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Help my indecisive ass pick the right gaming laptop

Magic-DEI-Hire

Magic-DEI-Hire

Gold Member
As the title says, I have a problem deciding between which gaming laptop to keep. I plan to play in primarily 1440p and like to have pretty looking games (I don't need ray tracing, but high texture quality is important). I'm aiming for consistent 120fps frame rates. The two models are:




Legion - Pros:
I'm in love with this build quality, it's fantastic.
The 24 core CPU is a beast.
The OLED screen is beautiful.
It seems to run quite cool if a bit loud.

Cons:
The 5070 only has 8 GB VRAM, I'm not sure how limiting this will be for me.
The battery life seems a good bit worse (although when gaming this thing would be plugged in anyway, but versatility away from a charger would be nice).

Asus - Pros:
It's even more portable than the Legion due to its smaller footprint, and even thinner.
Aluminum build is good but maybe a bit short of the Legion's.
The 5070 Ti should be better but I'm not sure how much better in practice.
Great OLED screen as well (not as high of a refresh rate though).

Cons:
I'm worried about fan noise/thermals, not sure what is really acceptable for a gaming laptop.
CPU is a good bit weaker than the Intel in benchmarks, but not sure how that translates to game performance.
 
The RoG is a pretty good line. If not for getting a good deal on an open-box alienware M16 earlier this year I wouldve gotten a RoG instead
 
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My thoughts

-I like that 16" screen. If I'm gaming on the laptop and not with an external screen then this matters. The Asus is higher rez even though it is smaller. I'd want to see them in person before I buy.
-240hz refresh on Legion is twice that of Asus
-I also like how Legion has the ports in the back whereas Asus puts them all on the side.
-12GB VRAM and 5070 Ti is a good upgrade.
-Think either CPU is fine
-Legion has full size keyboard and Asus does not

So really comes down to GPU vs screen in my mind. In the end, I'd probably go with the Asus if it were me.

I can tell you this. In my experience, both laptops are going to be loud as hell while playing a game.
 
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The Legion laptops have pretty good cooling. I got myself a hp omen with a 5080 and regret that I can only use it on a 100$ cooling pad if I want to paly for an extended time.
 
Not sure you can game for long with a laptop due to heat and noise but I would go for Legion for gaming even though it has 5070. G14 is more premium, portable and better laptop though but not ideal for gaming IMO. You need to consider Strix series which has better cooling and more chunkier from Asus. MSI Vector series is underrated and worth considering as well.
 
Neo_game said:
Not sure you can game for long with a laptop due to heat and noise but I would go for Legion for gaming even though it has 5070. G14 is more premium, portable and better laptop though but not ideal for gaming IMO. You need to consider Strix series which has better cooling and more chunkier from Asus. MSI Vector series is underrated and worth considering as well.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a good point. Smaller generally means hotter. Some laptops will burn your fingerprints off when they get so damn hot
 
The standard mobile 5070 is a terrible value due to its limited VRAM. Most tests I've seen don't show much improvement over the 5060 in performance, and laptops with that GPU are way more affordable. The 5070ti sounds like what you want because it can handle high res textures better.

Personally I gave up on high powered laptops as they seem to struggle with overheating. I've been very satisfied with my Lenovo with 5060.
 
I'm seeing good points from everyone. If it helps with making me sway either way, the screen size isn't an issue as I'll use it mostly with HDMI out to my OLED TV / sound system. This thing will be used solely for gaming.
 
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Magic-DEI-Hire said:
I'm seeing good points from everyone. I'd it helps with making me sway either way, the screen size isn't an issue as I'll use it mostly with HDMI out to my OLED TV / sound system.
Click to expand...

Then I'd definitely go with the Asus. Just make sure it is in a well ventilated area
 
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matthew broderick professor falken GIF
 
Magic-DEI-Hire said:
I'm seeing good points from everyone. If it helps with making me sway either way, the screen size isn't an issue as I'll use it mostly with HDMI out to my OLED TV / sound system. This thing will be used solely for gaming.
Click to expand...

Dumb question but why not get a desktop in that case? Unless your job is paying for it or something.



This is cheaper than those laptops and would be way better for gaming on a TV
 
BennyBlanco said:
Dumb question but why not get a desktop in that case? Unless your job is paying for it or something.



This is cheaper than those laptops and would be way better for gaming on a TV
Click to expand...


Anything wario posts is sold out in minutes. That's a damn good deal though
 
Magic-DEI-Hire said:
As the title says, I have a problem deciding between which gaming laptop to keep. I plan to play in primarily 1440p and like to have pretty looking games (I don't need ray tracing, but high texture quality is important). I'm aiming for consistent 120fps frame rates. The two models are:




Legion - Pros:
I'm in love with this build quality, it's fantastic.
The 24 core CPU is a beast.
The OLED screen is beautiful.
It seems to run quite cool if a bit loud.

Cons:
The 5070 only has 8 GB VRAM, I'm not sure how limiting this will be for me.
The battery life seems a good bit worse (although when gaming this thing would be plugged in anyway, but versatility away from a charger would be nice).

