Notebookcheck's Top 10 Gaming Notebooks

The MSI GT73VR is the first Pascal gaming notebook with a total rating of 88% so far. In comparison to its strongest rivals, the 17-inch device scores points with a 120 Hz display and significantly better maintainability. Under the hood, the MSI not only has three M.2 slots (two of them: PCIe/NVMe), but it also has a huge cooling system consisting of two fans and a record-breaking number of 10 heat pipes. This is not surprising, since the high-end device is also available with a GeForce GTX 1080 or two GTX 1070 chips in SLI connection. In addition, the Turbo mode (shift function of the Dragon Center) overclocks the CPU and GPU.

Further highlights are powerful sound, acceptable temperature and system noise, and a stylish light for the keyboard and touchpad. Apart from color precision, the matte FHD display appears very good (fast response time, G-Sync, great contrast). The only disadvantages are its bulky build and poor battery life.

The MSI GT83VR 6RE is indeed a special notebook: The desktop replacement is richly equipped with two NVMe SSDs in RAID 0, two GTX 1070 cards in SLI mode, 32 GB of RAM, and a Core i7-6820HK, which is overclocked up to 4 GHz. Those who are looking for maximum performance, but do not want a tower PC could like the 18-inch device if it was not for the steep price. MSI charges about 4000 Euros (~$4212) for the used technology.

While connectivity, display (unfortunately only Full HD), and sound system meet the high expectations, the system noise is a big disadvantage. The GT83VR reached up to 57 dB(A) under full load, which is high, even for a gaming notebook. However, the mechanical keyboard deserves respect. Inputs are significantly crisper and more precise compared to a standard keyboard. The touchpad with number block functionality is also futuristic. Moreover, you cannot complain about performance: The Pascal SLI combo outperforms the GTX 980 SLI of the predecessor by about 20 to 50% in synthetic graphics benchmarks.

The G752VS from Asus also comes in tied for 2nd place. It impresses with an overclocked GeForce GTX 1070 and an overclocked Core i7-6820HK. Apart from a decent system noise (40-47 dB(A) in 3D mode), the bright and viewing-angle stable IPS panel with G-Sync support is a reason to buy this laptop. In addition, the temperature is relatively low, the connectivity is excellent (but the interface layout is unfavorable), and the input devices are good.

However, it does not perform well enough for 88%. On the one hand, the maintainability could be better (non-technical users cannot get to the cooling system). On the other hand, the G752VS weighs as much as 4.5 kilograms (~9.9 lb).

Nearly six months after the launch of the GT72S 6QE (Maxwell), MSI rolls out the Pascal successor GT72VR 6RE. According to our tests, the GeForce GTX 1070 is about 10% faster than a GTX 980 and performs as much as 60% better than the GTX 980M.

The GT72VR also proves to be state-of-the-art in the other categories. For example, Nvidia's G-Sync technology minimizes display stutter and input lag. In addition, the US model comes with a 256 GB SSD, 32 GB DDR4 RAM, and an IPS panel. Speaking of the display: The GTX 1070 is capable of running all games smoothly with maximum details and multiple anti-aliasing in native Full HD resolution. Moreover, maintenance is easy (GPU based on MXM), the sound is good, and the connectivity is versatile. However, it is annoying that MSI has omitted or reduced several features (manual graphics switch, the Thunderbolt port and the number of M.2 slots), which the predecessor provided - so that the manufacturer can better push the GT73VR.

The (English) review of the cheaper GT72VR 6RD with GTX 1060 is available here.

The Schenker XMG U727 is a prime example of a full-fledged desktop replacement. Despite its heavy weight (~5.5 kg/~12.1 lb) and thick build (4.7 cm/~1.8 in) the 17-inch case could mostly convince us. In particular, the upgradeability and the display deserve praise. Not only does the 4K panel incorporated in our test model impress with a high resolution, but it also offers a surprisingly high color space (88% AdobeRGB), to which you have to get used to however.

The performance of the SLI combo is also noteworthy. Two GTX 1080 chips achieve a performance level which is unmatched to date. While the XMG U727 does not last long on battery, its sound is top-notch. The same is true for connectivity (Thunderbolt 3), keyboard, and touchpad. Meanwhile, temperature and system noise are only mediocre.

