Gaming

Haswell. The name of Intel's new CPU generation has been branded in our minds. After meticulous preparations, we reviewed 13 test samples with the new chip in June. Initially, we focused on the Core i7. However, Apple's new Air comes with a Core i5. In addition, we tested many new high-end GeForce models, from GTX 760M to GTX 780M combined with Extreme quad-cores.

The price is right. AMD has launched a counter-strike against Nvidia: The Radeon HD 8970M should bring new impetus to the high-end range. Our article particularly focuses on two questions: Is the performance closer to the GeForce GTX 770M or the GTX 780M? Did AMD manage to provide a well working driver?

Tempting. New case, new name and new components: Alienware risks a lot to offer the best gaming notebooks in 2013. The integrated features won't be easy to beat for the competition. Despite its 14-inch form factor the notebook can be equipped with a high resolution anti-reflective display and a GeForce GTX 765M. A well balanced package or just an overpriced beauty?

The experiment continues. Lenovo's IdeaPad Y500 made quite a splash when it was introduced some time ago: the 15-inch multi-purpose system offered a second Nvidia GPU as an option. The new IdeaPad Y510p has updated hardware and now features a GeForce GT 750M SLI instead of the GeForce GT 650M SLI. Can the dual-DirectX 11 notebook threaten the established high-end competition?

To be handled with kid gloves. DevilTech combines high-tech components with a plastic chassis. The cutting-edge Intel Haswell CPU and a GTX 760M are supposed to turn the Fire DT14 into a tempting offer for gamers. But is the case sturdy enough to protect the precious innards?

Gaming powerhouse. Schenker Technologies goes all out with their XMG P723. While a quad-core processor and a Full HD display might not be that out of the ordinary, a configuration with two GeForce graphic cards is not something you see every day. Does the SLI configuration make any sense or would a single GPU be the better choice?

War is taxing. With their new title Company of Heroes, the Canadian developer Relic wants to reach the top of the real-time strategy game charts. Alongside the pure gameplay, the title's visuals are also supposed to enchant the senses. Has the developer stepped up the hardware demands too?

Multimedia update. Samsung updates the inner components of its multimedia series 5. The exterior remained unchanged: case and connectivity are the same as the predecessor's. Inside, the Intel i5 was replaced by an i7, the GeForce GT 630M by a 650M. In addition, a display with HD+ resolution was incorporated. We check whether the performance improved.

The Asus Fighter Jet. Each iteration of the core Asus G Series gets better and better and the G750 series is no exception. The ROG branding has yet to let us down as we find out in this review what the new 2013 models bring aside from the obvious Haswell and GTX Kepler refreshes.

Low-key multi-talent. The One K56-3F is a 15-inch all-purpose notebook equipped with a Haswell processor, Nvidia's attractive GeForce GT 750M GPU, and a razor-sharp Full HD display. How does the One K56-3F stack up against competitors like the Asus N56VB, the Samsung Chronos 770Z5E, and the Toshiba Satellite P70?

Slim all-rounder. Sony's latest coup follows current laptop trends in the way of a slim casing and Full HD touchscreen. That is accompanied by a gaming-suitable graphics core and a hard drive with a high memory capacity. Seen as a whole, Sony should have a good all-round laptop in its range. Our test report clarifies whether this is true.

Ultimate Haswell. Equipped with some of the fastest mobile Haswell and Kepler chipsets currently available, the Eurocom X3 shows no mercy when it comes to application and gaming performance. We take a closer look at the hardware and its performance advantages over the previous Intel and Nvidia generations.

There is something for everyone. Schenker's XMG A523 offers cutting edge hardware in a plain casing. While the GeForce GTX 765M is not removable, the other components can be configured to one’s liking. This new Clevo barebone upgarde for the new Intel processors and chipset is put through its paces for you readers.

Brilliant speeder. Apart from DiRT and F1, GRID is one of the most important franchises from Codemasters. The second release not only promises more racing action, but also a better look. We squeezed ourselves into the luxury cars and determined the hardware requirements of the game.