Asus - Pros:
It's even more portable than the Legion due to its smaller footprint, and even thinner.
Aluminum build is good but maybe a bit short of the Legion's.
The 5070 Ti should be better but I'm not sure how much better in practice.
Great OLED screen as well (not as high of a refresh rate though).

Cons:
I'm worried about fan noise/thermals, not sure what is really acceptable for a gaming laptop.
CPU is a good bit weaker than the Intel in benchmarks, but not sure how that translates to game performance.
Click to expand...
Buy it, sell the RAM and buy and even more expensive one
 
That lenovo laptop for almost 2200 usd having only 8gigs vram gpu(laptop version of 5070) feels like big scam, w/e u do dont go with that one.

With that weaksauce of gpu in 2026 forget about 120fps, u might not even hold solid 60 in more demanding AAA games if u maxing them out :P
 
For 1440P, 12GB VRAM should be a priority.

Imo fan noise is a less important factor since they all gonna take off when playing AAA games, you need a headset/phone anyway.
 
BennyBlanco said:
Dumb question but why not get a desktop in that case? Unless your job is paying for it or something.



This is cheaper than those laptops and would be way better for gaming on a TV
Click to expand...

I honestly have never liked desktop PC gaming for a myriad of personal reasons. The power draws for desktop builds makes them inefficient when it comes to power usage (and with the increasing costs of electric bills, I don't want that).

I would much rather have something portable and more power efficient as I don't need every bell and whistle turned on for graphical settings. Ray tracing seems pretty useless to me and with DLSS and frame gen in the mix, there's no need for a 5080 much less a 5090.
 
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LectureMaster said:
For 1440P, 12GB VRAM should be a priority.

Imo fan noise is a less important factor since they all gonna take off when playing AAA games, you need a headset/phone anyway.
Click to expand...
So it sounds like the Asus is the better buy, what about thermals though? What is considered good thermal performance for a laptop, and what thresholds should laptops never cross for GPU and CPU temps?
 
Magic-DEI-Hire said:
As the title says, I have a problem deciding between which gaming laptop to keep. I plan to play in primarily 1440p and like to have pretty looking games (I don't need ray tracing, but high texture quality is important). I'm aiming for consistent 120fps frame rates. The two models are:
Click to expand...
I suggest looking here before you buy gaming laptops: https://gaminglaptop.deals/

In particular this one is a much better deal than what you linked in the OP: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1875948-REG/lenovo_83f5001bus_16_legion_pro_7i.html

And since you were willing to go to 2179.99 from best buy check: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1875949-REG/lenovo_83f50052us_16_legion_pro_7.html which is 2249.00 for a 5080 instead.
 
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Go with the Laptop without heat problems, believe me it doesn't matter what components you have if the Computer overheats itself always.
I hate hardware which gets very hot.
 
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yet_another_alt said:
I suggest looking here before you buy gaming laptops: https://gaminglaptop.deals/

In particular this one is a much better deal than what you linked in the OP: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1875948-REG/lenovo_83f5001bus_16_legion_pro_7i.html

And since you were willing to go to 2179.99 from best buy check: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1875949-REG/lenovo_83f50052us_16_legion_pro_7.html which is 2249.00 for a 5080 instead.
Click to expand...

I had checked that site and also his reviews of both laptops, however I don't need anything with a 5080 or 5090 in it. He seems to suggest the Legion and Zephyrus both do just fine with thermals. I also prefer to be able to go into a store to pick one up right away (patience is not my strongest virtue lol).

That particular reviewer actually picked the Zephyrus G14 as his favorite 14 inch laptop, however he also loved the Legion 7i. I'll link both reviews of each model for anyone interested:



 
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Magic-DEI-Hire said:
I had checked that site and also his reviews of both laptops, however I don't need anything with a 5080 or 5090 in it. He seems to suggest the Legion and Zephyrus both do just fine with thermals. I also prefer to be able to go into a store to pick one up right away (patience is not my strongest virtue lol).

That particular reviewer actually picked the Zephyrus G14 as his favorite 14 inch laptop, however he also loved the Legion 7i. I'll link both reviews of each model for anyone interested:



Click to expand...


Jarrod is the best gaming laptop reviewer in the business.
 
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I would see if there's a significant difference in fan noise and thermals. For a laptop I'm more likely to give more points to creature features. Is one trackpad dramatically different? I'm a bit of a trackpad snob.
 
Here are the thermal results from his reviews.

Zephyrus G14 14" with 5070 Ti:
IO2ioXC574Po7C9L.jpeg


Legion 7i 16" with 5070:
XcLpugiJYSwsWMhK.jpeg


Do both of these seem good / within normal ranges?
 
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Topher said:
I'm a little surprised that in more test than not, the Asus is cooler. Seems like a no-brainer at this point
Click to expand...
i said it in the first post that it the G14 had better thermals. most laptop sluts on youtube who do reviews all picked the 2025 G14 as their favorite 14"
 
I appreciate everyone for helping with replies - looks like the Zephyrus G14 may just be the keeper based on everyone's feedback. I still need to trial it out in Battlefield 6 to see how it fares.

