out of them.
With an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and an Nvidia RTX 4070 in tow, the G14 comes equipped to take on games at its target display resolution of 2K with a refresh rate of 165Hz which offers an IPS panel and up to 500 nits of brightness as part of its feature set.
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14 Inches,2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Camera
- 1080P FHD IR Camera
- Speakers
- Yes
- Colors
- Moonlight White
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Weight
- 3.64 lbs
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and RTX 4070 for high-end performance
- Ultra-portable, 3.64 lb build
- 1TB NVME SSD for ample and fast storage
- Limited screen size
- High-end specs may impact battery life
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 skillfully combines portability with power, making it the best lightweight gaming laptop for school students who refuse to compromise gaming performance. Its AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU deliver impressive visuals on a vibrant 14-inch display, all within a lightweight frame that won't burden your backpack.
The ASUS ROG's slim size and top-tier specs make it a standout choice. It also considers the typical student's needs with its substantial 1TB storage and robust build. This blend of gaming-grade performance and practical portability confirms it as the best lightweight gaming laptop for school. For a deeper dive, check out our full review.
ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2022)
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i5 12450H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop
- Storage
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- RAM
- 8GB DDR5
ASUS TUF Dash 15 is a 2022 model that features a decent configuration for gaming on a budget. Powered by the Core i5 12450H and the Geforce RTX 3050 Ti, it does pretty well in modern games on medium to high settings. Its thin body and excellent cooling make it easy to carry and ideal for long usage.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Battery
- 76Wh
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6", 1920x1080p
- Weight
- 4.41lbs
- Brand
- Asus
- Model
- FX517ZE-RS51
- Display type
- IPS
- Size
- 13.94″ x 9.88″ x 0.78″ ~ 0.81″
- RTX 3060 offers raytracing
- Military-grade toughess
- 1080p display is great for competitive gaming
- Batter isn't great
- Comes with plenty of bloatware
Finding a competent gaming laptop that can handle schoolwork for under $1,500 can be difficult, seeing as many of the available options are pricey. Fortunately, the Asus TUF Dash 15 offers several incredible features that should not only improve your gaming experience but stay within the $1,500 range. Feel free to play games and multitask easily using the Intel Core i7-12650H processor. The RTX 3060 ensures that gameplay graphics will be smooth for a better experience using AI-powered features, like raytracing.
Durability is a key feature for gaming laptops, and the ASUS TUF Dash 12 looks to allay intending buyers' concerns with its military-grade toughness. Designed to withstand the physical shock of drops and extreme temperatures, this is a gaming laptop for all situations. Its 144Hz 1080p display is perfect for competitive gaming, making it ideal for esports players. You also get a plethora of connectivity options for plugging in peripherals like gaming mice. There are some concerns about the battery life, with many user reviews claiming that it lasts for between 2 and 4.5 hours. It also comes with a great amount of bloatware, but that can be cleaned up, fortunately. If you need a gaming laptop below $1,500 with decent specs for academic work, then the ASUS TUF Dash 12 should be on your radar.
MSI Titan GT77 17.3' Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090)
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX (8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores)
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 4TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 4-Cell 99 WHR Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 4K (3840 x 1920), Mini-LED, 144Hz
The MSI Titan GT77 is a laptop that covers all one's bases when it comes to a gaming PC and then some as it pushes well north gaming PC territory in pricing. It justifies this by offering some of the best PC performance one can expect from a gaming laptop to date while throwing in one of the most impressive laptop displays for good measure.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Camera
- 720p 30fps
- Speakers
- 2x 2W Speaker, 2x 2W Woofer
- Colors
- Core Black
- Memory
- 64GB DDR5
- Ports
- USB-C Thunderbolt (4.0), USB-A, SD Card, Mini DP, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet
- Weight
- 7.3 lbs
- Form
- 17.3' Form Factor
- Brand
- MSI
- Power
- 330W Power Adapter
- Intel Core i9-13980HX with RTX 4090 GPU
- 128GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB NVMe SSD
- 4K Mini-LED 144Hz display
- Flexible 99 WHR battery for extended use
- High-end price point
- Substantial weight might impact portability
- Can run hot under heavy loads
The MSI Titan GT77 is acclaimed as the best high-end gaming laptop for school, offering unparalleled power and performance. It's equipped with an Intel Core i9 chip and RTX 4090 GPU, making it a powerhouse for the latest games and demanding software applications. The laptop also boasts a Mini-LED display that presents visuals in stunning 4K, enhancing both gaming and academic tasks.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The laptop's weight and the heat it generates could be notable drawbacks. Yet, for those who prioritize exceptional gaming and productivity capabilities, the GT77 stands as an unmatched companion, excelling in both academic excellence and gaming prowess. Its status as the best high-end gaming laptop for school is well-deserved, thanks to its top-tier performance and durability.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU
- GPU
- Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME M2 SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17'' 3 QHD/2K 165Hz
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a large 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an efficient, but potent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia's mid-range RTX 4060 GPU. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high 165 Hz refresh rate for fast-paced gaming. That is all topped up with a large 1TB SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory, making it an ideal desktop replacement for those looking to grab one.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Brand
- Acer Nitro
- Model
- AN17-41-R7G3
- Card Reader
- Yes
- Keyboard
- Backlit
- Webcam
- Yes
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 and Nvidia RTX 4060 combo
- Generous 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVME M2 SSD storage
- Great value for the price
- Some users report occasional crashes
- Bulky due to larger screen size
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 is a powerhouse, blending gaming capabilities with academic value, making it the best budget gaming laptop for school. Its expansive 17-inch QHD display and high refresh rate ensure that both game visuals and academic content are crystal clear. Expect an immersive experience whether you're engaged in in-game battles or crunching numbers for a class project.
