Gaming laptops in 2019 reached new heights of performance and style, transforming the mobile gaming landscape forever. With powerhouse processors and cutting-edge graphics cards, these portable gaming beasts proved that desktop-level gaming wasn’t just a pipe dream anymore.
Manufacturers like ASUS ROG, Razer, and MSI pushed the boundaries with innovative features like ultra-thin bezels, RGB keyboards, and cooling systems that could tame even the most demanding titles. While some gamers still clung to their towering desktop rigs, 2019’s gaming laptops made a compelling case for switching sides – offering the perfect blend of power and portability that modern gamers craved.
Best Gaming Laptops of 2019: The Ultimate Guide
Gaming laptops in 2019 delivered exceptional performance through cutting-edge hardware configurations. These mobile powerhouses featured 9th Gen Intel Core processors, RTX 20-series graphics cards, and high-refresh-rate displays.
Top Performers
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701 packs RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics with a 300Hz display
- Razer Blade 15 Advanced combines RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU with a 240Hz screen
- MSI GS65 Stealth offers RTX 2060 graphics in a 4.1-pound chassis
| Model | CPU | GPU | Display | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus S | i7-9750H | RTX 2080 Max-Q | 300Hz | 5.7 lbs |
| Razer Blade 15 | i7-9750H | RTX 2070 Max-Q | 240Hz | 4.7 lbs |
| MSI GS65 Stealth | i7-9750H | RTX 2060 | 144Hz | 4.1 lbs |
Key Features
- Thin-bezel displays maximize screen real estate
- Per-key RGB keyboard lighting enables customization
- Advanced cooling systems maintain optimal performance
- NVMe SSDs deliver faster load times
- Thunderbolt 3 ports support external GPUs
- Ray tracing capabilities enable realistic lighting effects
- NVIDIA DLSS improves frame rates in supported games
- High refresh rates reduce screen tearing
- Response times under 3ms minimize input lag
- Battery life extends to 6 hours during non-gaming tasks
These gaming laptops integrate desktop-grade components into portable form factors. Each model balances power consumption with thermal management to maintain consistent gaming performance.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Gaming Laptop
Gaming laptop selection requires attention to specific technical components that directly impact gaming performance. These essential features determine the overall gaming experience performance ratio.
Display and Refresh Rate
A gaming laptop’s display combines resolution specs high refresh rates screen size to create immersive gaming visuals. Full HD (1920×1080) displays offer optimal performance for most games while 4K screens provide enhanced visual detail. Gaming displays feature refresh rates from 144Hz to 240Hz enabling smooth motion rendering reduced screen tearing. IPS panels deliver superior color accuracy wider viewing angles compared to TN panels. Display sizes range from 15.6 inches to 17.3 inches balancing portability screen real estate.
Graphics Card and Performance
Graphics cards serve as the primary component for gaming performance processing game visuals calculations. RTX 2060 2070 2080 GPUs support ray tracing DLSS technology enhancing lighting effects game performance. Mobile variants of these cards deliver 80-90% of their desktop counterparts’ performance. Memory configurations range from 6GB to 8GB GDDR6 supporting high resolution textures multiple monitor setups. GPU performance directly correlates with frame rates game detail settings supported resolutions.
Cooling System and Thermals
Cooling systems maintain optimal operating temperatures preventing thermal throttling performance drops. Dual fan designs multiple heat pipes copper fin arrays dissipate heat effectively during intense gaming sessions. Vapor chamber cooling technology provides enhanced thermal management in thin chassis designs. Temperature monitoring software enables fan speed adjustments based on system load. Strategic vent placement ensures proper airflow while preventing dust accumulation maintaining long term cooling efficiency.
Top Gaming Laptop Brands in 2019
Leading gaming laptop manufacturers set new standards in 2019 with innovative designs and powerful hardware configurations. Major brands focused on balancing performance with portability while incorporating cutting-edge features.
Razer Blade Series
Razer dominated the premium gaming segment with the Blade 15 Advanced Model. The lineup featured CNC-milled aluminum chassis measuring just 0.70 inches thick. These laptops packed RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics cards paired with 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H processors. A 240Hz display option enhanced competitive gaming performance. The Blade Pro 17 expanded the series with a larger 17.3-inch screen while maintaining the signature minimalist design. RGB Chroma keyboards provided per-key customization across all models.
ASUS ROG Lineup
ASUS ROG expanded its portfolio with the Zephyrus S GX701 flagship model. The distinctive Active Aerodynamic System created extra cooling airflow during intensive gaming sessions. ROG laptops incorporated 144Hz/240Hz display options with PANTONE validation. The lineup utilized RTX 2070/2080 graphics cards enabling ray-tracing capabilities. ASUS implemented ROG Boost technology for automated performance optimization. Storage configurations combined NVMe SSDs with high-capacity hard drives for maximum flexibility.
MSI Gaming Models
MSI introduced the GS65 Stealth with a refined chassis design. The Cooler Boost Trinity+ system utilized triple fans with seven heat pipes. These models featured per-key RGB lighting powered by SteelSeries Engine 3. MSI Dragon Center software provided system monitoring customization options. The GE75 Raider delivered desktop-grade performance with full-power RTX graphics cards. A 17.3-inch 144Hz display complemented the powerful internal components.
Price Range Categories
Gaming laptops in 2019 span across distinct price segments, each offering specific features tailored to different gaming needs. The market segmentation creates clear value propositions for gamers with varying budgets.
