Discover the Top AMD Ryzen Gaming Laptops of 2020

Discover the Top AMD Ryzen Gaming Laptops of 2020

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Strengths and Weaknesses of AMD Ryzen Mobile 4000 H-Series APUs
3. High-End AMD Gaming Laptops
4. Mid-Tier AMD Gaming Laptops
5. Entry-Level AMD Gaming Laptops
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome back to Hardware Unboxed! Today, we are going to discuss the best AMD gaming laptops available on the market. Based on our in-depth testing of AMD's Ryzen Mobile 4000 H-Series processors and the various laptops they are found in, we have gathered enough information to make some recommendations on the hardware you should consider buying. As a baseline, we have evaluated all the available configurations in the US market to determine which products offer the best value. In this article, we will divide the gaming laptops into three price segments: high-end, mid-tier, and entry-level, and provide you with detailed insights and recommendations for each category to help you make an informed decision. So, let's dive in and explore the world of AMD gaming laptops!

Strengths and Weaknesses of AMD Ryzen Mobile 4000 H-Series APUs

Before we delve into the various price segments of AMD gaming laptops, it's important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of AMD's Ryzen Mobile 4000 H-Series APUs as a whole. While this series of processors is highly capable, there are some situations where an Intel system might be a better choice.

One area where AMD excels is productivity performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. For example, the Ryzen 7 4800H outperforms the Intel Core i7-10750H by up to 70% in certain workloads, offering at least 50% better performance in tasks like video encoding and around 30% better performance in code compilation. Even the Ryzen 5 4600H surpasses the i7-10750H in most instances, except for single-threaded performance. Moreover, AMD's latest APUs are more efficient, resulting in improved battery life and cooler, quieter operation compared to equivalent Intel systems.

However, when it comes to pure gaming performance, an Intel machine with an equivalent GPU configuration can be faster. In direct comparisons between two laptops of the same design, the Intel system was 5-10% faster in games, even at ultra settings. So, if gaming is your main priority and pricing is similar, an Intel machine might be the better choice. On the other HAND, if you require a laptop for mixed workloads, including gaming, web browsing, and productivity tasks, AMD is generally the superior option.

High-End AMD Gaming Laptops

In the high-end segment, the two main contenders for the best AMD gaming laptop are the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 and the Eluktronics RP15 (also known as XMG CORE 15). While these laptops are considered high-end in terms of AMD offerings, they fall within the mid-range of the overall laptop market.

Between the two, the Eluktronics RP15 is the clear winner. Despite being slightly more expensive at $1250 compared to the TUF Gaming A15's $1200, the RP15 offers significantly better overall performance and value. It boasts higher CPU performance, with a power limit of 72 watts compared to the A15's 45 watts, resulting in 10% better performance and comparable performance to a desktop Ryzen 7 3700X. The RP15 also features a faster GPU, with a power limit of 110 watts compared to the A15's 90 watts, providing a slight advantage in gaming performance.

Additionally, the RP15 offers a superior display, with better response times and full sRGB gamut coverage. The ASUS TUF Gaming A15, on the other hand, uses a lower-quality panel that compromises both content creation and gaming experience. Overall, considering the extra $50 price difference, the Eluktronics RP15 stands out as the best high-end AMD gaming laptop currently available on the market.

Another option worth considering in the high-end segment is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and its larger sibling, the G15. While these laptops are not specifically designed for gaming, they offer powerful performance in a highly portable form factor. The G14, in particular, with its Ryzen 9 4900HS and RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU, delivers exceptional performance in a 14-inch form factor. However, the smaller size does come with some drawbacks, such as slightly lower GPU performance, display response times, and thermal management.

Mid-Tier AMD Gaming Laptops

The mid-tier price segment poses a challenge, as there are numerous options with similar hardware but no standout choices offering the best value between $900 and $1100. Let's explore the available options and provide recommendations based on performance, features, and pricing.

Two laptops that can be easily dismissed from contention are the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 and the MSI Bravo 15. These laptops have significant downsides, including thermal issues, loud fan noise, and mediocre performance. The ASUS TUF Gaming A15, despite its compelling specs on paper, struggles with high temperatures, especially during gaming, while the MSI Bravo 15 suffers from similar thermal and display issues.

