Gaming Laptop Guide - UPDATED RTX Edition!

[Galm]

 

The RTX Gaming Laptop Guide

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Other Guides:  Computer Parts | Reseller Guide

 

So this time around I'm dividing by graphics card.  That's because the prices this gen are all over the place and in general don't fit any nice cut off points like under 1500...  Unfortunately for RTX you'll be paying more than that.  Note that until I reach the portables section these laptops are more focused on performance and non max q components.

 

Categories:

RTX 2060 Machines

RTX 2070 Machines

RTX 2080 Machine

No Limit

Portables

 

IMPORTANT: Links are to view the product.  It doesn't mean that's where you should buy from.

 

BE CAREFUL TO AVOID 1x16GB ram stick.  You'll take a significant performance hit this gen with single channel RAM.

 

BASE PRICE: Generally what I'd consider a starting config price range.  Should be about 16GB of ram and either an ssd + hdd or larger sized ssd.  I try and make it a "base" useful config.  A config with 8GB of ram for gaming is fairly useless.

 

 

Owner's lounges (where actual owners of the models discuss their machines) will be linked, though not everything has an owners lounge.

 

 

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RTX 2060 Machines:

 

This is where stuff starts getting good.  Now we have some serious gaming horsepower coming into the mix, with the RTX 2060 present in all recommendations.  Anything less is not a smart use of money for a gaming machine in this price range.  Quality also increases here.

 

Sager NP8961/Clevo P960ED (17" version here)  - One of the new 16.1" models this machine has a similar footprint to 15" laptops with larger bezels.  Overall a thinner unit but also competitively priced.  Cooling not yet known.

 

Base Price: $1470

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 (1 SATA/PCIE, 1PCIE) || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 16.1" 144Hz WVA FHD               |               Battery: 51WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI 2.0 || 1 mDP 1.2 || 2 USB Type C (1 DP capable) || 2 USB 3.0 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack

Dimensions: 14.96” (w) x 9.92” (d) x 0.78” (h) 

Other: 180W adapter || 4.6 pounds barebones || RGB keyboard (zone lit) || fingerprint sensor in the touchpad || 6 in 1 card reader

 

(Owner's lounge here)

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MSI GL63 - MSI's entry level gaming laptops for RTX these laptops lack some of the bells and whistles of the more premium series above it like the GP and GE series.  Worse displays, no RGB, worse speakers, smaller battery etc...  

 

Base Price: $1600

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 15.6" 120Hz FHD              |               Battery: 51WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C || 3 USB 3.0 || Ethernet || mic jack || headset jack

Dimensions: 15.07" (w) x 10.23" (d) x 1.16" (h)

Other: 180W adapter || 4.8 pounds

 

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MSI GE63 Raider - MSI's mid level gaming laptops for RTX these laptops are share the same chassis as the GL and GP series but come with all the features the chassis can offer:  

 

Base Price: $1749

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 15.6" 120Hz FHD              |               Battery: 65WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C || 3 USB 3.0 || Ethernet || mic jack || headset jack

Dimensions: 15.07" (w) x 10.23" (d) x 1.16" (h)

Other: 180W adapter || 5.49 pounds || RGB keyboard || subwoofers || spdif with Sabre dac || sd card reader

 

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Lenovo Y740 -Lenovos new 2060 offering provides solid performance at a solid price:  

 

Base Price: $1500 (256GB ssd)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD              |               Battery: 57WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 TB III || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || NOVO hole (for system recovery)

Dimensions: 14.2” x 10.5” x 0.88”

Other: 230W adapter || 5.1 pounds || RGB keyboard || subwoofers

 

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Aorus 15 W9 - Aorus's new chassis at a more afforable price than their X5 X7 type chassis designs.  

 

Base Price: $1800 (includes a lot of storage)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 1M.2 SATA/PCIE || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD IPS             |               Battery: 62WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 (DP capable) || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || mini sd card reader

Dimensions: 14.21(W) x 9.68(D) x 0.96(H) inch

Other: 180W adapter || 5.29 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone)

 

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Tongfang GK5CP0Z - This TongFang chassis is most well known in the United States as the Walmart OP15+ and Eluktronics Mech 15 G2 units though it is also sold under other names.  It's generally an excellent value and known well performing laptop that can properly hold both cpu and gpu clocks.

 

Base Price: $1500+ (includes a lot of storage)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" SATA that's filled with the better battery

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD IPS             |               Battery: 62WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 2 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 2 USB 3.0 || 1 USB 2.0 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack || 4 in 1 card reader

Dimensions: 14.13" x 9.29" x 0.86"

Other: 150W adapter || 4.4+ pounds || RGB keyboard

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Asus GL504 - Asus's current entry level into RTX laptops.  Features an aggressive gaming design with a light bar in front and slim bezels.  Has a signature slanted black brushed finish.

 

Base Price: $1800

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level"             |               Battery: 66WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || sd card reader

Dimensions: 14.21(W) x 10.31(D) x 1.00 ~ 1.03(H)

Other: 180W adapter || 5.29 pounds || RGB keyboard (Zone)

 

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MSI GS65 - MSI's premium thin option.  Black and gold color scheme with a better and larger trackpad that last gen.  

 

Base Price: $2100 (Cheap vs the 2080  )

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD WVA            |               Battery: 82WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 TB III || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || mic jack || spdif sabre dac

Dimensions: 0.71 (H) x 14.09 (W) x 9.76 (D) in

Other: 180W adapter || 4.07 pounds || RGB keyboard || glass touchpad

 

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AW M15 2060 - AWs first thin laptop in...  Pretty much ever.  Sports an all new design with a well under an inch chassis.

