In the world of gaming, there is neither the time nor the scope for mediocrity. Games are becoming more addictive and absorbing by the minute, and GPUs need to rise to the 
For those of us who run gaming in their veins, the dazzling new graphics card can mean faster frame rates, more meticulous details, and the sheer joy of playing at the highest settings.
Following the launch, many leading gaming laptop manufacturers have come up with machines that utilize the power of NVIDIA GeForce RTX Graphics. Not surprisingly, it has become a crowd out there, with top brands competing for mind space.
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NVIDIA GeForce GTX vs NVIDIA GeForce RTX Comparison
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX series is a new gaming chip based on the Turing architecture that bestows it with a superpower geeks call “Ray Tracing.” With these graphics cards, you can experience cinematic lighting that produces light and shadows mimicking those in real life. If that hasn’t got you overwhelmed already, let’s break it down: the new technology tracks every ray of light to replicate how it would behave in the real world, in real time.
Not only does this mean studio-grade CGI for gamers but it also unveils unparalleled levels of creativity for game developers. You can now expect games that utilize the interplay of light and shadow to enthrall, mystify, and wow.
This phenomenal power can be unleashed through the cards that are part of this series: GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, 2080 and 2070. These GPUs offer 4K gaming at smooth frame rates of 60 frames per second (or more).
But that’s not all. The RTX series also brings to the table something called “Deep Learning Super-Sampling” (DLSS). This innovative technology employs artificial intelligence to enhance image quality in games.
Here is a comparative look at what you can expect with NVIDIA GeForce RTX as opposed to the older NVIDIA GeForce GTX:
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX | NVIDIA GeForce RTX | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Frequency | 1480MHz | 1515MHz |
| Boost Frequency | 1582MHz | 1800MHz |
| TDP (Thermal design power) | 180W | 215W–225W |
| Cores | 2560 | 2944 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 320GB/s | 448GB/s |
Simply put, NVIDIA GeForce RTX will offer you a massive jump in performance, the ability to game in 4K and the highest graphical settings without distortion, and the super-power of remarkable realism. When compared to its predecessor, this is a huge improvement across the board.
Why You Should Buy a Gaming Laptop with Geforce RTX Graphics Card
There’s little doubt that the fancy new Geforce RTX graphics card is worth its salt. It promises a jump in performance so tangible it is all-encompassing. But do you really need to buy a gaming laptop with this upgrade?
- If you want to game in 4K: Few can deny that 4K gaming is super-immersive. The imagery is vivid like nothing you’ve seen before, and every detail and CGI on and off the battlefield is right in your face. If you want to game in one of the highest resolutions at a frame rate of 60+fps, the new RTX card is a wise choice.
- If you covet realistic gaming: The hallmark of this new line of GPUs is its all-new Turing architecture with ray tracing. The effects are palpable in everything about the game—from how the characters move and interact to the dynamics of a car explosion. Embrace the RTX if engrossing gaming gets your blood racing.
- If you want to experience the newest versions of your favorite games: Many AAA games are launching new versions to exploit the complete potential of the RTX cards. Consider the switch if you want to be quick off the mark at Battlefield V and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, among others.
- If you’re upgrading from NVIDIA GeForce GTX: Unless you’ve experienced the full potential of the predecessor, you cannot appreciate the upgrade that comes with its pricier cousin. If you’re comfortable playing at low settings and average frame rates, the GTX is a powerful GPU in its own right. Consider a gaming laptop with GeForce RTX if you now want to explore new horizons.
- If you have the budget: No one promised splendor at a shoestring budget. If you aspire for the greatness of an RTX-based gaming laptop, you will need to shell out anything from $999 to $3999 or more.
Our Picks: 10 Best RTX Gaming Laptops 2020
So, which gaming laptop should you consider if you’re looking to upgrade to NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics? We’ve prepared an exhaustive list of the 10 best laptops to suit different budgets and requirements—yes, lists are amazing like that, aren’t they? But let’s first look at some nuances of NVIDIA GeForce RTX that every gamer worth his or her salt should know.
1. ASUS ROG Mothership GZ700
Designed with a redefined form factor that employs a standing design, this laptop offers (almost) desktop-grade performance and cooling. The detachable keyboard elevates the flexibility of this 4.7kg-machine (10.3lbs) with a thickness of 29.9mm (1.17”).
You get a fabulous display with a response time of 3ms and a 100T% sRGB color gamut. This elevates the spectacle that is G-SYNC—a tear-free gaming technology—and the topnotch acoustic system by ESS Sabre HiFi DAC. Get connected with the 2.5G Ethernet, 802.11 AX Wi-Fi, and six USB ports. You’ll find it hard to find a GeForce RTX gaming laptop that can better these specs and rival the fabulousness.
2. ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GX
If you’ve used the Zephyrus before, you know the brilliance it packs into a mobile, compact exterior. The latest 17” ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GX takes this up several notches by offering NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics with Max-Q (8GB), an ninth-gen Intel Core i7 CPU, and the handy ability to switch between G-Sync and Optimus mode (for longer battery life).
The bezel remains super-thin at 6.9mm (0.27”), helping the chassis have an astonishing thickness of 18.7mm (0.73”). For such a powerful machine, the weight is feather-light too—2.7kg (5.95lbs).
Great power and sustainability come naturally to the Zephyrus; it is driven by 24GB RAM, 1TB of storage, and an “Active Aerodynamic System” (AAS) of heat dissipation that boosts airflow by 32%. Complete with a per-key-backlighting keyboard, a multipurpose USB Type-C port, and an optional ROG GC21 external camera (60fps), this laptop is keen to push the envelope.
3. ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX531
True to the promise of the Zephyrus family, the newest 15.6” ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX531 blends performance with portability, offering a powerful configuration in a package that weighs only 2.1Kg (4.6lbs) and measures 15.35mm (0.60”).
Energized by an Intel Core i7 processor, 24GB RAM, and 1TB of high-speed SSD memory, this laptop scintillates with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics (8GB). The innards remain cool with the AAS heat management system; the airflow is touted to be 22% higher than in conventional designs.
Complementing the high-power GPU is a full High-Definition screen with support for In-Plane Switching (IPS), a response time of 3ms, and an optimal refresh rate of 144Hz. Since the display is Pantone-validated, you can expect brilliant coloring and meticulously rendered arenas. The Zephyrus S GX531 is well-connected to the world with multiple USB ports (five), 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0. Gear up to sport the gaming-face you always saw in your dreams.
4. Acer Predator Triton 500
If you’re looking for a smaller screen but features comparable to bigger powerhouses, the Acer Predator Triton 500 is a worthwhile choice. A 15.6” gaming laptop that weighs only 4.6lbs and is 0.70” inch in thickness, this machine is portable gaming at its best. Like its larger sibling, it is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics with Max-Q design. The RTX graphics light up the screen which is already vivid at a brightness of 300 nits, a refresh rate of 144Hz, and a response time of 3ms.
The compact screen is quite a triumph of the Predator Triton 500, delighting audiences with its narrow bezel (0.25”) and screen-to-body-ratio of 81%. This creates some truly compelling gaming experiences, especially when you’re dabbling in immersive graphics and VR. All the other gaming-friendly features of Acer are available here, including Waves MaxxAudio, G-SYNC technology, and an aeroblade-led heat dissipation mechanism.
5. Alienware Area-51m
Here’s something for those gamers who lust after unbeatable power—the latest 17” Alienware Area-51m.
It supports a configuration that Dell claims to be “the most powerful ever” in a gaming laptop (50% more performance than in predecessors)—a ninth-gen Intel Core i9 CPU, 64GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics with 8GB of dedicated memory. Alongside, it features an efficient cooling mechanism that ensures sustainability. The overall construction adheres to Dell’s “Legend” design that replicates (almost) desktop-like power within gaming laptops.
The display of this Alienware matches the force it houses within. So, you get a narrow-bezel design and a captivating screen with a 144Hz-refresh-rate. This computer supports the Tobii eye-tracking technology to let you use subtle eye movements to control your game. Gear up to also experience 2.5Gbit Ethernet wired-networking. Talk about fabulous!
6. Dell G7 15 and G7 17
Liked the Dell G Series of gaming laptops? You will then enjoy the two latest additions to the line-up—the Dell G7 15 and G7 17—that couple classic gaming excellence with a thinner-than-ever design. The Dell G7 15, for instance, is the thinnest laptop in this family with a thickness of only 0.78”. Both devices come equipped with ninth-gen Intel Core CPUs up to i9, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics (20-Series, with 6GB of dedicated memory), 1TB of SSD memory, and 2TB of HDD storage. This is paired with a crystal-clear screen with G-SYNC and a refresh rate of 144Hz to guarantee tear-free, scintillating gaming.
Both the laptops offer optional keyboards (RGB-backlit) to elevate your gameplay along with a Nahimic Sound Center to create a 360-degree sound experience. Add to that the trustworthiness of Dell, and you have an all-weather gaming mate.
