Best Laptop for Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2024 – Top 5 Gaming Laptops
Choosing the right laptop for Baldur’s Gate 3 is crucial, as the wrong choice can transform your epic quest into a frustrating battle, a subpar gaming experience spoiled by lag and frustration.
To make sure your journey through Baldur’s Gate 3 is as epic as it should be, you need a laptop that meets the game’s system requirements. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a demanding title. If your laptop falls short in terms of processing power and graphics capabilities, you’ll face long loading times, choppy frame rates, and reduced visual fidelity.
We’ve done the homework and put together a shortlist of five laptops. These laptops are handpicked to match the requirements of Baldur’s Gate 3, so you can enjoy the game smoothly without any hiccups, whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a high-end option.
Baldur’s Gate 3 – PC System Requirements
From Larian Studios System Requirements Webpage or Steam
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4690 / AMD FX 8350
- Video: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX 480 (4GB+ of VRAM)
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Storage: 150 GB available space on an SSD
RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8700K / AMD Radeon R5 3600
- Video: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super / AMD RX 5700 XT (8GB+ of VRAM)
- Memory:
- Storage: 150 GB available space on an SSD
Note: Laptop GPU and CPU are generally not as powerful as their desktop gaming PC counterparts. To compensate for this performance gap, it’s recommended to aim for slightly higher hardware specifications like those specified in system requirements.
What laptop parts are important?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its high-quality visuals, featuring intricate character models, detailed environments, realistic lighting, and spell effects. The CPU and GPU are the most crucial components in a laptop for running Baldur’s Gate 3 smoothly because they play key roles in delivering the game’s visually stunning and immersive graphics.
The GPU, or graphics card, renders all the 3D elements, ensuring every detail comes to life. Moreover, it’s essential for maintaining a consistent frame rate, which is vital for a fluid gaming experience, especially in this visually rich game.
The CPU manages the game’s complex logic, NPCs behavior, and physics simulations, enhancing the depth and realism of interactions within the game world.
A powerful CPU-GPU combination is essential to fully enjoy Baldur’s Gate 3’s captivating graphics and seamless gameplay, allowing you to immerse yourself in its visually striking fantasy realm.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a visually rich game, especially when you crank up the settings. Larian Studios has recommended RTX GPUs (2060 Super), and our laptop recommendations all feature the latest RTX 4000 series GPUs to ensure top-notch graphics performance.
Processor (CPU)
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complex role-playing game with a complex narrative, character interactions, and decision-making. The CPU manages all of this game logic, ensuring that NPCs behave realistically, quests progress as intended, and the story unfolds smoothly.
Everything above the makes a sufficient CPU.
System Memory or RAM
While the minimum RAM requirement for Baldur’s Gate 3 is 8 GB, the recommended is 16 GB to ensure a seamless gaming experience without stuttering. Additionally, having extra RAM can help if you multitask while gaming, preventing your system from slowing down.
Display
Resolution: For an immersive gaming experience, FullHD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution is a minimum for today’s standards. Lower resolutions may compromise your gaming experience.
Refresh rate: Modern dedicated graphics cards can handle real-time rendering well beyond the 60 FPS mark. To fully appreciate the smoothness, especially during fast camera movements in Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s essential to have a high refresh rate display. Nowadays, laptops offer displays with impressive refresh rates, reaching up to 300 Hz. For optimal gameplay in Baldur’s Gate 3, we recommend a display with a minimum of 120 Hz.
Screen Size: The 15.6-inch display perfectly balances portability and a comfortable gaming experience, making it a popular choice among gamers. However, it’s important to note that the gaming laptop market is evolving, and 16-inch laptops are steadily gaining popularity, offering an even larger canvas for your gaming adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Storage
Baldur’s Gate 3 requires a minimum of 150GB of SSD storage space. For optimal performance and the ability to store additional games or other projects, it’s highly recommended to equip your system with a 512GB SSD or, even better, a 1TB SSD.
Top 5 Picks:
Budget is also a factor when choosing a new laptop. These are our top five picks, each chosen to match the game’s system requirements and represent one of the best options in its price range. There is no best laptop for Baldur’s Gate 3 “per se”; however, all the laptops listed here can run Baldur’s Gate 3 smoothly to enjoy the game as the Larian Studios team intended.
MSI Thin GF63
KEY SPECS:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12650H
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4050 6GB VRAM
- Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Display: 15.6″, 144Hz, 1980×1080 (16:9) resolution, IPS-Level
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- OS: Windows 11 Home
For players looking for an affordable gaming laptop for Baldur's Gate 3, the MSI GF63 Thin is an attractive option. It’s one of the most budget-friendly gaming laptops on the market, delivering a capable performance. This laptop excels in everyday gaming and offers sufficient processing power for regular computing tasks. Moreover, it boasts a decent keyboard and is one of the lightest options.
