As a fan of real-time strategy games, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for Company of Heroes 3. This highly anticipated sequel to the popular WWII-based RTS franchise demands a reliable and capable laptop to fully enjoy its immersive gameplay and stunning graphics. With an extensive background in laptop selection, I've taken the liberty of reviewing a vast spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews, and narrowing down the top laptops to help you make the right choice for your Company of Heroes 3 gaming experience.
When searching for the best laptop for this game, certain features become crucial to consider. Company of Heroes 3 requires a powerful GPU to handle its detailed maps and unit models, as well as a high-performance CPU to ensure smooth gameplay during intense battles. Additionally, a fast SSD is essential for reducing load times, while a quality display with good resolution and color accuracy will enhance the game's visual appeal.
In my quest to find the ultimate laptop for Company of Heroes 3, I have taken into account the unique requirements of RTS players, such as the need for responsive and accurate input devices, like a precise touchpad or customizable keyboard. I have also considered the importance of a stable internet connection for those who want to engage in online multiplayer matches or follow the latest strategies and updates from the Company of Heroes subreddit and Twitch streamers. With these factors in mind, my selection process aims to provide you with the most targeted and relevant options to ensure you get the most out of your Company of Heroes 3 gaming experience.
Powerful Processors
Company of Heroes 3, released in 2020, is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It's an old game that isn't particularly demanding, and as such, laptop processors are a bit of a double-edged sword; if you're looking for a laptop to play CoH but nothing else, then you don't need to go all-out on processor selection. But if you're looking for a laptop to handle other games besides CoH – then processor selection is important.
The gaming processor market has seen a shift in the last few years. Apple has released their own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules; they offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has managed to take 20% of the CPU market and they have released their 6th generation Ryzen processors. Intel's 12th generation is the latest offering from them; it's worth noting that both Intel and Apple have adopted hybrid performance/efficiency core designs (based on big.LITTLE).
How much money do you have for a CPU?
If you're looking for a budget gaming laptop – consider going with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor since they offer the best value for money in this price range. If you're looking for a gaming laptop – look for one with an Nvidia GPU; AMD GPUs are also an option, but they're not nearly as popular in the gaming industry due to their inferior performance in some key areas such as power efficiency and clock speed scaling with temperature (which is important for laptops).
What to expect in each price bracket
- $600-$900: AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor
- $900-$1200: AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7 processor
- $1200+: Intel Core i9 or M2/M1 Pro processor
Does the CPU matter in Company of Heroes 3?
Not really; the game is not particularly demanding, so you don't need the most powerful CPU available to get good performance. Even the minimum recommended processor for gaming laptops, the Intel i3-1115G4, should be plenty for CoH 3.
My Recommendations and Average Laptop Prices
Processor | Minimum Recommendation | Recommended | High-end | Average Laptop Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
AMD | Ryzen 3 | Ryzen 5 | Ryzen 7 | $600-$1200 |
Intel | i3-1115G4 | i5-10310U | i7-1180G7 | $900-$2000 |
Graphics Power
Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market, but their latest notebook cards are in the RTX 30 series. Desktop GPUs are now a lot more power-hungry, and the gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards has widened. Nvidia has also discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, and exact GPU wattage is now determined by laptop manufacturers.
Company of Heroes 3 is a game that can run on nearly any laptop, but it's not a good idea to play it on the integrated graphics. If you're looking for a high-end gaming laptop, you'll need to find one with a dedicated graphics card. The latest generation of Nvidia graphics cards offers significant performance improvements over its predecessors, but for the best possible performance, you'll want to go with a top-shelf option such as the RTX 2080 or RTX 2080 Ti. These GPUs deliver the best performance, but come at a hefty price tag. When comparing different graphics cards, look at their 3DMark scores to get an idea of how they stack up against each other.
