Finding the perfect laptop for gaming can be a daunting task, especially with the wide array of options available. Should you wait for the latest models or settle for the best ones on the market? And which laptops are the ideal choices for playing Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)?
What to consider
Budget
To enjoy a smooth gaming experience on CS:GO with low graphics settings, affordable laptops priced at around $600 will suffice. However, if you aim to play at higher visual settings or stream your gameplay on platforms like Twitch or Azubu, the price tag can quickly increase.
Processor
Contrary to popular belief, the processor plays a crucial role in determining how well CS:GO will run. While the graphics card is important, CS:GO heavily relies on the CPU. Laptop GPUs can deliver similar performance to their desktop counterparts, making them a viable option. Look for at least a 5th generation Intel processor, with the 6th generation being the most common. Although there are a few laptops with 7th generation processors, they are not necessary unless you specifically prioritize having one.
There are three relevant processor classes to consider:
- i5 U-series (minimum requirement)
- i5 HQ-series and i7 U-series (recommended)
- i7 HQ/HK-series (best performance)
If you plan to stream your gameplay occasionally, opt for a laptop with an HQ/HK processor. Otherwise, an i5 HQ or i7 U-series processor will suffice.
Ideal RAM capacity
Starting with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM is recommended for CS:GO. Less than 8 GB may result in minor lag when multitasking, such as switching between CS:GO and other software or using multiple tabs in a web browser. Most modern gamers should consider upgrading to 16 GB of RAM. If you have a budget of around $1000, choosing 16 GB is highly recommended.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The importance of the graphics card increases when playing CS:GO at higher visual settings and resolutions surpassing 1920×1080. However, even an integrated graphics card can handle running CS:GO on medium graphics. For CS:GO specifically, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M is more than sufficient. Consider upgrading to the GeForce 1050 or 1060 if you plan to play more demanding games. Unless you require a VR laptop or need to game in 4K, additional power will be unnecessary.
Secondary Considerations
Solid State Drive (SSD)
While not critical for gaming, SSDs significantly enhance overall computer responsiveness. Traditional hard drives (HDDs) are the primary bottleneck for I/O bound tasks, which includes everything apart from gaming and raw computational work. Compared to HDDs, SSDs are more expensive but offer better performance. A 250 GB SSD is often enough, especially with the prevalence of streaming music and video instead of downloading. If you prefer a larger laptop (15.6" to 17.3"), you will likely have the option of an SSD + HDD setup, providing both speed and ample storage. However, if you don't require extensive storage, opting for an SSD alone can save you money, weight, and battery life. We recommend starting with at least a 250 GB SSD, which can be found starting at $500. For a laptop with a discrete GPU, i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and good battery life and display quality, expect to spend at least $1200. However, you can reduce the price to around $950 by manually upgrading the RAM and SSD.
Battery Life
While battery life is not as critical when gaming, having sufficient power for non-gaming activities is crucial. By choosing a laptop with a slightly less powerful CPU or GPU, you can expect a battery life of 5-7 hours. Keep in mind that this translates to 1-2.5 hours of gaming.
4 Best CS:GO Laptops
Here are the top four laptops for playing CS:GO:
- Acer Aspire E 15 (E5-575G-76YK) - Approximate price: $700
- Lenovo Y700 - Approximate price: $1,100
- MSI GE72VR Apache Pro-009 - Approximate price: $1,600
- Razer Blade Stealth - Approximate price: $1,400
Don't forget to check out our guide for Overwatch laptops as well!
Image source: Finding the right notebook for CS:GO
