As a fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in games like Vermintide 2 and Space Hulk: Deathwing, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. In this guide, I will help you navigate the vast sea of laptops to find the perfect one tailored to your gaming needs.
To ensure a seamless and immersive experience in the grimdark world of Darktide, your laptop will need to meet specific requirements. With the game's focus on cooperative gameplay and high-quality visuals, a combination of powerful CPU, GPU, and ample RAM is essential. Moreover, a high-refresh-rate display will provide a smooth gaming experience, especially when battling waves of Chaos minions and Xenos horrors alongside your fellow Inquisitorial agents.
My approach to finding the best laptop for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide involved reviewing an extensive spreadsheet of recently released laptops, comparing specifications, and scrutinizing both professional and user-generated reviews. By narrowing down the top laptops based on topic-specific requirements and various price ranges, I have created a comprehensive guide that will cater to all levels of gamers within the Warhammer 40,000 community. Whether you're an avid follower of the Adeptus Astartes or a newcomer attracted by the brutal combat and rich lore, this guide will help you find the perfect laptop to purge the enemies of the Imperium.
Graphics (GPU)
If you're looking to play the latest Warhammer 40,000 game, Darktide, on your laptop then you're going to need a discrete graphics card. Games are not a strong suit for Chromebooks, and that's especially true for the latest generation of Nvidia GPUs. So if you're looking to play games on your laptop – look for an option with a dedicated graphics chip.
When it comes to gaming laptops, we need to consider their size and weight as well as their cooling capabilities; The smaller the laptop, the harder it is to keep cool. This is important because GPUs can throttle performance when they overheat. That said, there are some very slim gaming laptops out there with great cooling solutions so don't rule one out just because it's thin.
For gaming laptops, I use 3DMark benchmarks such as Time Spy and Fire Strike when possible; these tests will give us an idea of how well the laptop performs in actual games compared to its competitors. However, keep in mind that these tests are run at very high settings so most people won't see these kinds of results in actual gameplay. Nevertheless, it's a good way to compare two laptops side-by-side.
Here are my recommended GPUs for various budgets:
Processor (CPU)
When it comes to deciding on the right laptop for gaming, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind. In this section, we'll be focusing on the processor (CPU) and how it impacts your choice of laptop for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
As always, when it comes to laptops – you'll want to pay attention to the graphics card (GPU) as well. However, in the case of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide – the CPU is not as critical as it is for other genres. This is because the game is not as reliant on raw processing power as something like an FPS or RTS. With that said, you'll still want a decent CPU if you plan on playing at high settings.
When looking at processors, there are two main things you want to keep in mind: clock speed and core count. The clock speed is simply how fast the processor can run and is measured in GHz. The core count is how many cores the processor has – which essentially means how many tasks it can handle at once. More cores = better performance but also higher power consumption.
In terms of ranking systems, I recommend using Cinebench R23 or R20 scores. These tests are specifically designed for gaming and will give you a good idea of how well a CPU will perform in actual games. That being said – don't expect to find many budget gaming laptops with high-end CPUs; instead, look for mid-range or even entry level CPUs paired with a powerful GPU.
With all that out of the way – let's take a look at some specific recommendations!
Processor Recommendations
- Minimum: i3-1115G4
- Recommended: i5-10300H
- High-end: Ryzen 7 4800H
Memory (RAM)
When it comes to deciding on the right laptop for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, one of the most important things to consider is the amount of RAM you'll need. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM these days, but if you want to play at 4K resolution or on high settings, you'll need 32 GB or more.
The type of RAM doesn't matter that much in gaming laptops, so I'd recommend getting DDR4-3200 or even DDR5 if you can afford it. But don't get too hung up on the speed – there's not much difference between DDR4-2666 and DDR5-3600 in terms of performance. So just go with whatever your budget allows for.
If you're looking for a laptop that will last you for years to come, consider getting one with upgradable RAM (not soldered-on). This way, down the road, if your laptop starts to struggle with 32 GB of memory – you could upgrade it to 64 GB or even 128 GB (if your wallet allows it).
Here's a table of recommended RAM configurations:
- Minimum: i3-1115G4
- Recommended: i5-10300H
- High-end: Ryzen 7 4800H
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Q: Can I play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a laptop?
Yes, you can play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a laptop. However, the performance may vary depending on your laptop's specifications.
What are the minimum laptop requirements for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide?
The minimum requirements for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide are as follows:
- Graphics: GTX 1650
- Memory: 8 GB
- Processor: i3-1115G4
Best laptops for playing Warhammer 40,000: Darktide?
There are several laptops that are suitable for playing Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Here are a few recommendations:
- HP Victus: Priced at $900, the HP Victus offers a good balance between price and performance.
- Dell G15: With a price starting at $1,230, the Dell G15 provides a medium-range option with a good balance of performance and affordability.
- ASUS ROG Strix Scar: Priced at $2,310, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar is a high-end option for those seeking top-notch performance.
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: If money is not a concern, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16, priced at $3,390, is a premium gaming laptop with exceptional performance.
- Dell XPS 17 9720: For those who prioritize quality and are willing to invest, the Dell XPS 17 9720, priced at $5,600, offers a high-end experience with top-of-the-line specifications.
