One of the best parts of owning a personal computer is the level of control you have over the entire system. Nowadays, computers can be seen as a sum of very powerful components, with a great deal of customization available for the discerning consumer. This is often the case with desktops, where many enthusiasts will assemble separate parts to create a powerhouse from scratch. However, what many don’t realize is that laptops can offer a great deal of customization as well, even if not at quite the same level as their non-portable counterparts.
I’ve assembled a list of laptops that are great picks for anyone searching to build a portable machine of their dreams. When looking for the best upgradeable laptop, you want something that can push the bounds of your laptop’s existing computing power, attach extra parts to soup up a less powerful machine, or can be converted into a media server or some other radical re-imagining. I have compiled this list based on very particular criteria: overclocking ability, available slots for storage and RAM, support for additional hardware, and support for alternative OSes. With the aid of this list, you should be able to find the best laptop for upgrading that will suit your needs.