Laptops

Best RTX 5060 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Why 55 W vs 115 W Matters

Person playing a game on a gaming laptop

The best RTX 5060 laptop for most people is the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025): it runs the RTX 5060 at the full 115 W, has a Core i7-14650HX and a 165 Hz screen, and Amazon sold it for $1,619.83 on October 16. If your budget is closer to $1,100, the Acer Nitro V 17 is the cheapest RTX 5060 laptop we’d buy. Whichever you pick, check the wattage first: the same “RTX 5060” runs anywhere from 55 W to 115 W depending on the laptop, and the low-power versions are much slower.

Check the ROG Strix G16 (RTX 5060) on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, our laptop GPU power database and published reviews from Notebookcheck and Tom’s Hardware (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices were checked on Amazon US on October 10, 2026, and change often.

Best RTX 5060 laptops compared

LaptopBest forRTX 5060 max powerScreenPrice seen (Oct 10)Buy
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025)Best RTX 5060 laptop115 W16″ FHD+, 165 Hz$1,619.83 (Amazon, Oct 16)Check price
Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 AIBest small RTX 5060 laptop115 W14.5″ WQXGA, 165 Hz$1,599.99 (Amazon)Check price
Acer Nitro V 17 (ANV17-41)Cheapest we’d buy95 W17.3″ FHD$1,129.99 (Acer authorized seller)Check price
Acer Nitro V 16S AI (ANV16S-41)32GB of RAM, thinner body85 W16″ WUXGA, 180 Hz$1,399.99 (Amazon)Check price
Alienware 16 AuroraLongest battery life80 W (Tom’s Hardware)16″ 2560 x 1600$1,599.00 (Amazon, Oct 16)Check price

GPU power figures (including Dynamic Boost) from each maker’s spec sheet, collected in our GPU power database. Dell doesn’t publish one for the Alienware 16 Aurora; the 80 W figure comes from Tom’s Hardware’s review.

Same RTX 5060, 55 W to 115 W: what our database shows

NVIDIA lets laptop makers set the RTX 5060’s power limit, and they use that freedom. Our GPU power database lists 64 RTX 5060 laptop configurations, and their maximum GPU power runs from 55 W to 115 W:

Max GPU powerConfigurationsExamples
115 W (full power)34 of 64ASUS ROG Strix G16/G18, TUF A16/F16, Acer Nitro 16 AI, Predator Helios Neo 14/16, Lenovo LOQ 15 Gen 11, Legion 5 and Legion Pro 5, MSI Katana 15 HX and Crosshair 16 HX
95–110 W11ASUS Zephyrus G16 (105–110 W) and G14 (100 W), TUF A14 (110 W), Lenovo LOQ 15 Gen 10 (100 W), MSI Cyborg 15 MAX (100 W), Acer Nitro V 16 and V 17 (95 W)
85 W12Acer Nitro V 16S AI and Nitro V 16 AI (2026), most Gigabyte Gaming A16 and AERO X16 models
55–75 W7Acer Nitro V 15 (75 W), Nitro V 14 AI (60 W), MSI Cyborg 15 C2WX (70 W), MSI Cyborg 15 and 17 B2RW (55 W)

That’s a 60 W gap between laptops sold under the same GPU name. Notebookcheck notes that the RTX 5060’s performance depends heavily on its power limit and cooling (Notebookcheck), and Tom’s Hardware’s review of the 80 W Alienware 16 Aurora shows what that means in practice: 99 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p (highest settings), 20 fps behind MSI’s Katana 17 HX (Tom’s Hardware). Some lower-power laptops make up for it with thinner bodies or better battery life, which is fine if you want that. Just don’t pay full-power prices for one.

RTX 5060 or RTX 5070: is the 5070 worth paying for?

  • Same 8GB of video memory: the laptop RTX 5060 has 3,328 CUDA cores and the RTX 5070 has 4,608, but both come with 8GB of VRAM (Notebookcheck). So the 5070 doesn’t let you raise texture settings any higher.
  • Close in benchmarks: in Notebookcheck’s first tests, a 95 W RTX 5060 was “virtually on a par” with an 85 W RTX 5070 across four 3DMark tests, and a 105 W RTX 5070 was only about 10% faster. Notebookcheck concluded that at comparable power limits it “hardly makes sense” to pay for the 5070, as long as the rest of the laptop isn’t weaker.
  • When the 5070 makes sense: when a full-power RTX 5070 laptop costs about the same as an RTX 5060 one. That happens: on October 8 the RTX 5070 Acer Nitro V 16 sold for $1,199.99, less than most RTX 5060 laptops in this guide. See our best RTX 5070 laptops for current prices.
  • What the RTX 5060 is for: 1080p and 1440p gaming at high settings, with DLSS 4 in the games that support it. For 4K or local AI work, you need more video memory than 8GB.

The best RTX 5060 laptops in 2026

1. ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025): best RTX 5060 laptop

The Strix G16 (G615JMR-AS74) gets everything right that matters at this price: the RTX 5060 at the full 115 W (100 W plus 15 W Dynamic Boost, from ASUS’s official TGP list), an Intel Core i7-14650HX, 16GB of DDR5-5600, a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16-inch FHD+ 165 Hz screen. Amazon sold it for $1,619.83 on October 16. The only real weakness is the 1920 x 1200 screen, which is sharp enough at 16 inches but not as crisp as the Helios Neo 14’s.

