By Administrator Introduction
The siren call of gaming on the go has only grown stronger in recent years. Gamers are no longer chained to their desktops, demanding the freedom to take their digital worlds with them. This desire for portable power fueled a surge in innovative gaming laptops, and the year two thousand and seventeen marked a particularly exciting period. The advancements in processing power and graphical capabilities, coupled with refinements in design and cooling technology, resulted in a lineup of truly impressive machines. The year saw advances in both CPU and GPU technology, with the adoption of eighth-generation Intel processors on some models late in the year and the maturation of NVIDIA’s tenth-generation GPUs. Picking the right one could greatly enhance the gaming experience.
This article will serve as your guide to navigating the landscape of gaming laptops from two thousand and seventeen. We’ll explore the best models available, carefully considering crucial factors like raw performance, innovative features, overall value, and what made each machine truly stand out from the competition. Get ready to journey back to a defining year for portable gaming power.
What Matters When Choosing the Best
Before diving into specific models, it’s crucial to understand the criteria we used to evaluate these portable powerhouses. A gaming laptop isn’t just a regular laptop with a fancy paint job; it’s a carefully engineered machine designed to handle the demanding requirements of modern games. The following factors are paramount.
The Heart of the Machine: Performance
At the core of any gaming laptop lies its processing capabilities. We paid close attention to both the central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU). In two thousand and seventeen, Intel’s i7 series processors were the undisputed king of the hill. These CPUs provided the muscle needed to handle complex game logic, artificial intelligence, and background processes, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.
The graphics processing unit is arguably even more critical. The dominant force in two thousand and seventeen was NVIDIA’s GTX ten series. These GPUs delivered a significant leap in performance compared to previous generations, bringing desktop-level gaming experiences to laptops. Within the GTX ten series, there was a clear hierarchy. The one thousand and fifty and one thousand and fifty Ti were suitable for entry-level gaming at lower settings. The one thousand and sixty offered a sweet spot for playing most games at high settings at one thousand and eighty resolution. The one thousand and seventy delivered even more power, enabling smoother frame rates and higher resolutions. Finally, the one thousand and eighty was the top-of-the-line option, capable of handling the most demanding games with ease, often at the highest possible settings.
Beyond the CPU and GPU, random access memory (RAM) played a crucial role. Sixteen gigabytes of RAM was considered the minimum for a truly immersive gaming experience, allowing for seamless multitasking and preventing bottlenecks.
Storage also mattered. Solid state drives (SSDs) offered significantly faster boot times and game loading speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). The ideal setup involved a combination of both: an SSD for the operating system and frequently played games, and an HDD for bulk storage.
The Window to Your Game: Display Quality
A high-performance machine deserves a display that can keep up. We looked for laptops with crisp, vibrant screens that could showcase the graphical fidelity of modern games. Resolution was a key consideration. While some laptops offered four thousand resolution displays, one thousand and eighty resolution was the most common and often the most practical choice for gaming, striking a balance between visual clarity and performance.
Refresh rate also played a crucial role. A higher refresh rate, such as one hundred and twenty hertz or one hundred and forty-four hertz, resulted in smoother and more responsive gameplay, especially in fast-paced action games.
Panel type also influenced the viewing experience. In-plane switching (IPS) panels offered excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, while twisted nematic (TN) panels typically had faster response times, making them suitable for competitive gaming.
Built to Last: Build and Design
A gaming laptop needs to be durable and well-designed to withstand the rigors of gaming on the go. The cooling system is particularly important, as gaming laptops generate a significant amount of heat. An effective cooling system is crucial for preventing performance throttling and ensuring the long-term reliability of the components.
The keyboard and trackpad are also important considerations. A comfortable and responsive keyboard is essential for precise control, while a smooth and accurate trackpad is useful for navigating menus and performing everyday tasks.
Port selection is another key factor. We looked for laptops with a variety of ports, including USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, and Ethernet, to accommodate a range of peripherals and accessories.
Aesthetics are subjective, but many gaming laptops feature aggressive designs with RGB lighting and bold accents.
