Recommend a gaming laptop
December 28, 2011 9:05 AM Subscribe
What gaming laptop won't rip me off?
I want a laptop that's powerful enough to run Skyrim at at least 30fps, on High. (Bonus points for Ultra, but not necessary I suppose.)
Assuming a budget of about US$1200, and assuming I want a laptop that is actually portable (so preferably smaller than 17"), what should I buy? (Despite my usual location, I'm currently in the USA.)
More generically, general advice on laptop gaming specs (CPUs, graphics cards...) is also appreciated.
(From my searching, similar questions have been asked before but not for over a year, and hardware has moved on a bit...)
I want a laptop that's powerful enough to run Skyrim at at least 30fps, on High. (Bonus points for Ultra, but not necessary I suppose.)
Assuming a budget of about US$1200, and assuming I want a laptop that is actually portable (so preferably smaller than 17"), what should I buy? (Despite my usual location, I'm currently in the USA.)
More generically, general advice on laptop gaming specs (CPUs, graphics cards...) is also appreciated.
(From my searching, similar questions have been asked before but not for over a year, and hardware has moved on a bit...)
I've had good luck with I Buy Power in the past. Their laptop configuration page will show what the optimum settings will be for select games, including Skyrim. In that case, it looks like the Battalion 101 P151HM1 might be the best mix of performance and price point.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 9:40 AM on December 28, 2011
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 9:40 AM on December 28, 2011
Best answer: I have an Asus Republic of Gamers laptop that runs everything I've ever tried on it without blinking an eye (Skyrim included). I caught a sale at Best Buy and got it for about $900. It runs hot, so I use a cooling mat if I'm going to be gaming for a few hours, but it's been really solid and stable and I have zero complaints. Mine is a 17" and can be a bit on the heavy side (though not as bad as I thought it was going to be), but I know Asus offers RoG machines in a 15" as well.
I'm a huge fan of Asus in general though and use their MoBos for my desktop setups, so I could be a bit biased.
posted by tryniti at 10:03 AM on December 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm a huge fan of Asus in general though and use their MoBos for my desktop setups, so I could be a bit biased.
posted by tryniti at 10:03 AM on December 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Seconding Asus RoGs. It's very stable, runs everything well, and mine actually runs pretty cool.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 10:08 AM on December 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by monju_bosatsu at 10:08 AM on December 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Yep, Asus RoG laptop here as well. The G53 series looks like what you're looking for. I've also got one of the 17" models. They are thicker and heavier than many other laptops, and you have to keep them plugged in to game for long, but that's to be expected in a gaming laptop. Here's what newegg appears to have in the G53 line.
posted by mrgoat at 10:55 AM on December 28, 2011
posted by mrgoat at 10:55 AM on December 28, 2011
Best answer: Chiming in with Asus GoR. I have one and love it despite its huge screen and heft. It literally runs everything I've thrown at it.
posted by handbanana at 11:48 AM on December 28, 2011
posted by handbanana at 11:48 AM on December 28, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks all, and especially mrgoat. I've got a good deal on an Asus G53SW, arrives on Friday!
posted by Mwongozi at 11:20 PM on December 28, 2011
posted by Mwongozi at 11:20 PM on December 28, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by gettingpaidforthis at 9:35 AM on December 28, 2011