Gaming laptops have been known to struggle with bringing forth desktop equivalent specifications due to the compact design and the constrained power supply. Not anymore! The majority of modern gaming laptops give tough competition to high-end PCs by providing laptop-exclusive parts not limited by the small battery.
What makes gaming laptops fast doesn't only include the main processor at its core or the fast storage drive, but also a formidable GPU, excellent connectivity features, impressive cooling, and high-quality display. With each passing year, new laptops take the place of their predecessors, providing the latest-gen hardware for the same or lower prices. After analyzing countless gaming laptops that excel in productivity and gaming, the The Best War Games team compiled a list of the fastest gaming laptops available at different price tags.
Things to Consider When Buying Fast Gaming Laptops
Gamers in the market for a powerful laptop will find exactly what they're looking for...eventually. To help speed the process, players should consider some key factors:
Processor: The processor is the most crucial component when looking for a fast gaming laptop. Not only is it important to have a high core/thread count and clock speed, but getting a CPU from the latest-gen Intel or AMD family is preferred as well. Modern processors provide significantly higher IPC uplifts, better performance per watt, and may provide additional finesse to execute complex tasks more efficiently.
GPU: While the CPU is the mastermind for handling every small or big process, the GPU is responsible for providing all the force required to push the frame rates higher in video games. The GPU should complement the CPU in order to eliminate any possible bottlenecks from either side and should have at least 8GB of VRAM to not get throttled in modern titles.
Display: A fast gaming laptop shouldn't only be fast on internal hardware but should also show this attribute externally on the screen. Gaming laptops with a high refresh rate display should be preferred over generic displays. It's also highly recommended to check the panel quality, color gamut, and adaptive sync support for enhanced visual quality.
RAM and Storage: Users should never settle for anything less than 16GB of system RAM. It's also preferable to opt for the DDR5 RAM models to get a noticeable advantage in applications and games. For storage, 1TB NVMe storage is what The Best War Games recommends as the minimum. The more, the better.
The Best War Games's Picks for the Fastest Gaming Laptops
Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX
- GPU
- AMD Radeon RX 7900M
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- Battery
- 97Wh
Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop comes with an ultra-fast display, boasting a refresh rate of 480Hz for insanely smooth gameplay. At its heart, lies the Ryzen 9 7845HX, providing 12 cores and 24 threads to crunch big numbers, and the RTX 4080 for maxing out modern titles at its full HD display.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 18-inch, 1920x1200
- Brand
- Dell
- Model
- Alienware M18
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6E, Bluetooth
- Insanely high refresh rate of 480Hz
- Big 18 inch display for more immersion
- Excellent color reproduction
- Resolution could have been higher for the price
- Weighs over 4kg, making it difficult for portability
Alienware M18 destroys every gaming laptop with its unmatched high refresh rate display that refreshes 480 times every second, making the movements on the screen very fluid. Due to having such a fast display, it uses the RTX 4080 GPU to push the gaming performance to the next level. It can be argued that the resolution it boasts is lower than what one might find on laptops for the same price but, on the other hand, it would be really difficult for the RTX 4080 to provide 400+ fps in esports titles at QHD resolution. 1080p is the perfect resolution for esports professional gamers, and the m18 doesn't lack the power to push the fps to the max.
The display quality isn't compromised either and provides an excellent color gamut of 100% DCI-P3 for impressive color accuracy and consistent colors across the screen. Moreover, due to its big 18-inch screen size, it is able to provide a wider field of view for more immersive gaming. At the core is the Zen 4-based Ryzen 9 7845HX CPU, coming with 12 cores and 24 threads that can reach up to 5.2GHz while being over-clockable as well. It does get heavier due to the busy build, but it is overall the fastest gaming laptop for its price users can find at the moment.
