Looking For a Great Laptop For Gaming and College

[DaWalrus]

Hey everyone. Pretty soon I'm going to be going to college, (living in a dorm), and as such having a laptop would be extremely helpful, for convenience, utility, and entertainment. Basically, I'm looking for a laptop that can support the needs and requirements below. I'm not too familiar with laptops or seeking out the right computer for the job, so I need some help or guidance. Obviously I want the best computer possible, don't worry too much about price unless it's absolutely extravagant. Also, obviously the more specific you are the better. Any help is immensely appreciated, but even more so if you narrow it down to a computer that satisfies my needs and wants or more.

Requirements:
- Needs built-in wireless connectivity, I will not have a direct connection to a router or anything through a cord.
- I am a big gamer, so I need something to satisfy high-demand gaming. As an example of some of the games I play and what FPS I play them at: Witcher 3 at 40-60 FPS, Skyrim Special Edition with mods and an ENB at usually about 60 FPS, Fallout 4 40-60 FPS, all at usually high or ultra settings. Also Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. To put it simply, it needs to be able to run new, intensive games really well, I absolutely cannot stand lag. The better it runs games and things in general the, well, better, consistent 60 FPS or more being the best.
- I need it to be able to do lots of schoolwork and such, like papers, power points, projects, etc.
- A long battery life is likely a necessity, as my PC dying while taking notes would not be very good.
- At least about a terabyte of storage space. Obviously the more the better, but that's about the minimum. As an example, my desktop I use has about 900 GBs of storage space, which has proven sufficient, although I can't speak for the future. In terms of the format it's stored in, I don't know much about SSDs or HDDs. From what I understand, SSDs hold much less but run it much faster, while HDDs are slower but can hold much more and are generally more reliable. I'm not sure which would be best, or if having both would be good, but nonetheless I need one. It would be helpful if someone could shed some light on the matter, because I don't know if having a total of about a terabyte spread across an SSD and an HDD is best, or even possible on a laptop, or if I should even worry about that in the first place. I believe having an SSD would be best for the OS and other things that need to be ran really quickly, but I don't really know.
- At least 8 GBs of high-speed RAM, but the more RAM the better.
- Best processor possible, I know not to skimp on that. This, the RAM, and the GPU all kind of tie into game performance.
- It needs to be durable and able to withstand lots of high-demand usage, including games and work.
- A disk drive.
- The more connections for peripherals like USBs and such the better.
- A good brand, it's just extra ensurance that I'm getting something good.
- Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit, (Thats the best version if I'm not mistaken, but if there's a better version of Windows 10 that would be best of course).
- CANNOT BE A MAC

THINGS I DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT:

- Size. I'd rather it be high quality and big and chunky to lug around than not work well and be less durable, but more transportable.
- Noise. Of course I don't want it to sound like a drill or something, but a little fan whir is fine.
- Looks. It's nice to look pretty, but it's far from a priority.

I suppose that's really everything, sorry for the big dump of text. Please take everything into account. Thanks for any help.

EDIT: I should also make it a point to mention that those are likely the most intensive games I play, but I also want the computer to be good for future game releases. I don't want it to be outclassed really quick and then have a computer unable to run new releases. This is unavoidable to some extent, but you get the idea.

 

[rgd1101]

fill this out http/www.tomshardware.com/forum/50797-35-laptop-buyers

 

[DaWalrus]

fill this out http/www.tomshardware.com/forum/50797-35-laptop-buyers

1. What is your budget?
Whatever really, just not utterly extravagant.
2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
Any size is fine.
3. What screen resolution do you want?
1920x1080 is what I currently use, although I don't know too much about these. I guess whatever's the best? I think 4K is the best, but I'm unsure.
4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
I'm not replacing anything, just looking for a laptop for gaming and college.
5. How much battery life do you need?
Enough to last at least a day, (as in maybe 12 hours, not 24. I can't have it dying on me during classes and stuff. However, the more the better).
6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
Yes I do. Witcher 3, Skyrim Special Edition with mods and an ENB, Fallout 4, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, all high settings. I play other games, but those are likely the most intensive. I want the highest performance possible, I cannot stand lag. On my normal computer, I usually run things at 40-60 FPS, but the better it can run games the better, (constant 60 FPS or greater obviously being the best). I want to be able to run new games at the best settings, optimally.
7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.)
Web browsing, video editing, photo editing, game-making, drawing, digital painting, listening to music, etc. I do a lot with computers.
8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
At least about a terabyte.
9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
Not really considering specific sites.
10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
As long as possible, I need durability.
11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
I think DVD ROM, if those are the things that read things like game disks and movie disks and whatnot, although a DVD writer could be situationally useful.
12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
I want a good brand, but I don't really prefer or dislike any.
13. What country do you live in?
The United States of America.
14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.
I want at least 8 gigabytes of high-speed RAM, a great processor, and lots of USB connections and whatnot. It has to come with wireless connectivity. I will be doing lots of schoolwork so it needs to be good for that. It needs to be able to connect to a regular keyboard and mouse. Overall I need something that can efficiently handle high-demand and intense gaming, work, and hobbies. I also want Windows 10 Pro.