 

Base Price: $1900 (more expensive than it looks for good specs)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie

Display: 15.6" FHD 60Hz IPS || FHD 144Hz IPS || UHD 60Hz IPS            |               Battery: 60WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB TB III || 3 USB 3.1 || 1 AGA || Ethernet || headset jack

Dimensions: 14.3(W) x 10.8(D) x ~0.7-0.83(H) inch

Other: 180W adapter || 5.78 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone)

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Clevo P750TM1-G - Clevo's big boy 15".  This is a 15" machine with a desktop cpu and modular components.  Typically a more powerful more enthusiast machine.  HIDevolution is linked because they offer an unlocked bios and cooling mods to tame this beast's thermals.  Can be equipped with a 2060-2080.

 

Base Price: $1900+ (will be more properly specced)

CPU: i5 9600k - i9 9900k(!)               |                GPU: RTX 2060MP

Ram Slots: 4(!)                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 sata/pcie || 2 2.5" sata (4 total!)

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level" GSync            |               Battery: 90WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 1 USB C TB III || 3 USB 3.0 || 1 USB 2.0 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack || 6 in 1 card reader

Dimensions: 15.2"(W) x 10.32"(D) x 1.5"(H)

Other: 330W adapter || 7.5 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone) ||  Sabre dac

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RTX  2070 Machines:

2070 laptops are actually not all that common without max q design in 15" chassis's.  But as long as the cooling permits these will be fast machines offering performance close to a max q 2080.  

 

Aorus 15 X9 - Aorus's new chassis at a more afforable price than their X5 X7 type chassis designs.  Almost identical to its 2060 brother besides price and the 2070.

 

Base Price: $2100 (includes a lot of storage)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2070MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 1M.2 SATA/PCIE || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD IPS             |               Battery: 62WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 (DP capable) || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || mini sd card reader

Dimensions: 14.21(W) x 9.68(D) x 0.96(H) inch

Other: 230W adapter || 5.29 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone)

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Clevo PB51EF-G - A new chassis design from Clevo.  The spiritual successor to the Clevo P650 series models.

 

Base Price: $1820 (for a 256GB ssd + 1TB HDD with 16GB ram)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2070MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 (1 SATA/PCIE, 1PCIE) || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 15.6" 144Hz WVA FHD               |               Battery: 62WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI 2.0 || 1 mDP 1.2 || 2 USB Type C (1 DP capable, 1 TB III) || 2 USB 3.0 || 1 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack

Dimensions: 14.13” (w) x 10.15” (d) x 1.18” (h)

Other: 230W adapter || 5.8 pounds barebones || RGB keyboard || fingerprint sensor in the touchpad || 6 in 1 card reader

 

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Tongfang GK7CP7S - This 17" TongFang chassis is like it's 15" brother mostly known for the Walmart OP17+ and Eluktronics Mech 17 G1R models in the U.S.  Like it's 15" brother it can also handle its hardware at a hard to beat price

 

Base Price: $1800

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2070MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" SATA (taken by larger battery)

Display: 17.3" 144Hz IPS FHD               |               Battery: 62WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI 2.0 || 2 mDP 1.4 || 1 USB Type C  || 2 USB 3.0 || 1 USB 2.0 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack || 4 in 1 card reader

Dimensions: 15.5" x 10.25 x 1"

Other: 180W adapter || 5.25+ pounds barebones || RGB keyboard

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Asus GL504 - Asus's current entry level into RTX laptops.  Features an aggressive gaming design with a light bar in front and slim bezels.  Has a signature slanted black brushed finish.  This one obviously sports a 2070MP.

 

Base Price: $2000 (500gb ssd 16GB ram)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2070MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level"             |               Battery: 66WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || sd card reader

Dimensions: 14.21(W) x 10.31(D) x 1.00 ~ 1.03(H)

Other: 230W adapter || 5.29 pounds || RGB keyboard (Zone)

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MSI GE63 Raider - MSI's mid level gaming laptops for RTX these laptops are share the same chassis as the GL and GP series but come with all the features the chassis can offer:  

 

Base Price: $2200

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2070MP

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 15.6" 120Hz FHD              |               Battery: 65WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C || 3 USB 3.0 || Ethernet || mic jack || headset jack

Dimensions: 15.07" (w) x 10.23" (d) x 1.16" (h)

Other: 280W adapter || 5.49 pounds || RGB keyboard || subwoofers || spdif with Sabre dac || sd card reader

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MSI GT63 Titan - MSI's 15" serious gaming laptop.  Larger chassis design for prioritizing performance over any other 15" model they make this is the big boy.

 

Base Price: $2500

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2070MP

Ram Slots: 4(!)                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" sata

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level"             |               Battery: 90WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 3 USB 3.1 || 1 USB 2.0 || Ethernet || quad audio ports including spdif || 3 in 1 card reader

Dimensions: 15.35"(w) x 10.47"(d) x 1.56"(h)

Other: 330W adapter || 6.84 pounds || RGB keyboard || subwoofer

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Clevo P750TM1-G - Clevo's big boy 15".  This is a 15" machine with a desktop cpu and modular components.  Typically a more powerful more enthusiast machine.  HIDevolution is linked because they offer an unlocked bios and cooling mods to tame this beast's thermals.  Can be equipped with a 2060-2080.

 

Base Price: $2150+ (will be more properly specced)

CPU: i5 9600k - i9 9900k(!)               |                GPU: RTX 2070MP

Ram Slots: 4(!)                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 sata/pcie || 2 2.5" sata (4 total!)

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level" GSync            |               Battery: 90WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 1 USB C TB III || 3 USB 3.0 || 1 USB 2.0 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack || 6 in 1 card reader

Dimensions: 15.2"(W) x 10.32"(D) x 1.5"(H)

Other: 330W adapter || 7.5 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone) ||  Sabre dac

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RTX 2080 and up:

 

Clevo P750TM1-G - Clevo's big boy 15".  This is a 15" machine with a desktop cpu and modular components.  Typically a more powerful more enthusiast machine.  HIDevolution is linked because they offer an unlocked bios and cooling mods to tame this beast's thermals.  Can be equipped with a 2060-2080.

