Gaming laptops have shed kilos and acquired slim profiles over the last couple of years and with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M, which is the second best mobile GPU available right now, gaming laptops are moving towards much slimmer profiles. So, after curating a long list of gaming laptops we have come up with the top 3 portable and powerful gaming laptops.
But first, an explanation on why we chose what we chose
GPU: While the GTX 970m based on Nvidia's Maxwell architecture is the second fastest single core based gaming GPU in the world, it is our current choice for the best laptop GPU, especially if you are looking for a light laptop without compromising on performance. Yes, these shortlisted laptops based on GTX 970m will play all modern day games at 1080p with max details without batting an eyelid.
Weight: We have specifically hunted down laptops that are under 2 kilograms in weight, ensuring we find true portable laptops and not desktop replacements
Resolution: While there are enough 4K screen based laptops in the segment, we have ignored 4K/UHD based laptops. Reason? Well, you really don't need that for a gaming laptop, 1080p on 14/15" screen sizes is pretty damn good, given the viewing distance. And, that allows you to save on some cash, weight and battery performance. 4K on such small screens is available, but is a waste in our books, at least for now. We'd change our stance once newer mobile GPUs start performing at the same level at 4K as they currently do at 1080p, something that doesn't seem likely in 2015.
Heartburn: Yup, these laptops aren't officially available in India and they are quite an expensive affair even at international rates, but that shouldn't stop us (and you) from taking a tour of these dream machines that every gamer would love to have. Wouldn't you?
MSI GS60 Ghost Pro-066
Price: Rs. 1,29,770
CPU: 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4710HQ Processor
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M GDDR5 6GB
RAM: 16GB DDR3L 1600MHz
STORAGE: 128GB M.2 SSD x 2 (RAID 0) + 1TB HDD (7200RPM)
DISPLAY: 15.6-inch with 1920 x 1080p
BACKLIT KEYBOARD: Yes
WEIGHT: 1.9Kg
MSI GS60 Ghost Pro-066
MSI strikes the right balance between performance and portability with its GS60 Ghost Pro-066. The laptop, which is just 20mm thick and weighs only 1.9Kg, houses a 6GB Nvidia GTX 970M GPU. The Intel Core i7-4710HQ powering this laptop is coupled with 16GB DDR3L 1600MHz of RAM.
MSI GS60 Ghost Pro-066
MSI has added some extra touches to this laptop like the specially designed dual fan thermal cooling system which dissipates heat at a 45 degree angle to avoid any contact with hands. And to add more accuracy to your gaming, MSI has partnered with SteelSeries for the backlit keyboard.
Gigabyte P34W v3
Price: Rs. 1,05,040
CPU: 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4720HQ Processor
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M GDDR5 3GB
RAM: 8GB DDR3L 1866MHz, 2 slots (Max 16GB)
STORAGE: 128/256/512GB mSATA SSD + 500/750GB/1TB/2TB 2.5" HDD 5400rpm
DISPLAY: 14-inch with 1920 x 1080p
BACKLIT KEYBOARD: Yes (Auto-Adjusting Backlit)
WEIGHT: 1.7Kg
Gigabyte P34W v3
This 14-inch laptop is Gigabyte’s take on what a portable gaming laptop should be. The 20.9mm sleek laptop weighs just 1.7Kg, making it a good choice for gaming on the move. This laptop packs a 3GB Nvidia GTX 970M GPU. It is powered by Intel’s Core i7-4720HQ Processor which is coupled with 8GB of RAM.
Gigabyte P34W v3
Both the CPU and GPU are cooled by Gigabyte’s Supra-cool technology which features dual heat pipes combined with dual cooling fans. The Gigabyte P34W v3 also comes with a light-sensing backlit keyboard which adjusts the intensity of the backlit keyboard according to your surroundings.
Razer Blade
Price: Rs. 1,23,650
CPU: 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4720HQ Processor
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M GDDR5 3GB
RAM: 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz
STORAGE: 256GB SSD
DISPLAY: 14-inch with 1920 x 1080p
BACKLIT KEYBOARD: Yes
WEIGHT: 1.9Kg
Razer Blade
When a couple of years back every laptop manufacturer was making thick and heavy gaming laptops, Razer came out with the relatively thinner Razer Blade laptop. And now the Razer Blade has been updated with a 3GB Nvidia GTX 970M. At just 17mm it is one of the thinnest gaming laptops available in the market.
Razer Blade
Razer is known to do things differently and on the Razer Blade it uses a new IGZO panel (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) which Razer claims has a significantly better video response and offers immersive gameplay. The whole laptop is made up of high grade aluminium. The Razer Blade uses the typical green backlit keyboard with anti-ghosting keys.