In this article, we will discuss the best laptops for programming and gaming. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right laptop for your needs.
Programming and Gaming are two activities that can require a lot of power from your laptop. Programming can require you to keep multiple applications open at the same time, while gaming can require you to have high frame rates and visuals.
There are a few key things you need to look for when choosing a laptop for coding and gaming. You’ll want a machine that has a good processor, plenty of RAM, an Affordable Price, a comfortable keyboard, portability, and a dedicated graphics card. You’ll also want a laptop that is comfortable to use for long periods of time.
After testing out several of the best laptops on the market, we’ve put together a list of the best laptops for programming and gaming. If you’re looking for a powerful machine that can handle both tasks with ease, one of these laptops is sure to meet your needs.
Laptops For Programming And Gaming
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EDITORS CHOICE
|
MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop
|
9.4
|
Check on AmazonCheck on BestBuy |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
|
9.6
|
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart |
|
EDITORS CHOICE
|
ASUS TUF Dash 15 Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop
|
9.4
|
Check on AmazonCheck on BestBuy |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
ASUS ROG Strix G15 Gaming Laptop
|
9.7
|
Check on AmazonCheck On Ebay |
|
TOP CHOICE
|
Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop
|
9.6
|
Check on AmazonCheck on Ebay |
|
LATEST PICK
|
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop
|
9.4
|
Check on AmazonCheck on Bestbuy |
|
Best Performance
|
Razer Blade 14 Gaming Laptop
|
9.5
|
Check on AmazonCheck on Ebay |
|
School Work
|
Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6 Creator Laptop
|
9.5
|
Check on AmazonCheck on Ebay |
Here are the top laptops for programming and gaming
1. MSI GL66 Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle both gaming and Computer Programming, the MSI Pulse GL66 is a great option because of its high performance and thin design.
In terms of raw CPU performance, the 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 is approximately 40% faster than the previous generation.
Refresh rates must be high while gaming so you don’t miss out on a frame and 144hz display that will provide vivid images.
While the RTX 3070 is a great graphics card, it is not the best option for 4K gaming. For that, you will need to upgrade to the RTX 3080.
Although this laptop only has a 512GB SSD, it’s still a lot of space for gaming and other activities. Plus, the 16GB of RAM is plenty for even the most demanding games and software run.
The fans and heat pipes do a great job of keeping the system cool, even during intense gaming sessions.
I’ve used a lot of different keyboards in my time, and the MSI Pulse GL66 has one of the best I’ve ever used. The keys are extremely responsive and have a nice, satisfying click to them. The backlighting is also very bright and evenly distributed.
we didn’t get to fully test the battery life as we were plugged in for most of the time. But from what we could tell, it lasted around 4-5 hours with the screen at 50% brightness.
Features:
- 2 Fans 6 Heat Pipes
- Exclusive Gaming Mode
- RGB gaming keyboard with number-pad
- 8-core processor
Specification:
- 15.6″ 144Hz FHD 1080p Display
- 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- 16GB
- 512GB SSD
- Latest Wi-Fi 6
2. ASUS ROG Strix G15 Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line gaming laptop that won’t break the bank, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a great option.
On the inside, the Strix G15 is powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 5900HX processor. This 8-core, 16-thread CPU is a beast, and it’s more than capable of handling the most demanding gaming and software.
We’ve got NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6. This is a high-end graphics card that will let you enjoy the latest games at high frame rates.
It has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS-type display with a fast 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time for smooth gaming during high-speed gaming.
I’ve run coding projects that use all 16 gigs of ram without any problems. The computer never felt slow.
It’s got a 512GB PCIe SSD. This is plenty of space for most people, but if you need more, you can always add an external hard drive.
The improved keyboard has a desktop-inspired layout with a numeric keypad, isolated arrow keys, and highlighted WASD keys. The RGB backlight has per-key customizable lighting with four zones.
This laptop is 5% smaller than previous generations, making it more portable and easier to take with you on the go.
In performance mode, the fan is very loud, and it sounds like a jet engine.
Features:
- Intelligent Cooling thermal system
- One month subscription to Game Pass
- Metallic ROG logo
- Wraparound light bar
- Backlit keyboard,
Specification:
- 15.6” 300Hz IPS Type FHD Display
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
- 16GB DDR45
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Ultrafast Wi-Fi 6
3. Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6 Creator Laptop
The Acer Swift X is a high-end laptop that’s perfect if you’re into programming. The minimalist design with an aluminum finish gives it some serious style points and also makes this machine sturdy enough for any task.