Check the ROG Strix G16 on Amazon →

2. Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 AI: best small RTX 5060 laptop

Most small gaming laptops cut GPU power. The Helios Neo 14 AI (PHN14-71-760T) doesn’t: Acer’s official list puts its RTX 5060 at 115 W, the same as the big 16-inch models. It pairs it with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and a 14.5-inch WQXGA 165 Hz G-Sync screen. Amazon sold it for $1,599.99 on October 10, about the same as the Strix G16, so the choice comes down to size: the Helios for carrying around, the Strix for a bigger screen and more cooling headroom. For more compact options, see our small gaming laptops guide.

Check the Predator Helios Neo 14 AI on Amazon →

3. Acer Nitro V 17 (ANV17-41): cheapest RTX 5060 laptop we’d buy

At $1,129.99 from Acer’s authorized seller on Amazon (October 13), the Nitro V 17 is about $470 cheaper than our top two picks and still runs the RTX 5060 at 95 W, above the 55–85 W of several cheaper RTX 5060 laptops. You get a Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a 17.3-inch FHD screen, in a body that weighs about 6.2 pounds. Plan on adding a second SSD soon, since 512GB fills up quickly with modern games. For more laptops at this price, see our best gaming laptops under $1,200 and cheapest gaming laptops worth buying.

Check the Acer Nitro V 17 on Amazon →

4. Acer Nitro V 16S AI (ANV16S-41): best for 32GB of RAM

This Nitro V 16S AI comes with 32GB of DDR5, a 1TB Gen 4 SSD, a Ryzen 7 260 and a 16-inch WUXGA 180 Hz screen, in a thinner body than the Nitro V 17. Amazon sold it for $1,399.99 on October 10. The trade-off is GPU power: Acer’s official list puts the RTX 5060 at 85 W, so it will be slower in games than the 115 W Strix G16 and Helios Neo 14. Buy it if you also edit photos and video or keep a lot open while you play, and you value the extra memory over the last few frames per second.

Check the Acer Nitro V 16S AI on Amazon →

5. Alienware 16 Aurora: best battery life

The Alienware 16 Aurora is an RTX 5060 laptop for people who also use it away from a plug. In Tom’s Hardware’s battery test (web browsing, video streaming and OpenGL tests at 150 nits) it lasted 9 hours and 41 minutes, compared with 5 hours and 31 minutes for a Gigabyte Aorus 16X. The cost is gaming speed: Tom’s Hardware found its RTX 5060 limited to 80 W and called that “perhaps the biggest compromise”, and also criticized the 720p webcam (Tom’s Hardware). It has a Core 7 240H, 16GB of DDR5 and a 2560 x 1600 screen, and Amazon sold it for $1,599 on October 16, up from $1,379.99 on October 10.

Check the Alienware 16 Aurora on Amazon →

Also worth a look: Lenovo’s LOQ 15 Gen 11 (15AHP11) runs the RTX 5060 at 115 W, but on October 10 Amazon only had it from a third-party seller at $1,689, well above the $1,399.99 it sold for earlier in October. Wait for a sale before buying it.

RTX 5060 laptops to avoid

The MSI Cyborg 15 and Cyborg 17 B2RW run the RTX 5060 at just 55 W, the lowest of any RTX 5060 laptop in our database and less than half of full power (GPU power database, from MSI’s spec pages). On October 10, Amazon listings for the Cyborg 17 ran from $1,249.99 to $1,556 from third-party sellers, more than the 95 W Nitro V 17. Check the model code before you buy: the Cyborg 15 MAX (C2WX) runs at 100 W and is a different laptop.

Our verdict

Buy the ASUS ROG Strix G16 if you want a full-power RTX 5060 at a fair price, or the Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 AI if you want the same performance in a smaller laptop. If your budget stops around $1,100, the 95 W Acer Nitro V 17 is the one to get. Choose the Nitro V 16S AI for 32GB of RAM or the Alienware 16 Aurora for battery life, knowing both give up some gaming speed. And before you buy any RTX 5060 laptop, look up its wattage in our GPU power database.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best RTX 5060 laptop?

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025): it runs the RTX 5060 at the full 115 W, has a Core i7-14650HX, 16GB of RAM and a 165 Hz screen, and Amazon sold it for $1,619.83 on October 16, 2026.

What wattage should an RTX 5060 laptop have?

115 W (100 W plus 15 W Dynamic Boost) is full power, and 34 of the 64 configurations in our GPU power database run at it. Others run it at 85–110 W, and some budget models as low as 55 W.

Is the RTX 5060 laptop good for gaming?

Yes, for 1080p and 1440p gaming at high settings. At similar power limits, Notebookcheck found it nearly as fast as the laptop RTX 5070, and both have 8GB of video memory.

Is the RTX 5070 laptop worth it over the RTX 5060?

Only if it costs about the same. Notebookcheck found a 105 W RTX 5070 only about 10% faster than a 95 W RTX 5060 in 3DMark, and both GPUs have 8GB of VRAM.

How much does an RTX 5060 laptop cost?

On October 10, 2026, RTX 5060 laptops on Amazon US started at about $1,100 (Acer Nitro V 17), and full-power 115 W models from Amazon itself cost about $1,600.

Related guides

Best RTX 5060 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Why 55 W vs 115 W Matters Read More »

Best RTX 5090 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Is It Worth It Over the RTX 5080?

Close-up of a laptop keyboard

Short answer: the best RTX 5090 laptop is the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): a full-power 175 W RTX 5090, a 240 Hz Mini-LED screen and an 88.4% Notebookcheck score, for $4,299.99 sold by Amazon on October 9. Before you buy, know what the extra money gets you. The RTX 5090 is only modestly faster than an RTX 5080 in games. Its real advantage is 24GB of video memory, which matters for 4K, local AI and 3D work. And check the wattage: some “RTX 5090” laptops run it at 130 W.

