As Windows 11 is finally here, and because we already discussed the complete system requirements for running this OS optimally on your device, some wonder if Windows 11 will be good for gaming.
Microsoft has taken this element into consideration when building its new OS, so it will be capable of running games at an even better speed than the predecessor OS, Windows 10.
As we know already, Windows 11 has some other important improvements, besides the design of the interface itself. One of the most important is the requirement to have a TPM chip on your device to improve your system’s security.
Some game developers are planning on using the new TPM improvements to ban any cheaters on online multiplayer game servers, and this would signify an important change in the world of online gaming.
Here are Windows 11’s system requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores
- System memory: 4 GB minimum
- Storage: 64 GB minimum
- System firmware: UEFI
- Security: TPM required, UEFI Secure Boot
- Display: 9-inch minimum in diagonal, High definition (720p), 8 bits per color channel
- Graphics: DirectX 12 API, WDDM 2.0
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (excluding desktop PC), Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
- Digitizer: Precision Touchpad (if the touchpad is present)
- Hardware buttons: Power button and volume up and down buttons required
- Ports: USB ports (at least one), video output required
That being said if you want to run games without issues besides running the OS optimally, it is extremely important that your system can deal with the latest and greatest game requirements.
In today’s guide we will explore some of the best gaming laptop options that can run Windows 11 without any issues, so make sure to read the details for each of the products.
How we chose the best Windows 11 gaming laptops?
The WindowsReport team of professional testers, with a combined experience of more than 15 years, have taken each of the devices described in this guide through a rigorous process of analysis and tests.
As we understand how important it is to ensure not only that the devices can run Windows 11, but also some of the latest games on the market, we took the time to install the OS from scratch, and then matched the hardware capabilities with some of the most resource-intensive games released until this point.
Depending on the exact game/games you’re trying aiming to play on your PC, the exact requirements in regards to the elements presented above will vary considerably.
To ensure that your gaming laptop will not only be able to run Windows 11 perfectly but will also tackle any of the latest games without issues, there are a few elements that need to be taken into account:
➡ CPU➡ GPU➡ RAM➡ Storage space➡ Display size
That being said, we do consider that it is always best to have a more capable PC and play a game with smaller requirements than the other way around.
For this reason, the list our team of testers produced will start by presenting the best gaming laptop we could find that runs Windows 11 without issues, and then gradually the capabilities will taper off.
It is also worth noting that even the laptop in the last position, and also the bottom runners will be good choices, even if the FPS levels for the latest games will not be comparable to the results of the first options.
What to consider when choosing the best Windows 11 gaming laptops
CPU
The processor is one of the most important elements of your laptop, acting as the brain of the device. If you want to run the latest games released on your Windows 11 gaming laptop, the CPU will need to be capable of fast data processing speeds.
That being said, if your system has a good CPU, but some of the other elements are not up to par, the games still won’t run, so choosing the right gaming setup is crucial.
All of the devices presented in this guide have a powerful CPU that will surely be able to run any game without problems.
GPU
The GPU, or the graphics processing unit is the component that processes all the visual input and the transformation of pure data into cinematic and immersive scenes in your games.
When it comes to its importance, the GPU is almost at the top of the list, very close to the CPU, as the combination of these two hardware pieces are the ones that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of your game, and do so at a normal speed, without any lagging and stuttering.
The rate of FPS (frames per second) will vary depending on the GPU’s capabilities, and the requirements of the game you’re trying to run.
As you can see from the image above, the optimal FPS range for games should be below 30, but games will run without large issues even at 60fps. From that point on, the games will start lagging and will make the game almost unplayable.
What is the best FPS rate for gaming?
- 30 FPS – Good enough for single player games
- 60 FPS – The most suitable FPS rate for most gamers and games, being able to sustain both single player and multi-player configurations
- 120 FPS – Provides you with an important edge when it comes to multi-player gaming, but will tax your GPU considerably, so lowering some of the graphics settings might help
- 240 FPS – Can provide an added edge if you’re playing games profesionally, but, as it requires a professional-level monitor, will be very expensive
Even though for a smooth operation the GPU is also important, in case you find that this device is not enough to run your favorite games properly, then you can supplement its power by using an eGPU, which can be attached to your system by the use of a USB cable.
