Can a laptop handle gaming without being bulky and expensive? A non-gaming laptop can be quite powerful and feature-rich, as can a gaming laptop. So, what are the best non gaming laptop for gaming?
Well, The best non-gaming laptops for gaming are the Apple MacBook Pro 16″ (M1 Max) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio. They offer powerful processors, high-quality graphics, and smooth displays to allow you to enjoy a solid gaming experience at work as well.
You’ll find here the 5 best non-gaming laptops for gaming, including low-cost, multi-purpose, and high-performing models.
5 Best Non-Gaming Laptops for Gaming
Here are five of the best non-gaming laptops that can handle gaming quite well:
1. Asus ProArt StudioBook 16
Key Features:
- Chipset: 13th Gen Intel Core i9
- Display: 3.2K OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 8GB VRAM
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Why It’s Great for Gaming:
- The Intel Core i9 processor delivers excellent performance for multitasking and gaming.
- NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU ensures smooth rendering for demanding games.
- The 120Hz OLED display offers outstanding graphics, suitable for gaming.
- 32GB of RAM provides ample capacity for gaming and creative work.
- The high-resolution OLED screen provides rich colors and contrast.
- It has fast storage (1TB SSD) that reduces load times significantly.
Limitations:
- The price point is quite high for a non-gaming laptop.
- Battery life can drop during heavy gaming sessions.
- It may not be as optimized for gaming as dedicated gaming laptops.
2. MSI Creator Z17 HX
Key Features:
- Chipset: Intel Core i7 (12th Gen)
- Display: 17-inch QHD+ with 165Hz refresh rate
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Why It’s Great for Gaming:
- Gamer-friendly, 17-inch QHD+ screen offers excellent visuals.
- The 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay.
- RTX 3060 provides solid gaming performance for most modern titles.
- Intel Core i7 and 32GB RAM offer strong multitasking and gaming capabilities.
- Having a high storage capacity (1TB SSD) ensures fast loading and storing of games.
Limitations:
- Smaller laptops are more portable.
- The cooling system can get noisy during intensive gaming.
- It is still priced on the higher end for non-gaming laptops.
3. Lenovo Slim Pro 9
Key Features:
- Chipset: AMD Ryzen 9 7900HS
- Display: 14-inch 2.8K, 90Hz refresh rate
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Why It’s Great for Gaming:
- As a multi-core processor, the Ryzen 9 is excellent for gaming and work.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU offers decent performance for casual and mid-range gaming.
- 16GB of RAM provides enough capacity for multitasking and demanding games.
- Under typical use, the battery lasts up to 10 hours.
- The laptop is lightweight, making it highly portable.
Limitations:
- Not ideal for high-end AAA games at ultra settings.
- The 90Hz refresh rate is decent but could be better for competitive gaming.
4. Apple MacBook Pro 16″ (M1 Max)
Key Features:
- Chipset: Apple M1 Max chip
- Display: 16-inch Retina, 3456 x 2234 resolution
- Graphics: 16-core GPU (integrated)
- RAM: 32GB unified memory
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 21 hours
- Operating System: macOS
Why It’s Great for Gaming:
- Apple’s M1 Max chip delivers excellent processing power for both gaming and creative tasks.
- The 16-core GPU provides sufficient power for modern games.
- The 32GB unified memory ensures no lag even with multiple apps running.
- The 1TB SSD ensures fast load times for games and apps.
- Outstanding battery life that lasts up to 21 hours for regular use, even during light gaming.
Limitations:
- Not a traditional gaming laptop, so no dedicated gaming features.
- Expensive compared to most non-gaming laptops.
- Can struggle with intensive AAA titles at high settings.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Key Features:
- Chipset: Intel Core i7 (11th Gen)
- Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow, 120Hz refresh rate
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Why It’s Great for Gaming:
- RTX 3050 Ti GPUs offer good performance at mid-range settings for gaming.
- The 120Hz PixelSense Flow display provides smooth and responsive visuals. Multitasking and gaming are made easy with the Core i7 processor and 32GB RAM.
- The 1TB SSD reduces load times and provides ample game storage.
- The design is sleek and functional, with a flexible hinge for versatility.
Limitations:
- Gaming with ultra settings is difficult with the 3050 Ti GPU.
- Battery life can drop significantly during heavy gaming sessions.
- A 14.4-inch screen is too small for gamers.
Non Gaming Laptops for Gaming: Things to Consider
When choosing a non-gaming laptop for gaming, there are several important factors to keep in mind.
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Graphics Performance (GPU)
First, consider the graphics performance. The GPU is what helps run the visuals in games. Non-gaming laptops may not have gaming-specific graphics cards. But an excellent option would be a laptop with a solid discrete GPU, like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or 3060, or strong integrated graphics.
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CPU
Next, look at the processor. The CPU is crucial for games. You want a laptop with at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. These offer enough power for gaming and everyday tasks without slowing down.
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RAM
RAM is another key factor. RAM helps your laptop run multiple tasks at once, including games. A laptop with at least 16GB of RAM should be able to handle gaming without lagging or freezing. If possible, get 32GB for extra performance.
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Display
Display quality is also essential. A good screen makes gaming more enjoyable. Look for a laptop with at least Full HD resolution (1920×1080). It is even better if the display is 2K or 4K. A higher refresh rate, like 120Hz or more, helps gameplay smoother.
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Storage
Storage matters, too. Games can take up a lot of space, so having enough storage is essential. Go for a laptop with an SSD (solid-state drive) of at least 512GB, as it offers faster loading times. A 1TB SSD is even better for storing more games.
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Battery life
Battery life is something to consider, especially if you want to game on the go. Gaming uses a lot of power, so look for a laptop with decent battery life—at least 7 hours for regular use. Just remember, gaming drains the battery faster.
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Cooling system
Finally, check the cooling system. Gaming makes laptops heat up, so a sound cooling system is necessary. Cooling is better on laptops with larger screens, which prevents overheating.
If you focus on these factors—GPU, CPU, RAM, display, storage, battery life, and cooling—you can find a non-gaming laptop that performs well.
Final Touch
These non-gaming laptops provide impressive gaming performance with their powerful processors, graphics, and display capabilities. They offer a great balance between work and play, making them ideal for users who need a laptop for both productivity and entertainment. However, for those looking for serious gaming power, dedicated gaming laptops may still be a better choice.