For gaming laptops under $1000, don't expect to find one with an RTX-level GPU inside; instead, focus on finding one with an AMD RX or Nvidia GTX 1060 (6 GB). The minimum GPU we recommend for CoH3 laptops is the GeForce RTX 3050, while the recommended GPU is the GeForce RTX 2060, and the high-end GPU is the GeForce RTX 2080.
Graphics Card | Average Laptop Price |
---|---|
GeForce RTX 3050 | ~$800 |
GeForce RTX 2060 | ~$1200 |
GeForce RTX 2080 | ~$1500 |
Powerful RAM
RAM is an essential component of any gaming PC, especially for modern titles like Company of Heroes 3. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end – 32 GB or more. The latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.
Company of Heroes 3 is a pretty demanding game, and it's not uncommon to see it struggle on lower-end laptops. That's why we recommend getting at least 8 GB of DDR4 RAM if you're looking for a mid-range laptop. If you're willing to spend more, 16 GB would be ideal. RAM speed isn't as important in CoH3 as it is in other games, but it's still worth considering if you can afford it. If you want to upgrade your laptop's memory later, make sure it supports the latest generation of DDR4 (DDR5).
Below is a table with our recommended RAM configurations depending on your budget:
Price Range | Recommended RAM |
---|---|
Budget | 8 GB |
Mid-range | 16 GB |
High-end | 32 GB |
FAQ
Q: What are the recommended laptop specs for Company of Heroes 3?
If you want to experience Company of Heroes 3 at its best, we recommend a laptop with 16 GB of memory, an i7-1180G7 processor, and a GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card. These specifications will ensure smooth gameplay and stunning visuals.
Can I play Company of Heroes 3 on a laptop?
Yes, you can definitely play Company of Heroes 3 on a laptop. The game has been optimized to run on a wide range of hardware configurations, including laptops. However, to achieve the best performance and graphical fidelity, we recommend a laptop with at least the minimum requirements.
What are the minimum laptop requirements for Company of Heroes 3?
To meet the minimum requirements for Company of Heroes 3, your laptop should have at least 8 GB of memory, an i3-1115G4 processor, and a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. While the game will run on this hardware, you may experience lower graphical settings and some performance limitations.
What graphics card do I need to run Company of Heroes 3 on a laptop?
To run Company of Heroes 3 on a laptop, you will need at least a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. This will provide you with the necessary graphical power to enjoy the game with decent settings and performance. However, for a more immersive experience with higher graphics settings, consider a laptop with a higher-end graphics card like the GeForce RTX 2060 or GeForce RTX 2080.
Is a gaming laptop necessary to play Company of Heroes 3?
While a gaming laptop is not necessary to play Company of Heroes 3, it does offer several advantages. Gaming laptops are specifically designed to handle the demands of modern games, providing better performance, cooling, and features like high refresh rate displays. If you are a dedicated gamer and want the best experience, investing in a gaming laptop is worth considering.
What laptop brand is best for playing Company of Heroes 3?
There are several reputable laptop brands that offer excellent options for playing Company of Heroes 3. Some popular choices include the HP Victus, Dell G15, ASUS ROG Strix Scar, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16, and Dell XPS 17 9720. These brands have a track record of delivering reliable gaming performance and provide different price points to suit various budgets.
Can I run Company of Heroes 3 on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can run Company of Heroes 3 on a budget laptop, as long as it meets the minimum requirements. The game has been optimized to run on lower-end hardware configurations, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players. However, keep in mind that playing on a budget laptop may require sacrificing graphical settings and experiencing reduced performance compared to higher-end systems.
Is an SSD necessary for smooth gameplay in Company of Heroes 3 on a laptop?
While an SSD (Solid State Drive) is not necessary for smooth gameplay in Company of Heroes 3, it can significantly improve loading times and overall system responsiveness. If you have the option to choose a laptop with an SSD, we highly recommend it for a better gaming experience. However, if your budget is limited, a traditional hard drive can still provide acceptable performance.
