12 Best Gaming Laptops You Can Buy in December 2018

Selecting the ideal gaming laptop presents significant challenges in today’s crowded marketplace. With numerous manufacturers and specialized gaming sub-brands competing for attention, the sheer volume of options can overwhelm even experienced buyers. While having choices benefits consumers, the complexity of technical specifications and performance metrics transforms what should be an exciting purchase into a daunting research project. This comprehensive guide provides the clarity and strategic framework needed to make an informed decision that matches your gaming requirements and budget constraints.

When evaluating potential gaming laptops, our methodology focuses on several critical performance indicators that directly impact gaming experience. We prioritize components that deliver tangible benefits during gameplay while considering long-term usability and upgrade potential. The following hardware considerations form the foundation of our assessment criteria for any gaming laptop evaluation.

To simplify your purchasing decision, we’ve categorized gaming laptop recommendations according to price segments that correspond to different performance expectations and feature sets. This tiered approach helps match your budget with appropriate gaming capabilities while highlighting the performance differences between categories.

For comprehensive gaming optimization strategies that apply regardless of your laptop’s price category, consult our Complete Guide to maximizing in-game performance through proper settings configuration.

The MSI GL63 maintains the brand’s signature gaming aesthetic with its dark-gray chassis accented by red highlights, delivering the aggressive appearance that gaming enthusiasts typically prefer. Under the hood, it incorporates solid hardware specifications, notably featuring an 8th-generation Core i7 processor rather than the older 7th-gen chip found in competing models like the Acer Nitro 5. However, the GL63 8RD model does compromise on memory capacity, which could impact performance in demanding titles such as PUBG. While you might not encounter significant gameplay issues, the combination of 8GB RAM and GTX 1050Ti graphics necessitates adjusting PUBG to medium settings for optimal performance. Similarly, games like Far Cry 5 will perform admirably at medium settings, delivering smooth frame rates when graphics are properly configured.

This laptop employs a standard FullHD LCD display panel. MSI hasn’t introduced the premium high refresh rate options in the Indian market currently. Interestingly, an international variant of this laptop does offer a 120Hz refresh rate with 3ms response time, but this enhanced model remains unavailable through Indian retailers. All domestic units feature the conventional FullHD LCD panel without advanced refresh rate capabilities.

Regarding connectivity, MSI consistently equips its gaming laptops with extensive I/O configurations. The GL63 includes 1x USB 3.1 Type-C port, 3x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1x SD (XC/HC) card reader, HDMI output, Mini-DisplayPort, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. The comprehensive implementation of USB 3.1 standards ensures you have all necessary connectivity options for peripherals and external displays.

Purchase the MSI GL63 from Flipkart (₹94,990)

If you’re evaluating the MSI GL63 mentioned previously, I recommend considering this alternative model as well. The MSI GL62M incorporates nearly identical components but substitutes a 7th-generation processor for the 8th-gen CPU found in the GL63.

Equipped with a 7th-gen Core i7 processor, this laptop handles gaming workloads comparably to the GL63. You’ll experience similar performance across titles including Far Cry 5, PUBG, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Call of Duty WW2, and other popular games. Naturally, the RAM limitations persist here as well, and the reality that a GTX 1050Ti cannot run PUBG beyond low-to-medium settings combinations remains applicable.

The display configuration here also features a conventional FullHD LCD panel. MSI doesn’t produce a high refresh rate version of the GL62M regardless of market. That being said, a 15.6-inch FullHD display represents the standard offering within this mid-range pricing category anyway.

When optimizing these MSI laptops for gaming, understanding their performance ceilings is crucial. The GTX 1050Ti, while capable, demands strategic settings adjustments for optimal gameplay. For PUBG specifically, target these settings: textures at medium, shadows on low, effects at medium, and post-processing disabled. This configuration typically delivers 45-60 FPS depending on game scenarios.

Far Cry 5 performs remarkably well on both models when settings are balanced. Recommended configuration includes high textures, medium shadows, and FXAA anti-aliasing. Avoid MSAA and keep geometry and vegetation details at medium to maintain consistent frame rates above 50 FPS.

Common performance mistake: Many users max out texture quality without considering VRAM limitations. The 4GB GTX 1050Ti struggles with ultra textures in modern games, causing stuttering. Always monitor VRAM usage in games like Assassin’s Creed Origins, which can easily exceed 3.5GB at high settings.

For competitive gaming advantages, consider reducing resolution scaling to 90% in PUBG while maintaining 1080p output. This minor adjustment can boost frame rates by 10-15% with minimal visual degradation. Additionally, closing background applications frees up crucial RAM, particularly important with the 8GB limitation.