 

Base Price: $2550+ (will be more properly specced)

CPU: i5 9600k - i9 9900k(!)               |                GPU: RTX 2080MP

Ram Slots: 4(!)                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 sata/pcie || 2 2.5" sata (4 total!)

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level" GSync            |               Battery: 90WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 1 USB C TB III || 3 USB 3.0 || 1 USB 2.0 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack || 6 in 1 card reader

Dimensions: 15.2"(W) x 10.32"(D) x 1.5"(H)

Other: 330W adapter || 7.5 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone) ||  Sabre dac

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Asus G703 - Asus's current entry level into RTX laptops.  Features an aggressive gaming design with a light bar in front and slim bezels.  Has a signature slanted black brushed finish.  This one obviously sports a 2070MP.

 

Base Price: $3000

CPU: i7 8750H (i9 available)               |                GPU: RTX 2080MP

Ram Slots: 4                |               Storage Slots: 3 M.2 pcie (1 is sata) || 1 2.5" sata

Display: 17.3" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level"             |               Battery: 96WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C 3.1 || 1 USB C TB III || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || mic jack || sd card reader

Dimensions: 16.7"(W) x 12.6"(D) x 2.0"(H)

Other: 2X 280W adapter || 10.4 pounds || RGB keyboard || subwoofers

 

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Alienware Area-51M - Alienwares new shot at the top.  A Clevo matching desktop cpu and 200W power limit 2080 means on paper this is the most powerful laptop of this generation.  Note this laptop has been recalled for thermal issues causing failures.

 

Base Price: $3050+ (bad stock storage)

CPU: i7 9700k - i9 9900k(!)               |                GPU: RTX 2080MP

Ram Slots: 4                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 pcie (1 is sata too) || 1 2.5" sata

Display: 17.3" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level" Gsync Tobii Eye Tracking             |               Battery: 90WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 AGA || 1 USB C TB III || 3 USB 3.0 || Ethernet || headset jack || headphone jack

Dimensions: 16.10(W) x 15.85(D) x 1.09(H) inch (thicker than this)

Other: 180W + 330W adapter || 9.7 pounds barebone || RGB keyboard

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MSI GT75 Titan - MSI's 15" serious gaming laptop.  Larger chassis design for prioritizing performance over any other 15" model they make this is the big boy.

 

Base Price: $3400

CPU: i7 8750H (i9 available)                |                GPU: RTX 2080MP

Ram Slots: 4(!)                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie || 2 M.2 sata/pcie || 1 2.5" sata

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD "IPS-level"             |               Battery: 75WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 USB Type C TB III || 5(!) USB 3.1 || Ethernet || quad audio ports including spdif || 3 in 1 card reader

Dimensions: 16.85"(W) x 12.36"(D) x 1.22-2.28"(H)

Other: 2x 230W adapter || 10.05 pounds || RGB keyboard || subwoofer

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Max-Q RTX Thin Laptops:

 

No budget but you need it to be thin and portable?  Look here:

 

Note that these machines have Max-Q gpus which means crippled performance.  If you want better value most of these laptops will have a 2060 non max q option which should be a better bang for your buck.  This is especially true of 2070 max q units which barely beat a 2060.

 

MSI GS65 - MSI's premium thin option.  Black and gold color scheme with a better and larger trackpad that last gen.  

 

Base Price: $2800

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2080 Max-Q

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 pcie

Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD WVA            |               Battery: 82WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 TB III || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack || mic jack || spdif sabre dac

Dimensions: 0.71 (H) x 14.09 (W) x 9.76 (D) in

Other: 230W adapter || 4.07 pounds || RGB keyboard || glass touchpad

 

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Alienware M15 - Alienware's first real forray into a thin unit.

 

Base Price: $2600 (bad default storage) 

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2080 Max-Q

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 sata/pcie || 1 M.2 pcie || 1 2.5" sata

Display: 15.6" 60Hz IPS || 144Hz FHD IPS || UHD IPS          |               Battery: 60WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 AGA || 1 USB C TB III || 3 USB 3.1 || Ethernet || headset jack

Dimensions: 14.3(W) x 10.8(D) x ~0.7-0.83(H)

Other: 230W adapter || 4.78 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone)

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Asus Zephyrus S - Zephyrus is Asus's thin line.  To try and get better thermals the keyboard is in an unusual spot.  The trackpads also double as numpads.

 

Base Price: $3000 

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2080 Max-Q

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 sata/pcie

Display: 15.6" 60Hz IPS || 144Hz FHD IPS || UHD IPS          |               Battery: 60WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 2 USB C || 1 USB 3.1 || 2 USB 2.0 || Ethernet || headset jack

Dimensions: 14.17(W) x 10.55(D) x 0.60 ~ 0.63(H)

Other: 230W adapter || 4.63 pounds || RGB keyboard (zone)

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Razer Blade 15 - Razer's mainstay gaming laptop...  Thin and sexy, not known for quality control however.  

 

Base Price: $2400 (2070) $3000 (2080)

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2080 Max-Q

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 1 M.2 sata/pcie || 1 2.5" sata

Display: 144Hz FHD IPS-Level       |               Battery: 80WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI || 1 mDP || 1 TB III || 3 USB 3.1 || headset jack

Dimensions: 0.70" x 9.25" x 13.98"

Other: 230W adapter || 4.63 pounds || RGB keyboard

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Clevo P960EN - Clevo's 16.1" thin and light with a Max Q 2080

 

Base Price: $2220

CPU: i7 8750H                |                GPU: RTX 2080 Max-Q

Ram Slots: 2                |               Storage Slots: 2 M.2 (1 SATA/PCIE, 1PCIE) || 1 2.5" SATA

Display: 16.1" 144Hz WVA FHD               |               Battery: 51WHR      

Ports: 1 HDMI 2.0 || 1 mDP 1.2 || 2 USB Type C (1 DP capable) || 2 USB 3.0 || Ethernet || headphone jack || mic jack

Dimensions: 14.96” (w) x 9.92” (d) x 0.78” (h) 

Other: 180W(!) adapter || 4.6 pounds barebones || RGB keyboard (zone lit) || fingerprint sensor in the touchpad || 6 in 1 card reader

 

(Owner's lounge here)

 

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Well there you have it.  That's my current guide to gaming laptops.  It will be updated as more stuff comes out most likely.