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-781P
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7 12650H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB PCI-E SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6", 1920x1080
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-781P brings a capable configuration to provide a satisfactory gaming experience without going over a thousand dollars. The good quality IPS panel, high refresh rate, latest-gen GPU, and excellent connectivity options give users whatever they need on a budget.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- Nitro 5 AN515-58-781P
- Display type
- IPS
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 or above
- Great 1080p gaming performance
- 144Hz IPS display
- RGB backlit keyboard
- Not every game can hit 100+ fps
For a price tag of under $1000, most gaming laptops offer older-gen RTX 3050 or 3050 Ti GPUs, which really takes away that crucial performance needed for hitting 60 fps in modern titles. While a lot of budget gaming laptops do provide a powerful processor to crunch numbers and a high refresh rate display, they can't match the speed of Acer Nitro 5, which is powered by the RTX 4060 GPU. With its decently powerful video card, it can max out a lot of games at 1080p without breaking a sweat while not avoiding hitting 100% usage on the CPU.
This is possible through its 10-core Core i7 12650H CPU, which uses the Alder Lake hybrid architecture for a combination of 6-performance and 4 efficient cores with hyperthreading enabled. A 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate is ready to provide a pleasurable gaming experience and an RGB-backlit keyboard for mesmerizing aesthetics. It's certainly not the fastest gaming laptop on this list but it is one of the fastest under $1000.
Acer Predator Helios 16 PH16-71-72YG
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7 13700HX
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB PCI-E SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16", 2560x1600
Acer Predator Helios 16 provides high-end specifications for under $1500 and an outstanding display for enthusiasts. The 240Hz screen makes sure users are getting those fluid movements on the screen while the i7 13700HX and RTX 4070 combo ensures the games can reach a high framerate consistently.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Brand
- Acer
- Model
- Predator Helios 16 PH16-71-72YG
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 or above
- Display type
- IPS
- 240Hz display with G-Sync support
- 16 cores/24 threads CPU and RTX 4070
- RGB backlit keyboard
- Unimpressive battery life
Acer's Predator series is fabulous and is known for its premium gaming features. The Predator Helios 16 is a symbol of these characteristics due to its outstanding specifications for under $1500. The gaming laptop, though, doesn't have a great battery life because of the high-end hardware; what matters is its ability to run any intensive application on it anyway. Thanks to the Core i7 13700HX processor, it isn't limited by its TDP and can hit 5GHz on turbo boost. With a Raptor Lake hybrid architecture, it has an equal number of cores for both Performance and Efficient ones, resulting in a total of 16 cores and 24 threads.
Once it gets into action, the CPU-oriented applications are nothing more than a breeze for this chip. When combined with the most popular Ada card i.e., the RTX 4070, get ready to see some serious gaming performance on the highest graphical settings. Nothing could be better than seeing the frame rates showing their fluidity on its 240Hz screen, which also provides G-Sync support for a tear-free experience. The gaming laptop is a marvelous option for enthusiasts without breaking the bank but requires users to manage the battery life carefully.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614JI-XS96
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9 13980HX
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- Battery
- 90Wh
ASUS ROG Strix G16 has another model with a flagship Raptor Lake CPU that incorporates a robust setup of 24 cores and 32 threads to make crunching numbers like a walk in the park. With a QHD display boasting a wide color gamut, it produces accurate colors and provides a high refresh rate for more fluidity. 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage space are what users are getting with this model, which is the standard for high-end laptops these days.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16", 2560x1600
- Brand
- Asus
- Model
- ROG Strix G16 G614JI-XS96
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Flagship Core i9 CPU from Raptor Lake family for unmatched productivity
- 240Hz QHD Nebula Display
- Excellent color reproduction
- High power consumption
Except for its high power consumption, which can reach over 150W at full load, there is hardly any drawback that limits its potential. It's a flawless gaming laptop with the flagship Raptor Lake mobile chip, hosting a powerful 24 cores, 32 threads configuration to crush any CPU-intensive program. It's basically an upgraded model of the Helios 16 and comes with the same RTX 4070 GPU for gaming. However, users will also get drastically better display quality, thanks to the Nebula display that not only provides an ultra-fast 240Hz refresh rate but also a quick response time of 3ms.
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Covering a color gamut of 100% DCI-P3 on a 16-inch QHD panel, it will be color-accurate and will provide vivid details. Furthermore, the MUX Switch is also available to switch from the iGPU to dGPU or vice versa, depending on the type of workload. Enhancing its design, the laptop boasts an RGB keyboard and front-facing RGB LEDs as well, but it will directly affect battery life. Nonetheless, users can manage the battery backup by disabling the LEDs or using the MUX Switch.
