In-depth review of the best gaming laptops of 2023

The top gaming laptops of 2023

7 September 2023

In the dynamic world of gaming laptops, 2023 brings forth a thrilling array of options for discerning gamers. These cutting-edge machines are designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience, whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast. From Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7i (Gen8) with its customizable GPU options to Alienware’s gaming behemoth, the m18, ready to tackle any title with ease, and the sleek and portable Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 & G15, there’s a gaming laptop for every taste. Acer’s Predator Helios 16 combines performance, affordability, and an impressive Mini LED display, while Asus’ ROG Strix Scar 18 stands as a gaming powerhouse with its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU. Finally, the Razer Blade 15 (2023) carries the legacy of one of the best gaming laptops, now equipped with Intel’s 13th Gen processors and Nvidia’s RTX 40-series GPUs. In this article, we explore these top gaming laptops of 2023, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed choice in this exciting year of gaming innovation.

Jump to Legion Pro 7i (Gen8)
Jump to Alienware m18
Jump to Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 & G15
Jump to Acer Predator Helios 16
Jump to Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
Jump to Razer Blade 15 (2023)

LENOVO LEGION PRO 7I (GEN8)

Tech Specs:

CPU: 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX Processor (E-cores up to 3.90 GHz, P-cores up to 5.40 GHz)
GPU Options: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090, RTX™ 4080, or RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 memory
RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
Display: 16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600), IPS, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch, HDR 400, 100% sRGB, 500 nits, 240Hz, Narrow Bezel, Low Blue Light
Storage: Up to 2TB Gen 4 SSD
Battery: Up to 99.99Wh
Dimensions: 10.32 x 14.3 x 0.86–1.01 inches
Weight: 6.17 lbs

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Multiple GPU options for tailored performance
Impressive 16″ display with a high refresh rate and stunning visuals
Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor
Ample RAM and storage configurations
Spacious 99.99Wh battery for extended use
Packs a wide range of features in a relatively lightweight design
Competitive pricing

Cons:

May experience noisy fan operation under heavy loads
Battery life may not meet the demands of extended gaming sessions
Some users may desire even more vibrant visuals

Review:

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen8) is a versatile gaming laptop offering customization options to cater to various preferences. It stands as an appealing choice for both casual gamers and esports enthusiasts. A standout feature of the Legion Pro 7i is its array of GPU options, including the potent NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090, RTX™ 4080, or RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPUs, ensuring you can choose graphics performance that suits your gaming needs, delivering smooth gameplay and stunning visuals. The laptop’s 16-inch WQXGA display impresses with its 2560 x 1600 resolution, delivering crisp visuals and vibrant colors, while the 240Hz refresh rate ensures fluid gameplay. At its core, the 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900HX processor provides formidable computing power, paired with ample RAM and storage configurations, offering snappy performance and quick load times. With a capacious 99.99Wh battery, the Legion Pro 7i provides the endurance for extended gaming sessions. While not ideal for marathon gaming, it competes well in its category.

On the downside, the laptop’s fans may become noisy under heavy loads, and the battery life may not cater to prolonged gaming sessions without access to a power source. Some users may also wish for even more vibrant visuals, especially when compared to newer technologies like mini LED backlights. Overall, the Legion Pro 7i (Gen8) presents a compelling gaming laptop package with performance, customization, and competitive pricing.

ALIENWARE M18:

Tech Specs:

Processor Options:
- 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13700HX (30 MB cache, 16 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.00 GHz Turbo) or
- 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13980HX (36 MB cache, 24 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.60 GHz Turbo)
Operating System: Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro
Graphics Card Options:
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, 8 GB GDDR6 or
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090, 16 GB GDDR6
Memory Options: Range from 16GB to 64GB DDR5
Storage Options: Range from 1 TB to 8 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Display Options:
- 18″ QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 165Hz display or
- 18″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 480Hz display

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Outstanding gaming performance
Satisfying CherryMX mechanical keyboard
Powerful speakers that deliver loud and clear audio
Customizable hardware options for tailored gaming needs
Impressive display choices with high refresh rates
Sturdy build quality and premium construction
Ample room for ports and connectivity options
Benchmark powerhouse with high-end processor and GPU

Cons:

Bulky and heavy, limiting portability
Awkward port placement
Slightly lower CPU performance compared to gaming performance
Soft-touch finish on the keyboard deck is susceptible to scratches
Battery life may not meet the demands of extended gaming sessions
Some users may desire even more vibrant visuals in the display
Premium price tag
Limited upgradability for RAM and storage

Review:

The Alienware m18 is an impressive gaming behemoth, offering top-tier performance for enthusiasts. Sporting customizable hardware configurations, it caters to the most demanding gamers. The m18 excels in gaming, delivering exceptional frame rates and fluid gameplay. With options for the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or RTX 4090 GPUs and high-refresh displays, it’s a gaming powerhouse that can handle any title with ease. The CherryMX mechanical keyboard offers a satisfying typing and gaming experience, while the powerful speakers provide rich and immersive audio.