When deciding between these MSI models, consider your budget and performance requirements carefully. The GL63’s 8th-gen processor offers marginal productivity advantages but minimal gaming performance gains. The approximately ₹15,000 price difference might be better allocated toward future RAM upgrades or peripherals.

Best use cases for GL62M: Primary gaming machine for budget-conscious users, secondary gaming laptop, or for users who prioritize GPU over CPU performance in their gaming sessions.

GL63 advantages: Better future-proofing for CPU-intensive tasks, slightly improved thermals, and bragging rights for having the newer generation processor.

Before purchasing, verify current market prices and promotional offers. Sometimes, the price gap narrows during sales, making the GL63 more appealing. Also check warranty terms and after-sales service availability in your region, as these factors significantly impact long-term satisfaction.

For gamers interested in mastering their gameplay, our BF6 Class Selection Guide provides essential strategies for optimizing your playstyle regardless of hardware limitations.

The Acer Predator Helios 300 stands as a formidable contender in the mid-range gaming laptop category, delivering impressive performance that belies its accessible pricing. While equipped with a 7th-generation Core i5 processor, the system’s true strength emerges from its generous 16GB RAM allocation and NVIDIA’s GTX 1060 GPU featuring 6GB dedicated video memory. This hardware combination enables smooth gameplay across most AAA titles at substantially elevated graphical settings compared to entry-level alternatives. PUBG operates seamlessly at medium to high configurations on this machine, thanks to sufficient memory resources and GPU specifications that align perfectly with the game’s official recommended requirements. Demanding titles including Far Cry 5, Assassin’s Creed Origins, and GTA V also perform admirably without significant frame rate drops. From personal experience with the base Helios 300 variant, the thermal management system proves exceptionally effective, ensuring consistent performance during extended gaming sessions without thermal throttling concerns.

Regarding visual presentation, Acer has deliberately excluded premium display enhancements such as elevated refresh rates or accelerated response times typically found in higher-priced competitors. Nevertheless, the 15.6-inch Full HD IPS LCD panel delivers surprisingly vibrant output with excellent brightness levels and color reproduction. The display’s quality ensures games render with impressive clarity and visual fidelity, making it suitable for both gaming and content consumption. For gamers prioritizing visual accuracy over competitive gaming features, this display represents an excellent balance of quality and affordability.

Connectivity options receive thoughtful consideration with comprehensive I/O provisions including one USB 3.0 port, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, dual USB 2.0 ports, HDMI output, and a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connection. This port selection accommodates most peripheral configurations while ensuring stable wired networking for competitive online gaming.

Purchase the Acer Predator Helios 300 through Flipkart (₹1,09,990)

Navigating the high-end gaming laptop market presents unique challenges as manufacturers incorporate increasingly sophisticated specifications and unexpected features into their premium offerings. The distinction between mid-range and high-end models often blurs, with companies integrating components typically reserved for desktop systems. Selecting an appropriate high-end gaming laptop represents a substantial financial commitment requiring careful consideration of performance requirements versus budget constraints. Our curated selection spans from reasonably priced premium options starting just above ₹1 Lakh to exceptionally powerful systems designed for uncompromising performance.

When evaluating high-end gaming laptops, prioritize components that directly impact gaming performance: GPU capabilities, processor speed, cooling efficiency, and display quality. Advanced features like high refresh rate displays (120Hz+), mechanical keyboards, and sophisticated RGB lighting represent worthwhile investments for serious gamers but may not justify their cost for casual users. Understanding your specific gaming needs and performance expectations helps determine which premium features deliver tangible benefits versus those that merely increase the price tag without significant gameplay improvement.

Leading our high-end recommendations is the Dell G7 15 7588, representing exceptional value within the premium gaming laptop segment while delivering impressive hardware specifications. This model effectively serves as the spiritual successor to the well-regarded Inspiron 7577, now positioned within Dell’s dedicated gaming portfolio. The system’s core strength derives from its 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor, capable of reaching turbo frequencies up to 4.1GHz for demanding gaming and productivity tasks.

The storage configuration combines a responsive 128GB SSD for operating system and frequently accessed games with a spacious 1TB 5400RPM hard drive for additional game libraries and media storage. This dual-storage approach balances speed and capacity effectively, though consider upgrading to a larger SSD if your budget permits for improved loading times across your entire game collection.