 

For Clevo laptops I'd recommend a Prema partner like HIDEvolution in the U.S.  If they cost too much find a cheaper option like LPC-Digital (Larry is awesome there), GentechPC, XoticPC, or Eurocom.

 

HID, GenTechPC, and Xotic are also good for other brands as they sell a ton.  HID is the only reseller I'm aware of with Razer though.

 

There are of course other gaming laptops that could be right for you, but in general these are the best of the best machines out there.

 

Good luck shopping!

--------------------------------

For context of OLD comments from page 1-18, here's the original guide:

Spoiler

Hi guys, I thought I'd post my guide from the notebookreview forums here.  I'm new here, but not there.  I figured it could be of use here.  Feel free to leave feedback as usual!

 

Other Guides: Build Quality/Quality Control  |  Computer Parts | Reseller Guide

 

IMPORTANT: Note that links are to view the product.  With Kaby Lake partially rolled out from different brands links could still be to a Skylake model.  Please ask or check if your using the links in this guide to buy.

 

ALSO: Kaby Lake is a very very small improvement over Skylake.  If you can find a Skylake model of a laptop here for cheaper it is worth getting!

 

PSA: MSI 16L13 is now a GTX 1080 option for 15" users!  Price to match though...  3K+

 

Hey guys!  I thought I'd post my guide to buying a gaming laptop to fit your needs, since I see a lot of the same questions over and over again.  If it helps, or you have feedback, I'd love to hear it!

 

Pascal gpus are here, and they make a big difference.  So if gaming is what your going for I'd strongly suggest saving for at least a  GTX1060.  They seriously crush the Maxwell series of cards.

 

Categories:

Under $1000

Under $1500

Under $2000

Under $3000

No Limit

Portables

 

Links to buy, and to owner's lounges (where actual owners of the models discuss their machines) will be linked, though not everything has an owners lounge.

 

SALES:

GT62VR with 1060 for 1200:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834154292

 

MicroCenter has (in store only) the Acer Predator G9-793-78CM 17-inch gaming notebook for $1399 + tax. This is a markdown of $600 from the previous retail price. It comes with an i7 6700HQ CPU, 16 GB of RAM, 8 GB GeForce GTX 1070 GPU, 2x128 GB SSD in RAID-0, 1 TB spinning hard drive, 1080p 75 Hz G-Sync compatible built-in display, and Windows 10 Home.
(S/O to saturnotaku at NBR )

 

(Please feel free to alert me of any good deals!)

 

Acer Predator 17 with a GTX 1080 for 1999!

http://www.microcenter.com/product/475582/Predator_17_GX-792-7448_173_Gaming_Laptop_Computer_-_Black

That being said lets go look at  some categories!

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1000 and under:

 

These are the budget machines that will game, but you'll be making sacrifices on build quality, screen quality, performance, storage options etc...

 

HP Pavilion 15T - Cheapest 1050 laptop on the market.  Base config sports a quad core i5, 8GB of ram, and a 1TB hdd.  Has room for an additional pcie ssd for extra speed and up to 16GB of ram.  Has a nice IPS panel. 

 

Dell Inspiron 7567 - Another good budget option.  Packs a 1050 (or 1050 Ti), a quad core i5/i7, and a 256GB ssd makes this a great value laptop for gaming on a budget!  It's build quality is acceptable, but worse than many of the more expensive options out there.  TN panel is poor though...

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Sager NP6852/Clevo N850HK1 - You'll be making a bigger sacrifice on build quality on this one, but the i7 7700HQ cpu is a more powerful alternative the i5 that comes with the Dell.  It's also easier to customize your storage and ram than the limited amazon Inspiron configs, letting you put whatever drives you want inside.  It also has 3 USB ports (1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0) and a USB 3.1 type C, which is pretty nice in this price range.  This is the choice I would go with if you really need a customized storage or ram config for cheap, otherwise the MSI below is probably a better option.  IPS panel.

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MSI GL62 - A solid budget choice from MSI.  Build quality is acceptable, but not great.  The specs however are quite good.  The 12GB of included ram for this configuration is honestly a very nice amount for current gaming, and it packs an i7 7700hq and 1050 plus a small ssd to make boot times quick along with a more standard 1TB hard drive.  This one also sports a USB 3.1 Type C USB port.  IPS Panel.

 

Those are the three main options I would consider right now.  Asus, Acer, HP, and Lenovo offerings in this price range are not very impressive, with very few clear advantages over the ones above.  As large mostly nongaming companies I really find the quality of their cheap options severely lacking.  The Dell and MSI offerings are pretty superior in comparison.  Though if you can find any of them sporting a 960m for under 800 paired with an i7, they could be worth considering.

 

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1500 and under:

 

This is where stuff starts getting good.  Now we have some serious gaming horsepower coming into the mix, with the GTX 1060 present in all recommendations.  Anything less is not a smart use of money for a gaming machine in this price range.  Quality also increases here.

 

Sager NP8156/Clevo P650HP6 (17" version here)  - Once you get to the Clevo P series machines, overall quality takes a jump up.  The P650 chassis is very well built being all metal, except for the lid, which is the weakest point of the machine.  The machine is well cooled, well built, and has some impressive customization options.  It sports 2 m.2 drives (1 pcie) and 2 2.5" bays for up to 4 physical drives, along with 4 ram slots (up to 64GB).  It also comes with a GSync display.  It starts at $1330 right now from a good reseller, and the NP8152-S loadout (16GB of RAM + 256GB ssd), is really a solid overall customization at $1430.  Sports 2 USB type C 3.1 ports.  RGB keyboard present.  (Owner's lounge here)

 

I would avoid the NP8151, the garbage TN panel is not worth it.  Pay the extra 50 bucks for an IPS GSync.

