Need guidance on purchasing a new gaming laptop?
Need guidance on purchasing a new gaming laptop?
I'm searching for a laptop featuring at least three USB A ports, a powerful graphics card, a solid processor, sufficient RAM, and a minimum of two terabytes of storage. I’d prefer one with a warranty option. My budget is around £2000, and while the size isn’t crucial, it needs enough space for those ports. Screen resolution and battery life aren’t my main concerns since I’ll be using it plugged in most of the time. This would likely replace my current desktop, especially for running the latest games at higher graphics settings, though I’d still like the chance to play older titles. I also plan to use it for video and photo editing, as well as 3D modeling. I aim to keep the laptop in good condition for about two to three years—my previous HP Omen 15 lasted five years, which was great.
I’m hoping to get an optical drive, but unfortunately it’s no longer available, which is a letdown since using an external drive feels inferior. I don’t have strong brand preferences, though I’d prefer to avoid ASUS and PC Specialist due to past issues.
I’ve checked the Omen MAX ah0004na:
https://www.hp.com/gb-en/shop/product.as...bu&sel=ntb
It only offers a 1TB SSD, and upgrading would void the warranty.
I also looked at the MSI Vector 17 HX:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...24...03963.html
It seemed promising, but reviews mentioned CPU performance problems and maintenance challenges.
There are also several options at Currys that look good, but for some reason their warranty isn’t available. Is there anything I’m missing? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. 👍
I appreciate the portability if I need to visit someone or stay somewhere for a while—I wouldn’t want to carry a big desktop and monitor. There are also other benefits, such as being able to relax on the sofa while watching TV and avoiding extra costs for a monitor. Most of the points critics make about gaming laptops seem valid, but the one I reviewed by NotebookCheck had several concerns.
I often find myself amused by such remarks.
Verdict - Weak CPU performance, unremarkable gaming performance
How does this compare? My Coupra Terramar reaches 0-60 in roughly 7 seconds—it's quite average… .......
............................................... compared to a Ferrari Testarossa
Given that the MSI is cheaper with a better CPU and storage, I don't see much reason not to go with that one. Do you use the GPU much when on the go? You could consider something with a thunderbolt port and get an external GPU enclosure that you could upgrade as time goes on.
You should first review the specifications needed for the games you plan to use and then consider purchasing a more powerful PC to ensure it remains suitable in the future. You mentioned PC World, which sells pre-built PCs and laptops designed for specific price points. For instance, they offer Dell-branded machines, but the same models on their own site are pricier. I contacted Dell and asked about this, and they explained that PC World’s machines use lower-spec components. My research confirmed this.
Regarding what @Hasselblad mentioned about laptops, he seems to be mistaken. There are skilled builders who create custom gaming laptops, and some can be found with genuine keys rather than generic ones.
When it comes to upgrading a laptop, I read that some builders install long fine wires inside the machine. If you’re unaware of this, opening the case could damage the wire. This was a method used in the early 1980s to test if the case was opened properly—helping game makers verify modifications for better performance.
If you’re in the UK, I recommend checking PC Specialist. I’ve had three gaming rigs and a laptop from them without any issues. They run them overnight before shipping to check for any problems.
Creators of various electrical devices conceal extremely thin wires within their products, and if a failure occurs during warranty coverage, the initial concern is always the damaged wire.