Gaming and work computer

Are you tired of having two laptops for work and play? Well, I have some good news for you! It's now possible to have a laptop that can handle both tasks – gaming and work – without breaking the bank.

I know it can be challenging to find a balance between a powerful gaming machine and a laptop capable of handling your professional workload. But worry no more; I've got you covered with this ultimate guide on buying a laptop for gaming and work.

I've researched and tested countless laptops and gathered all the information you'll need to make an informed purchase decision. From a high-performance CPU and GPU to an ergonomic keyboard and long battery life, I'll explain each aspect you should consider before buying.

So, whether you're a professional on the go or a gamer stuck in the office, this guide will help you find the best laptop to suit your needs. Let's dive right in!

The best processor for Gaming and work in 2022

Gaming and work processor

The processor market is constantly changing, and 2022 is no exception. Apple has released the new M1 and M2 system-on-chip modules, AMD has managed to take 20% of the market with their 6th generation Ryzen processors, and Intel is about to release their 13th generation (their latest being the 12th generation) in laptops. Apple's and Intel's latest processors feature hybrid performance/efficiency core designs, based on big.LITTLE.

When it comes to gaming, the processor is one of the most important components. You can choose between an H-series processor, which is better for gaming at high or ultra settings with a high framerate, and a U-series processor, which is better suited if you're looking for a more portable laptop and don't need top-notch performance. To get an idea of the performance of a processor, it's best to look at 3DMark benchmarks (but not forget to look at PassMark and Cinebench as well).

If you want to game on high or ultra settings at a good framerate or do any other demanding tasks such as video editing or programming, we recommend going for at least an Intel i5-1240P or AMD Ryzen 5 6600U. If you need better performance, the Ryzen 7 6800H, Intel i7-12650H, or Apple M1 Pro are good choices. For those who want the best of the best, Intel's i9-12900H and AMD's Ryzen 9 6900HX should do the job.

When choosing a processor, don't forget to check if you can upgrade it later. To make your life easier, here is a table of our recommendations:

Price Range Processor
Minimum i5-1240P; Ryzen 5 6600U
Recommended Ryzen 7 6800H; i7-12650H; Apple M1 Pro
High-end i9-12900H; Ryzen 9 6900HX

How to choose the right graphics for Gaming and work?

GPU for Gaming and work

The laptop graphics market is constantly evolving. In late 2022, Nvidia continues to be the leader in the GPU market, offering a wide range of RTX 30 series GPUs (not to be confused with the RTX 40 series, which are still unavailable on laptops). Desktop GPUs have become more power-hungry in recent years, widening the gap between laptop and desktop graphics. Also, Nvidia has discontinued the Max-Q label for their RTX GPUs, which means laptop manufacturers can now determine their own wattage for the GPUs, resulting in a wide variance in performance.

So if you're looking for a laptop for both gaming and work, the GPU is an important component to consider. You may not need an incredibly powerful processor, since even an entry-level chip can deliver good framerates in most games at 1080p. But you will need a good GPU to get the most out of your gaming and work. To know if you need a high-end or mid-range graphics card for gaming, it's best to compare GPUs using benchmarks like 3DMark.

For gaming and work, we recommend you get at least an RTX 3060. However, for optimal performance, we suggest you get an RTX 3070 or RX 6800M. For even higher levels of performance, you could go with an RTX 3080. If you want your gaming laptop to also handle work tasks competently, look for one with an Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync display panel. This will reduce screen tearing and stuttering.

Choosing the right memory for Gaming and work

laptop RAM for Gaming and work

When it comes to building the perfect gaming laptop, you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. That's why it's important to consider the RAM you'll be using in your laptop. RAM (Random Access Memory) is one of the most crucial components for a gaming laptop and one that you shouldn't skimp on if you're looking for good performance.

But how much RAM do you really need for gaming and work? Well, it depends on the kind of applications you'll be using, but as a general rule of thumb, 16 GB is the minimum requirement for any modern laptop, gaming or not. For heavier gaming or multitasking workloads, however, 24 GB of RAM is recommended, while 32 GB or more is best reserved for heavy-duty usage and high-end gaming.

The type of RAM you use is also important, though it shouldn't be a big concern. Most laptops today come with DDR4 or DDR5 RAM and it doesn't matter which one you get – both will perform similarly in terms of gaming. In fact, DDR5 is still quite expensive and not yet fully mature as a technology, so sticking with DDR4 is usually the way to go.

Other specs such as frequency, latency, and timings should also be considered when shopping for RAM, but for the average user, it's not worth the extra effort to research and compare these specs. Just make sure that you're getting enough memory and you should be good to go.

