As a passionate gamer and laptop enthusiast, I understand the unique needs of those seeking the best laptop for The Expanse: A Telltale Series. This narrative-driven, choice-based game has captured the hearts of fans of The Expanse universe, and finding the right laptop to fully immerse yourself in the experience is crucial. In this guide, I'll help you navigate the complex world of laptop selection to ensure you have the optimal gaming experience while enjoying this beloved title.
To find the best laptop for The Expanse: A Telltale Series, I've analyzed an extensive spreadsheet of recent laptop releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professional and user-generated sources. By narrowing down the top contenders based on game-specific requirements and price ranges, I've identified the most suitable options for those who prioritize performance, graphics, and smooth gameplay while exploring the intricate storylines and making impactful decisions in the game.
As a player familiar with Telltale Games and an active participant in The Expanse community, I recognize the importance of features such as a vibrant display for admiring the game's stunning artwork and a responsive keyboard for precise decision-making during time-sensitive choices. Additionally, having a laptop with ample processing power and solid graphics performance is essential, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience that allows you to fully appreciate the depth and nuance of the game's narrative. With these factors in mind, this guide will help you find the best laptop for The Expanse: A Telltale Series, taking your gaming experience to new heights.
Power up your gaming experience with these processors
If you're looking for a laptop to play The Expanse: A Telltale Series, you don't need to break the bank on the latest and greatest CPU. Any mid-range processor will do just fine. That said, if you're looking for a laptop that can handle more demanding games, you might need to invest in a faster CPU with more cores. In this section, I'll give you my recommendations for choosing the right processor for The Expanse: A Telltale Series laptop.
What's new in the CPU market?
Apple has released MacBooks with ARM-based M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max system-on-chip modules. They offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has captured 20% of the laptop CPU market, with plenty of notebooks featuring 6th-generation Ryzen CPUs. Just recently, AMD has begun shipping the first batches of laptops equipped with its latest 7th-generation Ryzen processors. While Intel's 13th-generation Core processors have already been released, 12th-generation Core CPUs can provide a lot of value, especially if you don't need cutting-edge performance.
How does a game's performance impact the CPU selection?
The Expanse is not a very demanding game, so any mid-range CPU will do just fine. However, if you plan on playing more demanding titles, you might want to invest in a faster CPU with more cores.
What are your laptop budget and usage constraints?
If you're looking for a gaming laptop under $1,000, don't expect it to have an i7 or Ryzen 7 processor. Instead, focus on an i5 or Ryzen 5 processor. Keep in mind that Ryzen models are best if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop.
What are my personal recommendations for gaming laptops?
My personal recommendations for gaming laptops are as follows:
- Minimum: i3-1115G4
- Recommended: i5-1135G7
- High-end: i7-11370H
Table of recommended processors by price range
| Processor | Median Price |
|---|---|
| i3-1115G4 | $300 |
| i5-1135G7 | $500 |
| i7-11370H | $1,000 |
I use Cinebench R23 to compare CPUs since it's a popular benchmark that's easy to find and is indicative of real-world performance differences between processors. Choose the processor that fits your budget and usage constraints, and you'll be on your way to enjoying The Expanse: A Telltale Series on your new laptop!
The Expanse demands a powerful graphics card
When it comes to deciding on the right laptop graphics card for The Expanse: A Telltale Series, there are a few things to consider. While it is a relatively light game, you'll still want a dedicated GPU to ensure good performance and battery life.
Currently, Nvidia dominates the laptop GPU market, with their latest release being the RTX 40 series cards. However, the RTX 30 series still dominates the current notebook GPU market. It's worth noting that desktop GPUs are now much more power-hungry, which has widened the gap between laptop and desktop graphics performance.
Nvidia has discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, but some laptops still offer lower TDP versions of their GPUs. These are ideal if you're looking for a more portable option without sacrificing too much performance.
In terms of raw performance, benchmark scores like 3DMark can give you a good idea of how a particular GPU performs. It's also worth noting that if you're looking for a gaming laptop with great battery life, you may need to make some concessions, such as a weaker graphics processor or a display panel with a lower refresh rate (TN panel).
