The 5 Best Gaming Laptops for Graphic Design
Graphic design is an exciting, creative field that allows you to use technology to bring visual concepts to life. As a graphic designer, having a capable laptop is crucial for running design software, storing large project files, and even gaming during your downtime. The best graphic design laptops need sufficient processing power, RAM, storage space, and discrete graphics capabilities.
Gaming laptops are an excellent option, as they pack powerful hardware perfect for work and play. The high-end components allow them to handle graphic design tools smoothly while enabling a great gaming experience when you need a break.
This guide will explore the ideal specifications to look for and review the best gaming laptops for graphic design in 2024 and beyond.
Table of Contents
Key Factors to Consider
When searching for a great gaming laptop for your graphic design needs, keep the following factors in mind:
Powerful CPU
The CPU (central processing unit) handles critical multitasking capabilities. Look for an 11th or 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor or AMD Ryzen 7 and up. The more cores, the better for complex creative software.
Abundant RAM
You'll want at least 16GB, but 32GB is ideal for seamless workflows, especially if you tend to have multiple Adobe programs open simultaneously. This allows you to work with large layered files.
Fast SSD Storage
A 512GB SSD (solid-state drive) is the minimum, but 1TB or more is better for storing large project directories. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives.
Discrete Mobile Graphics
NVIDIA RTX 30-series or AMD Radeon RX 6000-series mobile GPUs have specialised cores to accelerate creative apps and offer smooth gaming. The more VRAM (video memory), the better.
High Refresh Rate Display
A 144Hz, 165Hz, or even 240Hz refresh rate display results in fluid visuals, jitter-free motion, and lag-free input response for a great user experience. QHD or 4K resolution is ideal.
Per-Key RGB Backlighting Keyboard
Per-key RGB lighting on the integrated keyboard lets you customise colours and effects for creative inspiration and visual flair. Optical-mechanical keys feel great for daily typing.
Latest Connectivity Standards
Look for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast, reliable wireless connections. Modern ports like Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 are also helpful for versatility.
Best Overall: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is the best gaming laptop designers can buy this year due to its potent performance, stellar display, and relatively slim form.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 8GB GDDR6 with ROG Boost up to 1345MHz at 80W (100W with Dynamic Boost 2.0)
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor (16M Cache, up to 4.5GHz)
- 15.6” 165Hz IPS-Type Quad HD (2560 x 1440) display with adaptive sync
- 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM | 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | RGB Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard | Windows 10 Home
- 0.78” thin, 4.2 lbs ultraportable form-factor
This mighty machine blazes through processor-intensive creative workloads thanks to AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 processor with 8 Zen 3 cores and exceptional single-core speeds. The high-VRAM RTX 3080 Ti GPU can readily manipulate complex 3D models and apply GPU-accelerated effects in apps like Photoshop.
The vibrant 15.6-inch 2560 x 1440 resolution display features an ultra-fluid 165Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth panning and zooming. With 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, accurate colours come alive on this IPS panel tailored for creative professionals.
Despite immense power, the sleek and sturdy magnesium alloy chassis weighs just 4.2 pounds for reliable mobility. Between WiFi 6E, HDMI 2.1, and various USB ports, you’ll never lack connectivity with peripherals or external monitors for your design workspace.
The well-balanced combination of blistering performance, gorgeous high refresh display, and lightweight build makes this Zephyrus G15 the undisputed champion for graphics work in 2024.
Best Budget Option: Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 packs impressive specifications, including new 12th-generation Intel processing and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU at a reasonable price point.
- Take your game to the next level with the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. Get immersive and competitive performance for all your games.
- RTX, It's On: The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) is powered by award-winning architecture with new Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, and streaming multiprocessors support DirectX 12 Ultimate for the ultimate gaming performance.
- Picture-Perfect. Furiously Fast: With the sharp visuals of a 15.6” Full HD IPS display with a lightning-quick 144Hz refresh rate, your game sessions will be fluid, unbroken, and unmatched.
Despite the lower 1080p resolution, the vibrant 165Hz display renders projects and games smoothly. The keyboard even features RGB backlighting for creativity and style. The Nitro 5 can readily handle demanding design software like Photoshop or Illustrator for most users. The RTX 3050 Ti GPU powers enjoyable AAA gaming when work is done.
This versatile pick is the best budget gaming laptop for graphic design value.
- 16GB RAM readily handles complex creative projects
- New 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU effortlessly multitasks
- RTX 3050 Ti GPU facilitates gaming after work
- Fast 165Hz display enables real-time previewing
- SSD storage accommodates large graphic files
- Bright RGB keyboard inspires creative flow
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Best High-End Option: Gigabyte Aorus 17X
For designers who want a no-compromise mobile workstation with desktop-class power, the flagship Gigabyte Aorus 17X gaming laptop is the ultimate choice.
- Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR6
- Processor 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX Processor 5.6 GHz
- Memory / Storage DDR5 5600 16GB*2 (32GB), 2TB Storage (Gen4 M.2 SSD)
- Display 17.3″ 16:9 Thin Bezel QHD 2560×1440, 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3, TĂśV Rheinland Certified
- Connectivity Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth V5.2
The mighty 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor combined with the enthusiast-grade RTX 3080 Ti GPU provides chart-topping performance for smooth editing, 3D modelling, rendering, and effects previewing even with 8K video or giant Photoshop files. The Aorus 17X's unmatched speed slashes creative workflow times and lets you game in full glory.
Gigabyte overpowers this colossal machine further with a blistering 64GB of 4800MHz DDR5 RAM to effortlessly juggle dozens of complex, layered documents, textures, or reference images simultaneously. Dual 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSDs configured in a RAID 0 array nearly double read/write speeds to load projects in the blink of an eye.
When crafting designs, a colour-accurate 120Hz 4K display reveals the minor details with perfect clarity while still feeling snappy, thanks to NVIDIA G-Sync. Expect over 11 hours of battery for workdays away from an outlet, too.
With desktop calibre power crammed into a gaming laptop, creators and gamers alike will appreciate the Aorus 17X's no-limits performance.
- Top-tier 12th Gen Intel Core i9 and RTX 3080 Ti obliterate GPU-accelerated workflows.
- Whopping 64GB RAM juggles endless layers and assets for unhindered creativity
- Dual 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSDs in RAID 0 enable lightening project access
- Vibrant 4K 120Hz display reveals intricate particulars without lag
- 11+ hour battery rating for sustained mobility
- Unsurpassed speed cuts rendering times by up to 40%
Most Portable: ASUS ROG Flow Z13
Look no further than the versatile ASUS ROG Flow Z13 detachable 2-in-1 for a remarkably portable powerhouse suited for graphic design. This thin, light tablet PC transforms into a capable laptop and makes easy work of creative tools.
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Z13’s tablet form factor gives you the flexibility to follow your flow. Use the touchscreen with active stylus support for drawing and taking notes or attach the included keyboard for serious work and play..Bluetooth Technology : Bluetooth 5.2
- CLASS-DEFYING POWER – Just because you game on the move doesn’t mean you should sacrifice any performance. Speed through any task on the go with the Intel Core i9-13900H Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 at 65W TGP on Windows 11.
- LIGHTNING-FAST MEMORY AND STORAGE – Store your entire game library on 1TB of swift PCIe 4.0 SSD and multitask with ease with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
Tipping the scales at just 2.43 pounds as a standalone Windows tablet, you can comfortably grasp the ROG Flow in one hand for lounging, browsing and use as a graphics pen tablet. Yet once slotted into the slim keyboard cover, it shapeshifts into a legitimate 2-in-1 laptop replacement ready to plough through creative software thanks to Intel’s top-shelf i9-12900H processor.
The vibrant 4K 16:10 touchscreen delivers sharp details with accurate colours covering 100% sRGB, while the RTX 3050 Ti GPU fuels accelerated toolbars in leading programs. Connectivity proves no concern with multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports onboard for displays, high-speed storage, docking, and fast charging.
Graphic artists and hobbyists wanting versatility from a featherweight machine will find their flexible friend in the ASUS ROG Flow Z13.
Honourable Mentions
Beyond the leading picks, a few other options deserve recognition depending on specific priorities:
Best Value: Dell G15 5520
The new Dell G15 5520 gaming laptop provides tremendous value, delivering speedy performance for graphic design applications better than many pricier competitors thanks to 12th Gen Intel processing and an RTX 30-series GPU.
Entering for far less than our best overall pick, the Dell G15 surprises with a powerful 14-core i7-12700H and Ampere-based RTX 3060 that can readily manipulate 50+ layer Photoshop documents and apply effects in seconds. The anti-glare 15.6-inch 1080p 120Hz display reproduces rich colours, covering nearly 100% of the sRGB spectrum.
With plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, SD card reader, HDMI 2.1, and more, you can easily set up dual external monitors and transfer images/video from cameras. Dell also outfits this laptop with premium features like a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and Alienware’s Cryo-Tech cooling to sustain high turbo clock speeds.
If you’re seeking huge savings without compromising too heavily on performance for running creative apps, the Dell G15 5520 gaming laptop stands tall as our value pick for graphic designers in 2024.
Best Display: Razer Blade 15
Creative professionals who demand fluidity and colour accuracy for graphical work should look no further than the stunning QHD 240Hz display on the new Razer Blade 15.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU: The new GeForce RTX 3070 Ti is up to 70% faster than RTX 2070 SUPER laptops and can deliver 100 frames per second at 1440p resolution.Voltage:240.0 volts.Keyboard layout:qwerty
- 12th Gen Intel Core i9 14-Core CPU: Experience cutting-edge power with the newly released Intel Core i9-12900H processor with up to 5.3GHz of Turbo Boost for unrivalled performance to take on the most demanding gaming and creative tasks
- QHD OLED 240Hz Display: With the latest gaming display technologies, the QHD OLED display gives both gamers and content creators pinpoint accuracy with more depth and color at a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate.
