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.

While already the GT73VR attracted customers with a plethora of features, MSI goes an extra mile with the GT75VR. In 2015, the manufacturer already used mechanical keyboards in 18-inch devices (GT80). These also find their way into smaller gaming notebooks now. In comparison to classical keyboards, mechanical keyboards feature a clearer and more accurate feedback, but the typing noise is louder. Those who like it colorful will also appreciate the integrated RGB light, which can light each key in a different color (including various modes). The GT75VR also performs great in connectivity, maintenance, display (120 Hz + G-Sync), performance, and sound.

The basically powerful cooling system is not fully convincing. Despite 10 heatpipes, the 17-inch laptop gets very loud. A maximum of 62 dB(A) is a new negative record. All the more, it is disappointing that the case is tremendously thick with a height of 5.8 cm. A weight of 4.6 kg chains the buyer to the desk.

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.

Gaming notebooks from Lenovo only seldom made it into our Top 10 so far. Apart from the touchpad (we remember the Y500 with horror), quality and design of the case were complaints. Although the brand-new 17-inch Legion Y920 is also not free of flaws, it still performs well enough for the 8th place. Among others, many interfaces, good sound, excellent performance, and moderate emissions (temperature, system noise) are pros. Except for the glare finish, the bright G-Sync display is appealing.

Alike other 17-inch bolides, the Legion Y920 is not easily portable. For example, the case is quite heavy with 4.4 kg. The biggest disadvantage of the test configuration is its price. An UHD display and/or a GeForce GTX 1080 instead of a GTX 1070 are to be expected in view of a price of just under 3000 Euros.

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).