Here are my recommended GPUs by price range for The Expanse: A Telltale Series:
| Minimum | Recommended | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce GTX 1650 | GeForce RTX 3050 | GeForce RTX 2060 |
Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your budget and performance needs. But with these options, you should be able to find a laptop graphics card that can handle The Expanse: A Telltale Series without breaking the bank.
Load the Rocinante with High RAM
If you're looking to get a laptop to play The Expanse: A Telltale Series, you may be wondering how much RAM you need. In the past few years, mid-range laptops usually come with 16 GB of RAM, while high-end laptops have 32 GB or more. Latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, but DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.
The Expanse is a pretty demanding game, but it's not quite as demanding as some other games. It's not going to require 16 GB of RAM, but 8 GB is the bare minimum. However, 16 GB is ideal for anyone who wants to play other games alongside The Expanse.
As for DDR5 vs DDR4, there's no reason to get DDR5 unless you're playing a lot of games and need the extra performance. Otherwise, DDR4 will be fine. DDR5 will be faster than DDR4, but it's not worth the price premium yet.
When choosing RAM modules, you should also look for CL, frequency, and latency. Lower values are better for all of these parameters. Ideally, you should get modules with the same brand, speed, and capacity, so they can run in dual-channel mode and maximize performance.
Here are our recommendations for RAM configurations depending on your budget:
| Budget | RAM |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | 8 GB DDR4-3200 CL22 |
| Mid-range | 16 GB DDR4-3200 CL16 |
| High-end | 32 GB DDR4-3200 CL16 |
Note that you may find better deals by shopping around on e-tailers, but be sure to buy from reputable sources to avoid getting counterfeit or defective modules. With the right RAM configuration, you can enjoy The Expanse: A Telltale Series and other games without any hiccups.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can I play The Expanse: A Telltale Series on a laptop?
Absolutely! The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a fantastic game that can be enjoyed on a laptop.
What are the system requirements for The Expanse: A Telltale Series on a laptop?
To play The Expanse: A Telltale Series, you'll need at least an i3-1115G4 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of memory.
Best laptops for playing The Expanse: A Telltale Series?
The best laptops for playing The Expanse: A Telltale Series are the ones that meet or exceed the recommended system requirements. Here are a few recommendations to consider:
- ASUS Zenbook ($640): This budget-friendly option offers the minimum requirements needed for a smooth gaming experience.
- MSI Summit E13 (RECOMMENDATIONS_ALL,140): This mid-range laptop provides a great balance of performance and affordability.
- Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (RECOMMENDATIONS_ALL,500): This laptop offers excellent gaming performance and is well-suited for running The Expanse: A Telltale Series.
- Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (RECOMMENDATIONS_ALL,600): For those who want a bit more power, this variant of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a great choice.
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 ($3,390): If money is no object and you want the absolute best gaming experience, this high-end laptop has you covered.
Recommended specs for running The Expanse: A Telltale Series on a laptop?
To run The Expanse: A Telltale Series smoothly, we recommend an i5-1135G7 processor, GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, and 16 GB of memory.
Can I run The Expanse: A Telltale Series on integrated graphics?
Unfortunately, integrated graphics are not powerful enough to handle The Expanse: A Telltale Series. You'll need a dedicated graphics card like the GeForce GTX 1650 or better.
Is a gaming laptop necessary for playing The Expanse: A Telltale Series?
While a gaming laptop is not strictly necessary, it will provide a much better gaming experience. Gaming laptops are optimized for performance and often have better cooling systems to handle the demands of gaming.
How to choose a laptop for playing The Expanse: A Telltale Series?
When choosing a laptop for playing The Expanse: A Telltale Series, consider the recommended system requirements as a baseline. Look for a laptop with a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, and ample memory. Additionally, make sure the laptop has a good cooling system to prevent overheating during intense gaming sessions.