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Asus GL502VM - A very solid offering from Asus with a competitive price.  Sports a 7700hq, 1060, and 16GB of ram along with a 1TB HDD.  I would recommend getting an ssd either through the reseller of your choice, or on your own.  Build quality is good, and it isn't plagued with issues like some Asus machines of the past.  Compared to the Clevo this one is thinner, lighter, and quieter, but offers less flexibility (only 2 drives and 2 ram slots), is a little worse cooled, and has a very difference aesthetic.  Has GSync and a red backlit keyboard.  (Owner's lounge here)

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MSI GT62VR - Another very solid option.  This is the "high end" option at this price level.  It sports a larger (but better built) chassis that does a superior job cooling its 7700hq and 1060 than the two above.  It has only 2 drive slots, but 4 ram slots, and has far superior audio than the two above.  It's speakers include a dedicated subwoofer, with impressive oomph.  Of course, it also has a GSync display.  RGB keyboard present.  (Owner's lounge here)

 

Again, no other options I consider to be better than the 3 posted here.  The MSI GE62 is a notable option missing.  I would strongly recommend looking at the Clevo or Asus instead as they are better built and better value options.  If you can find an AW machine in this price range with a 1060 and a 6700HQ (not 6820HK see below with AW 15) than go for it!  Remember don't buy unreviewed machines!  Machines like the Gigabyte P55W aren't necessarily bad, but don't have any advantages that are notable over the above.  If you need portable look at the MSI GS43VR.  (Owner's lounger here)

 

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2000 and under:

 

Probably my favorite category, the machines in this price range all sport mighty 1070 gpus.  Build quality is still very solid, and higher end cpus and displays become a bit more common.  Desktop cpus also start here.

Sager NP8157/Clevo P650HS (17" version here) - Full diclosure I own this one.  It's a pretty great value machine starting at 1600 with a 1070.  Options are fully open here.  You can get a 4K GSync display, overclockable 7820hk cpu, there are 4 ram slots, and 4 storage slots like the P650RP6.  It also has a SABRE DAC which is an advantage over it's little brother.  This one is also thinner than the Asus GL502VS which sports a 1070 (1.1" vs 1.2").  Clevo also has access to a lot of resellers, and thermal pastes and the Prema bios mod are available options (with the [USER=109539]@Prema[/USER] bios being a unique bios for Clevo's).  It's a lean mean customizable machine.  RGB keyboard present.  (Owner's lounger here)

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MSI GT62VR (GT72VR 17")- Huh this seems like a pretty similar list to the 1500 and under...  Well that's because these chassis's are all really good.  Same deal on this laptop as the 1060 category.  I will add though that besides now sporting a 1070, the GT62VR is an MXM-B laptop, meaning it is possible though not guaranteed, to be able to upgrade it down the line.  RGB keyboard is present.  (Owner's Lounge here)

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MSI 16L13 - This is an MSI GT62 barebones machine with one MAJOR difference.  It sports a full desktop cpu!  It also sports a thunderbolt III port.  I'm listing this seperately because not everyone needs a desktop cpu, and it comes with a bit of a premium.  But this is a cool new option on the market.  It also is the only 15" on the market with a GTX 1080!  Sold by Eurocom and CyberPowerPC currently.  (Owner's lounge here)

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Sager NP9153/Clevo P750DM3 - This is Clevo's offering with a desktop cpu.  Again like the MSI barebones, both the cpu and gpu are changeable.  Includes 4 storage options, 4 ram slots, and a SABRE DAC for audio.  Will support the Prema bios, and again has an RGB keyboard.  Buid quality is good, though not quite as good as say the GT62.  (Owner's lounge here)

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Alienware 15 R3* (Power Users Only) - I put an asterisk on this one because there are a bunch of qualifications for this guy.  First off, be very careful with cpu temps.  A known issue is uneven pressure from the heatplate on the cpu causing uneven temps (often one core is very hot).  You'll need to be willing to rma or pop it open yourself.  The only reason it even gets a recommendation is besides that it's great.  Read up on the issue and solutions here.  Update: Kaby Lake AW machines should be ok.  Also...  Stock pricing is awful.  Don't buy an Alienware without a discount coupon.  Go over to the Alienware subforum to ask about how to do that, it isn't very hard, I doubt many of the veteran AW users there are paying stock prices.  Besides that...  It's pretty awesome.  Build quality is easily the best of the bunch, and the screen is great.  2 ram slots, one PCIe M.2, and one 2.5" bay.  Has some pretty crazy Alienware FX lighting if that's your thing as well.  Noticeably thinner than the old stuff.  Decent battery life as well which is a rarity.

 

These are the kings for performance in this range.  Other options are worth looking at, but not when looking for value for the money.  That will come later.  Asus models are not present because they have had some quality control issues.  They may be less frequent now, but they provide very little other benefits over the options above with one exception and that's noise.  If you need portable look at the MSI GS63VR/GS73VR  (Owner's lounger here)

 

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3000 and under:

 

You'll notice I skipped 2500.  There isn't much worth buying, except you can cram a P775DM into that budget if you really try.  You won't get much real noticeable performance increases until you hit a 1080.

 

Here your looking at options with impressive displays, lots of power, and usually the GTX 1080.

 

Clevo P775DM - Linked to HID on this one because they offer the 1440p 120Hz display.  This has a desktop cpu, and can even support a GTX 1080 desktop card barely within budget.  The smart play here is an i5 6600k desktop cpu with a 1080 and 1440p 120Hz display.  4 storage drives, 4 ram drives, huh looks like Clevo keeps winning in those two categories...  (Owner's lounge here)

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MSI GT73VR - 120Hz 1080p display, and finally more storage options makes this a solid MSI machine.  Though the cpu is still mobile it supports 4 storage drives, and 4 ram slots.  Importantly, it can either take a 1080, or 1070 sli.  Though 1070 sli is way over 3000 it is something you could consider doing down the line.  (Owner's lounge here)

 

...Where is everything else??  Well this is a weird price range.  Not much else is even here unfortunately...

