Finding a balance between study and play can be challenging for students, especially when their favorite pastime is gaming. In an ideal scenario, a gamer's everyday laptop should have the specifications to play their favorite video games anytime, anywhere. Although there are countless options for students available, the best budget laptops for students don't always cut it when it comes to the hardware demands of the latest gaming titles.
When a laptop is used for school and gaming, it is important to find a laptop that is reliable, powerful, and affordable. Although the best gaming laptops may be a great place to start when searching for unmatched gaming performance, students especially understand the need for a reasonably priced gaming laptop. If you are actively looking to upgrade your everyday laptop to a gaming beast, but aren't sure where to start, then this guide is for you.
How Much Does A Gaming Laptop Cost?
Gaming laptops are an excellent alternative to PCs for people who need to game and work on the go, but not all gaming laptops are created equal.
To get the most out of your gaming laptop, consider checking out Game ZXC's articles about the best gaming laptop accessories and these must-have laptop travel accessories!
Updated on July 2, 2024, by Alyssa Shearrow: This guide has been restructured to match the format of the latest articles on Game ZXC. In addition, relevant information that helps readers better understand device specifications has been added to the conclusion of the article. An added emphasis on budget, affordability, and price has also been included in the update to better reflect the subject.
Game ZXC's Best Gaming Laptops for School
Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)
The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is a laptop that pushes the boundaries of what people can genuinely call a gaming laptop (but in a good way). Razer has no qualms about it, calling it the ultimate desktop replacement with a feature-packed offering that also comes with some of the most premium pricing on the market.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13950HX 24 Core Processor
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 2TB NVME (1+1TB SSD)
- Battery
- 91.7 WHr Li-Ion Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 2K (2560 x 1600), 18" 240 Hz IPS
- Camera
- 5MP Webcam (Windows Hello support)
- Speakers
- 2 Speaker, 4 Woofer Array
- Colors
- Black
- Memory
- 32 GB DDR5 5600MHz
- Ports
- USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, SD Card, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet 2.5G
- Dimensions
- 0.86" x 10.84" x 15.74"
- Weight
- 6.80 lbs
- Form
- 18''
- Brand
- Razer
- Model
- RZ09-0484UEH4-R3U1
- Power
- 330W AC Power Adapter
- Desktop-grade performance in a portable form
- 32GB DDR5 RAM and dual 1TB NVMe SSDs for ultimate speed and storage
- Build quality and durability at the top of its class
- High price point reflects its premium features
- Can be heavy for daily campus carry
The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop stands as the best overall gaming laptop for school, striking a perfect balance between academic and gaming needs. Its Intel Core i9-13950HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU deliver desktop-grade power, ensuring that intensive gaming sessions and complex academic projects are easily handled. The 240Hz 2K display makes every game look stunning and brings unparalleled clarity to lectures and presentations.
Despite its premium price, the Razer Blade 18 represents an investment in exceptional performance and durability. Its build quality and crisp, sharp display are frequently praised, with many considering it a true desktop replacement. Features like the Razer Synapse software and the innovative battery-charge limit enhance the user experience and device longevity, solidifying the Razer Blade 18's position as the best overall gaming laptop for school.
MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3 Gaming Laptop
The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop is one of the best all-around RTX 4090 PCs players can currently grab with the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor, the RTX 4090. It also has an excellent display coupled with plenty of RAM and SSD space.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 2TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 4-Cell 99 Whr Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 2K (2560x1600) 17.3'', 240Hz
- Camera
- 1080P 30FPS
- Speakers
- 2x 2W Speakers, 4x 2W Woofers
- Colors
- Core black
- Memory
- 32GB DDR5
- Ports
- USB Type-C, USB Type A, SD Card, HDMI, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet
- Dimensions
- 380 x 298 x 23 mm
- Weight
- 6.8 lbs
- Form
- 17.3''
- Brand
- MSI
- Power
- 330W AC Power Adapter
- Top-tier Intel Core i9 and RTX 4090 performance
- Vivid 17.3'' 2K 240Hz display for immersive gaming
- Massive 2TB NVMe SSD and 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Sound quality varies according to some users
- Big 6.8 lbs build, challenging portability
The MSI Raider GE78 HX is considered the best gaming laptop for school, combining powerful performance with a display that turns both coursework and gaming into a visual feast. It has an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and RTX 4090 GPU, which makes it ideal for any academic or gaming challenge.