However, its massive size and weight make it impractical for on-the-go gaming. The laptop is massive, and its chassis is bulky and heavy. This limits its mobility and convenience, making it more suitable for stationary gaming setups. In summary, the Alienware m18 is an ideal choice for gamers who prioritize performance above all else and don’t mind its limited portability. If you’re seeking the ultimate gaming tool for your home setup, this laptop offers unparalleled gaming performance and an immersive gaming experience.

ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS G14 & G15:

Tech Specs:

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with Max-Q Design
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Display: 14-inch IPS 1600p @ 120Hz
Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Battery: 76Wh
Dimensions: 12.28 x 8.94 x 0.73 inches
Weight: 3.79 lbs

Asus ROG Zephyrus G15:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX (specific model not mentioned)
RAM: (Specific capacity not mentioned)
Display: WQHD (2560 x 1600) up to 165Hz
Storage: (Specific capacity not mentioned)
Battery: (Specific capacity not mentioned)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Compact and portable design (G14)
Powerful performance (G14 and G15)
Good battery life for general use (G14 and G15)
Sturdy and stylish chassis (G14)
16:10, 2560 x 1600, 120Hz IPS panel (G14)
High-quality display with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz (G15)
High-performance gaming experience (G15)

Cons:

No built-in webcam (both)
Limited upgradability in terms of RAM and storage (both)
Expensive (G14)
Disappointing gaming battery life (G14)

Review:

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and G15 offer a gaming experience to suit various preferences. The G14’s compact and portable design makes it ideal for gaming on the move, while the G15 offers a larger screen with a high refresh rate, delivering an immersive gaming experience. Both laptops share the sturdy and stylish build quality expected from the ROG series.

Under the hood, the G14 boasts an AMD Ryzen™ 9 4900HS processor and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060 with Max-Q Design, delivering fantastic gaming performance. On the other hand, the G15 packs the power of an AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HS processor and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPU, providing high-performance computing and gaming capabilities. The G14 sports a 16:10, 2560 x 1600, 120Hz IPS panel, while the G15 offers a WQHD (2560 x 1600) display with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, ensuring sharp visuals and smooth gameplay.

In terms of battery life, both laptops offer good performance for general use, allowing you to work or browse without needing to plug in frequently. However, gaming on battery power may significantly reduce runtime. It’s important to note that both laptops have limitations in terms of upgradability, particularly with components like RAM and storage, which may impact their future potential. Despite these considerations, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and G15 deliver excellent gaming performance and display quality, catering to different preferences in terms of portability and screen size.

ACER PREDATOR HELIOS 16:

Tech Specs:

CPU: Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX Processor (2.20 GHz Tetracosa-core)
GPU: RTX 4080, RTX 4070, or RTX 4060
RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
Screen: 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, 16:10 aspect ratio, Mini LED
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Battery: 90Wh
Dimensions: 10.9 x 14.08 x 1.05 inches
Weight: 5.73 lbs

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Powerful performance with Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX Processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPU
High-quality Mini LED display provides a visually impressive gaming experience
Ample storage capacity of up to 1TB Solid State Drive
Stylish design at a reasonable price

Cons:

Limited upgradability for RAM and storage
High power consumption may result in shorter battery life
Turbo mode can be loud

Review:

The Acer Predator Helios 16 isn’t the absolute fastest gaming laptop on the block, especially with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 inside. However, it brings a compelling package to the table. While it might not win in sheer performance, its Mini LED screen stands out, delivering vibrant visuals and bright peaks, making gaming and multimedia consumption a delight. This laptop’s affordability also adds to its appeal.

The Mini LED display, boasting 1000 zones, sets the Helios 16 apart. Its ability to produce rich, vibrant colors without compromising on brightness is particularly impressive. Whether you’re working or gaming, the screen delivers a punchy image. Despite potential performance limitations, the combination of the RTX 4080 and Intel Core i9 13900HX ensures the laptop holds its ground in the gaming arena. Its sleek black chassis design, while slightly plasticky, offers a smart look and a good selection of ports. On the downside, the hefty power brick may deter those looking for portability. In conclusion, the Acer Predator Helios 16 combines performance, display quality, and affordability, making it a noteworthy choice for users seeking a balanced gaming laptop.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18:

Tech Specs:

Processor: 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13980HX (36M Cache, up to 5.6 GHz, 24 cores: 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores)
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090 Laptop GPU with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus
Memory: Options range from 32GB to 64GB DDR5
Storage: Options range from 2TB to 4TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)
Display: 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600, WQXGA) IPS-level Anti-glare display with a refresh rate of 240Hz and a response time of 3ms

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Incredible levels of performance with Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA RTX 4090.
Large and brilliantly colorful 18-inch QHD+ display.
Eye-catching Aura Sync RGB lighting.
Excellent connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.
Competitive pricing compared to other RTX 4090 laptops, making it more affordable for its performance.
Outperforms the MSI Titan in various performance metrics, despite being more budget-friendly.
Utilizes AMD’s new range of Zen 4 mobile chips, which are praised for their impressive number-crunching capabilities.
AMD’s Zen 4 CPU offers exceptional single-core and multi-threaded performance.
AMD’s mobile processors are lauded for their efficiency and performance, as seen in the ROG Ally handheld gaming PC.

