Flight simulators have been providing PC gaming enthusiasts with realistic flight experiences for decades now. In these games, airports, control schemes, aircraft, and world locations are faithfully represented. Today, many enthusiasts like myself and professional review sites like Lifewire agree that the best flight simulator on the market today is Laminar Research's X-Plane. They've released X-Plane 12, which is a very powerful, very realistic version of the game, but what kind of system can run it? Let's take a look at the best laptops for X-Plane.
What Makes the X-Plane Series so Good for Laptops?
If you’re an aspiring pilot, you might be wondering what type of laptop you need to be able to get the best X-Plane 12 experience. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
Below are some suggested laptop specifications to help you get the most out of X-Plane 12. Keep in mind that these recommendations are based on performance and graphics capabilities, but you’ll want to consider your budget and other requirements as well.
Minimum laptop requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8 GB
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 940M
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 10.14
Recommended laptop requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- RAM: 16 GB
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 10.15
Best laptop requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i9
- RAM: 32 GB
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 10.16
Minimum | Recommended | Best |
---|---|---|
Processor: Intel Core i5 | Processor: Intel Core i7 | Processor: Intel Core i9 |
RAM: 8 GB | RAM: 16 GB | RAM: 32 GB |
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 940M | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
Storage: 256 GB SSD | Storage: 512 GB SSD | Storage: 1 TB SSD |
Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 10.14 | Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 | Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS 10.16 |
Processor
As flight simulators become more and more realistic, it's essential to have a laptop with the power to keep up. But when you're trying to pick the best laptop for X-Plane 12, choosing the right processor is a crucial decision.
In the last year or so, the CPU market has changed a lot. Apple has released several of their own ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) modules – the M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 – with exceptional single-core performance and battery life. On the Windows side of things, AMD has managed to gain 20% of the CPU market share with their 6th generation Ryzen processors. Intel is also gearing up to release their 13th-gen processors to laptops; however, their 12th-gen chips are currently their latest. Both Intel and Apple have adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design (based on big.LITTLE) which gives them a performance edge. Ryzen models, on the other hand, tend to have longer battery life.
It's important to note that X-Plane is available on both Windows and macOS; I'm going to focus on Windows PC laptops here, as they're more popular among flight simmers. The processor isn't the most important part of the system when it comes to X-Plane; it's more important to get a good GPU and plenty of RAM.
When it comes to the processor, if performance is your #1 priority, then you should look for an H-series Intel or AMD chip. The choice between Core i5, i7 or i9 (or their Ryzen equivalents) will depend on your budget. However, if battery life is more important to you, you should look for an U-series chip instead. To compare processors, I use benchmark scores from 3DMark and Cinebench R23. For X-Plane, we could also use PassMark or even X-Plane benchmark scores if we can find them.
If you're looking for a budget laptop for X-Plane, look for a laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor.
Recommended Processors for X-Plane 12
Here are some processor recommendations I came up with for X-Plane 12, grouped by price brackets.
Minimum (budget) | Recommended | High-end |
---|---|---|
Intel i5-1240P AMD Ryzen 5 6600U |
Intel i7-12650H AMD Ryzen 7 6800H |
Intel i7-12700H Intel i9-12900H AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX |
Graphics
X-Plane 12 is a powerful and popular flight simulator, requiring a good amount of graphics power to run smoothly. That means that when you’re picking out a laptop for X-Plane 12, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right GPU for the job.
In the laptop GPU market, Nvidia continues to dominate, with the recently released RTX 40 series (though these are not yet available on laptops) and its current offering of RTX 30 series cards such as the RTX 3070 Ti. However, the gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards has widened in the past few years, as desktop GPUs now require more power to reach top performance.
In addition, Nvidia has recently discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, so an exact GPU wattage is determined by a laptop manufacturer (OEM). This results in a wide variance in graphics performance even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.
Integrated graphics are not sufficient for X-Plane; you'll need a dedicated graphics card with dedicated memory for a smooth experience. X-Plane can be run on an entry-level GPU, but it's recommended to go for better graphics cards with more dedicated memory. Both Nvidia and AMD offer multiple lines of GPUs with varying performance levels, though Nvidia's cards dominate the laptop market. X-Plane benchmarks and 3DMark scores are best when comparing graphics cards.