Check the ROG Strix SCAR 16 (RTX 5090) on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, our laptop GPU power database and published reviews from Notebookcheck, Laptop Mag and Tom’s Hardware (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices were checked on Amazon US on October 9, 2026, and change often.

Best RTX 5090 laptops compared

LaptopBest forRTX 5090 max powerScreenPrice seen (Oct 9)Buy
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025)Best RTX 5090 laptop175 W16″ 2.5K Mini-LED, 240 Hz$4,299.99 (Amazon)Check price
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025)Biggest screen175 W18″ 2.5K Mini-LED, 240 Hz$4,499.99 (Amazon)Check price
MSI Raider 16 Max HX (2026)Best OLED, newest CPU175 W16″ QHD+ OLED, 240 HzAbout $4,100–4,200 (third-party sellers)Check price
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10Best-reviewed chassis175 W16″ 2.5K OLED, 240 Hz$5,299 (third-party seller)Check price
Razer Blade 16 (2026)Thinnest RTX 5090 laptop165 W (Razer spec)16″ 2.5K OLED, 240 Hz$5,599.99 (Amazon, out of stock)Check price

GPU power figures (including Dynamic Boost) from each maker’s spec sheet, collected in our GPU power database.

RTX 5090 or RTX 5080: is it worth it?

  • Video memory is the big difference: the laptop RTX 5090 has 24GB of GDDR7 and 10,496 CUDA cores; the RTX 5080 has 16GB and 7,680 cores (NVIDIA). Both top out at the same 175 W (150 W plus 25 W Dynamic Boost), so the 5090 has more hardware but the same power to feed it (Notebookcheck).
  • Games: a modest gain. Notebookcheck found the 5090’s advantage over the RTX 5080 “isn’t huge, especially in the laptop’s native WQHD resolution”, and recommends the RTX 5080 version of the Strix SCAR 16 unless you can use the extra memory (Notebookcheck). In Laptop Mag’s comparison of a Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090) and an Aorus Master 16 (RTX 5080), the 5090 laptop won only 22 of 30 tests, partly because the thinner Blade can’t cool it as well (Laptop Mag).
  • Price: a big jump. Full-power RTX 5090 laptops started at about $4,100 on October 9. The best RTX 5080 laptop in our RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 guide, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, sold for $2,599.99 at Best Buy in May 2026.
  • Who should buy the 5090: people who play at 4K on an external monitor, run local AI models that need more than 16GB of video memory (see our best laptop for running local LLMs), or render 3D and edit high-resolution video. For gaming on the laptop’s own 1440p screen, an RTX 5080 laptop is the better value.

Not every RTX 5090 is the same: 130 W to 175 W

Of the 16 RTX 5090 configurations in our GPU power database, 13 run it at the full 175 W, among them the Strix SCAR 16 and 18, Acer’s Predator Helios 16 AI and 18 AI, Gigabyte’s AORUS Master 16 and 18, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, MSI’s Raider and Titan, and the Razer Blade 18 (2026). The thinner models run it lower: the Razer Blade 16 (2026) at 165 W, the MSI Stealth 18 HX at 150 W and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) at 130 W. That’s a 45 W gap for the same name on the box. Thin is fine if portability matters to you, but don’t pay full-power prices expecting full-power performance.

The best RTX 5090 laptops in 2026

1. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): best RTX 5090 laptop

The Strix SCAR 16 pairs a 175 W RTX 5090 with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and a 240 Hz Mini-LED screen. Notebookcheck rated it 88.4%, calling it “Asus’ fastest 16-incher”, and found “no loss of performance” compared with the 18-inch SCAR 18 (Notebookcheck). Amazon sold the 32GB/1TB model (G635LX-DS96) for $4,299.99 on October 9, the lowest price we found from Amazon itself for a full-power RTX 5090 laptop. A 2TB version (G635LX-XS97) was $4,399.

Good to know: Notebookcheck noted the Mini-LED screen is the main thing the SCAR 16 adds over the cheaper Strix G16, at about $550 more for comparable specs.

Check the ROG Strix SCAR 16 on Amazon →

2. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025): best 18-inch RTX 5090 laptop

Same 175 W RTX 5090 and Core Ultra 9 275HX, with an 18-inch 2.5K 240 Hz Mini-LED screen. Since Notebookcheck found the SCAR 16 matches its gaming performance, choose the 18 only for the bigger screen, and accept the extra size and weight. Amazon sold the 32GB/2TB model (G835LX-XS97) for $4,499.99 on October 9.

Check the ROG Strix SCAR 18 on Amazon →

3. MSI Raider 16 Max HX (2026): best OLED screen

MSI’s 2026 Raider 16 Max HX moves to Intel’s newer Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and runs the RTX 5090 at 175 W “Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost” (MSI). Tom’s Hardware (May 2026) praised its gaming performance, “vibrant OLED display” and longer-than-expected battery life, but found the chassis “plasticky” and missed a mechanical keyboard and faster storage. Its RTX 5090 review unit was priced at $4,099 (Tom’s Hardware). On Amazon on October 9 it was only offered by third-party sellers, at about $4,163 with low stock.

Check the MSI Raider 16 Max HX on Amazon →

4. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10: best-reviewed chassis

Lenovo’s PSREF lists the RTX 5090 in the Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 at 175 W (Lenovo PSREF). It’s the same chassis that earned 88% from Notebookcheck in its RTX 5080 version, with a 240 Hz OLED that supports DisplayHDR 1000 and G-Sync (see our RTX 5080 guide). The catch is price and availability: on Amazon the RTX 5090 version was only sold by third-party sellers, from $5,299 on October 9, so check Lenovo’s own store and Best Buy, where it’s often cheaper.

