[2023] 16 recommended gaming notebook PCs Introducing models for beginners and cost performance-oriented models

A gaming notebook PC that allows you to fully enjoy popular titles such as FPS and TPS. It has excellent cooling performance, so you can operate it comfortably even during long battles.

This time, we will explain in detail how to choose a gaming laptop. We will also introduce recommended models, so please refer to them if you are considering purchasing one.

What is a gaming laptop? What makes it different from a regular notebook PC?

A gaming laptop is a high-performance laptop that allows you to play games comfortably. The major difference from regular notebook PCs is whether or not they have a built-in dedicated graphics board.

It is popular not only for home use but also for carrying around. The average price is 150,000 to 200,000 yen, and there are some expensive models that cost more than 700,000 yen, so if it costs around 100,000 yen, it’s a reasonably priced model. High-performance models can also be used for video editing. Recommended for game broadcasters.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a gaming laptop

merit

The advantage of gaming laptops is that they can be installed in a small space. It has a built-in keyboard, display, and speakers, so you can use more space on your desk. It can be stored compactly when not in use, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to store it.

Another point is that it is portable. Recommended for those who want to use it not only in their own room, but also in their living room or bedroom.

Demerit

They tend to be more expensive than desktop PCs with similar specs. If you are thinking of purchasing a high-spec model, keep in mind that it is likely to be expensive.

Also, the keyboard and monitor are directly attached, so they cannot be customized. If you want to use your favorite peripherals, consider a desktop PC.

How to choose a gaming laptop

Check the GPU (graphics board) that affects the beauty of images

The “graphic board” is an important part that affects the beauty of game graphics, and is abbreviated as “grabo”. The higher the performance, the higher the quality and smoother the image can be displayed. The “NVIDIA GeForce” series and “AMD Radeon” series are mainly released for gaming.

For beginners and light users, we recommend models equipped with GeForce RTX 3050, GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, etc. For those who want to play games in earnest, the GeForce RTX 3070 or higher model will allow you to enjoy clear images even in games with heavy processing.

Check the CPU related to performance

“CPU” is an important part that plays a role similar to the human brain. There are two types: “Intel” and “AMD”, and the higher the number at the end, such as “Core i5”, the better the processing performance. Equipped with a high-performance CPU, it can be used smoothly even when playing heavy games or editing videos.

However, no matter how high-performance the CPU is, if the GPU performance is low, the gaming laptop will not be able to fully demonstrate its performance. The performance balance between CPU and GPU is important. For example, if the CPU is Core i7 or Ryzen 7, examples include “GeForce RTX 3060” and “GeForce RTX 3070”.

If you want to increase work efficiency, we recommend 16GB or more of memory.

Memory capacity is also an important point when choosing a gaming laptop. Memory is often compared to the size of a desk, and the more memory you have, the more work space you can use. Even if you start multiple software at the same time, it will not slow down, so you can multitask efficiently.

For gaming laptops, models with 8GB of memory are fine. However, if you have 16GB or more of memory installed, even somewhat heavy software will run smoothly. Some PC games have high memory requirements, so be sure to match the operating environment of the game you want to play.

For storage, we recommend a fast SSD

There are two main types of storage: SSD and HDD. If you are purchasing a gaming laptop, we recommend a model equipped with an SSD with fast access speeds. The OS and apps start up quickly and load times are short, so you can start playing games comfortably.

The recommended storage capacity is 512GB or more, but 1TB or more is recommended because you can download many titles without deleting your favorite games.

It is recommended that the display supports a high refresh rate.

“Refresh rate” is the number of times the screen is updated per second. The higher the number, the smoother the image can be displayed, so if you want to play fast-moving games such as racing games or FPS, we recommend a model that supports a refresh rate of at least 144Hz or higher.

If you want beautiful images, pay attention to the resolution. If it supports WQHD or 4K, you can enjoy higher definition images than the mainstream Full HD.

If you want to use it for work, check out the model with an office.

“Office” developed by Microsoft is an integrated application that combines Word for document creation, Excel for spreadsheet calculation, etc. It is no exaggeration to say that it is essential for business. If you want to use a gaming laptop for work, we recommend a model with an office.

It is useful in a variety of situations, such as creating reports and presentation materials.

If you want to carry it around, pay attention to the weight and battery life.

If you often carry and use your gaming laptop, it is important to check its weight. In the case of a gaming laptop, it can be considered a lightweight model if it weighs less than 2 kg, so please use this as a guideline when choosing.

Long battery life is always better, but it consumes a lot of power when playing games, so it won’t last very long, so be sure to carry an AC adapter with you.

Popular manufacturers and brands of gaming notebook PCs

THIRDWAVE

“THIRDWAVE” is a manufacturer that operates Dospara, a BTO computer shop. As for gaming notebook PCs, we carry “GALLERIA”, and you can choose the model that suits your purpose from four series: “R”, “X”, “Z”, and “U”.

One of the attractions is that there are many models with high performance and low prices. This is a manufacturer recommended for those looking for a gaming laptop with excellent cost performance.

Razer

“Razer” is a manufacturer that handles gaming-related products such as computers, mice, and keyboards. We have a wide lineup of gaming notebook PC models ranging in size from 13.4 to 18 inches. You can choose according to what you want to focus on, such as portability and visibility.

Please check out titles such as “Fortnite” and “Apex Legends” that are compatible with “RAZER CHROMA RGB” so you can enjoy dynamic lighting effects while playing.

MSI

MSI is a manufacturer that has partnerships with many professional teams. Gaming notebook PCs are characterized by having multiple series. It is divided into the cost-effective “Katana series” and the powerful “Titan series,” so you can find a model that suits your purpose and taste.

There is also a model that allows you to rotate the screen and input handwriting using the included stylus pen. Recommended for those who want to find a model that suits them from a wide variety of options.

ASUS

“ASUS” has two types of gaming brands: “ROG” and “TUF Gaming”. The ROG brand has released gaming notebook PCs such as the “ROG Zephyrus” series and the “ROG Strix” series.

Many of the gaming notebook PCs in the TUF Gaming series are highly durable, so they are recommended for those who are looking for a model that is as robust as possible.

Dell

Dell, famous for its XPS and Inspiron series, has two gaming brands: Alienware and Dell G. Alienware gaming laptops offer high performance and stylish, unique designs.

On the other hand, the Dell G series is characterized by having simple functions necessary for playing games. You can choose a model from a brand that suits your preferences and usage.

HP

“HP”, which produces notebook PCs such as “Spectre” and “ENVY”, has two gaming notebook PC brands: “OMEN” and “Victus”. Although both are designed for gaming, Victus is designed for entry-level users, so it is recommended for beginners.