The amount of RAM you get should also depend on your budget. For instance, if you're looking for a mid-range laptop, you should expect 16 GB of RAM as standard. If you want to go all out, however, you can get a laptop with 32 GB of RAM or more. That being said, no matter what your budget is, make sure to get at least 16 GB of RAM to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The best storage for Gaming and work in 2022

Gaming and work laptop SSD

It's late 2022 and the market for laptops has changed a lot since the last time you were in the market for one. The big change is that SSDs have taken over, and HDDs are no longer commonplace. PCIe M.2 (usually NVMe) SSDs have become the standard, and budget laptops (< $900) come with 500 GB of storage, mid-range laptops – 1 TB, and high-end laptops (~$2k+) – 2 TB.

When deciding on the right laptop SSD for gaming and work, there are a few things you need to take into account. First, you need to determine how much storage space you need. This is dependent on your line of work (and preferred games). If you plan on playing more than a few games, I'd recommend at least 500 GB of storage space. Otherwise, you'll have to cycle through your Steam library to avoid running out of space.

Second, you need to decide what type of SSD you need. Nowadays, there is only one option: PCIe. SATA is essentially extinct. The only question is whether the drive operates on PCIe 4.0, which would be ideal if you have high data throughput requirements.

Third, you need to decide how fast your SSD should be. This is dependent on how much money you are willing to spend on a laptop that can handle all of your needs without lag or stuttering when loading new levels or playing a game at 4K resolution with all of the settings turned up to 11. For example, if you're looking for a high-end gaming laptop, there's no reason to skimp on the SSD – opt for one with 3200 MB/s read and 1800 MB/s write speeds (or even higher). But if you're on a tight budget, don't sweat it too much – just make sure it has enough space.

Finally, if you're working with the usual suspects that consume a lot of storage space (audio, photo, video, 3D), make some room in your budget for an external drive, whether it's a backup drive or an archive drive for older projects.

To sum it up, here are our recommendations for the minimum, recommended, and high-end storage requirements for gaming and work:

  • Minimum: 500 GB
  • Recommended: 1 TB
  • High-end: 2 TB+

Picking a good battery

laptop battery cells

When buying a laptop, battery life is often one of the last things we consider – and yet, it can be quite important, especially if you plan on gaming or working. But what should you expect when it comes to battery life in a laptop? Let's have a look at the current state of the market.

Laptop battery technology has improved considerably over the past years, and it's now possible to get good battery life (6h) even in budget laptops. That said, it's important to keep in mind that laptops designed for gaming or high-performance tasks come with components that tend to take a toll on the battery life, such as a more powerful processor, graphics card, and a high refresh rate display.

Moreover, certain laptops come with multiple cells, which are basically just extra batteries bundled together. This helps increase the device's overall capacity and makes the battery less prone to long-term degradation.

Depending on the kind of work you do, you should look for different battery capacities. If you're using your laptop for standard office tasks and web browsing, then a minimum of 4 hours battery life should suffice. If you want to game and edit video/photos, then look for at least 6 hours of battery life. For intensive tasks such as CAD/CAM or gaming on the go, then opt for something with 10 hours of battery life or more.

When shopping for a laptop, pay attention to the battery benchmarks while browsing the web. Some laptops come with Nvidia's Optimus technology, which enables the GPU to be switched off and on when needed; while others come with Advanced Optimus, which is a better option as it provides more seamless GPU switching via MUX, which reduces the latency overhead introduced by the standard Nvidia Optimus.

Ultimately, if you want to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to battery life, make sure you check out the available benchmarks and make sure your chosen laptop meets your expectations.

5 Best Laptops for Gaming and work

$730
i7-12700H | RTX 3060 | 16 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 16.1″ IPS; 2560x1440 |

1.HP Omen 16

Gaming and work laptop
Pros
  • Excellent processor (i7-12700H)
  • Superb graphics card (RTX 3060)
  • Awesome display (16.1 IPS)
  • One of most affordable laptops with an Intel i7 processor
Cons
  • Average memory amount (16GB)
  • Bulky (5.98 lbs)
Alternatives
$800
MSI WE76 11UK
Pros
  • Competent processor (i7-11800H)
  • Superb graphics card (RTX A3000)
Cons
  • Heavy (6.38 lbs)
$1,350
Ryzen 7 6800H | RTX 3060 | 32 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 16″ IPS HDR G-Sync; 2560x1600 |

2.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro delivers high performance, but lacks in battery life and webcam quality.
Pros
  • High quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display
  • Relatively easy serviceability
  • Integrated numpad
  • Very fast charging
Cons
  • Low resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
  • Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
  • Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding
  • Only average battery life
Summary

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a powerful machine equipped with a high-quality display and fast charging. However, it suffers from overheating, uneven backlight bleeding, and average battery life. The low-resolution webcam with no privacy shutter is another downside.