Check the Legion Pro 7i (RTX 5090) on Amazon →

5. Razer Blade 16 (2026): thinnest RTX 5090 laptop

The Blade 16 fits an RTX 5090 into a slim aluminium body, and Razer specs it at 165 W. Notebookcheck’s test asked whether a “0.7 Inch Laptop” can cool a 160 W RTX 5090 (Notebookcheck), and TechRadar’s verdict sums up the reviews: “Cost effective? No, but the Razer Blade 16 (2026) might just be the best gaming laptop I’ve ever tested” (TechRadar). Amazon listed the 64GB/2TB RTX 5090 model at $5,599.99 on October 9, out of stock. Buy it if thinness and build quality matter more than value.

Check the Razer Blade 16 (2026) on Amazon →

Check the Razer Blade 16 at Razer.com →

Also worth a look: HP’s OMEN Max 16 with an RTX 5090 and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus was $4,399–4,499 from third-party sellers on Amazon on October 9, but HP doesn’t publish a GPU power figure for it, so we can’t confirm it runs the 5090 at full power.

Our verdict

If you’ve decided you need an RTX 5090, buy the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16: full 175 W, a bright Mini-LED screen and the lowest price we found from Amazon itself. Choose the SCAR 18 for a bigger screen, the MSI Raider 16 Max HX for an OLED, or the Razer Blade 16 if you want the thinnest machine and can live with less power. If you mainly game on the laptop’s own screen, though, an RTX 5080 laptop gets you most of the performance for far less; see our best RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 laptops.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best RTX 5090 laptop?

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): it runs the RTX 5090 at the full 175 W, has a 240 Hz Mini-LED screen, scored 88.4% at Notebookcheck, and Amazon sold it for $4,299.99 on October 9, 2026.

Is an RTX 5090 laptop worth it over an RTX 5080?

For gaming on the laptop’s own 1440p screen, usually not: Notebookcheck found the 5090’s lead over the 5080 isn’t huge. It’s worth it if you need 24GB of video memory for 4K gaming, local AI models or 3D and video work.

What wattage should an RTX 5090 laptop have?

175 W (150 W plus 25 W Dynamic Boost) is full power. Most big 16- and 18-inch models run it at 175 W, while thinner laptops run it at 165 W, 150 W or as low as 130 W in the 2025 Zephyrus G16.

How much VRAM does the RTX 5090 laptop GPU have?

24GB of GDDR7, compared with 16GB on the laptop RTX 5080 and 12GB on the RTX 5070 Ti.

How much does an RTX 5090 laptop cost?

On October 9, 2026, full-power RTX 5090 laptops on Amazon US started at about $4,100–4,300, and premium or thin models cost $5,000 to $7,500.

Related guides

Best RTX 5090 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Is It Worth It Over the RTX 5080? Read More »

Best Laptops for Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (2026)

Gaming laptop next to a game controller

Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (out October 23, 2026) ask for about the same hardware: EA and Activision both recommend a desktop RTX 3060 Ti with 8GB of video memory, and both refuse to start without Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. A current RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 laptop handles 1080p play. The best value right now is the Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060), $1,129.99 on Amazon with a 17.3-inch screen. For high settings at 1440p, step up to an RTX 5070 Ti laptop such as the MSI Vector 16 HX AI.

Check the Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060) on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on EA’s and Activision’s official PC requirements, Notebookcheck’s Battlefield 6 laptop benchmarks, manufacturers’ specifications and Amazon US listings checked on October 12–13, 2026. It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices change often. See how we choose products.

Battlefield 6 and Modern Warfare 4 system requirements

TierGraphics (desktop cards)ProcessorMemory
Battlefield 6 minimum (1080p, 30 FPS, Low)RTX 2060, RX 5600 XT, Arc A380 (6GB)Core i5-8400, Ryzen 5 260016GB dual channel
Battlefield 6 recommended (1440p 60 FPS High, or 1080p 80+ FPS Low)RTX 3060 Ti, RX 6700 XT, Arc B580 (8GB)Core i7-10700, Ryzen 7 3700X16GB dual channel
Battlefield 6 Ultra (4K 60 FPS Ultra, or 1440p 144 FPS Medium)RTX 4080, RX 7900 XTX (16GB)Core i9-12900, Ryzen 7 7800X3D32GB dual channel
Modern Warfare 4 minimumGTX 970/1060, RX 470, Arc A580 (3GB)Core i5-6600, Ryzen 5 14008GB
Modern Warfare 4 recommended (90 FPS multiplayer, High)RTX 3060 Ti, RX 6600 XT, Arc B580 (8GB)Core i7-8700K, Ryzen 5 360016GB
Modern Warfare 4 ray tracing (High ray tracing, 4K upscaled)RTX 5070 Ti, RX 9070 XT (16GB)Core i7-10700K, Ryzen 7 3700X32GB

Battlefield 6 needs 90GB on an SSD for the recommended tier (EA); Modern Warfare 4 needs 115GB and makes an SSD mandatory (Call of Duty, via Worthplaying). Together that’s over 200GB, so a 512GB laptop fills up fast.

The anti-cheat rules matter more than the specs. EA requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and HVCI and VBS capability “across all specifications” for its Javelin anti-cheat, and Activision says “TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are required” for Modern Warfare 4. Every new Windows 11 laptop supports these, but if you’ve ever switched Secure Boot off in the BIOS (to install Linux, for example), switch it back on. It also means neither game runs on a Mac, including through Parallels, or on a Chromebook.