Alienware will probably join soon with the 17 and its 1440p 120 Hz display.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

No Limit:

 

The end all category.  Performance here is far better than all but the highest end desktops (Pretty much just Titian XP sli at this point) and build quality is never a real worry.  Let's get into it!

 

Clevo P870KM - Where is the Sager variant you ask?  Not here.  If your spending thousands and thousands you should be getting the [USER=109539]@Prema[/USER] bios (Sager doesn't offer it).  You should also probably go with a reseller that will delid the cpu like the one I linked to help lower temps.  This thing is a beast.  A desktop cpu is supported by 2 GTX 1080s in sli, and a 1440p 120Hz GSync display.  That's living the dream right there.  However, the 4K GSync display is actually a valid option as 1080 SLI will max nearly everything at that resolution.  4 ram slots, 4 storage slots, 2 thunderbolt III ports and 5 more USB ports give this thing a crazy amount of power and flexibility.  This is the true desktop replacement king with basically no mobile parts.  Of course it also has SABRE audio and an RGB keyboard.  Literally everything can be changed.  (Owner's lounge here)

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MSI GT83VR - 1080 sli, 7920hq cpu, and oh yeah a mechanical keyboard.  Technically a weaker cpu than the Clevo, this thing is still a beast.  4 drives, 4 ram slots, and an 18" display.  Quite a beast.  SABRE audio is present, along with impressive speakers for a laptop.  Cherry MX switches are on the keyboard.  Thunderbolt III is present but GSync ISNT.  Very very odd at this price range.  (Owner's lounge here)

 

Upcoming - Asus GX800 watercooled, and Acer 21X Predator with ultrawide display.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Portable:

 

No budget but you need it to be thin and portable?  Look here:

 

The New Razer Blade - The Razer Blade is a .71" 1060 equipped laptop that's 4.1 lbs.  This thing is thin and powerful.  It also looks sexy as hell, and feels just as good as a Macbook Pro with very impressive build quality.  Your paying quite a premium for it though.  It is not well cooled and will throttle (perhaps heavily) under load.  Razer support is also awful which is why I linked to HIDEvolution's site, as they'll protect you from Razer's awfulness.  (Also check out the Microsoft Store)  Of note is the awesome Razer Chroma keyboard with individual backlighting, and the thunderbolt III support for the Razer Core eGPU.  No upgrade-able ram, and 1 drive slot are also large negatives.  (Owner's lounger here)

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Gigabyte P35X V6 - The thinnest 15" 1070 laptop out there at .81" and 5.3lbs  Almost stupid thin this thing will definitely throttle, but if you need a 1070 this is the thinnest option out there easily.  Build quality is alright, not fantastic.  3 storage bays and 2 ram slots.  4K display available.  (Owner's lounger here)

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Gigabyte Aero 15 - Kicking the Aorus X3 off the throne until it can get its screen updated, the Gigagbyte Aero 15 is one of the new kings of portables. Picture a black XPS 15, but with a 1060. A 15" machine in a 14" chassis. i7 7700HQ, GTX 1060, 2 m.2 slots, and 2 ram slots. This thing is a pretty machine. Performs pretty well too. Build quality isn't up to the XPS, but it's still more than good enough. This is quite the compelling option if you've got the funds. RGB keyboard included with individual lighting too. For now Newegg seems to have the best pricing at 1900 with a 500GB ssd. (Owner's lounge here)

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Aorus X5 - 15" laptop with a 1070 and 6820hk.  .9" thick and 5.5lbs.  A whooping 3 nvme drives are present plus a normal hard drive bay + 4 ram slots.  Build quality is solid.  Has an RGB Fusion keyboard for individual backlighting.  Also won't throttle as bad as the Gigabyte P35X.  Weirdest screen resolution of all time at 2880x1620.  I would recommend the 120Hz option instead, the 1620p one has PWM.  (Owner's lounge here)

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Aorus X7 - A 17" laptop at .9" thick at 7 lbs.  Equipped with a 6820hk and up to a GTX 1080 (though that's the DT variant not yet thermal tested).  1440p 120Hz display is another awesome spec on this bad boy.  Build quality is solid.  Same drives available as the X5 and 4 ram slots.  This is easily the thinnest GTX 1080 laptop out, its not even close.  Also has an RGB Fusion keyboard.  (Owner's lounge here)

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Clevo P950HP6 - .73" thick and housing a 1060 this is a great new portable option from Clevo. 2 ram slots, and 1 m.2 + 1 sata slot give it decent option while staying thin. Cooling is solid as well as build quality. RGB keyboard and a reasonable price.

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(WARNING: AW has been having heat issues.  This is a risk)

Alienware 13 - The new king of real 13" laptops (Aorus X3 is barely 13").  It has a quad core cpu now, GTX 1060 , and a 1440p OLED display!  I really recommend upgrading to that display because it's a rare awesome option.  2 ram slots, and 2 m.2 bays are a bit limited (it literally can't take an HDD) and the price competes with the Razer Blade when specced out.  RGB keyboard, RGB trackpad, RGB everything.  Built like a tank.  This is a great small option, though it is deceptively heavy.

 

There are other more budget thin laptops like the MSI GS series I have mentioned in cheaper categories, but these are the best if money is no object.  Note the P37X is .01 inches thinner than the Aorus X7, so its really not better at all unless you want to save...  Well like a grand...  So its worth considering if budget is tight and you want a 1070 at 17".  Will run warm.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Well there you have it.  That's my current guide to gaming laptops.  It will be updated as more stuff comes out most likely.

 

For Clevo laptops I'd recommend a Prema partner like HIDEvolution in the U.S.  If they cost too much find a cheaper option like LPC-Ditigal (Larry is awesome there) or Prostar, XoticPC, or Eurocom.

