Joybuy Insights

Buying a gaming laptop? How to choose the right model for you

A gaming laptop needs to do more than just run games. Students use theirs for lessons and multitasking, streamers pay attention to the processor and ports, while content creators need plenty of RAM, fast storage and a suitable screen. It’s easy, though, to pay too much for specifications that don’t suit the way you use your laptop.

The main pitfalls are clear:

  • A powerful graphics card doesn’t tell you everything about performance. The GPU’s available power, cooling and screen all play a part too.
  • 16GB RAM is suitable for gaming and everyday multitasking, but large video projects, virtual machines and lots of browser tabs may call for 32GB.
  • A 1TB SSD sounds spacious, but modern games and media files take up a lot of room. Check whether there’s a second M.2 slot too.
  • A high refresh rate is only worthwhile if the graphics card can deliver enough frames per second.
  • Check the keyboard, charger and warranty. A QWERTY keyboard isn’t always the same as a Dutch layout, and some models don’t come with an adapter as standard.

Which specifications matter most?

1. Graphics card and processor

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX series is a popular choice for modern games. A gaming laptop with RTX 5060 is worth considering for Full HD or WUXGA gaming, and can also suit light video editing and streaming. The RTX 5070 and RTX 5080 are designed for more demanding graphics workloads, but they generally place greater demands on cooling and power, and cost more too.

When choosing a graphics card, don’t just look at the model. Check:

  • the amount of video memory;
  • the stated GPU power;
  • support for ray tracing and upscaling;
  • the resolution you want to play at;
  • processor performance when streaming or rendering.

For example, a laptop with RTX 5080 may be a good choice for demanding graphics applications, but a lower resolution or less powerful configuration may already be enough for the games you play. Look at the full combination of components rather than focusing on a single logo on the product page.

2. RAM and SSD storage

A laptop with 16GB RAM is a practical starting point for gaming, studying, office work and running several applications at once. For intensive video editing, 3D software or heavy streaming, 32GB can give you more room to work. Check whether the memory is upgradeable too. Some laptops have soldered RAM, while others have two SO-DIMM slots.

A laptop with a 1TB SSD gives you more room for games, projects and programmes than a model with 512GB. The actual free capacity will be lower once Windows and recovery files are taken into account. Also check whether there’s an additional M.2 slot. This could let you expand your storage later without replacing the existing SSD straight away.

3. Screen, keyboard and ports

A 144Hz screen is a sensible choice for fast-paced games and everyday use. A laptop with a 165Hz screen offers a similar balance of smooth movement and image clarity. A laptop with a 240Hz screen is most relevant to competitive players who can make proper use of the high refresh rate.

Also look for:

  • 1920 × 1080 to put less strain on the GPU;
  • 1920 × 1200 or 2560 × 1600 for extra vertical workspace;
  • IPS or OLED screen technology;
  • brightness and anti-glare coating;
  • HDMI, USB-C, Ethernet and, where available, a Thunderbolt port.

A Dutch QWERTY keyboard is practical for local use. Always check the product details, though: some models are listed as QWERTY but have an international or English layout.

Recommended models for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
MSI Cyborg 15 B13WFKG-804NL

MSI Cyborg 15 B13WFKG-804NL

Why it suits this user: This MSI gaming laptop combines an Intel Core i7-13620H, RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5 and a 15.6-inch Full HD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. It’s a good fit for gamers and students looking for a relatively compact setup for gaming, studying and everyday use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The RTX 5060, 16GB RAM and 144Hz refresh rate are clearly listed. Before buying, check what’s included in the box: according to the product information, the charger must be purchased separately.

Key benefits and features

RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7, 16GB DDR5-5200, Wi-Fi 6E and a QWERTY keyboard.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614PP-S5032W

ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614PP-S5032W

Why it suits this user: This ASUS gaming laptop is designed for people who combine gaming, streaming and content creation. It comes with a Ryzen 9 8940HX, RTX 5070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD and a 16-inch WQXGA screen with a 240Hz refresh rate.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The screen resolution, refresh rate, storage and graphics card are all listed separately. This makes it easier to match the configuration to the games and software you use.

Key benefits and features

RTX 5070 with 8GB GDDR7, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, 240Hz screen and 100% DCI-P3 according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specialist needs and intensive use
MSI Crosshair 17 HX AI D2XWFKG-071NL

MSI Crosshair 17 HX AI D2XWFKG-071NL

Why it suits this user: Streamers, competitive gamers and creators who run lots of programmes at once may want to consider this MSI gaming laptop, with 32GB DDR5, a 1TB SSD and a 17-inch QHD+ screen with a 240Hz refresh rate.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 32GB RAM reduces the chance of multitasking quickly hitting a memory limit. At around 2.8 kg, and with the cooling it needs, this is more of a desktop replacement than a lightweight laptop for school.

Key benefits and features

32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 240Hz QHD+ screen and Thunderbolt 4 according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Demanding graphics applications
ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614PW-RV006W

ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614PW-RV006W

Why it suits this user: This ASUS ROG configuration is designed for users looking for an RTX 5080, Ryzen 9 processor and 1TB SSD for demanding games and graphics software.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The RTX 5080 is paired with a 330W adapter and a 90Wh battery. Bear in mind that it weighs around 2.5 kg, and that performance on the go varies depending on the game and power mode.

Key benefits and features

RTX 5080 with 16GB GDDR7, Ryzen 9 8940HX, 1TB SSD and a 165Hz screen.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about gaming laptops

Is 16GB RAM enough for a gaming laptop?

For gaming, studying, office work and everyday streaming, 16GB RAM is often a good starting point. If you game while editing video, working with large files or running several virtual environments, it’s worth looking at 32GB. Check whether the memory is upgradeable before you buy.

How long does a gaming laptop last?

How long it remains useful depends on the games you play, your settings, heat levels and how well you maintain it. A laptop used mainly for office work may stay relevant for longer than one used for demanding games every day. Keep the ventilation clear, use the right adapter and check whether the RAM and SSD can be upgraded later.

Does a gaming laptop use a lot of power?

Gaming laptops generally use more power than a standard Windows 11 laptop, as the processor, graphics card and cooling system have to work harder. On battery power, the system often switches to a more power-efficient mode, which can reduce performance. For long gaming sessions, connecting the laptop to the supplied or approved adapter is usually the practical choice.