Haswell rocket. A monster in every respect: 32 GB memory, 1256 GB storage (+ expandability) and a Full HD display. Acer's 17-inch device with a brand-new quad-core CPU and Nvidia graphics is made for power users.

Aluminum bullet. Toshiba's Satellite P70 series is equipped with the brand new Haswell processor and Nvidia graphics card. We were given a first look at the pre-production model. Our review reveals whether the notebook knows how to please or not.

Strong. MSI launches an updated version of the popular GT70 gaming laptop based on the brand new CPU and GPU generation. It spoils gamers with a quad-core from Intel's Haswell family and a high-end scion from Nvidia's GeForce 700 range. We snatched the GT70H-80M4811B, which is one of the premium models, and put it through its paces.

Inexpensive all-rounder, capable of running games. Asus is outfitting their 17.3-inch notebook with a Core i3 processor and the brand-new GeForce GT 720M GPU. Summed up, that means an inexpensive (450 to 500 Euros, ~$595 to ~$661) all-round notebook capable of running games. Our review reveals whether the computer really is a persuasive offer.

All-round ultrabook. Hewlett Packard now has a slim, 15.6 inch ultrabook that even allows playing up-to-date 3D games in its product line. Storage is not an issue either owing to the large hard drive. That sounds as if HP has built the perfect laptop. Our test reveals whether the ultrabook is really compelling.

The next generation. The Schenker XMG P703 is one of the first gaming laptops to ship (at least optionally) with Nvidia's brand-new GeForce GTX 780M - which, in combination with a Haswell processor, promises unprecedented performance levels. But how far ahead of the previous generation will these new laptops land?

High flyer. What happens when Nvidia's fastest laptop graphics card, the GeForce GTX 780M, teams up with Intel's brand-new Haswell quad-core CPU? Exactly, an extremely potent high-end laptop is created. Despite its limited chassis volume, the 15-inch One K56-3N2 offers great performance. We are taking a more detailed look at its virtues and vices.

Heavyweight champion. The One K73-3N comes close to being the ideal desktop replacement. A quad-core CPU, high-end graphics card, four RAM slots, and up to four hard drives: the 17-inch notebook comes with a plethora of features. What else does the system offer besides outstanding performance?

Platform-update. Schenker Technologies offers a 15-inch gaming notebook with the W503, which is equipped with an ultra-modern Haswell processor and a high-end graphics card from Nvidia's GeForce 700 generation. We examined the advantages and the disadvantages of the desktop replacement.

High-end power. The GeForce 700 series is a brand new graphics series for gaming enthusiasts. We were among the first editors who reviewed the new high-end GeForce GTX 765M, GTX 770M, and GTX 780M models. Learn whether the naming is justified or the new models only fine-tune an existing architecture.

The ultimate superlatives. Innumerable devices found their way to Notebookcheck's tests again in March. We would like to supply an overview of premium devices with this article and facilitate any potential buying intentions.

Desktop roundup. Notebookcheck leaves the beaten track: We compare current PC processors of the FX and the A series with each other and want to know whether AMD can outperform the seemingly overwhelming competition from Intel.

It runs games, it runs quietly, it runs cheap. With the TS11SB-250GE Packard Bell offers a well-furnished multimedia notebook for under 500 Euros (~$654). For the price you'll get a quad-core processor, an AMD dual graphics solution, 8 GB RAM and a software packet, containing programs like Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Adobe Premiere Elements 9. But our review reveals whether the notebook has what it takes to make a lasting impression.

A heavenly delight. BioShock is definitely a top-class shooter. No matter if the topic is the game world, handling, sound or story: This action hit leaves most of its competitors behind. We examine among other things the hardware requirements of this exceptional title. Find out if a weaker graphics card may suffice.

Elite versus low-cost. 4K workstation, 1.3K gamer and 375 Euros (~$5195, $1688 and $487 respectively) typewriter. With Dreamcolor display, HP set a high standard. Samsung favor AMD and use a Radeon HD 8870M in their new Chronos. Lenovo aim to sell masses and cut the price with a cheap AMD APU. These were the best laptops in February.