How laptop GPUs run Battlefield 6

Desktop graphics cards in the requirements don’t map neatly onto laptop chips, so measured results help more. Notebookcheck benchmarked Battlefield 6 on laptops at launch (Notebookcheck, October 2025). Average frames per second:

Laptop GPU (test laptop)1080p Low1080p High1080p Overkill1440p Overkill
RTX 3060 (Legion 5 Pro, 2022)94684527
RTX 5070 (Lenovo LOQ 17, 115 W)1411117851
RTX 5080 (Tuxedo Stellaris 16)21417312888
RTX 5090 (Legion 9)181160146109

Three things stand out. An RTX 5070 laptop runs Battlefield 6 at over 100 FPS on High at 1080p, so the cheapest current gaming laptops handle it well. At 1440p on the top preset it drops to about 51 FPS, and Notebookcheck saw “extreme frame rate fluctuations” there because the 5070’s 8GB of video memory was full; it recommends at least an RTX 5070 Ti with 12GB for 60+ FPS at 1440p Overkill. And these figures come from a campaign mission, so busy multiplayer matches can run lower and lean harder on the processor. (The 5080 beating the 5090 at 1080p Low is a processor limit, not a typo.)

What matters in a Battlefield 6 or Call of Duty laptop

  • GPU power, not just the GPU name. The same RTX 5070 runs at anything from 60 W to 115 W depending on the laptop. Check the model in our laptop GPU power database before you buy.
  • A screen of 144Hz or faster. Activision’s recommended tier targets 90 FPS, and an RTX 5070 laptop runs Battlefield 6 above 100 FPS at 1080p High. A 60Hz screen would waste that.
  • 16GB of memory in two sticks. EA specifies “dual channel” memory for every Battlefield 6 tier. Most gaming laptops ship with two sticks, but some budget models use one; it’s worth checking.
  • 1TB of storage, or room to add it. The two games alone take more than 200GB.

Best laptops for Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty compared

LaptopBest forScreenKey specsAmazon US (Oct 12)Buy
Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060)Best value, 1080p17.3″ 1080p IPS, 165–180HzRyzen 5 240, RTX 5060 (95 W), 16GB, 512GB$1,129.99 (Acer authorized seller)Check price
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025, RTX 5060)Faster processor for big matches16″ FHD+, 165HzCore i7-14650HX, RTX 5060 (115 W), 16GB, 1TB$1,614.99 (Amazon)Check price
MSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti)1440p at high settings16″ (check the listing)Core Ultra 7 255HX, RTX 5070 Ti (140 W), 12GB VRAM$1,789.99 (third-party seller)Check price

The best laptops for Battlefield 6 and Modern Warfare 4

1. Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060): best value

The Nitro V 17 is the cheapest laptop we’d buy for these two games. Its RTX 5060 runs at 95 W (Acer’s official GPU power list), and in Notebookcheck‘s first tests a 95 W RTX 5060 was “virtually on a par” with an 85 W RTX 5070. Expect lower frame rates than the 115 W RTX 5070 in the table above, so use DLSS and sensible settings at 1080p. You also get a Ryzen 5 240, 16GB of DDR5 and a 17.3-inch 1080p screen (Amazon’s listing says 180Hz in one place and 165Hz in another). The weak spot is the 512GB SSD: the two games alone would fill half of it, so budget for a second drive. Amazon had it for $1,129.99 from Acer’s authorized seller on October 13, shipped by Amazon. Good to know: our previous pick, the Acer Nitro V 16 with an RTX 5070, went from $1,199.99 to $1,399.49 from a third-party seller on October 12, 2026. It’s the faster choice if it drops back to about $1,200 from Acer’s store.

Check the Acer Nitro V 17 on Amazon →

2. ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025, RTX 5060): best for big multiplayer matches

Large multiplayer battles load the processor much more than a campaign mission, and EA’s recommended tier asks for an eight-core Core i7-10700. The Strix G16 (G615JMR) has a 16-core Core i7-14650HX, the strongest processor of our three picks, plus a full-power 115 W RTX 5060, which Notebookcheck found close to the RTX 5070 at similar power. It also comes with a 1TB SSD and a 165Hz screen. Amazon sold it for $1,614.99 on October 12.

Check the ROG Strix G16 on Amazon →

3. MSI Vector 16 HX AI (RTX 5070 Ti): best for 1440p

If you want high settings on a 1440p screen, Notebookcheck’s advice is an RTX 5070 Ti with 12GB of video memory. The Vector 16 HX AI pairs one, running at 140 W in Notebookcheck’s review of this Core Ultra 7 255HX configuration (Notebookcheck), in a 16-inch body. On October 12 Amazon only offered it from a third-party seller, at $1,789.99; check the listing’s specs and seller before you buy.

Check the MSI Vector 16 HX AI on Amazon →

For Modern Warfare 4 with ray tracing: Activision’s ray tracing tier asks for a card with 16GB of video memory. Laptop RTX 5070 Ti chips have 12GB, so you’d need an RTX 5080 or 5090 laptop. See our best RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 laptops.

Our verdict

For Battlefield 6 and Modern Warfare 4 at 1080p, the Acer Nitro V 17 with an RTX 5060 is the best value at $1,129.99. Pay more for the ASUS ROG Strix G16 if you want a faster processor, a full-power GPU and a 1TB SSD, or for the MSI Vector 16 HX AI if you play at 1440p. Whatever you buy, make sure Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are switched on, or neither game will start.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best laptop for Battlefield 6?

For 1080p on a budget, the Acer Nitro V 17 with an RTX 5060 ($1,129.99 on Amazon on October 13, 2026). For more frames, choose an RTX 5070 laptop: Notebookcheck measured one at 111 FPS on High at 1080p. For 1440p, choose an RTX 5070 Ti laptop such as the MSI Vector 16 HX AI.

Can a laptop run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4?

