Advice on Gaming Laptops: 60Hz for Ryzen or 120Hz for Intel?
Advice on Gaming Laptops: 60Hz for Ryzen or 120Hz for Intel?
Hello!
I have two laptops with a GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6. One is a used model with a 6-core/12-thread Ryzen CPU, 60Hz display, and another is a brand-new machine with a 4-core/8-thread i5 CPU, 120Hz screen. Both have identical RAM, SSDs, and prices.
I understand that a Ryzen 6 core offers better long-term flexibility, but I won’t be locked into that hardware forever. My next upgrade plan is toward an RTX laptop with at least six cores, though I don’t have the budget right now—I plan to use it for about five years max.
Also, I know the GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 isn’t a high-performance GPU, so I won’t be able to achieve very high frame rates in modern games with high detail settings. Right now, my main concerns are running older titles smoothly; I managed to play PUBG, Rocket League, MGSV, Halo MCC, and Halo Infinite without issues.
I believe the GPU plays a bigger role in gaming performance, so if both machines have the same graphics card, a more powerful CPU won’t make much difference. A newer laptop with a 120Hz display might feel better for me, especially since I haven’t used that speed before.
Which option would you prefer—my current 6-core/12-thread laptop or the new one with a 120Hz screen? I’m leaning toward the latter but still value your thoughts ^^
Thanks!
P.S.: I won’t use the laptop for rendering or video editing, just for everyday tasks and gaming.
Hello
The new i5 laptop seems like a good option, especially since it likely comes with a warranty and matches the price. Keep these points in mind:
120hz doesn’t always indicate a better display
Colour range
Max brightness
These aspects are important, assuming the 120hz is just a standard setting—run it normally without overthinking. The i5 with one core will perform worse than a Ryzen 5600h, which uses less power and has a decent integrated GPU for older games on lower settings (great for battery life).
Most older games don’t support frame rates above 60hz, and some games may fail if you push beyond that.
If you try anything higher than 60, the game might break. Certain game engines also crash when you increase the framerate.
Check your monitors for VRR or G-SYNC/FREESYNC support—if they’re present and the 120hz is supported, it’s worth sticking with the 120hz i5.
In short, this screen quality is probably the most crucial factor for gaming.
😉
Also, if your GPU isn’t powerful enough, you can usually adjust settings like lower resolution or graphics mods to make it work, even on a less capable card—though performance will be limited.
Coming from an AMD Sempron 2800+, I know this well xD
I would choose the Intel option because the laptop is new, which likely means it comes with warranty. Since both models have the same GPUs, the Intel one should perform better as it hasn't been used. Just verify the screen quality on both before purchasing to ensure it meets your expectations.