I hope this can help people find their ideal notebook.

Additionally... you should also consider what support options are available in your area. If say you buy something abroad, will you be able to have it fixed near where you live? Does the warranty apply? How quickly do local accredited technicians fix laptops? I could maybe have it fixed nearby, I don't know. I normally repair these things on my own, although laptops are foreign to me. A warranty is always good. Local technicians charge an arm and a leg for repairs, so I don't use them normally, but it should would be nicer. Maybe they'd take a couple days? I'm unsure.I also want Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit, (or best version, I know I have that on my desktop).

 

[FauxisFox]

I would have recommended a fully decked out MacBook Pro 15" 2017 model, but you want to play Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4, both of which are poorly optimized and need much more powerful hardware. The Radeon Pro 560 in the Mac should be able to handle them at 1080p@~60fps at a mix of Medium and High settings, but definitely not full High or Ultra. Overall, the Macbook Pro 15" has a good balance of features like battery life, display quality, and ssd speed, but it may not be as good for hard core gaming, as you'd have to use bootcamp, decreasing your effective disk space. Plus, the audio design and motherboard designs (very important in performance and efficiency) tend to be superior in Macs against comparative Windows hardware, despite on paper using sometimes less powerful chipsets.

https/www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

If you're really that bent on using a laptop as your primary gaming device, I'd recommend an Aorus laptop (probably an X7 17") with a 1080. They're very good desktop replacements, and honestly, in college, you won't be having class back to back unless you choose to, so you won't have to be off charger for long sessions anyway. Furthermore, most colleges have power outlets at the lecture hall desks, so battery life longer than 2-3 hours isn't all that important (the Aorus reports 4-5 hours, but expect only about 75% of marketing numbers in any given laptop, including Macs). Aorus laptops can cost more than Macs and tend to have some complaints about case quality, but otherwise can go toe to toe with the Macbook Pro 15" in terms of quality and reliability. Plus, they have some degree of expandability for storage.

https/www.aorus.com (assuming the website will load for you, because it isn't for me)

 

[DaWalrus]

I would have recommended a fully decked out MacBook Pro 15" 2017 model, but you want to play Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4, both of which are poorly optimized and need much more powerful hardware. The Radeon Pro 560 in the Mac should be able to handle them at 1080p@~60fps at a mix of Medium and High settings, but definitely not full High or Ultra. Overall, the Macbook Pro 15" has a good balance of features like battery life, display quality, and ssd speed, but it may not be as good for hard core gaming, as you'd have to use bootcamp, decreasing your effective disk space. Plus, the audio design and motherboard designs (very important in performance and efficiency) tend to be superior in Macs against comparative Windows hardware, despite on paper using sometimes less powerful chipsets.

https/www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

If you're really that bent on using a laptop as your primary gaming device, I'd recommend an Aorus laptop (probably an X7 17") with a 1080. They're very good desktop replacements, and honestly, in college, you won't be having class back to back unless you choose to, so you won't have to be off charger for long sessions anyway. Furthermore, most colleges have power outlets at the lecture hall desks, so battery life longer than 2-3 hours isn't all that important (the Aorus reports 4-5 hours, but expect only about 75% of marketing numbers in any given laptop, including Macs). Aorus laptops can cost more than Macs and tend to have some complaints about case quality, but otherwise can go toe to toe with the Macbook Pro 15" in terms of quality and reliability. Plus, they have some degree of expandability for storage.

https/www.aorus.com (assuming the website will load for you, because it isn't for me)

Yeah, sorry, I should have specified. I DO NOT want a Mac. The second one sounds nice though, I'll take a look at it.