Yes. Activision’s recommended spec for 90 FPS on High is a desktop RTX 3060 Ti with 8GB of video memory, 16GB of RAM and 115GB on an SSD, which current RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 gaming laptops meet.

Do Battlefield 6 and Modern Warfare 4 need Secure Boot?

Yes. Both require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on PC for their anti-cheat, and Battlefield 6 also requires HVCI and VBS capability. New Windows 11 laptops support all of them.

Can I play Battlefield 6 or Call of Duty on a MacBook?

Not natively. Both games are Windows-only on PC and require Secure Boot for anti-cheat, so they don’t run in Parallels either. Use a Windows gaming laptop or a console.

Is 8GB of video memory enough for Battlefield 6?

At 1080p, yes. At 1440p on the highest preset, Notebookcheck found the 8GB RTX 5070 laptop at its memory limit, with large frame rate swings, and recommends a 12GB RTX 5070 Ti or better.

Related guides

Best Laptops for Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (2026) Read More »

Best Laptop for Running Local LLMs (2026): How Much Memory You Really Need

Computer code displayed on a screen

For running AI models locally, memory matters more than anything else, because the whole model has to fit in it. For the biggest models, the MacBook Pro with M5 Max leads, with up to 128GB of unified memory the GPU can use. On Windows, a laptop with an RTX 5090 (24GB of video memory) or RTX 5080 (16GB), such as the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, is the fastest for models that fit. The ASUS ProArt PX13 brings 128GB of shared memory to Windows.

Check MacBook Pro M5 Max models on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, NVIDIA’s and LM Studio’s published requirements, and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level, and the model-size figures are rough rules of thumb, not benchmarks. See how we choose products.

How much memory do you need to run an LLM locally?

Apps like LM Studio and Ollama load the model into memory: the graphics card’s video memory (VRAM) on a Windows gaming laptop, or the shared unified memory on a Mac or an AMD Ryzen AI Max laptop. If the model doesn’t fit, it either won’t load or spills into slower system memory. Most people run “quantized” models compressed to around 4 bits per weight, which as a rough rule needs about half a gigabyte per billion parameters, plus a few gigabytes for the conversation context:

Memory for the modelRoughly fits (4-bit)Example laptops
8GBModels up to about 7–8B parametersRTX 5050/5060/5070 (8GB) laptops
12GBUp to about 12–14BRTX 5070 Ti laptops
16GBUp to about 20BRTX 5080 laptops
24GBUp to about 30–32BRTX 5090 laptops; Macs with 32GB+
64–128GB unified70B-class models and largerMacBook Pro M5 Max; Ryzen AI Max+ 395 laptops

Two more things matter. Memory bandwidth sets how fast a model answers once it’s loaded, which is why an NVIDIA RTX card with its own fast GDDR7 memory is quick for models that fit. And software support: LM Studio supports Apple silicon Macs and Windows PCs, recommending 16GB+ of RAM and at least 4GB of dedicated VRAM on Windows (LM Studio).

Best laptops for local LLMs compared

LaptopBest forMemory for modelsPlatformPriceBuy
MacBook Pro 14/16 (M5 Max)Largest modelsUp to 128GB unified, 460–614GB/smacOSPremiumCheck price
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10Fastest on Windows16GB (RTX 5080) or 24GB (RTX 5090) VRAMWindowsRTX 5080 has sold for $2,599.99Check price
ASUS ProArt PX13 GoPro EditionBig models on Windows128GB unified, up to 96GB for the GPUWindows$3,999Check price
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 (RTX 5070 Ti)Best value12GB VRAMWindowsCheck priceCheck price
MacBook Air 13 (M5), 24 or 32GBSmall models, light and silentUp to 32GB unified, 153GB/smacOSFrom $1,299 (16GB)Check price

The best laptops for running LLMs locally in 2026

1. MacBook Pro with M5 Max: best for large models

Apple’s unified memory lets the GPU use most of the system’s memory, and the M5 Max supports up to 128GB of it, with 460–614GB/s of bandwidth depending on the GPU configuration (Apple). That’s far more memory for a model than any laptop graphics card, so 70B-class models that won’t fit on a 24GB RTX 5090 can run here. It’s also quiet and lasts much longer on battery than a gaming laptop, and the M5 Max models start with 2TB of storage, enough for several large models. Good to know: memory can’t be upgraded, so buy the amount you’ll need, and an RTX 5090 is faster for models small enough to fit in its 24GB.

Check MacBook Pro M5 Max models on Amazon →

2. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10: fastest on Windows

NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 laptop GPU has 24GB of GDDR7 and the RTX 5080 has 16GB (NVIDIA), and the Legion Pro 7i offers both. It runs the RTX 5080 at the full 175 W next to an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX; Notebookcheck rates it 88% and calls the Gen 10 the most refined model in the series (Notebookcheck). In May 2026, Best Buy had the RTX 5080 version at $2,599.99. The RTX 5090 version costs considerably more; Notebookcheck lists it at about €4,100 (Notebookcheck). NVIDIA’s CUDA is also the best-supported platform for AI tools. Good to know: it’s a heavy desk machine with a 400 W power brick, and 16–24GB caps the model size well below a 128GB Mac.

Check the Legion Pro 7i on Amazon →

3. ASUS ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition: big models on Windows

AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 works like Apple’s chips: the CPU and Radeon 8060S graphics share one pool of memory. In the ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition, that’s 128GB, and up to 96GB can go to the graphics, which is enough for much bigger models than any laptop RTX card. It’s a 3.1 lb, 13.3-inch convertible with a 3K OLED touchscreen, at $3,999 (The Gadgeteer). Good to know: AMD’s software support for AI tools is less mature than NVIDIA’s CUDA, so check that your apps support it, and Tom’s Guide notes the screen is only 60Hz.