Alternatives
$1,300
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
Pros
  • High TGP target and fast GPU
  • 300 Hz IPS panel with full sRGB coverage
Cons
  • Chassis base and lid exhibit some flexing
  • No per-key RGB lighting
$1,600
i7-12700H | RTX 3070 Ti | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS-level; 2560x1440 |

3.GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4

The GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 is a powerful and versatile laptop for gaming and work.
Pros
  • Highly responsive 165Hz panel with a wide color gamut
  • High system performance, thanks to PCIe 4.0 SSD and free M.2 2280 slot
  • Versatile connectivity with Thunderbolt 4, Power Delivery, and individual key lighting
  • Solid battery life
Cons
  • High power usage at idle and low load
  • No card reader
  • Only one USB-A port
Summary

The GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 is an energy-hungry powerhouse that delivers impressive performance for both gaming and non-gaming applications. With a highly responsive 165Hz panel, PCIe 4.0 SSD, individual key lighting, and Thunderbolt 4, it's a versatile choice for users looking for a high-performance laptop.

Alternatives
$1,600
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Pros
  • Excellent performance
  • Robust build quality
Cons
  • Heavy and bulky design
  • Noisy fans on certain profiles
$2,310
Ryzen 9 5900HX | RTX 3080 | 64 GB RAM | 4000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS-level G-Sync; 1920x1080 |

4.ASUS ROG Strix Scar

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar is a powerful gaming and work laptop with a few flaws.
Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • Fast Wi-Fi 6E
  • Excellent response times and no PWM
  • Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
Cons
  • Limited display angle
  • No biometric login
  • High heat and noise emissions under load
  • Battery backup could have been better
Summary

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar is a great gaming and work laptop with an improved WQHD 240 Hz panel, a dedicated MUX switch, and powerful components. However, it has some drawbacks such as limited display angle, no biometric login, and high heat and noise emissions under load.

Alternatives
$2,500
Acer Predator Triton 500
Pros
  • High performance capabilities
  • Excellent, bright 240-Hz display
Cons
  • Soldered-in RAM, inaccessible SSD
  • Fan noise and warm palm rest
$5,600
i9-12900HK | RTX 3060 | 32 GB RAM | 6000 GB SSD | 17.3″ IPS HDR; 3840x2400 |

5.Dell XPS 17 9720

Dell XPS 17 9720: A high-quality laptop with a weak cooling system and reduced graphics performance.
Pros
  • excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
  • high-quality case
  • Thunderbolt 4 PCIe 4.0
  • very high system performance
Cons
  • 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 is an excellent laptop for gaming and work with a high-quality case and a great 4K display with AdobeRGB. However, the reduced graphics performance, weak cooling system, and unstable performance under combined load make it less attractive.

Reviews
Notebookcheck
89%/100
Dell XPS 17 9720 review
Alternatives
$5,800
Dell XPS 15 9520
Pros
  • Premium design and build with portable form-factor
  • Excellent screen options including OLED panel
Cons
  • Limited screen angle and other ergonomic quirks
  • Miniaturized IO

Table of the Best Laptops for Gaming and work

LaptopPrice (approx)
HP Omen 16
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4
ASUS ROG Strix Scar
Dell XPS 17 9720

4 thoughts on “10 Outstanding laptops for Working & Gaming in 2023 (March Update) ($640 – $6K)

  1. I’d like to add that the 2014/15 HP Omen is a decent contender if you’re OK with a slightly older number. I have the 14, it’s got a 256GB m.2 SSD, 8GB of RAM, an i7-4710HQ, and a GTX 860m with 2GB of VRAM. It can be found online between $600 and $1500, depending on where you look and the condition of it, and comes in touch and non-touch models. The battery life isn’t too great, but it’s lightweight, and the performance is incredible for what I do (writing tech articles and editing images for them), and gaming performance tackles most things adequately. I can get 45fps or so in The Witcher 3 on medium settings at 1080p, and more if I go to low settings or 720p. It chews through just about any game older than that with aplomb, and can even play stuff in VR, with some settings tweaks.

  2. Playing your favorite PC games at high screen resolutions doesn’t mean you have to buy a big desktop rig as today’s best gaming laptops pack some serious power. Harcore gamers will argue that you need a desktop computer to truly play games, especially if you are a fan of pushing the levels of graphics quality beyond the capabilities of a mobile phone or a mere gaming console. In this regard, the gaming desktop is still king, particularly when it comes to having the kind of components and horsepower needed to run 4K games smoothly and support virtual reality (VR) setups. But if you want or need something you can tote around the house/office or use to complete your work/study, then you will find many powerful laptops out there.

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