The internet is full of conflicting information about gaming laptops.

They claim that RTX 5000 series graphics cards are a revolution, and some experts comparatively recommend only extremely powerful processors, 32GB RAM and at least 240Hz screens. But are such recommendations really useful? How can a buyer looking for a new computer trust that RTX 5000 series with DLSS 4 technology really offers up to 8x better gaming performance? After all, catalogs are full of much cheaper devices with RTX 4000 series graphics cards, and they still work perfectly. Is it worth paying more than €5000 for a laptop with RTX 5090 if your favorite game is CS2? Or maybe a computer that costs twice or even three times less is enough?

In this article, we will try to help you separate myths from reality - we will answer when and what is really worth paying more for, and when it's better to avoid flashy reviews.

The Most Common Gaming Laptop Myths and Reality

❌ Myth #1: Laptop graphics card performance equals desktop computer versions.
✅ Reality: Laptop RTX 5090 has ~30-40% lower performance than the RTX 5090 version designed for desktop computers. This is because laptops have both thermal and power limitations. For example, RTX 5090 designed for desktop computers weighs more than 2 kg - and most of this weight consists of the cooling system. On the other hand, RTX 5090 designed for laptops consumes almost twice as little electricity, thus generating less heat and ensuring longer battery life.

❌ Myth #2: RTX 5000 series graphics cards work 8 times faster due to DLSS 4 technology.
✅ Reality: DLSS is indeed a breakthrough technology that allows you to have more frames from less "hardware". However, certainly not 8 times more frames – real-world performance gains are usually 1.5-2.5x, not 4-8x. Some games, especially older ones, have only partial DLSS support – or don't have it at all. By the way, it's very important to mention the dark side of this technology - input lag increases, which is important when playing competitive games like Counter-Strike 2, Call of Duty, etc. In tournaments where every millisecond is extremely important, pro players usually turn off this technology on purpose.

❌ Myth #3: 240 Hz screen means better working games.
✅ Reality: The vast majority of computers sold still have monitors with 60 Hz refresh rate, but laptops offering 144 Hz monitors are rapidly gaining popularity. When looking at such a higher refresh rate monitor, you might not even notice the difference at first, or it might be very insignificant. However, the real difference shows when you briefly return to the usual 60 Hz - it might even seem that the entire computer works slower. 240 Hz refresh rate (there are even higher ones - 360 Hz, etc.), compared to 144 Hz, doesn't make such a big difference, but provides even smoother image - if your GPU can reliably generate 240+ FPS. If not - you might notice so-called artifacts - image transmission irregularities, jumps, often called "like a frame is missing" - this is certainly not the most pleasant experience for esports enthusiasts. For most players, 144 Hz is the optimal choice - the difference from 240 Hz is quite vague, but the battery will work longer.

❌ Myth #4: Gaming laptops always "eat up" the battery in 1-2 hours.
✅ Reality: Modern gaming laptops can work much longer due to adapted modern technologies and optimizations, but this completely depends on how you use the computer. RTX 5000 series can be up to 40% more efficient than RTX 4000, so depending on the model you can expect 4 hours or even longer operation, but only if you choose the right settings – lower screen refresh rate, reduced screen brightness, lower game graphics settings. Often manufacturers' software applies these changes automatically when the charger cable is unplugged. However, no matter how we look at it, if you plan to play games without a charger, even in 2025 a laptop is not the best choice.

❌ Myth #5: The most important part for a gaming laptop is the graphics card.
✅ Reality: We can neither deny nor confirm this myth – it has some truth in it, as the vast majority of modern games do indeed require the most powerful graphics card possible. However, other components should not be forgotten - processor and RAM memory. A weaker CPU can "slow down" even the most powerful GPU, and too little RAM (e.g., 8 GB instead of 16 or 32 GB) can cause slow loading or even game stuttering. In addition, a fast SSD disk also directly affects game startup and loading times. So real performance is the balance of all components, not just the graphics card.

❌ EXTRA myth: A laptop with only integrated GPU in the processor won't be suitable for gaming.
✅ Reality: Modern integrated graphics chips (e.g. AMD Ryzen 7000/9000 series processors with RDNA3/4) already handle quite well with many popular games like "League of Legends", "Rocket League", "Valorant", "CS2", "GTA V", "Fortnite", etc. Of course, it should not be forgotten that these are not dedicated graphics cards – you shouldn't expect "Ultra" graphics settings and 240 FPS, but 60, and in some cases even 144 FPS can definitely be achieved. Such laptops are perfect for casual players or students who want one universal device for work, studies and light gaming, by the way - you'll have a much longer lasting battery, and the computer itself will work quieter and be lighter.


What Gaming Laptop Should I Choose as an X Type Player?

This depends only on you - what and how many games you play and what you want to get from your computer. You can't buy a computer that's too good, there are models offered that cost more than €6000 with exceptional parameters and engineering solutions. Nevertheless, the best gaming laptop is one that meets real needs and, of course, budget.