While Acer was primarily known for office and multimedia notebooks in the past, it has ventured into the gaming sector for some time now. While the Nitro series is deliberately targeting price-conscious gamers, the Predator series is made for demanding gamers. The current 15-inch model is called G9-593 and achieved a total rating of 85% in our test. The most important unique features are the design and the additional fan called FrostCore, which is included in all models and can be used instead of the optical drive. However, you should not expect wonders, since the fans get as loud as 43 - 49 dB during 3D tasks.

Otherwise, Acer has focused on creating a future-proof device, be it in terms of connectivity or display (G-Sync). However, its bulky case does not look that modern. A weight of 3.7 kg and a height of 3.9 cm are a bit outdated in times of slim gamers such as the MSI GS73VR. The manufacturer offers the Predator 17 G9-793 for those who prefer 17-inch laptops.

Those who like compact devices and travel a lot had better stick to 15-inch devices and smaller. At a height of 2.4 cm, the Asus GL502VM is very slim. Nevertheless, it still performs almost as well as its bulkier 17-inch rivals. Currently, a Core i7-6700HQ and a GeForce GTX 1060 provide more than enough fps for FHD gaming.

In addition, our test model features 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, an M.2 SSD, and an IPS panel. However, the GL502VM gets quite loud and hot during gaming because of its small size. The slightly thicker GL502VS variant with GTX 1070 performs better in this aspect. Connectivity, weight (about 2.5 kg), input devices, and build quality are nothing to sneeze at in general. By the way, the 17-inch variant is called GL702VM.

Razer's 14-inch gamer had some issues at launch time. For example, the original revision of the Blade also suffered from CPU throttling to 800 MHz during normal 3D use (games etc.), which partly significantly reduces the performance. In the meanwhile, Razer has launched an EC update (link), which can be installed easily and solved the problem but increased the fan noise in return (the FHD counterpart was directly tested with the new EC). In addition, Razer could improve key labeling and sound quality - even more so in view of the steep price.

Apart from this, the 14-inch laptop performs very well. The expensive QHD+ model with 3200x1800 pixels is the right choice for those who wish for a high resolution. However, the display is glossy because of its touch functionality, which often leads to disturbing reflections. Gamers who like to travel should still give the Blade a chance. Hardly any high-end model is that slim (1.8 cm), light (1.96 kg) AND has such a high-end build quality.

With a weight of 3.2 kg (~7lb), the Aorus X7 v6 is currently the lightest 17-inch notebook which has made it into the Top 10 Gaming Notebooks list. In view of the low height (2.5 cm/~1 in) it is all the more surprising that the parent company Gigabyte has incorporated a GeForce GTX 1070 into the sleek aluminum case and even cools it well. In other devices, Nvidia's premium model not only gets warmer, but it also performs worse. Thanks to a great Turbo behavior and the fact that the CPU is overclocked by default (Core i7-6820HK @4.0 GHz), the X7 v6 works faster by about 10% in 3D programs than the HP Omen 17, which was launched at about the same time but is also cheaper by more than one-third (1800 vs. 3000 Euros/~$1895 vs. ~$3159). On the other hand, the Gigabyte notebook appeals with double the RAM capacity and double the SSD capacity.

As the manufacturer has optimized many details, including keyboard, touchpad, and cooling system compared with the previous generation (Aorus X7 v5), the device can finally compete with the high-end flagships from Asus, Alienware, MSI, and Clevo now. However, it could not reach a higher position due to modest speakers and high system noise under intensive load. Apart from mobility (compact size, moderate weight), the biggest reason to buy it could be its QHD display with 120 Hz and G-Sync.

While Medion primarily used the chassis from MSI in the past, the Erazer X7849 uses a case from Clevo. This is good since the P671RS-G barebone that it is based on does not have any serious flaws. Apart from sound and battery life (measured in G-Sync mode; battery life is higher with enabled Optimus), it achieved at least a "good" in all sub-ratings. The precisely made metal chassis (3.6 kg/~8 lb) brings acceptable input devices, many interfaces, upgrade options (storage device), decent cooling and an IPS panel.

The reviewed MD 60292 variant of the Erazer X7849 costs about 2500 Euros (~$2632). For this price, you will get a Core i7-6820HK, a GeForce GTX 1070 and 32 GB DDR4-RAM. The storage capacity is as much as 2.5 TB (512 GB SSD plus 2000 GB HDD).