The RTX 4050 GPU inside has 6GB vRAM but operates at a default TGP of 35W, maxing out at 45W. Paired with a 12th-gen Intel Core i7-12650H and 16GB DDR4 RAM, it delivers a moderate gaming performance. However, it outperforms the RTX 3050, thanks to Nvidia’s DLSS 3 upscaling. To optimize performance, tweaking game settings and possibly turning off ray tracing may be required, especially at this price point.
The MSI GF63 Thin is a slim and lightweight laptop that handles 1080p gaming well, all without breaking the bank. It’s an ideal choice if you’re seeking a laptop that seamlessly balances work and play, especially near a power source. The latest MSI GF63 Thin is a significant step up from entry-level rigs and ensures a satisfying gaming experience with titles like Baldur's Gate 3.
PROS:
- Good Value: The laptop provides an affordable way to access the power of an RTX 40-series GPU, making it a great deal for running Baldur's Gate 3.
- Stylish and Compact: Its sleek, all-black aluminum case gives it a premium look and its lightweight build makes it easy to carry.
- Good Port Selection: The laptop boasts a variety of ports, including USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, USB-C, and more, ensuring versatility for connecting peripherals and accessories.
CONS:
- Limited RTX 4050 Performance: The RTX 4050 GPU has a 45W TGP, potentially limiting its gaming capabilities.
- Shallow Keyboard: The keyboard has shallow keys, less suitable for tactile typing or extended gaming.
- Average Display: The Full HD IPS screen lacks color accuracy and exhibits noticeable ghosting, impacting non-gaming tasks like content creation.
MSI Katana 15 (2023)
KEY SPECS:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4070 8GB VRAM
- Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Display: 15.6″, 144Hz, 1920×1080 (16:9) resolution, IPS-level
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- OS: Windows 11 Home
The MSI Katana 15 is a new value-oriented gaming laptop designed to lean towards simplicity. While its design may not be visually striking, the real value of this laptop lies in its internal hardware, boasting powerful components that give it a competitive edge in terms of gaming performance. It’s an exciting option for those seeking the latest-generation hardware, making it a highly recommended choice for gamers looking for performance.
A strong Intel Core i7-13620H CPU and GeForce RTX 4070 GPU combo translates in excellent gaming performance. It can easily handle games like Baldur's Gate 3, providing smooth gameplay, great visuals with high graphic presets, and native FullHD resolution. Whether you’re diving into epic adventures or fast-paced action, the Katana 15’s hardware ensures a fantastic gaming experience.
The MSI Katana 15 offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it an attractive choice for gamers on a budget. While it may lack design aesthetics, its internal hardware, including CPU and GPU options, ensures a compelling gaming experience.
PROS:
- Great value: impressive performance allows you to enjoy playing Baldur's Gate 3 without breaking the bank.”
- Responsive keyboard: Surprisingly snappy and comfortable to type on, the keyboard minimizes key wiggle and offers decent key travel.
- Sturdy build: The laptop boasts a robust build quality, ensuring durability for everyday use and gaming.
CONS:
- Dimm display: The MSI Katana 15’s display falls short with limited color coverage (64% sRGB) and low brightness (235 nits), making it unsuitable for color-critical tasks and outdoor use.
- Short battery life: Battery life is relatively brief, particularly when using the dedicated GPU
- Uninspiring design: the MSI Katana 15 lacks the premium visual appeal that some gamers may desire.
Acer Predator Helios 16 (2023)
KEY SPECS:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700HX
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4060 8GB VRAM
- Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Display: 16″, 165Hz, 2560×1600 (16:10) resolution, IPS
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- OS: Windows 11 Home
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is a gaming laptop that’s both powerful and quiet. It’s got a strong 16-core CPU, but thanks to not that power-hungry RTX 4060 and ingenious cooling, it won’t make a lot of noise during long gaming sessions.
When it comes to performance, this laptop is impressive. It might not handle the newest and most demanding games at super high resolutions, but it would easily run Baldur's Gate 3 on a native 2560×1600 resolution display.
One interesting thing to note is that the Acer Predator Helios 16 comes in a brand-new design, feeling sturdy and well-built, adding a fresh look to the gaming experience.
PROS:
- Impressive Display: 16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS panel with G-Sync support, 165 Hz refresh rate, and nearly complete 100% sRGB color coverage, ideal for gaming and creative work.
- Impressive Performance: Effortlessly handles demanding tasks and gaming with high frame rates at higher resolutions.
