Black Friday Buying Guide: Gaming Laptops

Black Friday is upon us, and if you’re looking for the best time to buy a gaming laptop, this is it! Whether you’re looking for a powerful machine to play the latest games, a portable laptop for gaming on the go or a versatile device that can handle creative tasks, Black Friday offers some of the most exciting deals. Our guide provides an in-depth look at the top gaming laptops on sale, highlighting essential features, specifications, and the best uses for each. From budget-friendly options to high-end machines, let’s explore what’s on offer and find the perfect gaming laptop for you.

1. Lenovo LOQ i5 Gaming Laptop

Specifications: Intel Core i5-12450HX, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4060, 15.6" Display

Overview: The Lenovo LOQ i5 is a standout option for gamers who want solid performance without the premium price tag. With its Intel Core i5-12450HX processor, 24GB of RAM, and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, this laptop offers the power to run demanding games smoothly. The 1TB SSD ensures ample space for all your games, applications, and files, with fast load times that make a big difference in gaming. The 15.6-inch display strikes a good balance between screen real estate and portability, making it an ideal option for gamers who want versatility without sacrificing quality.

Who It’s Best For: Gamers looking for a mid-range option that balances performance with price, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks.

Notable Features:
1.    Ample Storage: With a 1TB SSD, you’ll have plenty of room for games, multimedia, and productivity software.
2.    High RAM Capacity: 24GB of RAM means this laptop is great for multitasking and running demanding applications without slowdowns.
3.    Great All-Rounder: Perfect for gaming, studying, and light work, making it a versatile choice for students and professionals alike.

2. Acer Nitro 17

Specifications: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD, NVIDIA RTX 4070, 17.3" Display

Overview: If a large screen is a priority, the Acer Nitro 17 delivers an immersive gaming experience with its 17.3-inch display. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop can handle the latest AAA games on high settings without breaking a sweat. The dual storage setup, with a 512GB SSD for fast load times and a 1TB HDD for ample storage, makes it easy to keep all your games and files in one place.

Who It’s Best For: Gamers who want a large-screen experience and need significant storage space for games and multimedia.

Notable Features:
1.    Dual Storage Solution: The SSD and HDD combination provides both speed and space, allowing you to store a larger library of games and files.
2.    High RAM Capacity: 32GB of RAM allows for extensive multitasking and faster performance, even with resource-heavy games.
3.    Great for Multimedia: Ideal for gamers and media enthusiasts who watch movies, create content, or multitask frequently.

3. Acer Nitro 14

Specifications: AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4050, 14.5" Display

Overview: For those who want a more compact, portable option, the Acer Nitro 14 is a fantastic choice. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4050, which means it can handle moderate gaming and multitasking without sacrificing portability. This 14.5-inch laptop is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for gamers on the go.

Who It’s Best For: Gamers seeking a budget-friendly, compact laptop that’s easy to carry and performs well for its size.

Notable Features:
1.    Portable Design: At 14.5 inches, this laptop is easy to carry in a backpack, making it ideal for students and travellers.
2.    Budget-Friendly: Delivers solid gaming performance at a lower price, suitable for casual gamers and those new to gaming.
3.    Balance of Power and Efficiency: Offers decent gaming capabilities with a focus on battery life, ideal for extended sessions without a power outlet.

 4. ASUS TUF Gaming A14

Specifications: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4060, 14" Display

Overview: ASUS’s TUF Gaming A14 is a rugged, high-performance laptop that’s built to withstand everyday wear and tear. The AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU ensure that it can handle the demands of modern gaming. With a 1TB SSD, there’s no shortage of storage space, making it perfect for extensive game libraries. Its compact 14-inch size makes it easily portable, and ASUS’s TUF durability makes it a fantastic option for those who need a laptop they can take on the road.

Who It’s Best For: Gamers who want a compact laptop that’s durable enough to withstand travel and daily use.

Notable Features:
1.    Military-Grade Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions, making it a reliable option for travellers and students.
2.    Ample Storage with SSD: The 1TB SSD provides rapid load times and plenty of room for games, media, and projects.
3.    Lightweight Yet Powerful: Designed to offer high performance in a portable package, it’s ideal for those who need a gaming laptop they can carry everywhere.

5. ASUS ProArt P16

Specifications: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4070, 16" OLED Touchscreen

Overview: The ASUS ProArt P16 is a high-end laptop designed for both gamers and creators. It features a stunning 16-inch OLED touchscreen with exceptional colour accuracy, making it ideal for graphic design, video editing, and other creative work. With its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, 32GB of RAM, and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop can handle the most demanding games and applications with ease. The ProArt P16 is perfect for users who want top-tier performance with a display that does justice to every detail.

Who It’s Best For: Gamers and creatives who need exceptional display quality and performance for both gaming and content creation.