Check the ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition on Amazon →

4. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 (RTX 5070 Ti): best value

An RTX 5070 Ti’s 12GB of video memory is the sweet spot for 7–14B models, which cover a lot of everyday chat and coding use. Lenovo runs it at the full 140 W in the Legion Pro 5i, with a 16-inch 2.5K OLED screen, and in Notebookcheck’s testing the 5070 Ti version was up to 25% faster in games than the RTX 5070. See our best RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 laptops guide for more options. Good to know: avoid 8GB RTX 5070 models if local AI is the main reason you’re buying.

Check the Legion Pro 5i (RTX 5070 Ti) on Amazon →

5. MacBook Air 13 (M5) with 24 or 32GB: for small models

If you want to try small local models on an everyday laptop, a MacBook Air M5 with 24GB or 32GB of memory runs them silently and lasts all day. It starts at $1,299 with 16GB; configure more memory if AI is part of the plan, since it can’t be upgraded later (Apple). Good to know: it has no fan, so long generations slow it down, and the base M5’s 153GB/s of memory bandwidth makes it much slower than an M5 Max or RTX card. See our MacBook Air M5 page.

Check the MacBook Air (M5) on Amazon →

Tips before you buy

  • Decide on the model size first, then buy the memory to fit it with room to spare for longer conversations.
  • Check the graphics wattage on Windows. The same RTX chip runs much slower in thin laptops; our laptop GPU power database lists the wattage of 200+ configurations.
  • Buy plenty of storage. Models are large files; 2TB is a sensible minimum if you’ll keep several.
  • Don’t count on the NPU. The small AI accelerators in “Copilot+” laptops are built for low-power features, while most local LLM apps run on the GPU or CPU.

Our verdict

Buy for memory. The MacBook Pro with M5 Max and up to 128GB of unified memory runs the largest models of any laptop. On Windows, an RTX 5090 (24GB) or RTX 5080 (16GB) laptop such as the Legion Pro 7i is fastest for models that fit, the ASUS ProArt PX13’s 128GB of shared memory takes much bigger ones, and an RTX 5070 Ti (12GB) laptop is the value pick. A MacBook Air with 24–32GB is fine for experimenting with small models.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best laptop for running local LLMs?

For the largest models, a MacBook Pro with M5 Max and up to 128GB of unified memory. On Windows, an RTX 5090 (24GB) or RTX 5080 (16GB) laptop such as the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is fastest for models that fit in its video memory.

How much RAM do I need to run an LLM on a laptop?

As a rough rule, a 4-bit model needs about half a gigabyte per billion parameters plus a few gigabytes for context: about 8GB for 7–8B models, 12GB for up to 14B, 24GB for around 30B, and 64GB or more for 70B-class models.

Is a Mac or a Windows laptop better for local AI?

A Mac can give a model far more memory, up to 128GB on the M5 Max. A Windows laptop with an NVIDIA RTX card is faster for models that fit in its 8–24GB and has the widest software support through CUDA.

Can a gaming laptop run LLMs?

Yes. Gaming laptops with NVIDIA RTX graphics run local models well; the video memory decides how big a model fits. A 12GB RTX 5070 Ti or 16GB RTX 5080 is a good target.

Do I need an NPU to run AI locally?

No. Most local LLM apps such as LM Studio and Ollama run on the graphics card or CPU. The NPUs in Copilot+ laptops are aimed at smaller, low-power AI features.

Related guides

Best Laptop for Running Local LLMs (2026): How Much Memory You Really Need Read More »

Best Laptop for Marvel Rivals (2026): 3 Picks and Requirements

Gaming laptop setup with RGB lighting

Marvel Rivals is heavier than Valorant or League of Legends: NetEase recommends a desktop RTX 2060 (Super) and 16GB of memory, and team fights full of effects push frame rates down. The best value laptop for it right now is the Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060): $1,129.99 on Amazon with a fast 17.3-inch screen, and its RTX 5060 supports the DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation that Marvel Rivals added. An RTX 5050 laptop like the Nitro V 15 is the cheapest way to play, at lower settings.

Check the Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060) on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on NetEase’s official system requirements on Steam, NVIDIA’s DLSS announcements, manufacturers’ specifications and Amazon US listings checked on October 10 and 12, 2026. It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices change often. See how we choose products.

Marvel Rivals system requirements

NetEase’s tierProcessorGraphics (desktop cards)Memory
MinimumIntel Core i5-6600K, AMD Ryzen 5 1600XGTX 1060, RX 580, Arc A38016GB
RecommendedIntel Core i5-10400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRTX 2060 (Super), RX 5700 XT, Arc A75016GB

Both tiers need 64-bit Windows 10 (1909 or newer), DirectX 12 and 70GB of storage, and NetEase recommends installing the game on an SSD (Steam). Note that even the minimum asks for 16GB of memory, so skip 8GB laptops. The PC version is Windows-only, so a MacBook or Chromebook won’t run it; it’s also on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

DLSS helps a lot here. Marvel Rivals supports NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution, Frame Generation and Reflex, and added DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation for RTX 50-series cards (NVIDIA). That gives current RTX 50-series laptops a real advantage over older or AMD-graphics models. For ranked play, keep Reflex on; frame generation raises the frame counter but doesn’t lower input lag, so competitive players often lower settings instead.