- Versatile Connectivity: Wide range of ports: USB-A/C ports (with DP and Thunderbolt 4), HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, jack combo socket, and a microSD card reader, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals.
CONS:
- Chunky and Heavy: Less portable, especially with its substantial power brick. Making it less travel-friendly.
- Noisy Fans: Turbo mode boosts frame rates but at the cost of loud fan noise, potentially distracting during gameplay, unsuitable for users seeking a quieter gaming experience.
- Limited Battery Life: When running on a battery alone, your Baldur's Gate 3 sessions would be over in a mere hour, cutting the freedom of on-the-go gaming.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)
KEY SPECS:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4070 8GB VRAM
- Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Display: 16″, 165Hz, 1920×1200 (16:10) resolution, IPS-Level
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- OS: Windows 11 Home
The 2023 ROG Strix G16 leaps a 16:10 aspect ratio with a 16-inch 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) 165 Hz IPS display. It stands ready to challenge top gaming laptops, boasting 16GB of DDR-4800 memory, a 1TB SSD, and well-crafted chassis we can associate with every Asus ROG laptop.
The Asus ROG Strix G16 is a versatile gaming laptop that excels in gaming and various computing tasks. This comes from pairing Intel’s latest Raptor Lake i9-13980HX processors with Nvidia’s powerful RTX 4070 GPU. This combination ensures you enjoy smooth Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay and also have the computing muscle for other demanding games if needed.
The laptop’s solid build quality ensures durability, and the subtle RGB lighting adds a gaming touch. The comfortable keyboard enhances both gaming and productivity. The Asus ROG Strix G16 is a versatile workhorse that delivers on gaming and computational fronts, making it a reliable choice for diverse needs.
PROS:
- Stylish Aesthetic: The laptop’s striking gaming aesthetic adds an appealing visual element that sets it apart.
- Exceptional Performance: It harnesses its powerful CPU and GPU combination effectively, making it a capable gaming laptop.
- Quality Display: The laptop features a great display with a high refresh rate and low response time, enhancing the gaming experience.
CONS:
- Average Battery Life: Playing Baldur's Gate 3 on battery doesn’t last very long, so you might need to keep it plugged in for extended gaming sessions.
- Low-Resolution Webcam: The built-in webcam only has 720p resolution, which may result in lower-quality video during video calls or streaming.
- Thickness: Relatively bulky, which may affect portability.
Razer Blade 16 (2023)
KEY SPECS:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13950HX
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4080 12GB VRAM
- Memory: 32GB DDR5
- Display: 16″, 240Hz, 2560×1600 (16:10) resolution, IPS
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- OS: Windows 11 Home
The Razer Blade 16 may appear humble on the outside, but it’s a powerhouse inside. It features top-notch components from Intel and Nvidia, making it one of the most potent laptops available.
Under the hood, you’ll find impressive specs, including an Intel Core i9-13950HX CPU, 32GB of RAM, and a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU. This hardware makes it a formidable gaming machine, perfect for running Baldur's Gate 3 or any other graphically demanding games at max graphic presets, high resolutions, and fps.
The laptop’s design is minimalist and elegant, constructed from durable T6 anodized aluminum, and it’s relatively light for a 16-inch laptop.
Despite its premium price, the Razer Blade 16 impresses with its hardware and design, making it a compelling choice for both gaming and professional use.
PROS:
- Impressive Performance: Delivers outstanding gaming performance. Baldur's Gate 3 runs butter smooth even at max resolution and graphics quality.
- Stunning Display: Features a 16-inch, 240Hz display with a sharp 2560 x 1600p resolution.
- Sleek Design: Elegant aluminum unibody chassis in a slim and lightweight form factor.
CONS:
- High Price: Comes with a steep price tag, limiting affordability for many users.
- Trackpad Issues: Despite its size, it suffers from palm rejection and accidental touches.
- Limited Battery Life: Battery life, though reasonable for a gaming laptop, may fall short for extended gaming sessions on the go.
Verdict: What is the best gaming laptop for ?
When finding the best laptop for playing Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2023, we need to focus on two essential parts: the brain (CPU) and the graphics (GPU). These parts make or break your gaming experience.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that looks really, really good, with lots of details and cool effects. So, the CPU and GPU must be strong enough to handle all that.
We’ve picked five laptops as the best sidekicks for your gaming journey. They are all great choices, depending on your budget and what you want from a laptop. So, pick the one that suits you best, and prepare for an epic adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3 with smooth gameplay, amazing graphics, and unforgettable moments in Faerûn!
Happy gaming!
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Biaggio Valente Founder / CEO email: [email protected] |