Gaming & Creator Laptops

The brain of the laptop. Four fast cores handle what you are doing; four small ones quietly deal with background jobs. Plenty for gaming, because in most games the graphics chip matters far more.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The dedicated graphics chip handles most of the gaming and graphics work. Its 45W power limit affects how fast it can run. The 4GB of VRAM is the main limitation of this model.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

What lets you keep things open at once. 16GB is the comfortable standard for gaming. Both sticks can be swapped, so you could take it to 64GB later.

Fast storage with no moving parts, so the SSD helps games and files load quickly. There is also a bay for a second, older-style drive if you need additional low-cost storage.

144Hz means the picture is redrawn 144 times a second instead of the usual 60, so movement looks smooth and you see things sooner. 45% NTSC describes how many colours it shows - fine for games, not for colour-critical design work.

Wi-Fi 6 copes well in a busy house. The Ethernet socket takes a network cable, which is usually steadier than Wi-Fi for online play.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. 52.4Wh is small for a gaming laptop. Actual battery life depends heavily on screen brightness, workload and power settings. It cannot be charged from a USB-C charger, so the supplied adapter must travel with it.

A standard webcam, fine for calls. The keyboard lights up so you can play in a dark room, and the number pad speeds up figures.

Light for a gaming laptop - you can genuinely carry this one. Windows 11 Home is installed and is suitable for normal home, school and gaming use.

It uses the same Core i5 processor as the entry model: four fast cores plus four efficient cores that handle background work. For gaming that is plenty - the graphics chip does the heavy lifting.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

A generation newer than the RTX 3050, with 6GB of VRAM instead of 4. It also supports DLSS 3 Frame Generation, which uses AI to create additional frames so supported games look smoother. 45W is the power it is allowed.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB is the comfortable gaming standard. Two swappable sticks, so 64GB is possible later.

The SSD helps games, applications and files load quickly. The second bay can hold an additional 2.5-inch drive for lower-cost storage.

144Hz keeps fast movement smooth. The 45% NTSC colour range is aimed at gaming rather than design work.

Wi-Fi 6E adds a third, less crowded radio band - a real difference when several people share the internet. A wired Ethernet connection is usually steadier still.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. A small battery, and USB-C cannot charge it. Keep the supplied adapter with you.

Standard webcam. Backlit keyboard with a number pad.

Light enough to carry daily. Windows 11 Home.

Four fast cores and four small ones - the same chip as the MSI machines, and plenty for gaming.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 4050 provides 6GB of VRAM and supports modern gaming features including DLSS 3 Frame Generation. Compare it using the published benchmark reference rather than the chip name alone.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB, but supplied as one stick rather than two, which is slightly slower. Adding a second stick would improve it.

Fast storage, and a free second slot inside means you can add another drive later without removing the first.

The 144Hz Full HD display shows smoother motion than a standard 60Hz screen. Its modest colour coverage suits general use and gaming; colour-sensitive work is better done on an external colour-accurate monitor.

Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 provide modern wireless connectivity, while Gigabit Ethernet offers a stable wired option.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. The 70Wh battery provides more capacity than the 52.4Wh batteries in the MSI Thin models. Actual runtime depends on workload, screen brightness and power settings. Use the supplied adapter for charging and full performance.

Standard webcam, backlit keyboard with a number pad.

Heavier than the MSI machines, which is the price you pay for the bigger battery and roomier cooling.

Four fast cores and four small ones - the same chip as the MSI machines, and plenty for gaming.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 4050 provides 6GB of VRAM and supports modern gaming features including DLSS 3 Frame Generation. Compare it using the published benchmark reference rather than the chip name alone.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

The installed 16GB is one replaceable DDR5-5200 module, and a second slot is free. Adding a matching module increases capacity and improves memory bandwidth. This DDR5 memory is the main difference from the cheaper fa2709wm, which uses DDR4.

Fast storage, and a free second slot inside means you can add another drive later without removing the first.

The 144Hz Full HD display shows smoother motion than a standard 60Hz screen. Its modest colour coverage suits general use and gaming; colour-sensitive work is better done on an external colour-accurate monitor.

Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 provide modern wireless connectivity, while Gigabit Ethernet offers a stable wired option.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. The 70Wh battery provides more capacity than the 52.4Wh batteries in the MSI Thin models. Actual runtime depends on workload, screen brightness and power settings. Use the supplied adapter for charging and full performance.