 

HID, Prostar, and Xotic are also good for other brands as they sell a ton.  HID is the only reseller I'm aware of with Razer though.

 

There are of course other gaming laptops that could be right for you, but in general these are the best of the best machines out there.

 

I have tried nearly all of my recommendations in person (plus the not recommendable).  I make some assumptions based on reviews of the machines and if it's just a screen variant (i.e. the P670 is similar to the P650).  Notable exceptions are I have not tried a Eurocom Tornado, Aorus X3/X7, MSI GT83VR, or Clevo P775DM.

 

Good luck shopping!

[Castdeath97]

Ohh so that's the guide from notebook reviews forums, good to see it here.

[Galm]

2 minutes ago, Castdeath97 said:

Ohh so that's the guide from notebook reviews forums, good to see it here.

Has it been mentioned?  I've only joined here in the last month or so and am still ramping up how active I am here.

 

Feel free to leave feedback.  I've gotten a ton of good feedback over there, I'd love to get the same here.  It's a lot more polished than my original post months ago that's for sure.

 

@D2Ultima and @hmscott left me a lot of good feedback along with others who may or may not also be members here.

[Castdeath97]

1 minute ago, Galm said:

Has it been mentioned?  I've only joined here in the last month or so and am still ramping up how active I am here.

 

Feel free to leave feedback.  I've gotten a ton of good feedback over there, I'd love to get the same here.  It's a lot more polished than my original post months ago that's for sure.

 

@D2Ultima and @hmscott left me a lot of good feedback along with others who may or may not also be members here.

I have been around Notebook reviews and I was able to recognise it. 

[The Sloth]

the Alienware 13 is an interesting laptop, my friend bought one for gaming on the go. he lasted a week before returning it, its not portable its just a dull idea the only thing it has going for it is the OLED screen, the problem with the laptop is its heavy, bad battery life, GPU issues, worst trackpad in any laptop, cpu randomly go to 100% because of some Alienware software and the lights just became a gimmick after a week of owning it. if you really want an Alienware get it other than that avoid it. 

[Castdeath97]

1 minute ago, nerdslayer1 said:

the Alienware 13 is an interesting laptop, my friend bought one for gaming on the go. he lasted a week before returning it, its not portable its just a dull idea the only thing it has going for it is the OLED screen, the problem with the laptop is its heavy, bad battery life, GPU issues, worst trackpad in any laptop, cpu randomly go to 100% because of some Alienware software and the lights just became a gimmick after a week of owning it. if you really want an Alienware get it other than that avoid it. 

Bad battery life is almost unavoidable with gaming laptops, but I heard it had better than average battery life, correct me if I'm wrong.

[The Sloth]

1 minute ago, Castdeath97 said:

Bad battery life is almost unavoidable with gaming laptops, but I heard it had better than average battery life, correct me if I'm wrong.

not arguing but the msi gt vr can last a while trying with low screen brightness. the Alienware would chew through battery life at the same usage, even with a OLED display. 

[Galm]

5 minutes ago, nerdslayer1 said:

not arguing but the msi gt vr can last a while trying with low screen brightness. the Alienware would chew through battery life at the same usage, even with a OLED display. 

The Alienware 13 is still portable in that in can easily fit in a bag.  It's not the smallest or the lightest, and battery life is surprisingly poor for an Alienware, but none of these laptops are meant for portability over gaming.  If that's the case the MSI GS43 or Gigabyte Aero 14 are better choices.  The gaming experience on the AW 13 OLED screen is awesome.  That's why it gets the mention.

[edit1754]

Great writeup!

 

Tbh I wouldn't really consider the Inspiron 7567 to be the "go-to" budget option, though. I think the reason the 7559 was considered to be the go-to option last year was largely in part due to its combination of decent GPU and decent display at the same time, for the price. To me, the removal of the decent display in this year's model fundamentally alters that evaluation, and defeats a huge part the reason to buy a gaming laptop: to make games look better.

[Galm]

2 minutes ago, edit1754 said:

Great writeup!

 

Tbh I wouldn't really consider the Inspiron 7567 to be the "go-to" budget option, though. I think the reason the 7559 was considered to be the go-to option last year was largely in part due to its combination of decent GPU and decent display at the same time, for the price. To me, the removal of the decent display in this year's model fundamentally alters that evaluation, and defeats a huge part the reason to buy a gaming laptop: to make games look better.

Ah damn, nice catch.  Not supposed to still be in there, it's a remnant from the 7559.  I mentioned the awful panel.  It's still an option though imo.

[Galm]

I'll also mention that if anyone finds any sales please let me know about them and I'll add them to the top of the guide.  The one on NBR is stickied to the top to maintain visibility.  We'll see what happens here.  If people think it's helpful I'll ask the mods.  Otherwise I'll just let it drop lol.

[Loading17]

Any thoughts on the HP Omen 17-W151NR? Seems for the price I can't find anything that comes close. If I get it from costco I get 2 years warrenty from costco + 90 days hassle free return. Thanks.

[Galm]

52 minutes ago, Loading17 said:

Any thoughts on the HP Omen 17-W151NR? Seems for the price I can't find anything that comes close. If I get it from costco I get 2 years warrenty from costco + 90 days hassle free return. Thanks.

Oh yeah, on NBR I had the second post reserved for things like that, I probably should have done the same here.  

 

So I've used the Omen like most other laptops on the list, and it's definitely budget.  It feels weaker than similar options.  

 

However, can you link to me the exact one you have in mind?  At one point there was a 1070 equipped one in the 1500 area which is a pretty good price.  If you are really pushing best bang for your buck it's a good deal.  Cooling especially on the cpu wasn't good, but it wasn't actually throttling much.  If you wanted to repaste it/ undervolt it should perform just fine.

 

However, I would probably recommend picking up a barebones P650RS from Prostar and adding your own storage and ram.  Shouldn't be too much more money and is a much nicer machine.  

