Top 3 Gaming Laptops under S$1700
Updated: Oct 16
In the competitive world of gaming laptops, finding the right balance of performance, features, and price can be challenging. We've analysed three popular models under $1700 and ranked them based on their overall gaming prowess. The ranking is based on what is currently available on Sep 2024. Let's dive into our top picks:
1. MSI Cyborg 15 A12V A12VF-021SG - "The Performance Powerhouse"
Taking the crown as our top pick, the MSI Cyborg 15 A12V offers an impressive combination of high-end components that justify its S$1,599 price tag.
Key features:
Powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6) GPU
Intel Core i7-12650H (12th Gen) processor
16 GB DDR5 RAM
Lightest weight at 1.98 kg
Why it's ranked first:
The MSI Cyborg stands out with its superior graphics card, which is crucial for gaming performance. It boasts the most powerful GPU among the three, ensuring smooth gameplay even in demanding titles. The 12th Gen Intel processor provides strong overall performance. Despite its power, it's the lightest laptop in the comparison, making it ideal for gamers on the go. The 144 Hz refresh rate display ensures smooth visuals, and the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E future-proofs your connectivity.
*MSI Cyborg 15 A12V A12VF-021SG will be transitioning to the MSI Cyborg 15 A13VFK-1076SG with Intel 13th gen CPU & RGB Keyboard.
Source: MSI
2. Acer Nitro V 16 (ANV16-41-R9UP) - "The Visual Virtuoso"
Coming in second, the Acer Nitro V 16 offers a unique visual experience that will appeal to many gamers, priced at S$1,699.
Key features:
Larger LCD (1920x1200) IPS display
Impressive 165Hz refresh rate
Latest AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6) GPU
Why it's ranked second:
While it falls slightly behind in GPU power, the Acer Nitro V 16 compensates with an exceptional display. The larger screen size and faster refresh rate provide an immersive gaming experience. The latest-gen AMD processor ensures strong overall performance. It also features a slightly larger battery than the MSI, potentially offering longer gaming sessions unplugged.
Source: Acer
3. Lenovo Legion 5i (16", Gen 9) - "The Value Contender"
Rounding out our top three, the Lenovo Legion 5i offers solid performance at a competitive starting price of S$ 1,658.98
Key features:
High-resolution 16" WQXGA (2560x1600) IPS display
165Hz refresh rate
Intel Core i5-13450HX (13th Gen) processor
Largest battery capacity at 80 Wh
Why it's ranked third:
The Lenovo Legion 5i provides excellent value with its high-resolution display, matching the Acer's refresh rate. It features the latest 13th Gen Intel processor, although it's an i5 rather than an i7. The standout feature is its large 80 Wh battery, potentially offering the longest unplugged gaming sessions. However, it's ranked third due to its lower base RAM configuration of 8 GB, which may need upgrading for optimal gaming performance.
Source: Lenovo
Conclusion
In conclusion, each of these laptops offers strong gaming capabilities in the S$1500-1700 range, but they cater to slightly different priorities:
Feature | MSI Cyborg 15 A12V | Acer Nitro V 16 (ANV16-41-R9UP) | Lenovo Legion 5i (16", Gen 9) |
Price (SGD) | S$1,599.00 | S$1,699.00 | Starting at S$1,658.98 |
Processor | Intel Core i7-12650H (12th Gen) | AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS | Intel Core i5-13450HX (13th Gen) |
GPU (Graphics Card) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6) |
RAM | 16 GB DDR5 | 16 GB DDR5 | 8 GB DDR5 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD (NVMe PCIe Gen4) | 512 GB SSD (NVMe PCIe Gen4) | 512 GB SSD (NVMe PCIe Gen4) |
Display | 15.6" FHD (1920x1080), IPS-Level | LCD (1920x1200), IPS | 16" WQXGA (2560x1600), IPS |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz | 165 Hz | 165 Hz |
Weight | 1.98 kg | 2.50 kg | Unknown |
Battery | 53.5 Wh | 59 Wh | 80 Wh |
Keyboard | Single Backlit (Blue) | Amber Backlit | White Backlit |
Wi-Fi | Intel® Wi-Fi 6E | Unknown | Wi-Fi 6E (2x2 AX) |
Warranty | 2 Years Limited Warranty | Unknown | 1 Year Legion Ultimate Support |
1. The MSI Cyborg 15 A12V is best for those seeking top-tier graphics performance in a lightweight package.
2. The Acer Nitro V 16 is ideal for gamers who prioritise a larger display and balanced performance.
3. The Lenovo Legion 5i offers a high-resolution display and potentially longer battery life, but may require a RAM upgrade for optimal gaming.
Gamers should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these competitive options. It's worth noting that all three models come with 512 GB SSDs, which might necessitate external storage for larger game libraries. Do you agree with our ranking, or do you think we should consider other choices? Let us know in the comments.