 

[FauxisFox]

I would have recommended a fully decked out MacBook Pro 15" 2017 model, but you want to play Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4, both of which are poorly optimized and need much more powerful hardware. The Radeon Pro 560 in the Mac should be able to handle them at 1080p@~60fps at a mix of Medium and High settings, but definitely not full High or Ultra. Overall, the Macbook Pro 15" has a good balance of features like battery life, display quality, and ssd speed, but it may not be as good for hard core gaming, as you'd have to use bootcamp, decreasing your effective disk space. Plus, the audio design and motherboard designs (very important in performance and efficiency) tend to be superior in Macs against comparative Windows hardware, despite on paper using sometimes less powerful chipsets.

https/www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

If you're really that bent on using a laptop as your primary gaming device, I'd recommend an Aorus laptop (probably an X7 17") with a 1080. They're very good desktop replacements, and honestly, in college, you won't be having class back to back unless you choose to, so you won't have to be off charger for long sessions anyway. Furthermore, most colleges have power outlets at the lecture hall desks, so battery life longer than 2-3 hours isn't all that important (the Aorus reports 4-5 hours, but expect only about 75% of marketing numbers in any given laptop, including Macs). Aorus laptops can cost more than Macs and tend to have some complaints about case quality, but otherwise can go toe to toe with the Macbook Pro 15" in terms of quality and reliability. Plus, they have some degree of expandability for storage.

https/www.aorus.com (assuming the website will load for you, because it isn't for me)

Yeah, sorry, I should have specified. I DO NOT want a Mac. The second one sounds nice though, I'll take a look at it.

Hey, I get the stigma about Macs, but the hardware is really good. If you're going to be an engineering major, especially comp sci, you'll find macOS to be very, very useful. You'll understand once you get into programming. I myself am a comp sci major, and Linux/Unix does wonders (I use a Mac for school and a Linux rig I built for gaming using a windows virtual machine and GPU passthrough). It's also very capable for gaming once you dual boot with Windows. At the end of the day, dual booting is only a minor inconvenience.

 

[DaWalrus]

I would have recommended a fully decked out MacBook Pro 15" 2017 model, but you want to play Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4, both of which are poorly optimized and need much more powerful hardware. The Radeon Pro 560 in the Mac should be able to handle them at 1080p@~60fps at a mix of Medium and High settings, but definitely not full High or Ultra. Overall, the Macbook Pro 15" has a good balance of features like battery life, display quality, and ssd speed, but it may not be as good for hard core gaming, as you'd have to use bootcamp, decreasing your effective disk space. Plus, the audio design and motherboard designs (very important in performance and efficiency) tend to be superior in Macs against comparative Windows hardware, despite on paper using sometimes less powerful chipsets.

https/www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

If you're really that bent on using a laptop as your primary gaming device, I'd recommend an Aorus laptop (probably an X7 17") with a 1080. They're very good desktop replacements, and honestly, in college, you won't be having class back to back unless you choose to, so you won't have to be off charger for long sessions anyway. Furthermore, most colleges have power outlets at the lecture hall desks, so battery life longer than 2-3 hours isn't all that important (the Aorus reports 4-5 hours, but expect only about 75% of marketing numbers in any given laptop, including Macs). Aorus laptops can cost more than Macs and tend to have some complaints about case quality, but otherwise can go toe to toe with the Macbook Pro 15" in terms of quality and reliability. Plus, they have some degree of expandability for storage.

https/www.aorus.com (assuming the website will load for you, because it isn't for me)

Yeah, sorry, I should have specified. I DO NOT want a Mac. The second one sounds nice though, I'll take a look at it.

Hey, I get the stigma about Macs, but the hardware is really good. If you're going to be an engineering major, especially comp sci, you'll find macOS to be very, very useful. You'll understand once you get into programming. I myself am a comp sci major, and Linux/Unix does wonders (I use a Mac for school and a Linux rig I built for gaming using a windows virtual machine and GPU passthrough).

I'm not going into engineering or computer science, so that doesn't exactly apply. I'm mainly thinking about games, and many games are never even released on Macs. Overall, I just really want it to be a PC with a Windows OS. I'm not quite that tech-y, although I do know a fair bit. What you mentioned about rigging and building computers and whatnot is far out of my range though, just finding and replacing a motherboard nearly drove me insane so...

