Notebookcheck's Top 10 Gaming Laptops

The XMG Ultra 17 from Schenker Technologies is the best example for a full-fledged desktop replacement. Despite its high weight (4.4 kg) and high construction (4.1 cm), we were mostly convinced by the 17-inch chassis. The manufacturer deserves respect for the upgrade possibilities and the screen. The 4K in our test model does not only feature a high resolution, but also covers a surprisingly wide color gamut (88 % AdobeRGB), but you will have to get used to it.

The GPU performance is also remarkable – Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1080 manages a level of performance that was not possible so far. You also get a real desktop processor. The XMG Ultra 17 does not last long without the power adapter, but the sound is great. This is also the case for the connectivity (Thunderbolt 3) and the input devices. However, we were disappointed by the fan behavior.

While the Predator Helios 300 is designed for more price-conscious gamers, the much thicker, heavier, and more expensive Predator Helios 500 targets gamers with high requirements. We tested the SKU PH517-93LS, which is equipped with Intels most powerful notebook CPU right now, the hexa-core Core i9-8950HK. It is supported by 32 GB DDR4-RAM as well as 512 GB PCIe-SSD storage.

Graphics calculations are handled by Nvidia's Pascal chip GeForce GTX 1070 with 8 GB GDDR5-VRAM, but it still struggles with the native UHD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) from time to time - at least in very demanding titles. The Helios 500 with its wide gamut panel (88 % AdobeRGB) manages a 3% higher score compared to the 1080p model with the Core i7-8750H, which is enough for the top spot in the ranking.

While neither the G752 nor the G701 made it into the top 10 the Coffee Lake equipped ROG Chimera G703 managed to conquer 1st place. Despite its heft and bulk we do consider the 17-inch gaming notebook to be one of the most well-made devices.

The wolf in sheep's clothing is a fitting description for the Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 (2,500 Euros). While the majority of gaming laptops is rather bulky and heavy, respectively, and uses a flashy design, Gigabyte ships its 15-inch system with a slim, light, and sturdy case that looks understated. The RGB keyboard illumination is the only indicator for a gaming system.

Inside you will find the latest and greatest mobile hardware with Intel's Core i7-8750H and Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, which are noticeable under higher workloads. Besides the hexa-core CPU, the 144 Hz panel is one of the most important changes over the previous model. Gigabyte once again waives G-Sync and implements Optimus to improve the battery runtime. This is a good decision considering the mobility of the laptop. Slim bezels and the certification for X-Rite Pantone are additional selling points. Note: The Aero 15X v8 will also be available with a 4K screen, which is supposed to cover 100 % of the AdobeRGB gamut.

Alienware is a bit late when it comes to slim-bezel gaming laptops, even though the lower and upper display frame of the brand-new m15 are once again comparatively thick. As per usual for Alienware laptops, the design is very striking – whether you like that or not is a matter of taste.

Dell offers numerous hardware options for the m15. Besides a 1080p/144 Hz screen, the manufacturer also offers a 4K-UHD panel. The battery capacity varies between 60 and 90 Wh depending on the SKU, and the 15-inch laptop lasts surprisingly long with the big battery option. Also great: Thanks to the improved maintenance, access to the components is much easier compared to the previous model. We are also surprised by the good Turbo utilization of the CPU considering the slim chassis (2.1 cm). The biggest issues are the sound quality as well as the lack of a card reader.

Even though the quality control suffered a bit after the acquisition by Dell (customers often report build quality and cooling issues), and we can confirm is by the AW 15 R3, Alienware laptops are still among the most noble and best high-end laptops you can get.

The 17-inch series was recently updated with Intel Coffee Lake CPUs. Our test model for about 2400 Euros offers plenty of gaming performance thanks to Core i7-8750H and GeForce GTX 1070. You also get 16 GB DDR4-RAm and an NVMe-SSD. The chassis also leaves a great impression except for the high weight and the thickness. In addition to good input devices, there are numerous ports, many lighting options, and a 120 Hz QHD panel (2560 x 1440 pixels). Dell should improve the noise development. The temperatures of our test model under load would allow for lower fan noise.

While HP focused on office and multimedia laptops in the past, we now get more and more gaming systems from the manufacturer. The current 17-inch notebook is called Omen 17t and can easily keep up with the renowned high-end competition in terms of performance, features, and quality.

There are some advantages like the G-Sync display with 144 Hz, numerous ports, moderate noise development and the stable and easy to maintain chassis. However, the Omen 17t also suffers from typical DTR issues like the high weight, bulky design, and short runtimes. The sound could be better as well.

The Asus ROG Strix GL504 is between slim competitors and typical desktop replacements in terms of weight and thickness. Depending on the model you either get a GeForce GTX 1060(GL504GM) or a GeForce GTX 1070 (GL504CS) under the hood, even though the latter lacks Nvidia's switchable graphics technology Optimus, which has a massive effect on the battery runtime. G-Sync is not supported, either, so we cannot really understand Asus' decision.

Otherwise, the 15-inch gamer leaves a good impression except fr the high noise development while gaming and the missing Thunderbolt 3 port. We like the responsive 144 Hz display with slim bezel. The input devices and the sound performance are not bad, either, and you get comprehensive lighting options.

Note: There are two different versions of the GL504. While the Hero edition is designed for MOBA fans with specifically marked QWER keys, Asus wants to attract 1st person shooter enthusiasts with the Scar-Edition (camouflage pattern, highlighted WASD area).

The 17-inch Aorus X7 DT v8 has all the features you can expect from a 2018 gaming laptop. 144 Hz panel with G-Sync support? Check. High-end CPU and hexa-core CPU with optional overclocking? Check. Powerful tuning tools? Check. Thunderbolt 3? Check. You obviously get an NVMe-SSD as well. The package for around 3100 Euros is rounded off by 16 GB DDR4-RAM.

The chassis stays quite slim, despite the powerful hardware, even though both the high weight (3.4 kg) as well as the mediocre battery runtime affect the mobility. Potential buyers also have to live with high temperatures and fan noise under load. Gigabyte could also improve the sound quality.

The case of the GT63 8RG is already a kind of classic. The 15-inch sibling was hardly changed over the last couple of years – which is positive and negative at the same time. It is not one of the lightest and slimmest gaming devices at 2.9 kg and a height of 4.0 cm.

MSI deserves praise for the simple maintenance (several upgrade options) and the illuminated SteelSeries keyboard. The display of the test model is a 120 Hz panel, which is pretty good for a TN screen. The graphics output is handled by Nvidia's high-end GPU GeForce GTX 1080.