Is a dedicated graphics card necessary to play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a laptop?
Yes, a dedicated graphics card is necessary to play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a laptop. Integrated graphics may not provide sufficient power for optimal performance.
Can I run Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on an integrated graphics laptop?
While it is technically possible to run Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on an integrated graphics laptop, it is not recommended. Integrated graphics typically lack the power and performance needed for a smooth gaming experience.
How much RAM is needed to play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a laptop?
To play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a laptop, it is recommended to have a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. However, for a better gaming experience and to handle more demanding tasks, it is advisable to have 16 GB or even 32 GB of RAM.
Recommended laptop specifications for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide?
The recommended specifications for playing Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a laptop are as follows:
- Graphics: RTX 2060 or higher
- Memory: 16 GB
- Processor: i5-10300H or Ryzen 7 4800H
Are gaming laptops suitable for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide?
Yes, gaming laptops are suitable for playing Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. They are specifically designed to handle the high-performance requirements of modern games like Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Can I play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can play Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on a budget laptop. However, please note that the game may not run as smoothly or at the highest settings. To get the best experience, it is recommended to invest in a laptop that meets at least the minimum requirements.
What should I consider when buying a laptop for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide?
When buying a laptop for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, consider the following factors:
- Graphics card: Ensure that the laptop has a dedicated graphics card, preferably an RTX 2060 or higher.
- Memory: Aim for a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, but consider 16 GB or 32 GB for better performance.
- Processor: Look for an i5-10300H or Ryzen 7 4800H for smooth gameplay.
- Cooling: Check for efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
- Display: Look for a high refresh rate display for smoother gameplay.
- Budget: Set a budget that aligns with your desired level of performance and features.
5 Best Laptops for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
1.HP Victus
HP Victus: A solid gaming laptop, but beware of its display limitations.- Delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p.
- Fast SSD.
- User-replaceable memory and storage.
- Good port selection.
- No VRR to reduce screen tearing.
- Some performance loss on CPU under load.
Summary
The HP Victus 15 is a capable gaming laptop with powerful components for smooth gameplay at 1080p. It offers a fast SSD and user-replaceable memory and storage options. However, its 144Hz display suffers from slow response times and lacks support for variable refresh rate, which may result in noticeable ghosting and screen tearing.
Reviews
Alternatives
MSI GF63 Thin
- Impressive performance for the price
- Solid build quality
- Average battery life
- Annoying bloatware
2.ASUS TUF Dash F15
The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is a powerful and competitively priced laptop, perfect for gamers on a budget.- Lightweight and well-built
- Good inputs and IO
- Multiple screen options including FHD 300Hz and QHD
- Powerful performance and competitive pricing
- Some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
- Ports squeezed together on the left edge
- Be cautious of the FHD 144Hz panel option
Summary
The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is an affordable and lightweight gaming laptop that offers impressive performance and a variety of screen options. It is more powerful than its previous generation and has a decent battery life. However, it has some minor quirks and it's important to choose the right screen option.
Reviews
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16
- Stylish, sleek form factor
- Gorgeous display
- Low-quality webcam
- Lack of biometrics
3.ASUS ROG Strix Scar
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 G533: A Powerful Gaming Laptop with Some Flaws- Sturdy construction
- Fast Wi-Fi 6E
- Excellent performance
- Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
- Limited display angle
- No biometric login
- Heavy SSD throttling during continuous reads
- High heat and noise emissions under load
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 G533 is a solid gaming laptop with a sturdy construction, fast Wi-Fi, excellent performance, and a wide color gamut. However, it has limited display angles, lacks biometric login, experiences SSD throttling, and has high heat and noise emissions under load.
Reviews
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion Pro 5
- Fantastic value
- Top-tier gaming performance
- Middling screen
- A bit heavy
4.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A Mid-Priced Powerhouse for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.- Strong overall performance
- Big, bright and fast display
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 is armed with a 13th-gen Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 graphics, making it a strong mid-priced powerhouse for gaming. It features a big, bright and fast display, as well as per-key RGB lighting. However, it does have some flex to the keyboard deck and poor battery life.
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz refresh rate
- Powerful performance for video processing and gaming
- Below-average performance for a laptop with RTX 4080 graphics
- High noise level
5.Dell XPS 17 9720
Dell XPS 17 9720: A high-performance laptop with a stunning 4K display, but lacking in graphics performance and cooling.- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Thunderbolt 4 PCIe 4.0 support
- Very high system performance
- Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
- Performance not completely stable under combined load
- Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible
- 720p webcam
Summary
The Dell XPS 17 9720 impresses with its excellent 4K display, high-quality case, and Thunderbolt 4 & PCIe 4.0 support. However, it falls short in graphics performance compared to its predecessor and has slightly weak cooling. Additionally, it lacks Wi-Fi 6E compatibility and features a mediocre 720p webcam.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
- Impressive design considering dual displays and power
- Refined two-screen layout
- Expensive, especially when fully configured
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
Table of the Best Laptops for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Laptop | Price (approx) |
HP Victus | $900 |
ASUS TUF Dash F15 | $1,160 |
ASUS ROG Strix Scar | $2,050 |
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | $3,390 |
Dell XPS 17 9720 | $5,600 |