Notebookcheck's Top 10 Thin & Light Gaming Laptops

The third revision of the Alienware 13 differs from conventional gaming notebooks in several aspects. On the one hand, there is 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 priced at 2200 Euros (~$2514) 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 not quite perfect maintenance and the high depth. At 26.9 cm (~10.6 in), the device appears at least like a 14-inch laptop. Nevertheless, the Alienware 13 R3 delivers a so far unrivalled performance in the 13-inch segment. The top model comes with a PCIe SSD, a Core i7-7700HQ, and a GeForce GTX 1060. The latter two are more common in 15-inch devices and larger. In case the performance might become too low at a future date, 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.

The Eurocom Sky MX5 R3 is based on the same barebone as the Schenker XMG P507. While the test configurations share the same graphics card (GTX 1070), DDR4 RAM capacity (16 GB), and SSD size (500 GB), the Eurocom boasts a more powerful processor. Thanks to a free multiplier, the Core i7-7820HK is better suitable for overclocking. However, you should not ask too much of the 15-inch notebook, since it does not even run quietly with standard clock rates (47-51 dB @3D-Betrieb).

As we are used to from Clevo barebones, the chassis is quite extensively serviceable and upgradeable. However, there are already many options when configuring the device. The GPU switch is another highlight: You can switch between G-Sync and Optimus mode depending on your requirements. This allows optimizing the device either for display or battery life. However, we would wish for a more powerful battery, a Thunderbolt 3 port and better sound in the successor.

Those who do not want to spend more than 1500 Euros (~$1714) on a gaming notebook and can accept small compromises in terms of 3D performance (maximum settings not possible on all games) might be happy with the Asus GL753VE. The 17-inch laptop is attractive with its Core i7-7700HQ CPU and GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU. Data can be stored on the 512 GB NVMe SSD or the 1 TB HDD.

The display is nothing special: Full HD and IPS technology are standard nowadays. Most of the other aspects including system noise, battery life, and height are also typical for a gaming notebook. The GL753VE deserves praise for its relatively cool case temperatures and well-made input devices.

Schenker Technologies have also made a mini-gaming device. With a display diagonal of only 35.6 cm (~14 in) and a height of 2.5 cm (~1 in), the XMG P407 is one of the smallest high-end notebooks. Despite its slim build, buyers do not have to forgo good performance. For example, the fourth-best Pascal GPU works inside the 13-inch chassis. In most cases, the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is fast enough for 1920x1080 pixels and high details. The other components of the XMG P407 are also nothing to sneeze at. Apart from 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and an IPS panel, Schenker Technologies has incorporated a PCIe SSD from Samsung in the test model.

However, we did not like the battery runtimes (weak battery), the Turbo utilization and the lack of a Thunderbolt port that much. Advantages include the plain design, and the lit keyboard.

Those who like compact devices and travel a lot had better stick with 15-inch or smaller devices. With a height of 2.4 cm (~0.9 in), the Asus GL502VM is very slim. Nevertheless, it still performs almost as well as its bulkier 17-inch rivals (e.g. the Asus G752VS). Currently, a Core i7-6700HQ and a GeForce GTX 1060 provide more than enough fps for FHD gaming.

In addition, our test model features 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, an M.2 SSD, and an IPS panel. However, the GL502VM gets quite hot and loud due to its small size. Connectivity, weight (2.5 kg/~5.5 lb), input devices and build quality are nothing to sneeze at in general.

The ROG Zephyrus GX501 is certainly one of the most exciting gaming notebooks of the last years. Thanks to the brand-new Max Q design from Nvidia, Asus could squeeze a GeForce GTX 1080 into a 1.8-cm thin case, which remains quieter under load as we expected before the test. In return, the 15-inch laptop reaches quite high temperatures in 3D mode. This applies to the outside as well as to the components. In addition, the combination of slim chassis and premium performance goes at the expense of battery life, interfaces, and maintenance. You also have to accept the unusual position of the input devices.

Pros are the contrast-rich and viewing-angle independent 120 Hz panel (G-Sync) and the stylish case made of high-end materials. It is debatable whether the bundle is worth 3000 Euros (~$3430). Anyway, GTX 1070 notebooks, which deliver similar performance, are already available for 1000 Euros (~$1143) less.

Although MSI did not make changes to the case when compared to the GS73VR 6RF, buyers are still greeted by a well-made 17-inch notebook with slim profile in 2017. Hence, the GS73VR 7RF is not only pleasantly light (2.4 kg), but it is also pleasingly slim (2.0 cm) for a gaming notebook.

Under the hood, there is powerful hardware in the forms of a Core i7-7700HQ and a GeForce GTX 1060. However, the native resolution of the test model is too much for the latter in many games. The bright IPS display features a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. Connectivity, the slow card reader, and system noise (coil-whining) are less convincing. In addition, a maximum battery life of 5 hours is also poor in view of the lack of G-Sync support.

Currently, MSI has two devices in the mobile Gaming Top 10. Apart from the relatively bulky GT62VR 7RE, a model of the significantly more compact GS series made it into the list. Thanks to its low weight of 1.9 kg (~4.2 lb), the GS63VR 7RF is perfectly suitable for outings. Nvidia's G-Sync is not available as Optimus is implemented, which improves the battery runtimes.

Furthermore, the GS63VR does not lack 3D performance. The GeForce GTX 1060, which challenges the former leader, the GTX 980, is a good compromise of price and performance. However, the performance is often too low for the native UHD resolution. The DirectX-12 chip is rather designed for 1920x1080 than 3840x2160 pixels. In addition, the $2000 test model comes with 32 GB of DDR4-RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and a 2 TB HDD.

Gigabyte is more and more becoming a gaming expert in the laptop range. Apart from the Aero 14 and Aero 15 (in the meanwhile categorized as multimedia laptops), the P55W v7 made it into our Top 10 lists. Although the 15-inch device is significantly thicker at 34 mm, the system gets similarly loud due to the single fan solution.

The chassis also has its advantages and disadvantages. The stylish design and the long battery life (maximum of 13 hours) can only make up for the unfavorable interface layout to some extent. In the realm of display (Full HD IPS), there are almost no complaints. In terms of performance, the built-in GeForce GTX 1060 ranks in the lower high-end segment.

The 2017 edition of the Schenker XMG P507 is almost a perfect choice for those who have always wished for a discreet, yet powerful gaming notebook. The used Clevo barebone P651 even weighs less than 3 kg in the variant with GeForce GTX 1070, which rather suggests a multimedia product. A height of 2.5 to 2.9 cm (depending on the GPU) is also decent for a gaming platform.

Alike many slim competitors, the system noise is almost too high in 3D mode. In contrast, chassis, keyboard, connectivity (unfortunately, still no Thunderbolt 3) and weight reach a rating in the 80% range. The G-Sync capable 120 Hz display belongs to the biggest highlights.