Standard webcam, backlit keyboard with a number pad.

Heavier than the MSI machines, which is the price you pay for the bigger battery and roomier cooling.

The same four-plus-four core chip as the cheaper MSI machines. You are paying for graphics here, which for gaming is the right thing to pay for.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 4060 provides 8GB of VRAM against 6GB on the RTX 4050, which helps with higher-resolution textures and larger projects. However, its 45W power limit keeps its measured performance close to some RTX 4050 laptops - compare the GPU scores, not the chip names.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB, two swappable sticks, up to 64GB later.

Fast storage plus a bay for a second drive.

144Hz for smooth movement. Colour range aimed at gaming rather than design.

Wi-Fi 6E for a steadier connection in a crowded house, plus an Ethernet socket.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. A small battery, and no USB-C charging. The adapter travels with it.

Standard webcam, backlit keyboard with number pad.

Still light for a gaming machine.

Four fast cores and four small ones. Ample for gaming.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 5050 uses newer GDDR7 graphics memory and supports DLSS 4, which can use AI to generate additional frames in supported games.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB, and it can be increased later.

Fast storage with no moving parts, so the SSD helps games and files load quickly.

165Hz - faster than the 144Hz screens around it, so movement looks smoother again. The colour range is aimed at gaming rather than design work.

Wi-Fi 6 copes well in a busy house, and the Ethernet socket takes a network cable for a steadier connection when gaming online.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. At 76Wh it has the largest battery capacity of the RTX 4050 and RTX 5050 machines here. Actual runtime depends on workload, screen brightness and power settings.

Standard webcam, backlit keyboard with number pad.

A normal weight for a 15-inch gaming laptop.

The first i7 in this list. Six fast cores and four small ones - a real step up from the Core i5 machines for editing, streaming and anything that leans on the processor.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, but limited to 45W - well under the 140W version in the ASUS TUF. Its listed GPU score sits close to the RTX 4050 machines, so buy this one for its processor, memory and storage rather than for graphics speed.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB of the faster DDR5 generation, in two swappable sticks. Up to 64GB later.

A full terabyte - twice the cheaper machines, so room for a real game library.

144Hz for smooth movement in fast games.

Wi-Fi 6 and a wired Ethernet socket.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. A modest battery, and USB-C cannot charge it. Plan to stay near a socket.

Standard webcam, backlit keyboard with number pad.

A normal weight for a 15-inch gaming laptop.

Ten cores, and a newer, faster i7 than the Cyborg. Strong for gaming, editing and heavy multitasking alike.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 4060 running at up to 140W - far more power than the same chip gets in the cheaper machines here, and that is exactly why it is faster. Power matters as much as the name.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB of DDR5 in two swappable sticks, up to 64GB later.

A full terabyte, with two drive slots so you can add more.

The 144Hz display makes motion look smoother. It covers the full sRGB colour range, which is useful for photo, design and video work. Colour-critical work still benefits from calibration. G-SYNC keeps the picture from tearing during fast action, while the MUX Switch and Advanced Optimus let the laptop send the picture straight from the RTX graphics for gaming, or switch to the power-saving graphics to make the battery last.

Thunderbolt 4 supports very fast data transfers and video output. The separate USB-C port supports DisplayPort and Power Delivery. Ethernet provides a steady wired connection for online gaming.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. A 90Wh battery, among the largest here. Use the supplied 240W adapter for full gaming performance; actual runtime depends on workload and settings.

Standard webcam, backlit keyboard with number pad.

At 2.20kg it is heavier than the MSI Thin and Cyborg, which is typical for a higher-power 15-inch gaming laptop. Built to a military durability standard.

Sixteen cores in three kinds - fast cores, small cores, and extra low-power ones for quiet background work. A modern, capable chip.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 4070 is rated up to 125W here, which is a generous power limit for a 14.5-inch machine. Published results vary a good deal between Standard and Turbo modes, so use the score range rather than judging by size or chip name.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB of low-power memory that helps the battery - but it is soldered to the board and can never be increased.

A full terabyte, and the drive can be replaced.

At 2560 x 1600 this is much sharper than the Full HD gaming screens, and gives more vertical workspace. The Helios Neo 16 and MSI Vector use the same resolution on larger panels.

Wi-Fi 6E adds a third, less crowded radio band. There is no built-in Ethernet port; a USB Ethernet adapter can be used when a wired connection is needed.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. A 76Wh battery. Use the supplied adapter for full gaming performance; actual runtime depends on workload, brightness and power settings.