It is worth noting that choosing this option will imply that the mobility of your gaming laptop will be reduced considerably, so it would only prove useful in the case you’re planning on using your gaming laptop at home.
RAM
The rapid access memory of your laptop will prove useful in case you need to run multiple applications like photo editing software, and sound editing tools at the same time, but will also be extremely handy when playing games.
Different games will have different requirements when it comes to the RAM of your system, but it is safer to have more than you need.
Windows 11 requires you to have at least 4GB of RAM, so any value above this will ensure that the games you play will be able to run optimally.
A good starting point for gaming laptops is to have around 8 GB of RAM, but 16, and even 32 RAM setups are becoming more common as the gaming industry evolves, and more and more realistic games are produced.
All the gaming laptops our team of testers has chosen for this list have 16GB RAM or more, ensuring that you won’t encounter any issues no matter what game you choose to play.
Storage space
As you might expect, the storage space you have available on your device will make a huge difference when it comes to storing the games you install, their save files, and also other applications and personal files.
The requirement for running Windows 11 is only 4 GB of space, so that shouldn’t be a concert at all, as most laptops nowadays have around 512GB storage at least.
The list we created is not any different, as 512GB is the minimum amount our options have, but we included laptops with 1TB or even 2TB storage capabilities.
That being said, not all storage components are the same, as laptops have either an HDD, an SSD, or a combination of both.
As you can see from the image above, the processing speed for a system using an SSD is two times better than in the case of a system with an HDD.
This can be a very important factor when it comes to running games on your laptop, as the speed at which the data can be read is of paramount importance when it comes to the overall gaming experience.
For this reason, our list only includes options that have an SSD installed, but not all SSDs are the same.
What are the types of SSD and what is the difference between them?
- SATA SSD
This type of SSD uses the same interface as HDDs, even though they are still four to five times faster.
This type of interface has been used for a while, and even though computer producers are slowly moving towards the next model, it is still widely found in systems across the globe.
- NVMe SSD (including PCIe/NVMe/PCIe-NVMe)
The NVMe SSD is used especially in gaming PCs, as the faster transfer rates can make a huge difference.
For this reason, the entire set of gaming laptops we’ve chosen for this list will have an NVMe SSD installed.
Display size
The size of the display your gaming laptop features will make a very big difference in case you’re not planning on using an external monitor with your setup.
That being said, it is always best to have the option to play games without connecting it to an external monitor or TV, so at least 15 inches are required to have a good experience.
Of course, as in the case of RAM, having a bigger monitor, like a 17-inch, will not do any harm, but will affect the portability of your laptop, making it bigger as well.
All these elements considered, it is now time to see what the results of our 3-days long tests have been. Even though we tried to include a variety of laptops in all price ranges, we assure you that every last one of them will provide a great Windows 11 gaming experience.
➡ For the best overall performance, and insurance that you won’t need to invest in a new PC at least for the next couple of years, going with the Razer Blade 15 is the best option.
The combination of the powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM will ensure a smooth operation even when dealing with the most graphic-intensive tasks or the latest games available.
➡ In case you would like to invest in a laptop that offers great processing capabilities, and also offers extra storage space, the Elektronics Prometheus XVII is the best option on the list.
With a small difference between the capabilities of the CPUs between this model and the best option from the list, the Prometheus XVII offers a great configuration, and at a more affordable price.
➡ When it comes to some more price-accessible options, both the Asus ROG Strix G17 and Asus TUF 3070 are great options.
When it comes to choosing the best between them, take the time to consider that the latter has almost 3 times the amount for RAM, and a better GPU, even though the price is a bit steeper.
➡ If you don’t mind having a less capable GPU, the Acer Predator Triton 300 is a very good option.
Equipped with 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD, it could be a good contender to the Strix G17 option, but the less powerful GPU makes it discussable.