Casual players: sometimes turn on to play simpler or good old games. AAA games are tolerated and not with the highest graphics settings.
Real need: With a limited budget, integrated processor graphics will suffice. A bit more expensive - RTX 4060 or RTX 5050. At least 16GB RAM. 144 Hz screen is a big advantage, but not a necessity.
Price ranges: €700-1200.

AAA game lovers: seriously minded players who spend more time on the newest, most beautiful and popular games.
Real need: Powerful but rational "hardware" - RTX 4080/5070, at least 16GB RAM, for very demanding games may need 32 GB. 144 Hz screen is now strongly recommended, if you can find a good offer - 165 or 240 Hz.
Price ranges: €1400-2000+ EUR.

Esports professionals: competitive games are not entertainment but work, so there can be no talk of a lost frame or micro lags - every frame is important, because it can determine the team's victory or defeat.
Real need: Strong "hardware" that can generate as many real FPS as possible - RTX 5080/5090, 32GB RAM, 240 or 360 Hz screen with the lowest delay time.
Price ranges: €2500-5000+ EUR.


Real Gaming Laptop Models for Each Player Type

#1 - HP 255 G10 - Limited Budget Choice

  • AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processor
  • Integrated AMD Radeon graphics
  • 16GB DDR4 RAM
  • 512GB SSD

[+] Very affordable price
[+] 16GB RAM is enough for casual gaming
[+] Integrated AMD Radeon graphics can handle popular games quite well (League of Legends, CS2, Valorant and others)
[+] Longer battery life
[+] Quiet and light
[-] Only integrated graphics - won't be able to play modern games on "Ultra" settings
[-] DDR4 instead of DDR5 - somewhat outdated technology
[-] Cheap case materials – this is more of a work computer than a gaming one

#2 - ASUS TUF Gaming A15 - For Students and Casual Gamers

  • AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card
  • 16GB DDR5 RAM
  • 512GB SSD
  • 15.6" Full HD screen

[+] RTX 3050 with DLSS allows playing most games on medium settings
[+] 16GB DDR5 RAM - sufficient amount
[+] 144Hz screen
[+] Good price and performance balance
[-] Older generation graphics card
[-] Limited performance for AAA games on high settings
[-] Only 4GB video memory - may be insufficient for demanding games

#3 - Lenovo LOQ 15IRX10 - Golden Middle

  • Intel Core i5-13450HX processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card
  • 16GB DDR5 RAM
  • 1TB SSD
  • 15.6" Full HD screen

[+] RTX 5060 - latest generation graphics card with DLSS 4 support
[+] 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD - excellent configuration
[+] Suitable for AAA game lovers on medium-high settings
[-] May lack power for maximum settings of the most demanding games
[-] Intel processor may consume more power than AMD alternatives

#4 - ASUS TUF Gaming A16 2025 - Gaming Enthusiasts' Choice

  • AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB graphics card
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM
  • 1TB SSD
  • 16" 2560x1600 screen

[+] RTX 5070 8GB - powerful latest generation graphics card
[+] Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor ensures excellent performance and energy efficiency
[+] 32GB RAM - ideal amount for demanding games
[+] 16" 2560x1600 screen - high resolution for better graphics experience
[+] 1TB SSD - fast data processing and sufficient space
[+] 8GB video memory will be enough even for the most demanding games
[-] Higher energy consumption - shorter battery life
[-] Larger screen - heavier to carry

#5 - MSI Raider A18HX - Pure Power Without Compromises

  • AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 24GB graphics card
  • 64GB DDR5 RAM
  • 2TB SSD
  • 18" 3840x2400 (4K) screen

[+] RTX 5090 24GB - most powerful graphics card (suitable for esports professionals)
[+] AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D - top-class processor with 3D V-Cache technology
[+] 64GB RAM - enough for any needs
[+] 18" 4K screen - excellent resolution for professional work and gaming
[+] 2TB SSD - huge storage amount
[+] 24GB video memory will be enough for any future games
[-] Heavy (3.6kg) and large - harder to carry
[-] Short battery life during intensive use
[-] May be overpowered for most players' needs


Additional Tips When Buying a Gaming Laptop

What accessories you'll definitely need for comfortable gaming:

When it's not worth buying a gaming laptop, but more practical to choose a desktop computer:

  • If you always play at home at a desk, don't plan to carry the computer around
  • If maximum possible performance is most important to you
  • If you want to upgrade main components - CPU and GPU - without problems in the future


Future Perspectives:

RTX 5000 series certainly marks a technological step forward, especially in energy efficiency. DLSS 4 technology, although not a miraculous 8x performance increase formula, will still provide a real advantage in new games. However, don't forget - technologies change every year, so when buying a laptop now, think about whether you really need the most powerful or newest solutions, or maybe a previous generation model for a lower price will completely meet your needs.


Conclusions

A gaming laptop is an investment in your gaming experience. You don't necessarily need the most expensive model in the catalog, but the cheapest device will rarely please a gamer.

Remember: the best gaming laptop is one that meets your real needs and budget, not one that chases the latest technologies or is at some extreme of the price scale.

Choose and buy a gaming laptop from SHOPRO.LT – we'll help you choose the most suitable model according to your budget and deliver it to you free of charge via DPD throughout Lithuania!