What is the ideal RAM size for playing Company of Heroes 3 on a laptop?
The ideal RAM size for playing Company of Heroes 3 on a laptop is 16 GB. This will provide enough memory to handle the game's requirements and allow for smooth multitasking. While 8 GB is the minimum requirement, opting for 16 GB will future-proof your laptop and ensure better performance in other demanding applications or future games.
Are gaming laptops worth the investment for playing Company of Heroes 3?
Whether a gaming laptop is worth the investment for playing Company of Heroes 3 depends on your gaming preferences and budget. If you are a dedicated gamer and prioritize performance, portability, and advanced features, investing in a gaming laptop is a great choice. Gaming laptops offer powerful hardware, high refresh rate displays, and optimized cooling systems. However, if you primarily play less demanding games or are on a tight budget, a non-gaming laptop with decent specifications may suffice. Ultimately, consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
5 Best Laptops for Company of Heroes 3
1.HP Victus
HP Victus: Great gaming performance, but lacks VRR and has slow response time.- Delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p.
- Fast SSD.
- User-replaceable memory and storage.
- Good port selection.
- No VRR to reduce screen tearing.
- Slow response time on display.
Summary
The HP Victus is a solid gaming laptop with powerful hardware for smooth gameplay at 1080p. It features a fast SSD, user-replaceable memory and storage, and a good port selection. However, it suffers from a slow response time on its 144Hz display and lacks variable refresh rate (VRR) to reduce screen tearing.
Reviews
Alternatives
MSI GF63 Thin
- Excellent performance given the price
- Solid build quality
- Average battery life
- Some annoying bloatware
2.ASUS TUF Dash F15
ASUS TUF Dash F15: Affordable and Powerful All-Purpose Laptop for 2022- Lightweight and well-built design
- Good FHD 300Hz and QHD screen options
- Significantly more powerful than the previous generation
- Competitive pricing
- Some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
- Ports squeezed together on the left edge
- Be careful with the FHD 144Hz panel option
Summary
The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is a well-built and lightweight laptop that offers good performance at a competitive price. With options for FHD 300Hz and QHD screens, it provides a balanced experience, but beware of the FHD 144Hz panel option.
Reviews
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16
- Stylish, sleek form factor
- Gorgeous display
- Webcam quality is poor
- No biometric features
3.ASUS ROG Strix Scar
ASUS ROG Strix Scar: A Powerful Gaming Laptop with Some Performance and Emission Issues.- Sturdy construction
- Fast Wi-Fi 6E
- Excellent performance with Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti
- Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
- Limited display angle
- No biometric login
- SSD throttling during continuous reads
- High heat and noise emissions under
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar is a powerful gaming laptop that offers excellent performance with its Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti, along with a sturdy construction and fast Wi-Fi 6E. However, it has limitations in terms of display angle, lacks biometric login, experiences high heat and noise emissions under load, and has SSD throttling issues during continuous reads.
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 gaming and productivity.- Strong overall performance
- Display is big, bright, and fast
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to the keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 is a powerful laptop with a 13th-gen Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 graphics. It offers strong overall performance, a big and vibrant display, and per-key RGB lighting. However, there is some flex to the keyboard deck and the battery life is poor.
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Advanced Optimus
- Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
- High noise level
5.Dell XPS 17 9720
Dell XPS 17 9720: A high-performance laptop with an excellent display, but with reduced graphics performance compared to its predecessor.- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Thunderbolt 4 PCIe 4.0
- 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 is a high-quality laptop with an excellent 4K display that offers great color accuracy. It boasts a powerful system performance and features Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 4.0. However, it falls short in terms of graphics performance compared to its predecessor and has some stability issues under combined load.
Reviews
Alternatives
MSI Titan GT77HX 13VH-046US
- Excellent mechanical keyboard
- Class-leading Mini-LED display
- Uninspired design
- Short battery life
Table of the Best Laptops for Company of Heroes 3
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 |