The Razer Blade 15’s rapid 14-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS screen sets itself apart with an astonishing refresh rate of up to 240Hz, delivering unmatched smoothness for panning, zooming, and editing complex Illustrator artboards or canvases with 100+ layers. Professionals can calibrate this low-latency screen to produce accurate colours spanning 100% DCI-P3 for tortured colour-critical work.
Processing prowess comes from Intel’s flagship i7-12800H chip combined with NVIDIA’s elite RTX 3070 Ti to crush filters, effects, exports, and 3D manipulation in leading creative programs. Slim bezels surround the screen for immersion, while Razer’s intelligent vapour chamber cooling sustains top speeds. For external connectivity, Thunderbolt 4, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, and a UHS-III SD card reader equip this laptop well for setup flexibility.
Hobbyists and professionals alike searching for buttery 240Hz fluidity with accurate creative colour reproduction will find their match with the phenomenal QHD Razer Blade 15 display.
Key Selection Criteria
With so many excellent gaming laptop options for graphic designers, deciding which one best fits your needs and budget can be overwhelming. Keep these critical criteria in mind while evaluating the contenders:
Weight and Portability
If you work on the go a lot, slim and light designs under 5 pounds are ideal to throw in your bag without breaking your back. Plus, they are easier to use in tight spaces like aeroplanes. Expect a medium battery life of 5-7 hours. Beefier graphic design powerhouses tend to weigh 6 pounds or more but offer desktop-replacement performance when plugged in.
Display Resolution and Color Gamut
4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution delivers tremendous screen real estate to view fine details in designs and enables working with 8K video. Ensure the display covers 100% of the sRGB colour space for accuracy. Some premium panels also hit 90+% of the wider AdobeRGB gamut. Bright 500+ nit screens show vibrant hues even outdoors.
Total Cost of Ownership
Gaming rigs span from budget picks under $1000, like the Acer Nitro 5, to elite luxury models over $4000, such as the Gigabyte Aorus 17X. Determine what hardware capabilities you require for your graphic design workflow without overspending. Also, consider long-term savings from higher efficiency components needing less electricity.
Brand Reliability & Tech Support
Established gaming laptop manufacturers like ASUS, Alienware, Acer, MSI, Razer, and Gigabyte offer proven reliability and better warranty service thanks to extensive testing. Boutique vendors can lack assurance. Many brands offer premium support options, too, like on-site repairs for mission-critical setups.
Latest Hardware Trends
Some of the latest cutting-edge laptop technology making its way into new 2024 gaming models involves:
Webcam improvements – More discreet privacy shutters, Windows Hello face unlock IR cameras, full HD or even 4K webcams with better low light capabilities improve remote collaboration.
AI acceleration – Specialised AI cores within CPUs and GPUs speed up machine learning-assisted workflows like intelligent image upscaling, creative cloud services, auto-tagging, and more to boost productivity.
Rapid charging – Charging capacities up to 240W halve battery charging times while still optimising cell health, allowing you to top up your system multiple times daily rapidly.
16:10 aspect ratio displays – Videos and documents display more vertical information without letterboxing than widescreen 16:9 screens.
OLED display options – Organic LED panels enable perfect black levels and ultra colour vibrancy, although burn-in is a slightly long-term risk for static elements. Mini-LED backlighting on LCDs offers similar benefits without burn hazards.
Closing Recommendations
I hope this guide covers all the essential information to select the best gaming laptop that matches your graphic design workflow priorities and budget. Focus first on the GPU and CPU burdensome requirements necessary to run your actual software applications and games smoothly. Then, examine areas like display accuracy, storage space, memory capacity, form factor ergonomics, and extras to differentiate the contenders.
Feel free to reach out in the comments below if you still have any other questions unanswered about finding an ideal graphic design gaming laptop!
Gaming Laptops for Graphic Design FAQs
What is the best OS for graphic design?
Most design professionals prefer Windows or macOS instead of ChromeOS or Linux since they offer full native support for critical, creative programs from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and reliable driver stability.
Is a 2-in-1 laptop good for graphic design?
2-in-1 convertible touchscreen laptops enable handy direct on-canvas interaction for drawing tablet mode. Just buy a model featuring an active pen and enough graphics capability.
Do gaming laptops overheat when doing graphics work?
Excessive heat can throttle rendering speeds over extended intensive usage. Premium gaming laptops now employ multiple fans, vapour chambers, and even liquid metal compounds to sustain cool operation even when pushing components to the max.
Can a gaming laptop serve double duty as a graphic design workstation?
Look for crucial creative-focused capabilities like a bright colour-accurate display, abundant RAM and storage to handle large files, and a mid-range GPU for hardware-accelerated tasks. The exact specifications also enable smooth, high-fidelity gaming.
Will graphics software leverage multiple GPUs?
Unfortunately, most creative programs do not support crossfire or SLI multi-GPU acceleration. Focus instead on the best single GPU fitting your budget for optimal performance. Enjoy dual graphics for gaming, though!
Last update on 2024-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