Budget-Friendly Options
Entry-level gaming laptops priced between $700-$1,000 offer capable gaming performance with GTX 1650 or GTX 1660 Ti graphics cards. These models typically feature Intel Core i5 processors or AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs paired with 8GB RAM. Popular budget options include the Acer Nitro 5, Dell G3 15, and Lenovo Legion Y540. These laptops maintain 60 FPS in most games at medium settings with 1080p resolution displays.
| Budget Specs | Common Configuration |
|---|---|
| GPU | GTX 1650/1660 Ti |
| CPU | i5/Ryzen 5 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
Mid-Range Contenders
Mid-tier gaming laptops ranging from $1,000-$1,800 incorporate RTX 2060 or RTX 2070 graphics cards with Intel Core i7 processors. These models feature 16GB RAM, 144Hz refresh rate displays, and RGB keyboards. The HP Omen 15, ASUS TUF Gaming A15, and MSI GL65 represent this category. Storage configurations combine 512GB SSDs with 1TB HDDs for expanded capacity.
| Mid-Range Specs | Common Configuration |
|---|---|
| GPU | RTX 2060/2070 |
| CPU | i7-9750H |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD |
Premium Gaming Machines
High-end gaming laptops priced above $1,800 showcase RTX 2080 graphics cards paired with Intel Core i9 processors. These laptops feature 240Hz displays, 32GB RAM, and advanced cooling systems. Premium models include the Razer Blade 15 Advanced, ASUS ROG Zephyrus S, and Alienware Area-51m. Premium features include per-key RGB lighting, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and machined aluminum chassis.
| Premium Specs | Common Configuration |
|---|---|
| GPU | RTX 2080/2080 Max-Q |
| CPU | i9-9900K |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD |
Gaming Performance Benchmarks
Popular gaming laptops in 2019 demonstrate significant performance variations across different price segments.
| Gaming Laptop Model | FPS in Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p Ultra) | 3DMark Time Spy Score | Cinebench R20 Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701 (RTX 2080) | 95 fps | 9,845 | 3,285 |
| Razer Blade 15 Advanced (RTX 2070) | 82 fps | 8,420 | 2,965 |
| MSI GS65 Stealth (RTX 2060) | 68 fps | 7,265 | 2,750 |
| Acer Predator Triton 500 (RTX 2080) | 91 fps | 9,612 | 3,150 |
RTX-equipped laptops demonstrate substantial improvements in ray-traced titles:
- Control runs at 65 fps with RTX 2080 Max-Q at 1080p
- Metro Exodus achieves 55 fps with RTX 2070 at 1080p
- Battlefield V maintains 70 fps with RTX 2060 at 1080p
Thermal performance impacts sustained gaming sessions:
- ASUS ROG models maintain 85°C under load
- Razer Blade series averages 88°C during intensive gaming
- MSI laptops stabilize at 82°C with sustained performance
Storage speed comparisons show:
- NVMe SSDs deliver 3,500 MB/s read speeds
- SATA SSDs perform at 550 MB/s read speeds
- Hybrid drives operate at 150 MB/s read speeds
- 32GB systems handle streaming plus gaming
- 16GB setups manage multiple game instances
- 8GB configurations support basic gaming requirements
Future-Proofing Your Gaming Laptop Investment
Upgrading key components extends a gaming laptop’s lifespan beyond its initial specifications. RAM expansion slots support memory upgrades from 16GB to 32GB or 64GB, enabling smoother multitasking for future game requirements. Storage options include additional M.2 slots or 2.5-inch drive bays for expanding capacity with faster NVMe SSDs.
Selecting laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports enables external GPU connectivity, providing graphics upgrade paths when internal GPUs become dated. Models featuring user-accessible components offer easier maintenance for thermal paste replacement or fan cleaning, maintaining optimal performance over time.
Consider these future-proof specifications for 2019 gaming laptops:
| Component | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-9750H or better |
| GPU | RTX 2070 or RTX 2080 |
| RAM | 16GB (upgradeable to 32GB) |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD + expansion slot |
| Display | 144Hz or 240Hz refresh rate |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2 |
Premium thermal solutions like vapor chamber cooling or multiple heat pipes maintain consistent performance as games become more demanding. G-Sync or FreeSync display technology reduces screen tearing while supporting variable refresh rates for upcoming game titles.
Extended warranty options protect against hardware failures, covering repair costs beyond the standard warranty period. Gaming laptops with easily replaceable batteries preserve mobility as battery capacity degrades over time.
Manufacturers offering regular BIOS updates optimize system performance for new game releases through improved power management profiles thermal configurations. Modular designs allow component upgrades without replacing the entire system, maximizing the return on investment.
Conclusion
2019 marked a pivotal year for gaming laptops with groundbreaking advancements in mobile gaming technology. Manufacturers like ASUS ROG Razer and MSI pushed boundaries by delivering desktop-grade performance in sleek portable designs.
These gaming powerhouses now offer everything from budget-friendly options to premium machines featuring RTX graphics high-refresh displays and advanced cooling systems. The integration of cutting-edge components has truly revolutionized portable gaming making laptops a viable alternative to traditional desktop setups.
Whether it’s ray-traced graphics enhanced thermal management or future-proof specifications gaming laptops in 2019 have set new standards for mobile gaming excellence. They’ve successfully balanced performance portability and value proving that hardcore gaming no longer requires sacrificing mobility.
