Notebookcheck's Top 10 Gaming Laptops

Although the Acer VN7-793G-738J (also called Aspire V17 Nitro) "only" features a GeForce GTX 1060, the 17-inch device took the lead. Apart from the contrast-rich 4K display, its pros include the stylish case and balanced components. Gamers might be happy about 16 GB DDR4 RAM and the SSD/HDD combination as well as the sophisticated interface layout including Thunderbolt.

In addition, the V17 Nitro is very quiet and slim (2.5 cm) for a gaming notebook and delivers above-average battery life. There are hardly any points of criticism (maintenance could be better). Thus, we can unconditionally recommend this laptop.

The XMG U727 from Schenker Technologies is a prime example of a full-fledged desktop replacement. Despite its heavy weight (~5.5 kg/~12.1 lb) and thick build (4.7 cm/~1.8 in) the 17-inch case could mostly convince us. In particular, the upgradeability and the display deserve praise. Not only does the 4K panel incorporated in our test model impress with a high resolution, but it also offers a surprisingly high color space (88% AdobeRGB), to which you have to get used to however.

The graphics performance is also noteworthy. Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1080 achieves a performance level unmatched so far. While the XMG U727 does not last long on battery, its sound is top-notch. The same is true for connectivity (Thunderbolt 3), keyboard, and touchpad. However, the temperature and system noise are only mediocre.

The third revision of the Alienware 13 differs from conventional gaming notebooks in several aspects. On the one hand, there are the extensive lighting (including touchpad) and the striking design, which may not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, the case quality is different in general. For example, the manufacturer uses a combination of metal and (rubberized) plastic, which increases the weight but ensures excellent stability. The build quality is also flawless.

Thanks to its promising OLED display (2560x1440 pixels), which outclasses TN and IPS panels, the test model, for 2200 Euros (~$2481), achieves one of the best ratings overall. Contrast, viewing angles, color intensity, and response time are excellent. The glossy touch surface, which reflects heavily, is a small disadvantage.

Otherwise, we can only complain about the missing card reader, the imperfect maintenance and the high depth. Measuring 26.9 cm (~10.6 in), the device appears much like a 14-inch laptop. In return, the Alienware 13 R3 delivers unrivaled performance in the 13-inch segment. Those who buy the top model will get a PCIe SSD, a Core i7-7700HQ, and a GeForce GTX 1060. The latter two are more often found in 15-inch devices and bigger. In case the performance might become too low some day, it can be improved with external solutions such as a Graphics Amplifier or Thunderbolt 3 (eGPU).

Note: According to several forum messages, the current Alienware generation frequently suffers from temperature problems. Our tests of the 15 R3 confirm this (high, inconsistent CPU values). Apparently, the cooling system is too weak and/or the quality or quantity of thermal grease is too low.

Acer, previously better known for office and multimedia notebooks, is more and more penetrating into the gaming range. While the Nitro series is primarily attractive for price-conscious gamers, the Predator has been made for demanding gamers. The current Kaby Lake model is called 17 G9-793 and achieved a rating of 87% in our review. Its biggest unique feature is its distinctive design, which might not meet everybody's taste.

Otherwise, Acer made sure that the device is future-proof. For example, the interfaces include Thunderbolt 3 and the display supports G-Sync. The bulky design is not that modern: A weight of 4.3 kg and a height of 4.5 cm are slightly outdated in times of slim gaming notebooks such as the MSI GS73VR.

At a first glance, the Predator 17 X resembles the cheaper 17-inch sibling without "X" trailing the name. However, several differences become apparent at a closer look. While the slightly different design is only of a cosmetic nature, the GeForce GTX 1080 can have a very big impact on gaming experience (more reserves for 4K gaming). In order to provide equally high CPU performance, Acer has incorporated a Core i7-7820HK with overclocking to up to 4.3 GHz. The test model only features a Full HD panel. However, it supports G-Sync and achieves a good image quality thanks to the IPS technology.

