The Best Gaming Notebooks

The MSI GT76 Titan DT is a prime example of what a full-fledged desktop replacement is supposed to be like. With its height and weight of 4.2 cm and 4.2 kg, respectively, this 17-inch laptop is by no means even remotely portable but made for stationary use instead. In return, MSI packed some of the most powerful notebook hardware money can buy into the Titan’s case.

The Razer Blade Pro 17 is not only a regular on these top 10 lists but also almost always a favorite for one of the top spots, and the 2020 edition is no exception. Our particular review unit came equipped with a Core i7-10875H and a GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, which was capable of running all games smoothly on the laptop’s internal FHD display albeit only rarely at the panel’s maximum frequency of 300 Hz.

The Gigabyte Aero 17 XB impresses with a very bright and accurate UHD panel when you get the HDR model. However, the graphics card (GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q) is often not powerful enough for the default resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The slim and visually restrained chassis is not only interesting for gamers, but also content creators. Thanks to the long battery runtime and the moderate weight, the laptop is still well-suited for trips, despite the 17-inch form factor. We also like the integrated Thunderbolt 3 port.

gigabyte should improve the position of the webcam, the port layout as well as the fan noise under load.

The Razer Blade 15 is not only available in a base configuration (see below) but also a better equipped advanced edition. The 2020 model of the latter includes a vapor-chamber cooler, a high-quality 300 Hz display, and well-made input devices.

If you’re in the market for a 15-inch notebook with mechanical keyboard the Aorus 15G might be worth a closer look. Our review unit, the XB edition, features a Core i7-10875H, a GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, and a 240 Hz display for a smooth gaming experience.

Gigabyte managed to place three of its current laptops in our top 10. In addition to the Aero 17 and the Aero 15 we also welcome the Aorus 17G. The latter is targeted primarily at gamers, as suggested by the striking and distinctive design. Its biggest highlight and unique selling point is the excellent mechanical keyboard with powerful backlight.

The Schenker XMG Neo 17 is based on a Tongfang barebone. Our review unit of Schenker’s 17-inch gaming notebook came equipped with a Core i7-10875H as well as a GeForce RTX 2070 Super. However, thanks to Schenker’s online configurator tool, you can customize the laptop to your individual liking.

Razer manages to secure fifth place in our gaming top 10 list with its 2020 Blade 15 base model that scored a very respectable 86 % in our test. Despite its small case Razer includes only high-end hardware, such as a Core i7-10750H and a GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q. The images are cast on a OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160.

Gigabyte refreshed its Aero 15, which now comes in a new discreet and thin case. One of its most important updates is the bright high-contrast OLED display. Unfortunately, it turned out to be highly reflective due to its glossy coating. In addition, the device was fairly loud under load. Our review model, the Aero 15 XB, offered a Core i7-10875H and a GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q.

Alienware’s thin m17 17-inch gaming notebook is now available in its third generation. Despite its slim profile this top model features a full-fledged GeForce RTX 2080 Super as well as a Core i9-10980HK. This high-end combo is capable of running every single currently available game smoothly in maximum details on the notebook’s 300 Hz screen (no G-Sync support unfortunately).