The 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U Processor is a powerful, yet efficient processor that will help you get everything done in no time. It’s perfect for pushing through your most demanding tasks and maximizing creativity.
The Full HD IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB display with 300 nits brightness and 16:9 aspect ratio are perfect for graphic designers or interior designers.
It’s important to have enough storage for all of your programming projects and gaming files. It is equipped with a 512GB NVMe SSD. Although the comes with 16GB RAM, it is not upgradable.
It comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti Graphics card with 4GB GDDR6 dedicated memory to help you power through games, software run videos, and creative projects.
Overall, the laptop is a good buy for those looking to get their work done without breaking the budget.
I like that it has long battery life and fast performance, while still being lightweight enough so as not to be too burdensome on your arm when carrying around all day at school or work.
Features:
- Amazon Alexa
- Biometric fingerprint reader
- BACKLIT KEYBOARD
- DTS Audio in the dual front-facing speakers
Specification:
- 14″ Full HD 100% sRGB
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
- NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti
- 16GB LPDDR4X
- 512GB SSD
- Wi-Fi 6
4. ASUS TUF Dash 15 Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop
This machine is perfect for anyone who wants a powerful laptop that can handle heavy software like Visual Studio and Xcode. The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is a slim and lightweight laptop that’s perfect for on-the-go use.
The Intel Core i7-11370H is a powerful processor that can handle programming software like IntelliJ IDEA, Xcode, and Visual Studio with ease.
For graphics, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 is excellent. This laptop also uses a high CPU frequency of 4.8GHz, making it one of the best laptops for the latest games and coding.
The 16GB of ram is plenty for most users, but power users might want to consider 32GB. For storage, the 512GB SSD is more than enough for most users.
It has a 15.6” 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD display that will give you stunning visuals while gaming and video editing, making this laptop perfect for all your needs.
I’ve played some games like Fortnite and Dota 2 on high settings and the battery life is around 8 hours. it’s not too bad considering the screen size and resolution.
The keyboard is backlit and has a Numpad which is great. The keys are spaced out nicely and have a good journey to them. The only thing I don’t like is that the Fn key is in the bottom left corner instead of the right side where it usually is.
The only drawback I can think of is that there is no webcam. So if you’re looking to use this for Zoom calls or something like that, you’ll need to get an external webcam.
Features:
- Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard
- Dynamic Boost 2.0
- Five heatpipes
- Four heatsinks fan
- MIL-STD-810H tests
Specification:
- 15.6” 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD (1920×1080)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6
- Intel Core i7-11370H
- 8GB DDR4
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6
5. MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop
The MSI Stealth 15M is a laptop designed for gamers and work. It has an ergonomic design and excellent performance capabilities, and due to its lightweight, it can be easily used on the go.
In terms of graphics, the MSI Stealth 15M uses NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. It’s a powerful card that can handle most of today’s popular games with ease.
It uses an 11th Gen. Intel Core i7, which is a high-performance processor that can easily take on any software or heavy applications.
It has 16GBs of RAM so your computer can run smoothly without any hiccups or slowdowns even when running multiple programs at once.
This 512GB of storage capacity will be enough to keep you up with the latest releases, but if it isn’t then don’t worry because we offer upgrades.
I have checked the display and it is a 15.6″ 144hz FHD 1080p Display. The refresh rate is high so you won’t miss any frame of the game.
This cooling system is designed for thin and light gaming laptops. It uses two fans with a total of six heat pipes to keep the CPU and GPU cool.
Battery life is bad compared to other laptops on this list. It only lasts for about 3-4 hours on a full charge.
Features:
- Single zone RGB keyboard with Anti-Ghost key
- 720p HD Webcam
- 1 year limited warranty
- New Cooler Boost 5
- up to 5.0 GHz single-core turbo
- 2 Fans 6 Pipes
- 40Gbps Transfer Speed
Specification:
- 15.6″ 144Hz FHD 1080p Display
- 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- 16GB
- 512GB SSD
- Thunderbolt 4
- WiFi 6
- Weigh 3.73lb
6. Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop
The last laptop that comes on our list is the Lenovo Legion 5. It is a gaming laptop that comes with a lot of features.
The powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor has up to 8 high-performance cores, making it perfect for cyberpunk 2077 and visual studios.
This laptop includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, Upgradeable up to 32GB DDR4 3200MHz. So you can have plenty of space for all your games, application, and coding software.
With the help of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, you can now enjoy real-time ray tracing without any lag. This graphic card is also best for illustrators and UX designers who need high performance in their work.
The 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display on this gaming laptop is designed to deliver pinpoint accuracy and speed with full-color goodness for flawless gameplay.
This keyboard has a special feature that allows you to customize your lighting with different colors and effects. This particular model comes equipped in 4 zones, each zone having its own individual color.
The built-in 720p webcam with e-shutter will help you capture every moment in high definition. WiFi 6 is the newest and most up-to-date wireless networking standard.
I was a little disappointed with the loud fan noise. It’s not terrible, but it is noticeable.
I’ve tested cyberpunk 2077 on the highest settings possible and I get about 4 hours of solid gameplay before it needs to be plugged in which is really good for a gaming laptop. The included AC adapter is very small and light which is great for traveling.
Features:
- 720p webcam with e-shutter
- 4-zone RGB backlight
- 100% sRGB color accuracy
- Nahimic 3D audio for gamers
Specification:
- 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080)
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB Storage
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti
- WiFi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 5.29 pounds
Buying Guide For Programming & Gaming Laptops
When it comes to laptops, there are so many different types on the market that it can be hard to know which one to buy.
We’ll help you understand the different features that are important to look for in these types of laptops so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase one.
There are a few key features that you’ll want to look for.
Processor:
The processor determines the speed and performance of the laptop. I would recommend going with an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor.
Memory:
The amount of memory, or RAM, is important for two reasons. First, it affects the overall speed of the laptop. Second, it affects how many programs you can have open at the same time without affecting performance. In my opinion, 8 GB of RAM is the minimum you should get.
Graphics:
For gaming laptops, graphics are important. If you want to play the very latest games at their highest settings, you’ll need a laptop with an RTX 3060 or 3080 card.
Storage:
You’ll want to choose a laptop with at least a 500 GB hard drive. This will give you enough space to store all your programs, games, and files.
Battery life:
The average laptop battery will last between 5 and 6 hours on a full charge. If you’re looking for a laptop that can last all day, you’ll want one with long battery life.
Weight:
It’s important to consider the weight of the laptop when you’re choosing one for programming or gaming. If you plan on carrying your laptop around with you, you’ll want to choose a lighter model.
Screen size:
The ideal screen size for a gaming laptop is 15.6 inches. You’ll want to choose a laptop with a large screen so you can see your code or game clearly.
Price:
It’s important to set a budget before you start looking for a laptop. Keep in mind that the more powerful the machine, the higher the price will be.
FAQs
What is the difference between programming and gaming laptops?
The gaming laptop is expensive compared to the programming laptop. Gaming laptops come with high graphics and the latest processor. gaming laptops have short battery life and are heavyweight.
When programming laptop is not expensive. you can use it for programming software and light gaming.
Some gaming laptops come at an affordable price, have long batteries, and are lightweight. These laptops can be used for gaming and programming.
How much should I expect to spend on a laptop for programming and gaming?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of laptop you need and the specs you are looking for. For a programming laptop, you will need a fast processor, plenty of RAM, and a large hard drive.
A gaming laptop will need a powerful graphics card and a high-resolution display. You can expect to spend anywhere from $800 to $2500 on a laptop for coding and gaming.
My Recommendations:
For programming:
The Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6 is a great laptop for programming. It has a large screen, Nvidia RTX 30 series graphic card, long battery life, and the latest processor making it perfect for coding, and the keyboard is comfortable to type on. The price is also very reasonable.
For gaming:
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a great laptop for gaming. It has a powerful graphics card, and the latest processor making it perfect for gaming. The price is very cheap.
Conclusion:
If you are a programmer, gamer, or just need a laptop for work, then we have the best laptops for you. We’ve tested all of these laptops and can guarantee that they will meet your needs. Contact us to learn more about our selection or to get help choosing the perfect laptop for you.
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