If you care about battery life, look for a laptop with a MUX-switch and possibly Nvidia Advanced Optimus, which allows you to switch the GPU without a reboot.
To give you an idea of the GPU performance you can expect from various price ranges, here is a table of recommended GPUs for X-Plane:
Price Range | Recommended GPU |
---|---|
Budget | RTX 3050 |
Mid-Range | RTX 3060; RTX 3070 Ti; RX 6800M |
High-end | RTX 3080; RTX 3080 Ti |
Memory
X-Plane 12 is a highly complex flight simulator that requires a lot of RAM due to the huge environments it has to simulate. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end models come with 32 GB or more. The latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.
For most users, 8 GB is the absolute minimum, with 16 GB being a safe bet. However, for more intensive tasks like X-Plane 12, we recommend a minimum of 16 GB, and 24-32 GB for users who want the best experience. In addition to the capacity of the RAM, you should also consider the latency and frequency of the RAM as well.
For budget users, 8 GB should suffice. You may see some performance hitches while running X-Plane 12, but if you are not using the simulator extensively, 8 GB is a reasonable option. Moving up in price, you'll find that 16 GB of RAM will give you a smooth experience while playing X-Plane 12. High-end users should consider 24-32 GB of DDR5 RAM. While DDR5 RAM is pricier, it offers slightly better performance and lower power consumption at the same time.
Storage
SSDs have been dominating the market for some time now, and laptops nowadays come with M.2 slots which are compatible with PCIe NVMe SSDs, making them the standard. For budget laptops (< $900), you can expect to find 500 GB SSDs, mid-range models (around $1,000) have 1 TB and high-end laptops (~$2,000+) have 2 TB.
X-Plane isn't too demanding when it comes to system requirements, so you could probably get away with a smaller SSD. But since you're using an m.2 slot, you should make sure that you get an m.2 drive instead of a SATA drive, as those are much slower and have less storage space. Read/write speeds aren't that relevant for gaming performance, so it's best to focus on the capacity rather than speed.
External drives aren't necessary for running X-Plane, but if you plan on using your laptop for more intensive tasks such as archiving and backups, then it might be a good idea to get one for those tasks.
To make sure you have the right setup for X-Plane, here's a table of recommended SSD configurations depending on your budget:
Budget | Recommended SSD |
---|---|
< $900 | 500 GB |
$1,000 | 1 TB |
> $2,000 | 2 TB |
Display
When looking for a laptop for X-Plane 12, the display should be high up on your list of priorities. The current standard is an IPS or IPS-level screen, whereas TN is only found in the cheapest laptops. Full HD is still the most common display resolution, however QHD is most frequent in premium gaming/business laptops, while 4K is most common in professional notebooks for creators. High refresh rate screens are found in the majority of gaming laptops and while not yet widespread, OLED is becoming increasingly prevalent. Mini LED laptop backlighting may also be seen on professional laptops on occasion, notably after Apple incorporated it in their 2021 MacBook Pro range (14" and 16" models). HDR (VESA-certified) displays are somewhat niche but not exceedingly difficult to find.
A good display will not improve your framerate, however it would be a shame to spend a good chunk of money on a high-end CPU+GPU combo only to end up staring at a washed-out skyline. The display is important in a gaming laptop, especially if you're looking for a high refresh rate panel.
The size of your screen depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a long-haul flight simulator, look for a large display (15"+). If you're looking for something more portable, 13" or 14" should be enough. When comparing displays, I use various tests such as color accuracy, contrast ratio, brightness (nits), and refresh rate tests.
What should you aim for in each price range?
Minimum: A decent TN panel; 280 nits; 80%+ sRGB coverage
Recommended: IPS; 300 nits; 90% sRGB coverage; 120Hz refresh rate
High-end: IPS/OLED/mini-LED; 350 nits; 100% sRGB; 240 Hz refresh rate
If you're looking for the best possible experience in X-Plane, consider getting a high refresh rate display with G-Sync or FreeSync support (if you're not going Nvidia). That said, your decision on what display to choose for X-Plane 12 should still be based on your budget and the performance expectations you have in mind.