On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion 5 stands out as a good design in this price category. It offers excellent CPU performance, with the capacity to push the CPU up to 65 watts in performance mode, resulting in superior productivity performance compared to other laptops. The Lenovo Legion 5 also features outstanding thermal performance, running cooler and quieter than most laptops tested. It Sports a great keyboard and offers decent display options, including a budget-friendly 60Hz display with full sRGB coverage and a high-quality 144Hz panel suitable for gaming.

However, the main drawback of the Lenovo Legion 5 is its price. The base model, priced at $900, comes with a Ryzen 5 4600H, 8GB of RAM, a basic 120Hz display, and a GTX 1650 GPU - a configuration that does not justify the cost. To obtain a Ryzen 7 4800H, one would need to pay nearly $1000, which is quite steep, considering the same memory and display configuration. Therefore, despite its strengths, it's challenging to recommend the Lenovo Legion 5 at its current price point.

Another option to consider in this price range is the Dell G5 Special Edition. While it may not be an exceptional laptop, it does offer the best set of hardware for the price, starting at $950. With a Ryzen 7 4800H, RX 5600M GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 144Hz display, the Dell G5 SE provides good value when compared to other options. In fact, the Radeon RX 5600M performance is similar to that of the GTX 1660 Ti, making it a preferred choice over laptops with weaker GPU options. Additionally, the Dell G5 SE boasts a better display with a high-quality 144Hz panel from BOE compared to the inferior display on the ASUS TUF Gaming A15. However, the thermal solution on the Dell G5 SE is not great, resulting in higher operating temperatures. Furthermore, the design feels outdated when compared to other Ryzen laptops on the market. Therefore, while the Dell G5 SE represents decent value for the price, it falls short of being a top recommendation in this mid-tier segment.

Entry-Level AMD Gaming Laptops

In the entry-level category, the clear choice is the Acer Nitro 5. However, as the model is not yet available in Australia, we have limited data and cannot provide comprehensive insights. Nevertheless, in the United States, the Acer Nitro 5 offers impressive specifications for just $660. It comes equipped with a Ryzen 5 4600H, GTX 1650 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a basic 1080p 60Hz display. While it may not have groundbreaking features, at its price point, the Acer Nitro 5 is hard to beat. Other laptops with similar specs tend to cost $800 or more. Initial tests indicate that the performance is good, but there are some drawbacks, such as limited SSD space and a mediocre display. We hope to provide more information once the Acer Nitro 5 is available in Australia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current market offers a diverse range of options for AMD gaming laptops. The Eluktronics RP15 stands out as the best high-end AMD gaming laptop, with its superior performance, improved cooling, and better display compared to the ASUS TUF Gaming A15. For those seeking a highly portable solution, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is an excellent choice. In the mid-tier segment, the Lenovo Legion 5 shows promise with its strong CPU performance and thermal management, but its price needs adjustment to offer better value. Finally, the entry-level category is promising, especially with the upcoming availability of the Acer Nitro 5, which offers exceptional specifications at an affordable price. Overall, AMD gaming laptops have made significant strides, delivering impressive performance and value, and we can't wait to see future advancements in this rapidly evolving market.

Note: The above recommendations are based on our testing and analysis of the available options in the market. Prices and availability may vary depending on your location and time of purchase.

Highlights:

• Eluktronics RP15 offers superior performance and value in the high-end segment.
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a highly portable and powerful option.
• Lenovo Legion 5 and Dell G5 Special Edition are mid-tier laptops with trade-offs in price and features.
• Acer Nitro 5 provides exceptional value in the entry-level category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: Are AMD laptops suitable for gaming?\ A: Yes, AMD laptops with Ryzen 4000 H-Series APUs offer excellent gaming performance, especially in mixed workloads where productivity tasks are involved. However, if gaming is your primary focus and you're willing to sacrifice some productivity performance, an Intel system might be a better choice.

2. Q: What makes Eluktronics RP15 the best high-end AMD gaming laptop?\ A: The Eluktronics RP15 stands out due to its superior performance, higher CPU power limit, better GPU configuration, improved thermal management, and superior display quality compared to its competitors in the high-end segment.

3. Q: Which AMD gaming laptop offers the best value for money?\ A: The Acer Nitro 5 provides exceptional value for money in the entry-level category. Its competitive specifications and affordable price make it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

4. Q: Can I upgrade the RAM in these AMD gaming laptops?\ A: Yes, most of the laptops Mentioned in this article allow for RAM upgrades. However, it's essential to check the specific model and its limitations before making a purchase.