The Razer Blade 15 is our top pick for the best gaming laptop that can run Windows 11 without any problems, while also offering you the possibility to explore the fantastical world o gaming with the best quality display possible.
Razer Blade 15
Intel Core i9-11900H CPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU
32GB RAM
1TB NVMe SSD
15-inch 4K display
Vapor Chamber Cooling
Wi-Fi 6
Free upgrade to Windows 11
Expensive
This device not only offers more than enough power to run multiple graphic-intensive and CPU-intensive tasks but also provides you the freedom of upgrading to Windows 11 free, as soon as you get it delivered.
Besides looking incredible, the Blade 15 from Razer has some serious firepower built into its slick designed case, starting with an 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11900H processor with 8 cores.
This powerhouse processor will ensure that the laptop will outperform most other laptops no matter if you’re running the latest released games, or running resource-intensive applications at the same time.
The overall benchmark results for this CPU proved to be 9% better than the laptop in the second position, which is a huge difference at this level.
To ensure smooth gaming across the board, the Razer Blade 15 comes equipped with a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU.
Even though this GPU is the same model found in the laptop we chose for the second position, the more powerful CPU is capable of using every last drop of power that the GPU is capable of.
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The 32GB RAM installed on this slick-looking gaming laptop ensures that running the latest games, and also providing enough memory to run CAD software and photo-editing apps will be a breeze.
This laptop also has a 1TB nVME SSD installed capable of processing data at lightning speeds, but where this device shines the most is the display capabilities.
It has a 15,6-inches 4K OLED display that will ensure an amazingly immersive gaming experience.
The Prometheus XVII from Eluktronics is another very powerful gaming laptop that will be able to run games on Windows 11 without any issues whatsoever.
Eluktronics Prometheus XVII
AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU
32GB DDR4 RAM
2TB NVMe SSD
Wi-Fi 6
17.3 inches display
Can seem heavy for some users
At a slightly lower price, this amazing laptop comes with a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, which offers only 5% less speed than the first choice in our list.
This CPU is one of the best on the market at this point, so the speed reduction is negligible, even more when considering the GPU.
The RTX 3080 GPU from Nvidia installed on this PC is exactly the model found in the laptop in the first position, making it a great contender, and with a more accessible price.
At the same time, the GPU has proven to be 48% better in our overall benchmark tests than the laptop found in the 3rd position, which is a huge difference when it comes to data processing capabilities and overall projected gaming experience.
The Prometheus XVII has 32GB DDR4 RAM, which ensures that you have more than enough processing capabilities for the latest games or to run multiple applications that require a large amount of resources at the same time.
When it comes to storage, this laptop has a 2TB NVMe SSD, which allows you to store data from a large number of games, personal files, save games, high-definition movies, and everything in between.
The display installed on the Prometheus XVII runs at 165Hz and offers a 17.3-inches screen surface for an immersive gaming and movie-watching experience.
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 has all the features it needs to run games on Windows 11 without facing any problems like stuttering or lagging, and it is powered by the same CPU as the model presented previously – an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX.
ASUS ROG Strix G17
AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
16GB DDR4 RAM
512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
RGB keyboard
17.3 inches display
Small storage space
CPU 10% slower than previous option
That being said, the Strix G17 is a lot more affordable than the Prometheus XVII, making it obvious that the GPU is where the main difference in configuration is.
Even though that is the case, the Strix scored a 10% better GPU benchmark rating than the model found on the 4th position in our guide.
The Strix G17 is equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, which even though it is slower than the one found on the previous laptop we mentioned, is still a capable GPU.
The GPU will be allowing you to play most games found on the market without any stuttering, but it might be helped by reducing the graphics quality to a medium setting.
16GB DDR4 RAM also ensures that most game system requirements will be fulfilled without any problems, and will be capable of running multiple instances of CAD software, music-editing apps, etc.
When it comes to storage capabilities, the Strix G17 has a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, which offers great data processing speeds both for your gaming experience and day-to-day usage.
The 17.3 inches display mounted on this gaming laptop runs at 144Hzm and offers a 1920×1080 Full HD resolution, ensuring that the power of the graphics card will be used as best as possible.
