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
1.HP Victus 15
HP Victus 15: A budget gaming laptop that sacrifices battery life and design for performance.- Excellent price
- Good gaming performance
- Can double as a work laptop
- Three color choices
- Bad battery life
- Rather plain design
- Weak GPU yields unsatisfactory frame rates
- Screen only so-so despite 144Hz refresh rate
Summary
The HP Victus 15 is a budget gaming laptop that offers good gaming performance at an excellent price. However, it falls short in terms of battery life and design, making it a better choice for users who prioritize performance over aesthetics.
Alternatives
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-DS51
- Sleek, lightweight frame
- Powerful overall and gaming performance
- Weak speakers
- Display could be brighter
2.ASUS TUF Dash F15
ASUS TUF Dash F15: A well-balanced and affordable option for all-purpose/gaming laptops.- Lightweight and well-built
- Good screen options (FHD 300Hz and QHD)
- Significant power improvement from previous generation
- Decent battery life with USB-C charging support
- Some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
- Ports squeezed together on the left edge
- Caution advised with the FHD 144Hz panel option
Summary
The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is a competitively priced, lightweight, and well-built laptop that offers significant improvements in power compared to its previous generation. It comes with good screen options, a decent battery life, and overall solid performance. However, there are some minor quirks and it's advised to avoid 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.Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16
The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16 is a sleek and powerful gaming laptop with an impressive display and ample connectivity options, but falls short in webcam quality and lacks biometric features.- Stylish and sleek form factor
- Gorgeous display
- Strong performance
- Quiet fans
- Webcam quality is poor
- Lacks biometric features
- SSD is slightly slower than competition
Summary
The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16 is a stylish and powerful gaming laptop that offers a refined design, a stunning display, and strong performance. With its quiet fans and plenty of ports, it provides a great gaming experience. However, the webcam quality is disappointing and it lacks biometric features. Additionally, the SSD is slightly slower compared to its competitors.
Reviews
Alternatives
Dell G16
- Impressive IPS panel with high refresh rate and accurate colors
- Easy accessibility for RAM and SSD upgrades
- Heavier and thicker than competitors
- Lack of Thunderbolt 4 on basic configurations
4.ASUS ROG Strix G15
ASUS ROG Strix G15: Unleash the power of the RTX 3070 for optimal gaming performance.- High-performance CPU and GPU
- Excellent workmanship and design
- Impressive display
- User-friendly maintenance
- Limited connectivity options
- Potential coil whine in certain situations
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a high-performance gaming laptop equipped with an RTX 3070 GPU and Ryzen 5000 CPU. With its 300 Hz display, excellent workmanship, sophisticated design, and user-friendly maintenance, this laptop provides a powerful and enjoyable gaming experience. However, the limited connectivity options and potential coil whine in certain situations are notable downsides.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Envy 16
- Plenty of CPU and GPU power
- New 120Hz screen refresh rate
- Merely adequate base screen
- Optional OLED has fewer pixels than before
5.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A mid-priced powerhouse with strong performance and a vibrant display.- 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 equipped with a 13th-gen Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 graphics, making it a mid-priced powerhouse. With its strong overall performance, big and vibrant display, and per-key RGB lighting, it is a great choice for gaming and demanding tasks. However, it does have some drawbacks, such as a bit of flex to the keyboard deck and poor battery life.
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Expandable working memory
- Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
- High noise level
Table of the Best Laptops for The Expanse: A Telltale Series
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| HP Victus 15 | $880 |
| ASUS TUF Dash F15 | $1,160 |
| Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16 | $1,300 |
| ASUS ROG Strix G15 | $1,750 |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | $3,390 |