[Loading17]

Here's the one I was looking at (Canadian dollars)

 

https://www.costco.ca/HP-Omen-17-W151NR-English-Notebook%2c-i7-6700HQ.product.100323921.html

[Galm]

2 minutes ago, Loading17 said:

Here's the one I was looking at (Canadian dollars)

 

https://www.costco.ca/HP-Omen-17-W151NR-English-Notebook%2c-i7-6700HQ.product.100323921.html

Ah this is definitely a better Canadian deal: http://www.reflexnotebook.ca/sager-notebooks/sager-np8174-3018.html

[Pendragon]

4 minutes ago, Galm said:

Ah this is definitely a better Canadian deal: http://www.reflexnotebook.ca/sager-notebooks/sager-np8174-3018.html

nooooooooo reflex is overpriced to hell. always go eurocom. you can get a MSI 16L13 for 2k Canadian. And there's student discount. So like if you buy ram and storage your self, a full specced to the balls MSI 16l13 is cheap. 

[Galm]

5 minutes ago, Pendragon said:

nooooooooo reflex is overpriced to hell. always go eurocom. you can get a MSI 16L13 for 2k Canadian. And there's student discount. So like if you buy ram and storage your self, a full specced to the balls MSI 16l13 is cheap. 

Eurocom is my go to as well.  But he wanted a 17".  And they don't even offer the P670HS for some reason.  (Btw without the student discount a same specced 16L13 is a lot more, you'd need to buy OS, ram, and storage yourself and it would still be kinda close).  

[Pendragon]

12 minutes ago, Galm said:

Eurocom is my go to as well.  But he wanted a 17".  And they don't even offer the P670HS for some reason.  (Btw without the student discount a same specced 16L13 is a lot more, you'd need to buy OS, ram, and storage yourself and it would still be kinda close).  

 

 

Oh for sure. They didn't even offer the P670RS. They are still on the P670RG. Apparently because BGA models require a min order of 500 or something, and Eurocom doesn't see the value to order that many for Canada. There are even more penny techniques techniques to get the lowest possible price. I live there so I perfected it LOL. 

 

- Ask for no ram (source your own)

- Ask for no wlan card (source your own)

- Source your own ssd

- Keep the HDD

- Source your own OS (oem that shit)

- Ship it to Quebec and use mail forwarding to ship it back to where you are located. This works for people in Toronto cause fuck paying 13% tax. Quebec pays 5% and you literally use mail forwarding to ship it back to you for like $50. If you're in BC, well find out which one is cheaper. Paying Eurocom shipping to BC + Tax or QU + 5% Tax + Mail Forwarding

- Student Discount

[Galm]

3 hours ago, Pendragon said:

Oh for sure. They didn't even offer the P670RS. They are still on the P670RG. Apparently because BGA models require a min order of 500 or something, and Eurocom doesn't see the value to order that many for Canada. There are even more penny techniques techniques to get the lowest possible price. I live there so I perfected it LOL. 

 

- Ask for no ram (source your own)

- Ask for no wlan card (source your own)

- Source your own ssd

- Keep the HDD

- Source your own OS (oem that shit)

- Ship it to Quebec and use mail forwarding to ship it back to where you are located. This works for people in Toronto cause fuck paying 13% tax. Quebec pays 5% and you literally use mail forwarding to ship it back to you for like $50. If you're in BC, well find out which one is cheaper. Paying Eurocom shipping to BC + Tax or QU + 5% Tax + Mail Forwarding

- Student Discount

That's all good except the dubious legality of that last part lmao.  

 

But yeah the 10% student discount is really really helpful from them.  

[Pendragon]

17 minutes ago, Galm said:

That's all good except the dubious legality of that last part lmao.  

 

Well  what can I say. I've seen a even sketchy way. Ship it to the US border at New York State. Drive over there and pick it up at the UPS drop point (literally 5 minute from the border), and bring it back across the border as a personal item and you pay 0 taxes. LOL. Don't know how illegal this is though.

[AdmiralMeowmix]

This is a very interesting list! What would you say would be the BEST 1070 equipped laptop for under $2000 USD?

[Galm]

1 minute ago, AdmiralMeowmix said:

This is a very interesting list! What would you say would be the BEST 1070 equipped laptop for under $2000 USD?

Well for what?  Do you care at all about portability?  Battery life?

 

The Clevo P650HS is I think the best all arounder.  Pretty thin, alright battery life, very well built/cooled and high performing.  But if you can get the MSI 16L13 it has a more powerful desktop cpu for higher performance.  

[AdmiralMeowmix]

1 minute ago, Galm said:

Well for what?  Do you care at all about portability?  Battery life?

 

The Clevo P650HS is I think the best all arounder.  Pretty thin, alright battery life, very well built/cooled and high performing.  But if you can get the MSI 16L13 it has a more powerful desktop cpu for higher performance.  

I personally don't really care bout portablitiy and battery life and all that. Just the best bang for your buck in the price range, good thermals that wont throttle or catch fire or anything aha and just good power in it.

[Galm]

3 minutes ago, AdmiralMeowmix said:

I personally don't really care bout portablitiy and battery life and all that. Just the best bang for your buck in the price range, good thermals that wont throttle or catch fire or anything aha and just good power in it.

Yeah then I'd look at the two I mentioned.  The 16L13 is sold by Eurocom (Tornado F5) and like cyperpowerpc or something.

 

The Clevo is cheaper and in my opinion the best bang for your buck.  It's why I own a P650RS.  It's such a beast and cheaper than most of the competition too.  I'd recommend getting liquid ultra on it though if possible.

[AdmiralMeowmix]

2 minutes ago, Galm said:

Yeah then I'd look at the two I mentioned.  The 16L13 is sold by Eurocom (Tornado F5) and like cyperpowerpc or something.

 

The Clevo is cheaper and in my opinion the best bang for your buck.  It's why I own a P650RS.  It's such a beast and cheaper than most of the competition too.

Alright what about the 670HS version? It seems to be the same but with a 17 in screen is it any worth the extra couple inches?