What matters in a Marvel Rivals laptop

  • An RTX 50-series GPU at decent power. NetEase’s recommended desktop RTX 2060 Super came out in 2019; a current RTX 5060 or 5070 laptop chip with 8GB of video memory is the comfortable choice, and the RTX 5050 is the budget option. Check the wattage in our laptop GPU power database: the same RTX 5060 runs at 55 to 115 W depending on the laptop.
  • A 144Hz or faster screen. In a fast hero shooter, a 60Hz panel throws away frames your laptop can draw. 165–180Hz is common on budget gaming laptops.
  • 16GB of memory, in two sticks. NetEase asks for 16GB even at minimum.
  • An SSD with room to spare. The game needs 70GB, and seasonal updates add more.

Best laptops for Marvel Rivals compared

LaptopBest forScreenKey specsAmazon US (Oct 10–12)Buy
Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060)Best value17.3″ 1080p IPS, 165–180HzRyzen 5 240, RTX 5060 (95 W), 16GB, 512GB$1,129.99 (Acer authorized seller)Check price
Acer Nitro V 15 (RTX 5050)Cheapest15.6″ 1080p IPS, 165HzCore i5/i7 H-series, RTX 5050 (75 W), 16GBAbout $1,000–1,050; less on saleCheck price
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 (240Hz IPS)Competitive players16″ 2560×1600 IPS, 240HzCore Ultra 7/9 HX, RTX 5060 or 5070 (115 W)Mostly $2,000+Check price

The best laptops for Marvel Rivals in 2026

1. Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060): best value

The Nitro V 17 is the best value for Marvel Rivals right now: $1,129.99 from Acer’s authorized store on Amazon on October 13, shipped by Amazon. Its RTX 5060 runs at 95 W (Acer’s official GPU power list), and in Notebookcheck‘s first tests a 95 W RTX 5060 was “virtually on a par” with an 85 W RTX 5070. That’s well above NetEase’s recommended card, and it supports DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation in Marvel Rivals. You also get a Ryzen 5 240, 16GB of DDR5, a 512GB SSD and a 17.3-inch 1080p screen (Amazon’s listing says 180Hz in one place and 165Hz in another). At 6.2 lb, it’s a laptop for a desk more than a backpack. Good to know: our previous pick, the Acer Nitro V 16 with an RTX 5070, went from $1,199.99 to $1,399.49 from a third-party seller on October 12, 2026. It’s the faster choice if it drops back to about $1,200 from Acer’s store.

Check the Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060) on Amazon →

2. Acer Nitro V 15 (RTX 5050): cheapest way to play

An RTX 5050 laptop runs Marvel Rivals at 1080p with medium to high settings; South African retailer Evetech reported a steady 75 FPS at High on an RTX 5050 laptop in its own test (Evetech), and DLSS raises that further. The Nitro V 15’s 165Hz screen is the fastest at this price. Acer’s US model (ANV15-52) has an Intel Core i7-13620H, 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, at a list price of $1,049.99 (Acer). Its RTX 5050 runs at 75 W, below the 100–115 W of pricier models (see our cheapest gaming laptops). Good to know: Acer also sells Nitro V 15 versions with older RTX 2050, 3050 and 4050 graphics, so check that the listing says RTX 5050.

See Nitro V 15 (RTX 5050) listings on Amazon →

3. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 (240Hz IPS): for competitive players

If you play ranked, a 240Hz screen and a full-power GPU are worth paying for. Lenovo sells the Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 with either a 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS screen at 240Hz or an OLED at 165Hz, and with an RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 running at a full 115 W (Lenovo PSREF). For Marvel Rivals, the RTX 5070 with the 240Hz IPS panel is the one to get. Good to know: 240Hz gaming laptops on Amazon mostly cost $2,000 or more, often from third-party sellers who add extra memory at a markup, so check the refresh rate and seller on each listing.

See Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 listings on Amazon →

Laptops to skip for Marvel Rivals

  • 8GB laptops: NetEase asks for 16GB even at minimum.
  • Laptops without a dedicated NVIDIA or AMD GPU: most integrated graphics fall short of the GTX 1060 minimum in a game this busy.
  • Very low-power RTX laptops: MSI’s Cyborg 15 and 17 B2RW run the RTX 5060 at just 55 W; check the wattage before you buy.
  • MacBooks and Chromebooks: the PC version is Windows-only.

Our verdict

For most Marvel Rivals players, the Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060) is the best buy: a fast 17.3-inch screen, DLSS 4 support and plenty of power for about $1,100. The Nitro V 15 with an RTX 5050 is the cheaper way in at lower settings. If you’re climbing the ranked ladder, pay for a 240Hz screen and a full-power GPU such as the Legion Pro 5i Gen 10’s. For hearing enemy ultimates and footsteps, see our best headphones for footsteps.

Frequently asked questions

What laptop do I need for Marvel Rivals?

NetEase’s minimum is an Intel Core i5-6600K or Ryzen 5 1600X, a GTX 1060-class GPU and 16GB of memory on 64-bit Windows 10; the recommended tier is a Core i5-10400 or Ryzen 5 5600X with an RTX 2060 (Super). A current RTX 5060 or 5070 gaming laptop with 16GB is a comfortable choice.

Is an RTX 5050 laptop good for Marvel Rivals?

Yes, at 1080p with medium to high settings, especially with DLSS turned on. For high settings at 144Hz or more, an RTX 5060 or 5070 laptop is the better choice.

Does Marvel Rivals support DLSS?

Yes. It supports DLSS Super Resolution, Frame Generation and Reflex, and added DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation for RTX 50-series GPUs, according to NVIDIA.

Can you play Marvel Rivals on a MacBook?

No. The PC version requires 64-bit Windows 10 or newer. Marvel Rivals is also available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

How much storage does Marvel Rivals need?

70GB, and NetEase recommends an SSD. Updates add more over time, so a 1TB drive or a second SSD is worth it if you play several big games.

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Best Laptop for Marvel Rivals (2026): 3 Picks and Requirements Read More »