Can I run The Expanse: A Telltale Series on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can run The Expanse: A Telltale Series on a budget laptop. However, keep in mind that you may need to lower the graphics settings to achieve smooth gameplay. Consider laptops like the ASUS Zenbook ($640) that meet the minimum system requirements.
What graphics card is required to play The Expanse: A Telltale Series on a laptop?
To play The Expanse: A Telltale Series on a laptop, you'll need at least a GeForce GTX 1650 or better graphics card.
Will my old laptop be able to run The Expanse: A Telltale Series?
It depends on the specifications of your old laptop. If it meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements, you should be able to run The Expanse: A Telltale Series. However, keep in mind that older laptops may struggle with newer games due to outdated hardware. It's always recommended to check the system requirements and compare them to your laptop's specifications.
5 Best Laptops for The Expanse: A Telltale Series
$6801.acer Nitro 5
The Expanse: A Telltale Series laptop- Splendid processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
- Superb graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- Awesome memory amount (32GB)
- One of most affordable laptops with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- No IPS Panel (limited viewing angles)
Alternatives
HP Victus 15
- Excellent price
- Good gaming performance
- Bad battery life
- Plain and bulky design
2.ASUS TUF Dash F15
ASUS TUF Dash F15: A balanced performer and competitively priced laptop, perfect for those on a lower budget.- Lightweight and well built for the class.
- Good inputs and IO.
- Offers good FHD 300Hz and QHD screen options.
- Significantly more powerful than the previous generation.
- Still has some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics.
- Most ports are squeezed together on the left edge.
- Be cautious of the FHD 144Hz panel option.
Summary
The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is a well-built and lightweight laptop that offers good inputs and a variety of screen options. With significantly more power than its previous generation, it is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop. Just be cautious of the FHD 144Hz panel option.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53
- Superb 1080p gaming performance
- Strong productivity capabilities
- Poor webcam, touchpad, and speakers
- Some games appear washed out on display
3.Dell G16
The Dell G16 offers power-packed performance at an affordable price, but falls short in terms of display quality and battery life.- Relatively affordable
- Powerful hardware for gaming and productivity tasks
- Good cooling system
- Fast refresh rate options with G-Sync support
- Heavy and thick compared to competitors
- Thunderbolt 4 only available on more expensive models
- No SD card reader
- Short battery life
Summary
The Dell G16 impresses with its gaming and productivity performance, thanks to the RTX 3060 and robust hardware. However, it suffers from a lackluster display, below-average battery life, and weaker speakers.
Reviews
Alternatives
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE5
- Highly responsive 165Hz panel
- Impressive system performance
- High power usage at idle and low load
- No card reader
$1,8004.HP Envy 16
HP Envy 16: A powerful desktop replacement for creatives and light gamers.- Plenty of CPU and GPU power
- New 120Hz screen refresh rate
- High-res webcam
- Sleek design
- Merely adequate base screen
- Optional OLED has fewer pixels than before
- Bulky and heavy
Summary
The HP Envy 16 offers a range of high-end features, including a powerful CPU and GPU, a 120Hz refresh display, and a high-res webcam. While it may be bulky and heavy, it's a tempting choice for those in need of a desktop replacement for creative applications and light gaming.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Strix G15
- High-performance CPU and GPU
- Good workmanship and stable construction
- Skimpy connectivity
- Coil whine in certain situations
5.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A sleek and powerful gaming laptop that offers impressive performance at a competitive price.- Strong overall performance
- Big, bright, and fast display
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to the keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 combines sleek design with powerful components like the i9-13900HX processor and RTX 4090 graphics card, resulting in impressive gaming performance. With a fair price tag and standout features like a big, bright, and fast display, as well as per-key RGB lighting, this laptop is a compelling choice for gamers looking for both performance and affordability.
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Expandable working memory
- Slightly below-average performance for a RTX
Table of the Best Laptops for The Expanse: A Telltale Series
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| acer Nitro 5 | $680 |
| ASUS TUF Dash F15 | $1,160 |
| Dell G16 | $1,510 |
| HP Envy 16 | $1,800 |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | $3,390 |
