Best 17 Gaming Laptop 2021
Tired of seeing your hard-earned cash vanish on overpriced gaming laptops? We get it. This guide is for the savvy gamer, the student scrimping for ramen, and anyone who wants maximum performance without declaring bankruptcy. We're diving deep into the best 17-inch gaming laptops of 2021, focusing on value, not just flash.
Why a 17-Inch Gaming Laptop? More Screen, More Savings?
Why 17-inch? Simple: bigger screen, better immersion. Plus, often, you get more cooling for your money. We're not just talking about raw power, but also about longevity and avoiding that dreaded thermal throttling. That means more gaming for your buck, longer.
Our Top Picks: Bang for Your Buck 17-Inch Gaming Laptops (2021)
Here's a quick rundown of our favorites, tailored to different budgets:
- The Budget Beast: Lenovo Legion 5 17" - Solid performance, great price.
- The Mid-Range Marvel: ASUS ROG Strix G17 - Balances power and price perfectly.
- The Performance King (on a Budget): MSI GP76 Leopard - Raw power, but requires some tweaking.
Detailed Reviews: Unmasking the Value
Lenovo Legion 5 17": The Budget Beast
The Lenovo Legion 5 17" is the champion of value. It consistently delivers impressive performance for the price. Expect a smooth 1080p gaming experience, even in demanding titles.
The keyboard is comfortable for long gaming sessions, and the cooling system is surprisingly effective. It also boasts a clean, understated design that won't scream "gamer" in your lectures or meetings.
ASUS ROG Strix G17: The Mid-Range Marvel
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 steps up the game with a more powerful GPU and a faster display. Expect excellent performance at 1080p and respectable results at 1440p. This laptop also comes with great features.
The ROG Strix G17 offers a vibrant display and a robust build quality. The upgraded cooling system keeps temperatures in check, even during intense gaming sessions.
MSI GP76 Leopard: The Performance King (on a Budget)
The MSI GP76 Leopard packs serious power into a relatively affordable package. It offers the best raw performance of the bunch. You might need to tweak settings to optimize cooling.
The GP76 Leopard prioritizes performance above all else. The design is functional, and the cooling system can get loud under heavy load. You may need to undervolt to achieve optimal results.
Specs Showdown: Performance at a Glance
Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you make your decision:
| Laptop | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Screen | Avg. FPS (Cyberpunk 2077, 1080p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo Legion 5 17" | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | 144Hz FHD | 45-50 |
| ASUS ROG Strix G17 | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB SSD | 144Hz FHD | 60-65 |
| MSI GP76 Leopard | Intel Core i7-11800H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB SSD | 144Hz FHD | 75-80 |
What the People Say: Customer Satisfaction
We scoured the web for user reviews and satisfaction scores. Here's what we found:
- Lenovo Legion 5 17": Consistently praised for its value and reliability. Users reported high satisfaction with its performance and build quality.
- ASUS ROG Strix G17: Received positive feedback for its display and performance balance. Some users noted that the battery life could be better.
- MSI GP76 Leopard: Garnered praise for its raw power. Users recommended tweaking settings to optimize thermals and fan noise.
The Hidden Costs: Maintenance Matters
Don't forget about the long-term costs! Here are some maintenance considerations:
- Dust Removal: All laptops require regular dust removal to prevent overheating. Invest in a can of compressed air.
- Thermal Paste: Consider reapplying thermal paste every 1-2 years, especially on the MSI GP76 Leopard.
- Battery Replacement: Laptop batteries degrade over time. Expect to replace the battery every 2-3 years.
Key Takeaways: Your Path to Affordable Gaming
Choosing a gaming laptop is a balancing act between performance, features, and price. The Lenovo Legion 5 17" offers incredible value for budget-conscious gamers. The ASUS ROG Strix G17 strikes a great balance between performance and features. The MSI GP76 Leopard provides the most raw power, but requires some tweaking.
Remember to consider your budget, gaming needs, and willingness to tinker. Also, factor in maintenance costs to get the most out of your investment.
Ready to Game? Make Your Move!
Armed with this information, you're ready to make an informed decision. Check out the links below to find the best deals on these 17-inch gaming laptops and start your gaming journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on these laptops?
A: Yes, most of these laptops allow for RAM and storage upgrades. Check the manufacturer's specifications for details.
Q: Will these laptops run modern games smoothly?
A: Absolutely! All of these laptops are capable of running modern games at decent frame rates, depending on the settings.
Q: Are these laptops good for more than just gaming?
A: Yes, these laptops are also excellent for productivity tasks, video editing, and other demanding applications.
Q: How important is the refresh rate of the display?
A: A higher refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz) results in smoother gameplay and a more responsive experience, especially in fast-paced games.
Q: What's the deal with thermal throttling?
A: Thermal throttling occurs when the CPU or GPU gets too hot, causing performance to decrease. Proper cooling is essential to avoid this.