I'm not sure how reliable Asus laptops tend to be long term (It's my first Asus), so might add an extended warranty also.
 
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Magic-DEI-Hire said:
So it sounds like the Asus is the better buy, what about thermals though? What is considered good thermal performance for a laptop, and what thresholds should laptops never cross for GPU and CPU temps?
Click to expand...
I don't have specific knowledge for the ASUS model but generally I think it's fine for laptop CPU/GPU to run at 75 degree C. They are higher than desktop for sure but nothing is really detrimental .
 
Magic-DEI-Hire said:
As the title says, I have a problem deciding between which gaming laptop to keep. I plan to play in primarily 1440p and like to have pretty looking games (I don't need ray tracing, but high texture quality is important). I'm aiming for consistent 120fps frame rates. The two models are:




Legion - Pros:
I'm in love with this build quality, it's fantastic.
The 24 core CPU is a beast.
The OLED screen is beautiful.
It seems to run quite cool if a bit loud.

Cons:
The 5070 only has 8 GB VRAM, I'm not sure how limiting this will be for me.
The battery life seems a good bit worse (although when gaming this thing would be plugged in anyway, but versatility away from a charger would be nice).

Asus - Pros:
It's even more portable than the Legion due to its smaller footprint, and even thinner.
Aluminum build is good but maybe a bit short of the Legion's.
The 5070 Ti should be better but I'm not sure how much better in practice.
Great OLED screen as well (not as high of a refresh rate though).

Cons:
I'm worried about fan noise/thermals, not sure what is really acceptable for a gaming laptop.
CPU is a good bit weaker than the Intel in benchmarks, but not sure how that translates to game performance.
Click to expand...
Personally I would go for a 16" 5070Ti option. 8GB is anemic in 2025 unless you are going for a budget system and this isn't that.



The two above are an example. Acer went for $1500 at Costco, BestBuy and MC until like a week ago as well. Of course with the ROG Strix above you would need more RAM.

Edit: Forgot to add, that size depends on your needs. If you travel a lot, 14" laptop is certainly better from weight/size perspective.
 
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StereoVsn said:
Personally I would go for a 16" 5070Ti option. 8GB is anemic in 2025 unless you are going for a budget system and this isn't that.



The two above are an example. Acer went for $1500 at Costco, BestBuy and MC until like a week ago as well. Of course with the ROG Strix above you would need more RAM.
Click to expand...

Those are some good deals. I'd take that Acer and keep $400 in a heartbeat
 
Topher said:
Those are some good deals. I'd take that Acer and keep $400 in a heartbeat
Click to expand...
www.microcenter.com

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-934N 16" Gaming Laptop Computer - Abyssal Black; Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX - Micro Center

Get it now! Step into the future with Predator Helios Neo 16 AI-a gaming powerhouse crafted for versatility on the move. Built around an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with 992 AI TOPS, and a vibrant 16-inch WQXGA display offering up to 240Hz refresh...
www.microcenter.com www.microcenter.com

Microcenter has the Acer for $1500 but without the OLED. I think I would pay $100 more for that.

Not sure how good the Acer is, seems decent enough, but not the best certainly. For the price through its quite good unless you want more portability from the Asus.
 
StereoVsn said:
www.microcenter.com

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-934N 16" Gaming Laptop Computer - Abyssal Black; Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX - Micro Center

Get it now! Step into the future with Predator Helios Neo 16 AI-a gaming powerhouse crafted for versatility on the move. Built around an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with 992 AI TOPS, and a vibrant 16-inch WQXGA display offering up to 240Hz refresh...
www.microcenter.com www.microcenter.com

Microcenter has the Acer for $1500 but without the OLED. I think I would pay $100 more for that.

Not sure how good the Acer is, seems decent enough, but not the best certainly. For the price through its quite good unless you want more portability from the Asus.
Click to expand...

There are some good deals out there. Magic-DEI-Hire Magic-DEI-Hire says he doesn't care about the screen so paying more for OLED may not be worth it. Here is Jarrod's gaming deals site:


Some really good deals direct from Lenovo
 
Metnut said:
Pay a little extra and go for the 5080 Legion. I know it's a painful amount of more money, but the upgrade is worth it.
Click to expand...
You'll hit your thermal and power limit before you can ever fully max out the card..

The 5070ti is better in terms of power use in a laptop
 
Imtjnotu said:
You'll hit your thermal and power limit before you can ever fully max out the card..

The 5070ti is better in terms of power use in a laptop
Click to expand...
I mean you could get a big ass 18" laptop with crazy cooling. And 16GB of VRAM would be awesome.

But it would run around $2.5-3K and won't be very portable especially once you add in the charger.
 
I have a G14 5080 variant and it's an excellent laptop.

The screen is amazing.

The Speakers are the best laptop speakers on the market for something so thin and light. Seriously amazing.

I prefer the Razer 16 overall but it's a lottery if you get a good one,.

Recommended.
 
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