• 1TB HDD (5400 RPM) + 128GB SSD
• 15.6-inch FHD IPS Anti-Glare LED

Visual performance comes courtesy of a Full HD IPS LED display that, while lacking specialized gaming features like high refresh rates or ultra-low response times, delivers excellent brightness and wide viewing angles. The panel’s out-of-the-box color accuracy makes it suitable not only for gaming but also for content creation tasks including photo and video editing. For gamers who occasionally engage in creative work or simply appreciate accurate color representation, this display provides versatile performance across multiple use cases.

Thermal management in the G7 15 7588 deserves particular attention, as the powerful components generate significant heat under load. Dell’s cooling implementation generally maintains acceptable temperatures during extended gaming sessions, though performance may gradually decrease during sustained maximum loads. Consider investing in a quality laptop cooling pad and ensuring proper ventilation to maintain optimal performance during marathon gaming sessions.

The Predator Triton 700 employs a unique trackpad positioning strategy above the keyboard, creating ergonomic challenges during regular use while significantly enhancing keyboard cooling efficiency during intensive gaming marathons. Since most serious gamers connect external mice anyway, the unconventional trackpad location becomes functionally irrelevant. This design choice also showcases one of the dual cooling fans—complete with customizable RGB lighting—and exposes several heat pipes, resulting in an aesthetically striking gaming machine that turns heads.

For connectivity options, this gaming powerhouse provides comprehensive I/O support including: 1x HDMI port for external displays, 1x USB 2.0 port for peripherals, 3x USB 3.0 ports with Thunderbolt 3 compatibility for high-speed data transfer, 1x Display Port for additional monitor support, and an RJ-45 ethernet port ensuring stable wired internet connectivity essential for competitive gaming sessions in titles like Battlefield 6.

Purchase the Predator Triton 700 through Flipkart at ₹2,99,990 for immediate availability

The Predator 21X represents Acer’s flagship gaming laptop, packing such extraordinary hardware specifications that it genuinely rivals high-end gaming desktop systems in raw performance capability.

• 7th-generation Core i7-7820HK overclockable processor
• Dual Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics cards in SLI configuration with 16GB GDDR5X VRAM
• 21-inch wide curved Full HD display operating at 120Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync technology

This behemoth features specifications that defy conventional laptop expectations. While it shares the same overclockable processor found in the Alienware 15, the similarities quickly disappear. The Predator 21X incorporates a staggering 64GB of system RAM alongside not one but two Nvidia GTX 1080 GPUs operating in SLI mode, delivering an unprecedented 16GB of combined graphical processing power. Unsurprisingly, the 21X delivers excessive performance headroom for today’s most demanding gaming titles. It handles graphically intensive games like Far Cry 5, GTA V, Assassin’s Creed Origins, PUBG, Fallout 4, FIFA 18, and upcoming titles such as Battlefield 6 with effortless ease (and yes, it can still run Crysis remarkably well). The gaming experience is further enhanced by a massive, curved 21-inch display operating at 120Hz with G-Sync technology, eliminating screen-tearing artifacts and minimizing input latency for competitive advantage.

Such formidable hardware generates substantial thermal output, prompting Acer to implement an extraordinary cooling solution featuring not two, not three, but five independently controlled fans within the chassis, complemented by nine precision heat pipes that efficiently dissipate heat from critical components. This advanced thermal management ensures consistent performance during extended gaming sessions in demanding titles like Far Cry 5.

The Predator 21X offers extensive connectivity with a comprehensive port selection including: 1x HDMI port, 5x USB ports of varying specifications, 1x Display Port, and an RJ-45 ethernet port for lag-free online gaming experiences.

To maximize your Acer Predator’s gaming potential, implement these performance optimization strategies. First, ensure proper ventilation by placing the laptop on a hard, flat surface during gaming sessions—never use on soft surfaces like beds or couches that obstruct airflow. Consider investing in a quality laptop cooling pad for additional thermal management during extended Conquest matches in BF6.

For connectivity optimization, utilize the Thunderbolt 3 port for high-speed external storage devices to reduce game loading times. The multiple USB ports allow simultaneous connection of gaming mouse, keyboard, headset, and streaming equipment without requiring hubs. When playing competitive titles, always prefer the wired ethernet connection over Wi-Fi for stable latency-critical gameplay.

Regular maintenance includes cleaning dust from ventilation ports monthly using compressed air to maintain optimal cooling efficiency. Update graphics drivers regularly through NVIDIA GeForce Experience to ensure compatibility with latest game titles and performance optimizations. Monitor system temperatures using PredatorSense software to identify potential cooling issues before they impact gaming performance during intense NATO operations in Battlefield 6.

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