Cons:

A 1080p webcam would have made it more suitable for creators.
Spine-bending weight, even for its size.
Extremely expensive, starting at $3,899.99 for the base model.
The laptop’s battery life is relatively short, necessitating frequent plugging in for extended use.
AMD’s mobile CPU, while powerful, still faces perceptions of being less favored compared to Intel in the eyes of some manufacturers.

Review:

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is a gaming powerhouse, boasting a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU for exceptional performance. Its standout feature is the large and vibrant 18-inch QHD+ display, complemented by captivating RGB lighting. The laptop also excels in connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet. However, it falls short in the webcam department, sporting only a 720p resolution, and it’s notably heavy for its size. Furthermore, the premium price starting at $3,899.99 may deter budget-conscious buyers.

AMD’s new range of Zen 4 mobile chips shines in this laptop, setting it apart from the competition and making it a strong contender in the gaming laptop arena. It outperforms many rivals, including the MSI Titan, despite being more affordable. The combination of the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and the RTX 4090 GPU delivers impressive gaming performance, and AMD’s Zen 4 architecture proves its prowess. While the laptop’s weight and battery life may not be ideal for on-the-go use, its raw performance and AMD’s mobile processors make it a compelling choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.

RAZER BLADE 15 (2023)

Tech and Specs:

Processor: 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13800H (14-core, Turbo Boost up to 5.2 GHz, with 24 MB of Cache)
Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64-Bit
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 (8 GB GDDR6 VRAM) or NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 (8 GB GDDR6 VRAM)
Memory: 16 GB DDR5 – 5200 MHz dual-channel memory, upgradeable to 64 GB (2 slots)
Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 (2 NVMe 1-sided drive) (Max Upgradeable – 4TB, 2 slots)
Display: 15.6″ QHD 240 Hz display with NVIDIA G-Sync®
Weight: 4.40 lbs

Pros:

Excellent build quality
Wide range of CPU/GPU options
Stunning design
Impressive battery life

Cons:

Trackpad can be awkward
High price point
Poor reputation for customer support

Review:

The Razer Blade 15 (2023) takes the legacy of one of the best gaming laptops and elevates it further. Retaining its exquisite CNC-milled aluminum chassis, it now accommodates Nvidia’s latest RTX 40-series GPUs and an Intel 13th Gen Core i9 CPU. Our hands-on experience with the Razer Blade 15 Advanced, featuring a 10th Gen Intel chip and an RTX 3080 GPU, rekindled our admiration for this machine. While the chassis remains consistent, it now houses even more potent components. We’ve also explored the larger Razer Blade 17, hosting an RTX 3080 Ti and a 12th Gen Intel chip, and remain astounded by the powerhouse within this compact frame.

Despite its slim design, throttling can occur, and even the Blade 17 exhibits slightly modest battery life. Nevertheless, these minor trade-offs are outweighed by the outstanding performance and striking aesthetics offered by the Blade 15. Although not the lightest gaming laptop on the market, its manageable five-pound weight, combined with its performance and specifications, makes it a compelling choice. The solidity of its build quality contributes to its appeal, making it an excellent option for gamers on the move or those with limited space for a full gaming setup. With an array of configurations, from the RTX 3060 Base Edition to the RTX 4070 Advanced with a 240Hz QHD panel, the Razer Blade 15 remains a captivating and high-performance gaming laptop.

Conclusion:

As we dive into 2023, the gaming laptop landscape is thriving with options that cater to a diverse range of preferences and needs. Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7i (Gen8) entices with its customization options, ensuring your gaming experience is tailored to perfection. Alienware’s m18, a gaming powerhouse, is designed to crush any title you throw at it, but its bulkiness might limit its mobility. Asus’ ROG Zephyrus G14 & G15 offer portable gaming solutions, with good battery life for daily tasks, although gaming on battery power may be limited. Acer’s Predator Helios 16 brings affordability into the mix while impressing with its Mini LED display.

For those seeking unparalleled gaming performance, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 stands tall with its Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 GPU. However, it comes at a premium price and sacrifices some portability due to its weight. Lastly, the Razer Blade 15 (2023) elevates its legacy with Intel’s 13th Gen processors and Nvidia’s RTX 40-series GPUs, delivering a compelling blend of performance and aesthetics.

Ultimately, the choice among these top gaming laptops depends on your priorities: performance, portability, affordability, or a balance of these factors. With options aplenty, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for gamers, promising a thrilling and immersive gaming experience on the go.

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