 

[FauxisFox]

I would have recommended a fully decked out MacBook Pro 15" 2017 model, but you want to play Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4, both of which are poorly optimized and need much more powerful hardware. The Radeon Pro 560 in the Mac should be able to handle them at 1080p@~60fps at a mix of Medium and High settings, but definitely not full High or Ultra. Overall, the Macbook Pro 15" has a good balance of features like battery life, display quality, and ssd speed, but it may not be as good for hard core gaming, as you'd have to use bootcamp, decreasing your effective disk space. Plus, the audio design and motherboard designs (very important in performance and efficiency) tend to be superior in Macs against comparative Windows hardware, despite on paper using sometimes less powerful chipsets.

https/www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

If you're really that bent on using a laptop as your primary gaming device, I'd recommend an Aorus laptop (probably an X7 17") with a 1080. They're very good desktop replacements, and honestly, in college, you won't be having class back to back unless you choose to, so you won't have to be off charger for long sessions anyway. Furthermore, most colleges have power outlets at the lecture hall desks, so battery life longer than 2-3 hours isn't all that important (the Aorus reports 4-5 hours, but expect only about 75% of marketing numbers in any given laptop, including Macs). Aorus laptops can cost more than Macs and tend to have some complaints about case quality, but otherwise can go toe to toe with the Macbook Pro 15" in terms of quality and reliability. Plus, they have some degree of expandability for storage.

https/www.aorus.com (assuming the website will load for you, because it isn't for me)

Yeah, sorry, I should have specified. I DO NOT want a Mac. The second one sounds nice though, I'll take a look at it.

Hey, I get the stigma about Macs, but the hardware is really good. If you're going to be an engineering major, especially comp sci, you'll find macOS to be very, very useful. You'll understand once you get into programming. I myself am a comp sci major, and Linux/Unix does wonders (I use a Mac for school and a Linux rig I built for gaming using a windows virtual machine and GPU passthrough).

I'm not going into engineering or computer science, so that doesn't exactly apply. I'm mainly thinking about games, and many games are never even released on Macs. Overall, I just really want it to be a PC with a Windows OS. I'm not quite that tech-y, although I do know a fair bit. What you mentioned about rigging and building computers and whatnot is far out of my range though, just finding and replacing a motherboard nearly drove me insane so...

Ok, gotcha. Sorry if I sounded a little pushy. Though you do know what dual booting is, right?

 

[DaWalrus]

I would have recommended a fully decked out MacBook Pro 15" 2017 model, but you want to play Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4, both of which are poorly optimized and need much more powerful hardware. The Radeon Pro 560 in the Mac should be able to handle them at 1080p@~60fps at a mix of Medium and High settings, but definitely not full High or Ultra. Overall, the Macbook Pro 15" has a good balance of features like battery life, display quality, and ssd speed, but it may not be as good for hard core gaming, as you'd have to use bootcamp, decreasing your effective disk space. Plus, the audio design and motherboard designs (very important in performance and efficiency) tend to be superior in Macs against comparative Windows hardware, despite on paper using sometimes less powerful chipsets.

https/www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

If you're really that bent on using a laptop as your primary gaming device, I'd recommend an Aorus laptop (probably an X7 17") with a 1080. They're very good desktop replacements, and honestly, in college, you won't be having class back to back unless you choose to, so you won't have to be off charger for long sessions anyway. Furthermore, most colleges have power outlets at the lecture hall desks, so battery life longer than 2-3 hours isn't all that important (the Aorus reports 4-5 hours, but expect only about 75% of marketing numbers in any given laptop, including Macs). Aorus laptops can cost more than Macs and tend to have some complaints about case quality, but otherwise can go toe to toe with the Macbook Pro 15" in terms of quality and reliability. Plus, they have some degree of expandability for storage.

https/www.aorus.com (assuming the website will load for you, because it isn't for me)

Yeah, sorry, I should have specified. I DO NOT want a Mac. The second one sounds nice though, I'll take a look at it.

Hey, I get the stigma about Macs, but the hardware is really good. If you're going to be an engineering major, especially comp sci, you'll find macOS to be very, very useful. You'll understand once you get into programming. I myself am a comp sci major, and Linux/Unix does wonders (I use a Mac for school and a Linux rig I built for gaming using a windows virtual machine and GPU passthrough).

I'm not going into engineering or computer science, so that doesn't exactly apply. I'm mainly thinking about games, and many games are never even released on Macs. Overall, I just really want it to be a PC with a Windows OS. I'm not quite that tech-y, although I do know a fair bit. What you mentioned about rigging and building computers and whatnot is far out of my range though, just finding and replacing a motherboard nearly drove me insane so...

Ok, gotcha. Sorry if I sounded a little pushy. Though you do know what dual booting is, right?

Don't worry, you didn't sound pushy. I am asking for information, and you said your piece. Dual booting sounds familiar, but I'm not sure what it is.