While this laptop delivers impressive performance, some reports of occasional crashes might raise concerns for those seeking consistent reliability for schoolwork. However, its superior specs and excellent price-performance ratio firmly establish it as the best budget gaming laptop for school, perfectly suited for students who balance gaming with their studies.
Alienware M17R5
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 3080 Laptop
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17.3", 1920x1080p
Powered by a high-end CPU from the Zen 3 family, the Alienware M17R5 has all that power to push the performance to the next level. The GPU is the RTX 3080 and the total system RAM stands at 32GB to ensure there is no bottlenecking. A high-end display with a 480Hz refresh rate provides unparalleled fluidity on its 17.3-inch display, making it a top-notch choice for enthusiasts who are also AMD lovers.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Brand
- Dell
- Model
- Alienware M17R5
- Incredibly high refresh rate
- 8-core/16-thread high-performance AMD CPU
- RTX 3080 for great visuals
- RTX 3080 is power hungry
- Storage could have been larger
Performance laptops are known for their ability to easily handle graphic-intensive activities like gaming, programming, and web design. The Alienware M17R5 is considered to be The Best War Games's best performance gaming laptop for school as it packs a ton of top-tier specs that guarantee buyers a premium experience. Running on the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor along with Nvidia RTX 3080, get ready to experience smooth life-like gameplay. The graphics card also features raytracing, which translates to better lighting conditions and more realistic in-game environments.
To ensure that you get the best viewing experience during fast-paced moments, the laptop comes with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. Although gaming headsets allow you to block out outside noise and focus on the sounds that matter, the Alienware M17R5 may give you a reason to stick with its speakers. Featuring Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, the audio emerges from the speaker in the manner that the game developers imagined. Users have complained about its poor battery life, which is a common issue among many gaming laptops. Despite this, it's worth considering the M17R5 especially if you are a heavy user who needs a laptop that can match your needs.
The Best Quiet Gaming Laptops for 2024
This guide showcases the best quiet gaming laptops for 2024, ensuring an immersive yet tranquil gaming experience.
Choosing the Right Gaming Laptop for School
Now that you've got an idea of some of the best machines that can tackle homework assignments and demanding video games reliably and with ease, it's time to make a decision. However, if you are still finding this decision difficult to make, don't worry. These are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a laptop to use for both gaming and schoolwork:
- Price: Students understand better than most the need for a bargain, which is why it's important to choose a gaming laptop that does not cost a fortune. Although any gaming laptop worth its salt tends to lean towards the more expensive side, there are plenty of options available on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Before deciding on a gaming laptop for school, try to get an idea of your budget and specific performance needs to get the most bang for your buck.
- Performance: The specifications present on a gaming laptop are key as they ultimately decide your expected budget, weight, and performance. If you're not sure where to start, look up the hardware requirements of your favorite gaming titles to get a better understanding of the processing power needed to run your favorite games. In general, try to stay away from laptops with an integrated GPU and less than 8 GB of RAM. Plus, when shopping for a laptop that delivers reliable performance for school work and long video conferences, look for a laptop with a multicore processor to ensure zero hiccups along the way.
- Portability & Durability: Weight is an important factor that is often overlooked when shopping for the ideal everyday laptop. If you expect to carry your device with you around campus, then opt for a laptop that compromises on performance and portability. When shopping with durability in mind, look for devices that either undergo a variety of tests by the manufacturer or ones that boast a military-grade certification to ensure your laptop can handle all the incidents of everyday life.
- Battery Life: A long-lasting battery life is key for attending lectures without the need to top up multiple times a day. Although it should be noted that running gaming software will always drain your laptop battery quickly, running less intensive programs during the day should be fine. Opt for a device that boasts an average battery life of 8 to 10 hours to ensure you're not always tethered to a power outlet.
- Noise Level: Another thing to consider is the device's noise level. Gaming laptops oftentimes have large fans to compensate for the cooling demands of high-end components. The last thing you want is for your laptop to sound like it's going to take off in the middle of a lecture. Therefore, you should avoid laptops with a reputation for noisy fans, especially while idle.
The Lightest and Thinnest Gaming Laptops in 2024
For gamers looking for ultra-portable gaming rigs, only the thinnest and lightest laptops will do.
FAQ
Q: Can gaming laptops handle heavy school software?
Absolutely! Gaming laptops are designed with powerful specs that easily manage demanding software used in various academic disciplines.
Q: Are gaming laptops good for note-taking and presentations?
Yes, their versatile design and high-performance capabilities make them excellent for multitasking, including note-taking and presentations.
Q: Will a gaming laptop's battery last a full school day?
Many gaming laptops offer extended battery life. Still, it's wise to check specific models as performance demands can affect battery duration.