The Asus TUF 3070 is another great gaming laptop that can run the latest releases on Windows 11 without any problems.
Asus TUF 3070
Intel Core i7-11370H CPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU
40GB RAM
1TB SSD
Mytrix HDMI Cable included
10% smaller CPU score than previous option
More expensive than previous option
It is powered by an Intel Core i7-11370H CPU, which is 11% in our overall benchmarks scores than the next option presented in this guide.
This CPU will allow you to run any games you want, and even though it might not reach the same capabilities as the first option in our list, it is a clear contender nonetheless.
The GPU, a GeForce RTX 3070 is 9% better than the previous laptop, and a whopping 30% better than the laptop option that follows it.
This justifies the bigger price when compared to the Strix G17, and provides a better performance overall, even though not by much.
This laptop impressed us with 40GB RAM, which trumps all the other options we discussed in today’s guide, offering un-paralleled multi-tasking capabilities.
Another element that makes this laptop a worthy opponent even when compared with the first position, the Razer Blade 15, is the 240Hz FHD display, which measures 15,6 inches.
The resolution for this display comes in at 1920 x 1080 and uses anti-glare technology for a better experience even in sunny weather.
At the same time, the Asus TUF 3070 is one of the slimmest options on our list, allowing greater portability, and also lighter weight than most gaming laptops.
The package also comes with a Mytrix HDMI cable which ensures great image quality, and also amazing transfer speeds to any HDMI-enabled display.
The Acer Predator Triton 300 is worthy of being part of the list containing the best Windows 11 gaming laptops, even though it is the last choice.
Acer Predator Triton 300
Intel Core i7-10750H CPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU
32GB DDR4 RAM
2TB NVMe SSD
RGB Backlit keyboard
Oydisen cloth included
CPU capabilities was 10% lower than previous model
Small display
Big price/capability ratio compared to Strix G17
This device is powered by an Intel i7-10750H CPU, which provides good processing power even with the latest games. It is also powerful enough to run any resource-intensive applications like CAD software or image processing apps.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU which comes installed in this device does its job, even though compared with the Asus Rox Strix G17 – which is in the same price range – it offers fewer capabilities overall.
That doesn’t mean that the GPU from the Triton 300 will not be capable of running games, but, depending on your exact preferences, there would be better options.
It comes with 32GB DDR4 RAM, which is double the amount that the direct competitor Strix G17 has, making it a better option if you’re planning on running multiple applications simultaneously.
The Triton 300 also comes at an advantage if you require more storage space, offering a 2TB NVMe SSD. This is more than enough to store a large number of photos, 4K videos, game data, and other personal files.
It also has an RGB backlit keyboard, which proves useful when playing at night, while also improving the looks of the device.
The display of this device runs at 144Hz and offers a 15.6-inch surface for gaming and everyday use. It is a Full HD IPS, which will provide immersive color quality and good refresh rates.
Bottom runners
Besides the options we presented in the list above, there have been a few other gaming laptop options that stood out.
The reasons for not including them in the list will vary depending on the laptop itself, but they are worth a mention nonetheless:
➡ Asus TUF 15
This device is a great gaming laptop option but has not made the list as the i7-9750H CPU is slower than the model we described at the end of our list.
That being said, the price is more accessible than any options we described in our list, and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and the 16 GB RAM make it a worthy contender.
➡ Acer Nitro 5
The Nitro 5 from Acer is another good option that comes at a very accessible price and still contains a powerful i5-10300H CPU, a GeForce RTX 3050, and 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.
This is a great option for those of you who don’t want to break the bank when investing in a PC but don’t want to compromise too much on performance either.
These are some of the best gaming laptops that can run Windows 11 without any problems, and since the release of the OS is upon us, having some options that are worth investing in is a great idea.
If you’re not interested in a gaming-specific laptop that can run the new OS, you can also check out some of the best Windows 11 laptops on the market.
All the options presented in this guide provide great capabilities both for running games, and also for running graphic-intensive applications like drafting apps, or 3D printing software.
Feel free to share your preferred choice with us by using the comment section below.
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