The Raider GE78 HX stands out with its high-refresh-rate QHD screen and smooth performance. However, some users have noted variability in sound quality. Despite this, its capabilities and features secure its position as the best gaming laptop for school, perfect for students who value both gaming and academics.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop is one of the most well-respected compact gaming laptops in the business, throwing in impressive CPU and GPU combinations in a tight form factor while exacting a significant amount of performance out of them.
With an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and an Nvidia RTX 4070 in tow, the G14 comes equipped to take on games at its target display resolution of 2K with a refresh rate of 165Hz which offers an IPS panel and up to 500 nits of brightness as part of its feature set.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 76WHr 4-Cell
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14 Inches ,2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Camera
- 1080P FHD IR Camera
- Speakers
- Yes
- Colors
- Moonlight White
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Weight
- 3.64 lbs
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and RTX 4070 for high-end performance
- Lightweight at just 3.64 lbs, perfect for school and gaming on the go
- 1TB NVME SSD for ample and fast storage
- Limited screen size for some gaming and multitasking needs
- High-end specs may impact battery life under heavy use
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 skillfully combines portability with power, making it the best lightweight gaming laptop for school students who refuse to compromise gaming performance. Its AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU deliver impressive visuals on a vibrant 14-inch display, all within a lightweight frame that won't burden your backpack.
The ASUS ROG's slim size and top-tier specs make it a standout choice. It also considers the typical student's needs with its substantial 1TB storage and robust build. This blend of gaming-grade performance and practical portability confirms it as the best lightweight gaming laptop for school. For a deeper dive, check out our full review.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) Gaming Laptop
If you're after a laptop that runs games well but doesn't cost an arm and a leg, then the ASUS ROG Strix G16 may be the best choice for you. This midrange modern gaming laptop boasts an impressive 14-core Intel i7 processor and a dedicated RTX 4060 GPU which is capable of handling most modern games on medium to high settings. Also included is a whopping 1TB of SSD storage, meaning you will experience faster start-up and load times in all installed games and programs. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM also helps to keep programs smooth and consistent, making for a luxury-feeling experience that isn't absurdly expensive.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i7-13650HX
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM
- 16 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16 Inches, 16:10 FHD 165 Hz
- Brand
- ASUS
- Model
- G614JV-AS74
- Colors
- Eclipse Gray
- Memory
- 16 GB DDR5
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Dimensions
- 13.94 x 0.89 x 10.39 inches
- Weight
- 5.51 lbs
- Great price for good hardware
- Capable of playing new games
- Long battery life
- Heavy compared to alternatives
- Fans are loud on turbo mode
Finding a quality gaming laptop that doesn't break the bank can be tough, but the ASUS ROG Strix G16 perfectly balances performance and affordability to match the needs of a student gamer. A great gaming laptop does not need to boast high-end hardware to get the job done well, and that is evident enough in the ROG Strix G16. This gaming laptop comes with a dedicated RTX 4060 GPU and a 14-core Intel i7 processor to handle all the rendering demands of your favorite games and everyday programs.
Schoolwork is a breeze with the included 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, which can handle a multitude of browser tabs and programs without seeing significant slowdowns. Plus, the ROG Strix G16 boasts an impressive 16-inch 165 GHz FHD display, to ensure some of the smoothest visuals at a wallet-friendly price. Students looking for a balanced, yet powerful laptop should consider the ASUS ROG Strix G16 as the best possible choice for them.
