Which processor or graphics card offers better performance for a gaming laptop?
Which processor or graphics card offers better performance for a gaming laptop?
I’m preparing to make my last choice for a new gaming laptop. There’s a significant amount of money involved, but I’m ready to invest. Would you prefer more funds going into the CPU or the GPU? I’ve noticed that at some point the CPU prices jump sharply. The laptops I’m considering are:
- **MSI GE75 Raider 2021**
Display: 17.3"
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
RAM: 32 GB DDR4 2666 MHz
Hard Drive: 1 TB 5400 rpm + 512 GB SSD
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 8 GB DDR6
GIGABYTE Aero 17 KC
Display: 17.3"
CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H
RAM: 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz
Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB DDR6
- **Gigabyte Aero 17 KC**
Display: 17.3"
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
RAM: 16 GB DDR4 2133 MHz
Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB DDR6
The price gap is modest, with the GIGABYTE being pricier but offering a stronger CPU. I’m leaning toward the **GIGABYTE** for its better CPU performance.
As someone who currently owns an Alienware 17 R3 from 2016 (with specs: i7-6700HQ, 16 GB DDR4, 1 TB SSD, RTX 970M), I’m not upgrading often. My old machine is still functional, but the hard drive starts slowly and I’m looking for a more powerful setup. I’d prefer playing mostly Total War games from Empire to Troy Total War if possible; otherwise, I’m flexible on titles.
I’m open to your advice—RTX 2070 is tempting, but the i7-10870H seems solid too.
I don't have much clarity, but it would be better to opt for older models like the RTX 2060 or GTX 1070. In my country, GTX 1070 laptops are harder to find, cost more, and often have outdated CPUs, such as i7-7700HQ, which isn't much better than my old Alienware 17 R3 from 2016 with i7-6700HQ.
I notice numerous complaints regarding gaming laptops not functioning optimally.
Typically, performance drops when gaming while connected.
A frequent reason is thermal throttling.
Laptop coolers need to be compact and lightweight.
They are also generally less powerful.
Check the cooling capabilities of each option first.
Higher-speed graphics cards will also require more power and generate more heat.
It’s not advisable to pair a fast processor with a high-performance graphics card if you must limit speed to avoid throttling.
Most games are more constrained by graphics than by the CPU.
From this perspective, prioritize the faster GPU.
The main distinction between the I7-10750H and I7-10870H lies in the number of threads.
Specifically, 12 versus 16.
Single-thread performance remains identical.
For improved single-thread results, consider Intel’s 11th generation processors such as the i9-11900H.
The single-thread passmark rating is 3446 for the I7-10870H compared to 2819 for the I7-10750H.
Unless you frequently play multiplayer games with many players, using more than 6-8 threads is unlikely to be beneficial.
You're correct, I'm not familiar with cooling solutions. You've found some images related to the MSI GE75 Raider 2021 and GIGABYTE Aero 17 KC. Later you plan to check reviews for both laptops.