7. MSI GS75 and GS65 Stealth
Recently, MSI has launched a spate of superior gaming laptops that up your gaming performance by several pegs. Among them are the MSI GS75 and GS65 Stealth.
The MSI GS75 Stealth is a 17.3” machine driven by an Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics. It features a pleasing display with a refresh rate of 144Hz and an IPS-compliant panel. Remarkably sturdy with an aluminum alloy body, it remains light and sleek at only 4.96lbs and 0.75”. Two things really set it apart from the crowd: a larger, more responsive touchpad and an internal radiator for enhanced audio.
What about the MSI GS65? It matches its sibling in most departments but beats it in weight by coming up lighter at only 4.19 lbs. It also has a smaller screen at 15.6”, thereby proving to be a better fit for portability-seekers.
8. MSI GE75 and GE65 Raider RGB
Much like their name, the MSI GE75 and the MSI GE65 Raider bring to the table an aesthetic that few gaming laptops can match.
A dragon-spine design, a red anodized finishing, and a diamond-cut build exude the power that these laptops host within—Intel Core i7 CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 GPUs. MSI has always invested in functional design, so that you can expect nothing short of phenomenal with the “MSI Cooler Boost 5” technology in the 17.3” GE75. This heat dissipation system combines two fans and seven copper heat pipes to keep things cool.
These MSI laptops also offer an “App Player” to let you game fluidly on both your computer and mobile. Besides, they are fitted with RGB gaming keyboards (with per-key lighting) and Dynaudio-sound that benefits immensely from speakers five times bigger than in predecessors. The GE63 Raider offers a smaller, 15.6” screen while being comparable in pretty much everything else. Both laptops weigh 5.73lbs—pleasantly low for all that power.
9. Razer Blade 15 Laptop with RTX GPU
In tune with the times, Razer has upgraded its popular Blade series with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics—an upgrade sure to delight fans.
The new 15.6” Razer Blade 15 comes with a 144Hz refresh rate, a keyboard with per-key lighting, 4K touch (3840 x 2160), and a sleeker profile that measures 0.70”. You can pick from GeForce RTX 2060, RTX 2070 or GeForce RTX 2080 (the latter two with Max-Q). This laptop is driven by an Intel Core i7 CPU, 64GB RAM, and up to 512GB of SSD memory.
Display-wise, the laptop is immersive and has a thin-bezel design of only 4.9mm (0.19”). The screen covers almost 85% of the total visible area, which means you get more visual, less noise. Also up for grabs are a more precise touchpad and an advanced control system (Razer Synapse 3) for customizing everything from fan-speed to gaming profiles.
10. Lenovo Legion Y740 and Y540
The final RTX gaming laptops on this list are the Lenovo Legion Y740 and Y540—machines that prioritize immersive gaming and boy, they do a majestic job! The latest Legion devices come with system lighting from Corsair iCUE and audio by Dolby. This elevates gaming (and other multimedia) experiences, supplementing the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics with Max-Q (and 8GB of dedicated memory). Driven by an Intel Core i7 CPU and 32GB RAM, the latest Legion weighs 6.17lbs and measures 0.91”. Both the 17.3” Y740 and the 15.6” Y540 offer stunning displays with refresh rates of 144Hz, G-SYNC, and brightness up to 500 nits.
A particularly noteworthy feature of these laptops is the Corsair-lit keyboard with a response time under 1ms, anti-ghosting, and spill control. For powerful gaming devices, the battery backup is also surprisingly good—six hours for the Y740 and five for the Y540.
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- 10 Best ASUS Gaming Laptops 2020
- 10 Best MSI Gaming Laptops 2020
- Best Core i9 Gaming Laptops 2020
Final Words
It was only a while ago that NVIDIA regaled the world with RTX graphics. But top gaming laptop makers have already risen to the challenge and come up with astonishingly powerful products. Undoubtedly, getting a gaming laptop infused with this GPU upgrade can terrifically upgrade your gaming sessions, and you might never want to return.
If you have the budget, consider going all-out with a mighty machine like the Mothership, Zephyrus, or Strix series by ASUS, the Alienware 51m or the Acer Predator Triton. It is a challenge to find a competent RTX gaming laptop at a sub-$1000 price range, so finding a piece that wins over both your heart and wallet might be tricky. But you can check out the Dell G7 15/G7 17 for a pocket-friendly deal that almost gets the balance right.
Only time will tell how most of the promising gaming laptops on this list are priced, and their on-field performance will dictate buying decisions. But from where we see things, the year ahead sparkles with promise and excitement for the burgeoning population of gamers.