Backlit keyboard, but no number pad - a 14-inch body has no space for one.

A compact and comparatively portable RTX 4070 laptop.

Twenty cores of desktop-class power. Its listed CPU score is about 49% higher than the Helios Neo 14's, which makes it particularly strong for processor-heavy work such as rendering, encoding and software development.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 4070 has 8GB of VRAM. Its MUX Switch can connect the RTX graphics directly to the screen for stronger gaming performance. There is no closely comparable published score to show for this version.

No sufficiently comparable published result exists for this version, so no score is shown rather than estimating one.

16GB of fast DDR5 in two swappable sticks. This one can go all the way to 96GB.

A full terabyte of fast storage.

The 144Hz screen shows fast movement more smoothly. Its Full HD resolution is well suited to 1080p gaming.

Wi-Fi 6E and a wired Ethernet socket.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. A modest battery for this much power. Use the supplied 180W adapter for full gaming performance; actual runtime depends on workload and settings.

A sharper 1080p webcam than most laptops here, and the keyboard lights up in a colour you choose.

A normal weight for a 15-inch gaming machine.

Sixteen cores of desktop-class power. Built for work that never lets up - rendering, streaming and gaming at the same time.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

An older generation of chip, but its 16GB is the largest VRAM capacity on this page - 4GB more than the MSI Vector and twice the 8GB models. That matters most for 4K video editing and the highest texture settings.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

32GB as standard, matching the Helios Neo 16 AI and twice the memory of most other machines here. Two swappable sticks, up to 64GB.

A full terabyte, with two slots so a second drive can be added.

A large high-refresh display suited to gaming, creator work and desktop-replacement use.

Wi-Fi 6E and a wired Ethernet socket.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. At 99.9Wh this is close to the 100Wh limit airlines commonly apply to carry-on batteries - check your airline's rules before travelling.

Every key lights independently and can be its own colour.

Heavy - this is a machine that lives on a desk. Windows 11 Pro adds business features such as drive encryption and remote access.

It has the highest listed CPU Mark score on this page, making it especially strong for processor-heavy work. Eight fast cores and sixteen efficient ones.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The RTX 5070 is a newer graphics chip with 8GB of GDDR7 memory and DLSS 4 Frame Generation. It has a 115W graphics power limit.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

32GB is already a large amount of memory for gaming, video editing, 3D work and heavy multitasking.

A full terabyte of fast storage.

Sharp, very fast and 500 nits bright, covering a wide DCI-P3 colour range. That makes it promising for creator work, though professional colour accuracy depends on calibration and measured results.

5Gb Ethernet can give a faster wired network link than ordinary Gigabit Ethernet when paired with compatible network equipment. Wi-Fi 6E adds a third, less crowded radio band.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. A 90Wh battery. Use the supplied adapter for full performance; actual runtime depends on workload, brightness and power settings.

The camera signs you in by looking at your face, even in a dark room. RGB backlit keyboard.

A substantial 16-inch machine. Windows 11 Home.

Sixteen cores and thirty-two threads of desktop-class AMD power, with a very large cache to keep it fed.

An average score for this processor model, collected from many different machines. Higher is faster - use it to compare these laptops against each other.

The highest listed GPU score on this page. Its 12GB of GDDR7 is 50% more graphics memory than the 8GB Acer, giving extra headroom for high-resolution textures, large 3D scenes and heavier creator projects.

Time Spy is a graphics test. A higher score generally means stronger graphics performance. The note tells you whether the score came from this laptop or from a similar model.

16GB in two swappable sticks. Less than the Acer's 32GB, but both slots are reachable so adding more is straightforward.

A full terabyte of fast storage.

The 2560 x 1600 240Hz display covers the full DCI-P3 colour gamut, which suits wide-gamut creator work as well as gaming. Colour-critical work still benefits from calibration.

The only Wi-Fi 7 laptop here, plus 2.5G Ethernet, USB4 charging and a full-size SD card slot that takes a camera card directly.

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery can store. They do not tell you exactly how long it will last. 90Wh, and it charges over USB-C. The 330W mains adapter is what you need for full performance.

Face sign-in with a shutter you can physically close, and a SteelSeries keyboard where every key lights on its own.

A substantial 16-inch machine built for performance rather than travel.