GIGABYTE AORUS 17X
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9 13980HX
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4090
- RAM
- 32GB DDr5
- Storage
- 2TB NVMe SSD
- Battery
- 99Wh
GIGABYTE AORUS 17X AZF is a 2023 model with a Core i9 13980HX and RTX 4090 for the best possible gaming performance users can get. The thin bezel display boasts a QHD resolution and a high refresh rate for super-smooth gameplay. The battery life is amazing and the connectivity options are many.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17.3", 2560x1440
- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Model
- AORUS 17X AZF-D5US665SH
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
- Display type
- IPS
- RTX 4090 for ultimate gaming performance
- Plenty of RAM and storage space
- Fast QHD display with great color accuracy
- Costs over $3000
- Power hungry
Moving to the flagship side, users can have the Aorus 17X AZF model that was launched in 2023 with some amazing hardware for high-speed performance. The Core i9 13980HX needs no introduction, but the RTX 4090 definitely needs some attention here. Compared to other laptops on the list, the RTX 4090 is a big step up for gamers because it provides a no-compromise performance at the QHD resolution of this 17-inch laptop. Boasting a 240Hz refresh rate, it is pretty fluid and also has an excellent color gamut to cover a wide range of colors.
It is easily a future-proof machine for the next several years as its GPU comes with a massive 16GB VRAM and a 32GB system RAM is available for running several Chrome tabs at once. 2TB storage space is another noteworthy spec that is sufficient for storing a lot of games and important user data. Users who are not willing to spend over $3000 on this model can also go with a slightly downgraded laptop that costs a few hundred dollars less.
MSI Raider GE78 HX 14VIG-600US
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i9 14900HX
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4090
- RAM
- 64GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2TB NVMe SSD
- Battery
- 99.9Wh
This MSI Raider GE78 HX model comes with killer connectivity options, including WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless connectivity for future-proofing the laptop. The latest i9 14900HX powers the laptop with its improved boost clocks and an RTX 4090 empowers it to perform well in modern titles. The RGB keyboard, RGB LEDs at the front and a solid construction further enhances its aesthetics.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17", 2560x1600
- Brand
- MSI
- Model
- Raider GE78 HX 14VIG-600US
- Connectivity
- WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Display type
- IPS
- Massive RAM size of 64GB
- Latest gen i9 processor and RTX 4090 for unparalleled performance
- Next-gen connectivity features
- Costs nearly $4000
Welcome to the premium zone of gaming laptops where the Raider GE78 HX 14VIG stands as the champion of modern gaming laptops through its unprecedented hardware capabilities. Powered by a refreshed Core i9 processor, it is perhaps the fastest gaming laptop users can purchase. The Core i9 14900HX powers this machine by providing 400MHz higher boost clock speed compared to its predecessor and has more than enough cores/threads to crunch big numbers. The RTX 4090 complements it well, as currently there is nothing better than it.
The display quality is also excellent, but what makes it stand out is its next-gen connectivity and insanely huge system RAM size. 64GB of system RAM is overkill for most users, but the WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are perhaps the most overpowered specs of this laptop. Understandably, most users won't have NASA internet speeds, but it has its door open to ridiculously high-speed internet if that ever becomes possible. With RGB lighting at the front and a per-key RGB gaming keyboard, it's aesthetically pleasing as well. However, not everyone has the budget to afford this monster machine, but those who can, will never regret their decision.
FAQ
Q: Which gaming laptop is the fastest?
The MSI Raider GE78 HX 14VIG is the fastest gaming laptop users can buy right now, but users who are looking for the best value, can settle for the Alienware M18.
Q: Which laptop has the highest refresh rate?
Currently, Alienware M18 outperforms almost every gaming laptop with its unmatched 480Hz refresh rate display.
Q: Why are gaming laptops so fast?
Gaming laptops are designed to fulfil the heavy gaming load requirements that necessitates the usage of high core count modern CPUs and GPUs.