Powering the Fun: Battery Life Considerations
Let’s be honest, gaming laptops are not known for their exceptional battery life. The power-hungry components required for high-performance gaming tend to drain the battery quickly. That said, we considered the expected battery life when not gaming.
The Bottom Line: Price and Value
Gaming laptops can range in price from relatively affordable to incredibly expensive. We considered the overall value of each laptop, taking into account its performance, features, and build quality relative to its price.
The Best Laptops of the Era
Now, let’s dive into some of the top gaming laptops of two thousand and seventeen:
Razer Blade fourteen
*Key Specs:* Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX ten sixty, sixteen gigabytes RAM, five hundred and twelve gigabytes SSD, fourteen-inch one thousand and eighty resolution display.
*Pros:* Sleek and portable design, powerful performance for its size, excellent build quality.
*Cons:* Relatively expensive, battery life could be better.
*Target Audience:* Gamers who value portability and style.
*Price Range:* Premium
ASUS ROG Zephyrus
*Key Specs:* Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX ten eighty, sixteen gigabytes RAM, five hundred and twelve gigabytes SSD, fifteen point six-inch one thousand and eighty resolution display.
*Pros:* Innovative Active Aerodynamic System (AAS) cooling, powerful performance, thin and light design.
*Cons:* High price tag, keyboard placement takes some getting used to.
*Target Audience:* Gamers who want top-tier performance in a relatively portable package.
*Price Range:* Very High
Acer Predator Helios three hundred
*Key Specs:* Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX ten sixty, sixteen gigabytes RAM, two hundred and fifty-six gigabytes SSD plus one terabyte HDD, fifteen point six-inch one thousand and eighty resolution display.
*Pros:* Excellent value for the performance, decent cooling, solid build quality.
*Cons:* Design is a bit bland, display could be brighter.
*Target Audience:* Budget-conscious gamers who want good performance without breaking the bank.
*Price Range:* Mid-Range
MSI GT75VR Titan
*Key Specs:* Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX ten eighty, thirty-two gigabytes RAM, five hundred and twelve gigabytes SSD plus one terabyte HDD, seventeen point three-inch one thousand and eighty resolution display.
*Pros:* Extreme performance, robust cooling system, mechanical keyboard, tons of features.
*Cons:* Very large and heavy, expensive.
*Target Audience:* Enthusiast gamers who demand the absolute best performance, regardless of size or price.
*Price Range:* Very High
Alienware seventeen Rfour
*Key Specs:* Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX ten seventy, sixteen gigabytes RAM, two hundred and fifty-six gigabytes SSD plus one terabyte HDD, seventeen point three-inch one thousand and eighty resolution display.
*Pros:* Immersive display, comfortable keyboard, solid build quality, Tobii eye tracking (optional).
*Cons:* Relatively bulky, battery life isn’t great.
*Target Audience:* Gamers who prioritize immersion and a comfortable gaming experience.
*Price Range:* High
Essentials to consider when buying a Gaming Laptop
When looking at a gaming laptop, there are certain features that are important to look at to ensure that you are maximizing your potential. Here are some features to be aware of:
The importance of graphics cards
It’s imperative to emphasize a dedicated GPU card. Be aware of the performance of different NVIDIA GeForce GTX ten-series cards.
Processors matter
Discuss the role of a CPU for gaming and recommend the Intel Core i7 processors for optimal performance.
Why RAM matters
Make sure that you have enough RAM for smooth game play and prevent multitasking issues. 16GB minimum.
Storage is important
Having a SSD for fast boot times is important. Recommending a minimum of 256GB is a good recommendation.
The display
Discuss between one thousand and eighty and four thousand resolution. High refresh rates are also important to consider.
Conclusion
The year two thousand and seventeen was a pivotal year for gaming laptops, marked by significant advancements in performance, design, and features. The laptops we’ve highlighted represent some of the best options available, each catering to a different set of needs and preferences.
Choosing the right gaming laptop is a personal decision. Consider your budget, the types of games you play, and your portability requirements. Ultimately, the best gaming laptop is the one that provides you with the most enjoyable and immersive gaming experience. The options in two thousand and seventeen offered power and flexibility never previously seen.