5 Best Laptops for X-Plane 12
1.HP Victus 15
The HP Victus 15 offers budget-friendly gaming capabilities, but falters in terms of battery life and design.- Excellent price
- Good gaming performance
- Solid array of ports
- Bad battery life
- Plain design
Summary
The HP Victus 15 impresses with its affordability and solid gaming performance, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious gamers. Its sturdy build and excellent port selection enhance usability, while the 144Hz display provides a visually pleasing gaming experience. However, the laptop falls short in terms of battery life, design aesthetics, and may have availability issues for buyers outside the US.
Alternatives
MSI Thin GF63
- Affordable price
- Powerful Intel Core i5 CPU
- Limited gaming performance for demanding titles
- Dull 60 Hz screen
2.GIGABYTE G5 KF5
The GIGABYTE G5 KF5 is a solid and affordable gaming laptop option.- Great gaming performance
- Nice-looking screen
- Solid chassis
- Easy to upgrade storage
- Loud under load
- Larger SSD upgrade is a must
- Would prefer more P-cores
Summary
The GIGABYTE G5 KF5 (2023) impresses with its robust design, excellent gaming performance, affordability, and upgradeability. It offers a great gaming experience with a sleek screen and a durable chassis. However, it can get loud under heavy usage, requires a larger SSD upgrade, and some users may desire more P-cores for enhanced performance.
Reviews
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16
- Stylish, sleek design
- Gorgeous display
- Subpar webcam quality
- Lack of biometrics
3.HP Omen
X-Plane 12 laptop- Very good processor (i9-13900HX)
- Awesome graphics card (RTX 4090)
- Gigantic 8TB SSD
- Backlit keyboard
- Not the best memory amount (32GB)
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion Pro 5
- Good build quality and design
- Sharp screen and ample ports
- Absence of Thunderbolt or biometrics
- Some hotspots during gaming
4.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 - A powerful gaming laptop with a sleek design and competitive pricing.- Strong overall performance
- Display is big, bright and fast
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 impresses with its i9-13900HX processor, RTX 4090 graphics card, and sleek design that conceals its gamer-centric features. With strong performance, a large and vibrant display, and per-key RGB lighting, it offers great value compared to its competitors. However, some keyboard deck flex and poor battery life are minor drawbacks to consider.
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Expandable working memory
- Slightly below-average performance for an RTX 4080
- High noise level
5.Dell XPS 17 9720
Dell XPS 17 9720: Stunning display and performance, but cooling and graphics could be improved.- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Thunderbolt 4 PCIe 4.0
- Very high system performance
- Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
- Performance not completely stable under combined load
- Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible
- 720p webcam
Summary
The Dell XPS 17 9720 impresses with its stunning 4K display that covers AdobeRGB, high-quality case design, and very high system performance. It offers Thunderbolt 4 & PCIe 4.0 connectivity, fast card reader, and good speakers. However, the graphics performance is lower than its predecessor, the cooling system is slightly weak, and the laptop is not Wi-Fi 6E compatible. The 720p webcam also falls short.
Reviews
Alternatives
MSI Raider GE78 HX 13VI-079US
- Comfortable keyboard
- Solid gaming performance
- Removing the base for upgrades is difficult
- Fans can be loud
Table of the Best Laptops for X-Plane 12
Laptop | Price (approx) |
HP Victus 15 | |
GIGABYTE G5 KF5 | |
HP Omen | |
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | |
Dell XPS 17 9720 |
Tks for gen
What about Dell xps 15 9560? 4K monitor, i7 7700HQ, GTX 1050 with 4GB of VRAM, 16GB RAM,512GB SSD
Would it be a good notebook to run X-Plane 11?
I’m thinking of getting the Inspiron 15.6 5000 i5 processor 8GB RAM 1TB
Would this work well?
I have a Inspiron 15 5000 gaming laptop. Processor Intel core i5-7300 HQ CPU at 2.5 GHz
Installed RAM 8 GB.
NVIDA GeForce GTX 4 GB vRAM.
Do I need to upgrade to run X-plane?
I am 77 years old and am looking for a refurbished laptop that will play X Plane 11.11. I plan to buy yoke, throttle and pedals. I first used the Microsoft flight sim with yoke, throttle and pedals in 2006. Had fun. Lost interest, but have found interest again now that I got an Optimus VR for Christmas. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. I am old but not that old. :-)
What is the best laptop to run x plane 11 or pc pls tell me how I own the equipment that I can run x plane 11
Thanks