Today, we’re taking a deep dive into some of the most affordable and most powerful gaming laptops available at PB Tech, with fresh additions from MSI, Gigabyte, Lenovo, HP, and ASUS - all competing for the top spots! Every model in this list offers excellent performance for your dollar and represents the best of what’s available right now.
We’ve chosen one laptop from each major NVIDIA graphics tier - RTX 5050, 5060, 5070, 5080, and 5090 - so you can easily find the perfect match for your budget and gaming style. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level machine that nails the basics or a no-compromise powerhouse that rivals a desktop, this roundup has you covered.
And here’s the best part: these laptops aren’t just for gaming. With dedicated graphics, high-refresh displays, and powerful CPUs, they’re also fantastic for photo and video editing, streaming, and multitasking. Worried about battery life? Don’t be - most of these models let you switch to integrated graphics for everyday tasks, saving power when you need it.
Let’s jump in!
Quick List! The Top Gaming Laptops
1. MSI Katana 15 HX - RTX 5050
If you’re looking for a solid entry-level gaming laptop, the MSI Katana 15 HX is a fantastic starting point. It packs an NVIDIA RTX 5050 GPU and an Intel Core i7 processor, giving you enough power for popular titles without breaking the bank. The 15.6" QHD display runs at 165Hz, so gameplay feels smooth and responsive - perfect for competitive shooters or fast-paced action games.
The Katana series has always been about delivering great value, and this model continues that tradition. You get DDR5 memory, a fast SSD for quick load times, and MSI’s Cooler Boost system to keep thermals in check during long gaming sessions. Design-wise, it’s gamer-friendly without going overboard - subtle accents, a comfortable keyboard, and just enough RGB to make it feel special.
What makes the Katana 15 stand out is its balance of affordability and performance. The RTX 5050 may be entry-level, but it supports DLSS and ray tracing, so you can still enjoy modern graphics features without sacrificing frame rates. The chassis is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to carry between home, uni, or work. Battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, and you can switch to integrated graphics for everyday tasks to save power. If you’re stepping into PC gaming for the first time or upgrading from an older machine, this is a smart, budget-conscious choice that still feels premium.
2. Gigabyte Aero Copilot+ X16 – RTX 5060
Moving up a tier, the Gigabyte Aero Copilot+ X16 is where gaming meets creativity. Powered by an RTX 5060 GPU and AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU, this laptop is ideal for gamers who also edit videos, render graphics, or stream. The 16" WUXGA display with 165Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colours and smooth motion, making it great for both gaming and creative work.
What sets the Aero apart is its Copilot+ AI integration, which optimises performance and battery life intelligently. This means the laptop can automatically adjust power profiles based on what you’re doing - gaming, editing, or browsing - so you get the best balance of speed and efficiency. The design is sleek and professional, finished in Space Grey, so you can take it to work without screaming “gamer.”
Under the hood, you’ll find fast DDR5 RAM, PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, and advanced cooling to keep everything running smoothly. Gigabyte also includes a strong port selection, including Type-C USB4 for fast data transfer and external display support. If you want a laptop that’s versatile - gaming powerhouse by night, productivity machine by day - the Aero X16 nails it. It’s perfect for creators who need performance without sacrificing portability or style.
3. Lenovo Legion 5 - RTX 5070
The Lenovo Legion 5 is a fan favorite for good reason. With an RTX 5070 GPU and Intel Core i7, it hits the sweet spot for gamers who want strong performance without going full premium. The 15.3" WUXGA screen runs at 165Hz, making it ideal for competitive gaming and immersive visuals. Legion laptops are known for their excellent thermals, and this one uses Lenovo’s Coldfront cooling system to keep temps low even during marathon sessions.
Beyond raw power, the Legion 5 shines in usability. The keyboard is spacious and tactile, perfect for gaming and typing alike, and includes white backlighting for a clean look. You also get plenty of ports for peripherals, and a design that’s clean and understated - no flashy RGB overload here.
Performance-wise, the RTX 5070 is a big step up from the 5060, offering more CUDA cores and higher clock speeds for better frame rates in demanding games. It’s also great for streaming and light content creation. The Legion 5 is built for gamers who want a reliable, well-rounded machine that can handle modern titles without breaking the bank. If you want a laptop that balances gaming performance with everyday practicality, this is a top contender.
4. HP OMEN MAX 16 - RTX 5080
For those chasing high-end performance, the HP OMEN MAX 16 delivers in spades. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 processor and an RTX 5080 GPU, giving you serious horsepower for AAA titles, streaming, and heavy multitasking. The 16" WQXGA display with 240Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth visuals, and the colour accuracy makes it great for creative work too.
HP’s OMEN series is all about premium gaming, and this model includes advanced cooling, per-key RGB lighting, and OMEN Gaming Hub for fine-tuning performance. You’ll also appreciate the build quality - solid chassis, slim bezels, and a design that feels modern without being over-the-top.
The RTX 5080 is a monster for gaming, offering near-desktop performance in a portable form factor. Combined with Ryzen’s multi-core power, this laptop can handle everything from competitive esports to demanding creative workloads. If you’re ready to step into the upper tier of gaming laptops, the OMEN MAX 16 is a powerhouse that won’t disappoint. It’s perfect for gamers who want cutting-edge tech without going all the way to the ultra-premium price bracket.
5. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 - RTX 5090
Finally, the beast: ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18. This laptop is all about maxed-out specs - RTX 5090 GPU, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, and a stunning 18" 2.5K MiniLED display running at 240Hz. It’s built for gamers who want the absolute best, with top-tier cooling, per-key RGB, and a design that screams performance.
The SCAR 18 doesn’t just play games - it dominates them. With up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, lightning-fast SSD storage, and advanced thermal engineering, this machine handles everything from competitive esports to demanding creative workloads. ASUS also includes features like Armoury Crate for performance tuning and AI-powered enhancements for gaming and streaming.
The display is a highlight here - MiniLED technology delivers incredible brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy, making it perfect for HDR gaming and content creation. The RTX 5090 is NVIDIA’s flagship mobile GPU, so expect desktop-class performance in a portable form factor. If you’re ready to go all-in and want a laptop that rivals high-end desktops, this is the ultimate choice. It’s expensive, but for those who want the best of the best, nothing else comes close to an RTX 5090.
Gaming Upgrades Start Here
From entry-level to ultra-premium, these laptops cover every major NVIDIA tier, so you can pick the perfect match for your budget and gaming style. Whether you’re upgrading from an older rig or diving into PC gaming for the first time, these machines deliver the power, speed, and visuals you need. Check out the full range at PB Tech and keep an eye on Hardwired for more updates as new models drop!