The omission of an additional fan (FrostCore) is not a disadvantage, since the integrated dual-fan system is already powerful enough to keep the laptop cool and quiet in most scenarios. However, the Predator 17 X is hardly apt for being carried around, since it belongs to the thickest and heaviest representatives of its category.

In comparison to its strongest rivals, the MSI GT73VR 7RF scores points with a 120 Hz display and significantly better maintainability. Under the hood, the MSI not only has three M.2 slots (two of them: PCIe/NVMe), but it also has a huge cooling system consisting of two fans and a record-breaking number of 10 heat-pipes. This is not surprising, since the high-end device uses the currently strongest notebook chip with Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1080. In addition, the Turbo mode (shift function of the Dragon Center) overclocks the CPU and GPU.

Further highlights are powerful sound, acceptable temperature development, and a stylish light for the keyboard and touchpad. Apart from color precision, the matte FHD display appears very good (fast response time, G-Sync, great contrast). The only disadvantages are its bulky build, poor battery life, and loud system noise under full load.

The G752VS from Asus also comes with an (optionally) overclocked GeForce GTX 1070. Apart from acceptable system noise, the 120 Hz IPS panel with wide viewing angles and G-Sync support are reasons to buy this device. In addition, the temperatures are low, the connectivity is great (but several interfaces are unfavorably placed) and the input devices are good.

However, it is just not good enough for a rating of 88%. On the one hand, maintenance could be better (a layperson cannot reach the cooling system). On the other hand, the G752VS weighs about 4.4 kg.

The Acer Predator 15 is a shrunken version of the Predator 17 (X) with all the advantages and disadvantages. Those who do not mind its unconventional look (very dainty) will get a very powerful high-end notebook, which handles all everyday tasks with ease. For a price of 2100 Euros (~$2369), it features a Core i7-7700HQ, a GeForce GTX 1070, 16 GB of RAM, an SSD/HDD combination and a Full HD IPS panel.

In particular, the replaceable drive bay is an exciting feature. It either hosts a DVD burner or an extra fan, which reduces the temperature at the palm rests (and hardly changes the system noise in our experience). One of the biggest weaknesses is limited maintenance and, as in the Predator 17, the bulky design (height).

The G701VIK is the right choice for those who think that the performance of the G752VS is not future-proof enough. The 17-inch device not only uses an overclocked Core i7-7820HK but also uses a GeForce GTX 1080. In addition, Asus incorporated a G-Sync display with 120 Hz, which, in contrast to most competitors, is based on IPS instead of TN (better image quality, slower response times). In our opinion, the resolution of 1920x1080 pixels is a disadvantage, since the GTX 1080 is capable of more. Hence, the premium chip cannot show its full potential.

The build quality of the test model is also lower than expected. In addition, the manufacturer could improve the sound, the interface layout, and the emissions. With enabled overclocking, the components get very hot and the fans quite loud - despite a powerful cooling system (the device weighs 4.0 kg/~8.8 lb). Otherwise, there is hardly anything to complain about. In addition to the big touchpad, the PCIe SSDs (RAID 0 system), the Thunderbolt 3 port and the useful Gaming Center are appealing.

G-Sync support? Check. High-end DirectX 12 GPU? Check. Only one m.2 slot for modern SSDs? Check. USB 3.1 Type C without Thunderbolt? Check. The 15-inch counterpart of the GT72VR has inherited all the advantages and disadvantages of its larger sibling, including the excellent maintainability and the moderate emissions (temperature, system noise). In terms of size and weight, the GT62VR performs significantly better. For example, the 17-inch device is as high as 4.8 cm vs. 4.0 cm (~1.9 vs. 1.6 in) and weighs 3.9 kg vs. 2.9 kg (~8.6 vs. 6.4 lb).

The image quality of the Full HD IPS panel is not bad. The same is true of the keyboard, the touchpad and the connectivity. However, with a street price of 2100 Euros (~$2231) the test model shows that Pascal notebooks are very expensive.