Notable Features:
1.    OLED Touchscreen: Provides rich, accurate colours and high resolution, perfect for design and multimedia tasks.
2.    High RAM Capacity: With 32GB RAM, this laptop can handle resource-intensive applications, making it ideal for multitasking professionals.
3.    Versatile and Powerful: Suitable for both gaming and professional tasks, combining high-quality visuals with power.

6. Medion Erazer Deputy P60i

Specifications: Intel Core i7 13620H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4060, 15.6" Display

Overview: Medion’s Erazer Deputy P60i offers impressive specs at a competitive price point. With an Intel Core i7 13620H and NVIDIA RTX 4060, this laptop provides solid performance for gaming, media editing, and everyday tasks. The 1TB SSD ensures ample storage, and the 15.6-inch display is large enough for an immersive gaming experience without compromising portability.

Who It’s Best For: Budget-conscious gamers who want a powerful laptop without paying a premium.

Notable Features:
1.    Competitive Pricing: Delivers high performance without a high price tag, making it a great value for budget gamers.
2.    Large Storage Capacity: The 1TB SSD means there’s plenty of room for a growing game library and fast load times.
3.    Good Balance of Performance and Size: At 15.6 inches, it provides a solid gaming experience without being bulky.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Gaming Laptop

1.    Processor Power (CPU)

For gaming, a powerful CPU is essential for smooth gameplay. CPUs like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 offer the speed and processing power needed to run modern games smoothly. If you plan to do creative tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, a high-end CPU like the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 will provide the best performance. Gamers on a tighter budget may still get excellent results from an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, especially if they focus on less demanding games.

2.    Graphics Card (GPU)

The GPU determines how well a laptop can handle high-resolution textures, detailed graphics, and high frame rates. The NVIDIA RTX 4060 and 4070 are powerful options that support ray tracing and provide smooth gameplay for the latest AAA titles. Higher-end GPUs like the RTX 4070 offer even more power and can support higher resolutions and more complex graphical effects.

3.    RAM and Storage  

For gaming, 16GB of RAM is a good starting point, allowing for smooth performance and faster loading times. More intensive games or multitasking requirements benefit from 32GB of RAM, as seen in higher-end models like the Acer Nitro 17 and ASUS ProArt P16. Storage also matters: an SSD provides faster load times than traditional HDDs, and many gaming laptops now include a combination of SSD and HDD to balance speed and capacity.

4.    Display Quality and Size

For an immersive gaming experience, a large, high-resolution screen with a fast refresh rate (120Hz or higher) is ideal. If you also work with graphics or video, consider a model with an OLED display for better colour accuracy, like the ASUS ProArt P16. For those who travel frequently, a compact size (14-15 inches) provides portability without compromising too much on-screen space.

5.    Portability and Build Quality  

If you plan to take your laptop on the go, choose a model that balances power and portability. Durable models like the ASUS TUF Gaming A14 offer military-grade resilience, while lighter models like the Acer Nitro 14 make portability a breeze.

Top Brands and Retailers for Black Friday Laptop Deals

1.    Lenovo: Known for versatility and robust build quality across different price ranges.
2.    Acer: The Nitro series offers great gaming performance at affordable prices, ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
3.    ASUS: Known for quality and durability, ASUS’s TUF and ProArt lines cater to both gamers and creative professionals.
4.    Medion: Delivers solid performance at budget-friendly prices, offering a range of options for value-conscious buyers.

Top Retailer in the UK  

Box.co.uk offers exclusive Black Friday deals on gaming laptops from top brands. Their Season of Sales typically includes significant discounts on laptops, making it a must-visit for Black Friday shopping.

Tips for Getting the Best Black Friday Deals

1.    Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend before browsing to avoid overspending on deals that seem too good to pass up.
2.    Research and Compare: Check specs carefully to make sure you’re getting a deal that meets your needs and compare prices across sites.
3.    Check Older Models: Last year’s models often get discounted significantly, so consider these if cutting-edge features aren’t a priority.
4.    Get Notifications: Sign up for alerts from retailers like Box.co.uk to catch early deals and exclusive discounts.

Conclusion: Seize the Best Gaming Laptop Deals This Black Friday

Black Friday is the ultimate opportunity to score a gaming laptop that balances power, performance, and budget. This season, tech-savvy gamers can find deals on top-tier models tailored to every need. For those seeking a versatile powerhouse, the ASUS ProArt P16 offers exceptional performance for both gaming and creative projects. On the other hand, the Acer Nitro 14 is a portable yet highly capable option, perfect for gaming on the go. Whether you’re after graphics intensity or portability, there’s an ideal choice awaiting you. Dive into the deals, and gear up for an unbeatable Black Friday shopping spree!