MSI Titan GT77 17.3' Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090)
The MSI Titan GT77 is a laptop that covers all one's bases when it comes to a gaming PC and then some as it pushes well north gaming PC territory in pricing. It justifies this by offering some of the best PC performance one can expect from a gaming laptop to date while throwing in one of the most impressive laptop displays for good measure.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX (8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores)
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 4TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 4-Cell 99 WHR Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 4K (3840 x 1920), Mini-LED, 144Hz
- Camera
- 720p 30fps
- Speakers
- 2x 2W Speaker, 2x 2W Woofer
- Colors
- Core Black
- Memory
- 64GB DDR5
- Ports
- USB-C Thunderbolt (4.0), USB-A, SD Card, Mini DP, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet
- Weight
- 7.3 lbs
- Form
- 17.3' Form Factor
- Brand
- MSI
- Power
- 330W Power Adapter
- Intel Core i9-13980HX with RTX 4090 GPU
- 128GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB NVMe SSD
- 4K Mini-LED 144Hz display
- Flexible 99 WHR battery for extended use
- High-end price point
- Substantial weight might impact portability
- Can run hot under heavy loads
- May be overkill for non-gaming tasks
The MSI Titan GT77 is acclaimed as the best high-end gaming laptop for school, offering unparalleled power and performance. It's equipped with an Intel Core i9 chip and RTX 4090 GPU, making it a powerhouse for the latest games and demanding software applications. The laptop also boasts a Mini-LED display that presents visuals in stunning 4K, enhancing both gaming and academic tasks.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The laptop's weight and the heat it generates could be notable drawbacks. Yet, for those who prioritize exceptional gaming and productivity capabilities, the GT77 stands as an unmatched companion, excelling in both academic excellence and gaming prowess. Its status as the best high-end gaming laptop for school is well-deserved, thanks to its top-tier performance and durability.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a large 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an efficient, but potent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia's mid-range RTX 4060 GPU. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high 165 Hz refresh rate for fast-paced gaming. That is all topped up with a large 1TB SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory, making it an ideal desktop replacement for those looking to grab one.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU
- GPU
- Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME M2 SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17'' 3 QHD/2K 165Hz
- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Brand
- Acer Nitro
- Model
- AN17-41-R7G3
- Card Reader
- Yes
- Keyboard
- Backlit
- Webcam
- Yes
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 and Nvidia RTX 4060 combo for high-end performance
- Generous 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVME M2 SSD storage
- Great value for the price, making it ideal for students
- Some users report occasional crashes
- Bulky due to larger screen size
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 is a powerhouse, blending gaming capabilities with academic value, making it the best budget gaming laptop for school. Its expansive 17-inch QHD display and high refresh rate ensure that both game visuals and academic content are crystal clear. Expect an immersive experience whether you're engaged in in-game battles or crunching numbers for a class project.
While this laptop delivers impressive performance, some reports of occasional crashes might raise concerns for those seeking consistent reliability for schoolwork. However, its superior specs and excellent price-performance ratio firmly establish it as the best budget gaming laptop for school, perfectly suited for students who balance gaming with their studies.
The Best Quiet Gaming Laptops for 2024
This guide showcases the best quiet gaming laptops for 2024, ensuring an immersive yet tranquil gaming experience.
Choosing the Right Gaming Laptop for School
Now that you've got an idea of some of the best machines that can tackle homework assignments and demanding video games reliably and with ease, it's time to make a decision. However, if you are still finding this decision difficult to make, don't worry. These are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a laptop to use for both gaming and schoolwork:
- Price: Students understand better than most the need for a bargain, which is why it's important to choose a gaming laptop that does not cost a fortune. Although any gaming laptop worth its salt tends to lean towards the more expensive side, there are plenty of options available on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Before deciding on a gaming laptop for school, try to get an idea of your budget and specific performance needs to get the most bang for your buck.
- Performance: The specifications present on a gaming laptop are key as they ultimately decide your expected budget, weight, and performance. If you're not sure where to start, look up the hardware requirements of your favorite gaming titles to get a better understanding of the processing power needed to run your favorite games. In general, try to stay away from laptops with an integrated GPU and less than 8 GB of RAM. Plus, when shopping for a laptop that delivers reliable performance for school work and long video conferences, look for a laptop with a multicore processor to ensure zero hiccups along the way.
- Portability & Durability: Weight is an important factor that is often overlooked when shopping for the ideal everyday laptop. If you expect to carry your device with you around campus, then opt for a laptop that compromises on performance and portability. When shopping with durability in mind, look for devices that either undergo a variety of tests by the manufacturer or ones that boast a military-grade certification to ensure your laptop can handle all the incidents of everyday life.
- Battery Life: A long-lasting battery life is key for attending lectures without the need to top up multiple times a day. Although it should be noted that running gaming software will always drain your laptop battery quickly, running less intensive programs during the day should be fine. Opt for a device that boasts an average battery life of 8 to 10 hours to ensure you're not always tethered to a power outlet.
- Noise Level: Another thing to consider is the device's noise level. Gaming laptops oftentimes have large fans to compensate for the cooling demands of high-end components. The last thing you want is for your laptop to sound like it's going to take off in the middle of a lecture. Therefore, you should avoid laptops with a reputation for noisy fans, especially while idle.
The Lightest and Thinnest Gaming Laptops in 2024
For gamers looking for ultra-portable gaming rigs, only the thinnest and lightest laptops will do.
FAQ
Q: Can gaming laptops handle heavy school software?
Absolutely! Gaming laptops are designed with powerful specs that easily manage demanding software used in various academic disciplines.
Q: Are gaming laptops good for note-taking and presentations?
Yes, their versatile design and high-performance capabilities make them excellent for multitasking, including note-taking and presentations.
Q: Will a gaming laptop's battery last a full school day?
Many gaming laptops offer extended battery life. Still, it's wise to check specific models as performance demands can affect battery duration.