As a passionate gamer and laptop enthusiast, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for The Last of Us Part 1. This critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog has captivated players with its immersive narrative, detailed environments, and intense gameplay. To fully appreciate every aspect of this masterpiece, you'll need a laptop that can not only run the game smoothly but also enhance your overall gaming experience.
To help you find the perfect machine, I've reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professional and user-generated sources. By focusing on the unique requirements for playing The Last of Us Part 1, such as high-quality graphics, fast processing speeds, and immersive audio, I've narrowed down the top laptops within various price ranges. This will allow you to enjoy the emotional journey of Joel and Ellie without compromising on performance or breaking the bank.
While browsing forums like the dedicated subreddit, /r/thelastofus, or discussing with fellow fans, it's evident that having a powerful laptop can make a world of difference when enjoying this incredible game. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to finding the best laptop for The Last of Us Part 1 that not only enhances your gaming experience but also fits your budget and personal preferences.
Processor Power
Apple and AMD have both released cutting-edge laptop processors recently, with Apple's own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules offering exceptional single-core performance and battery life, and AMD having managed to take 20% of the CPU market with their 6th generation Ryzen processors. Meanwhile, Intel's 13th generation of processors is yet to make its way to laptops, with 12th generation being the latest available right now. In addition, both Intel's and Apple's silicon chips adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design, which allows them to offer both power and battery life at the same time.
The Last of Us Part 1 is a PS4 exclusive, so we can disregard Windows laptops from the equation. As the game is not very demanding, we can focus on the CPU performance which is best measured by PassMark and Cinebench R20 (R23). The goal is to get the best value for money when it comes to processors for The Last of Us Part 1; a high-end CPU is not necessary, as an H-series processor would be best if you're looking for a long battery life or you want to play games other than The Last of Us Part 1, but it's not worth the extra cost if you're playing on a budget. We'll use PassMark and Cinebench R20 (R23) to compare CPUs since they are more relevant for gaming laptops than 3DMark or other synthetic benchmarks.
If you're looking for a gaming laptop under $1,000 – don't expect to get a top-tier processor; AMD Ryzen 5/Intel Core i5-U series would be ideal in this case; anything higher will require spending more money than intended. Here are our recommended processors according to budget:
| Price Range | Recommended Processor |
|---|---|
| Under $500 | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U |
| $500 – $1,000 | Intel Core i3-10110U |
| Over $1,000 | Intel Core i5-10210U |
In conclusion, you can rest assured knowing that the processors listed above will ensure an enjoyable experience while playing The Last of Us Part 1 without breaking the bank.
GPU for TLOU1
With Nvidia continuing to dominate the laptop GPU market, you'll need a good GPU if you want to play The Last of Us Part 1 at high framerates. The game's recommended requirements are a GeForce RTX 20 series card or a Radeon RX 500 series card. Although Nvidia has recently released RTX 40 series cards, these are not yet available for laptops. Currently, their latest notebook cards are in the RTX 30 series (like the RTX 3070 Ti).
In the past few years, desktop GPUs have become much more power-hungry; as a result, the gap between the limited performance of notebook graphics and the power of desktop graphics cards has widened. Additionally, Nvidia has done away with their Max-Q label for RTX graphics cards, meaning that a laptop's exact GPU wattage is determined by the manufacturer. This could result in a wide variance in graphics performance in laptops with the same GPU chipset.
If you're looking for a good laptop graphics card, it's important to pay attention to benchmarks, as they give you an accurate indication of how the graphics card will perform. 3DMark benchmarks are usually more representative than synthetic tests like Firestrike and Heaven. Of course, a more powerful graphics card will come with a heftier price tag, so if you're on a budget, check how well the GPU is supported by the manufacturer (RATIO).
To help you choose the best laptop graphics card for The Last of Us Part 1 depending on your budget, here is a table of our recommended GPUs:
| Budget | Recommended GPU |
|---|---|
| Minimum | GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Recommended | GeForce RTX 3050 |
| High-end | GeForce RTX 2060 |
RAM Essentials
RAM is one of the most important components in a gaming laptop. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end – 32 GB or more. If you're looking for the best gaming laptop, you'll want to get at least 16 GB of RAM.
The latest generation of DDR memory is available in laptops, and it's no surprise that it offers better performance than DDR4 from a few years ago. Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.
If you're looking for an upgradeable laptop, make sure it has an accessible M.2 slot or an empty DIMM slot so you can add more RAM down the line. When shopping around, you should also consider latency, frequency, and other features, as they all impact performance.
So, what can you expect at each price point? Here are our recommendations:
| Price range | Memory |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 8 GB |
| Recommended | 16 GB |
| High-end | 32 GB |
6 Best Laptops for The Last of Us Part 1
1.MSI GF63 Thin
The MSI GF63 Thin is an affordable option for gaming on the go, but with limited gaming performance and comfort.- Inexpensive
- Powerful Intel Core i5 CPU
- Lightweight, partially metal chassis
- Limited gaming performance
- Dull screen
- Flat, uncomfortable keyboard
Summary
The MSI GF63 Thin is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that offers a powerful Intel Core i5 CPU and a lightweight, partially metal chassis. However, it falls short in terms of gaming performance and creature comforts, with a dull screen and a flat, uncomfortable keyboard.
Alternatives
HP
- Strong entry-level gaming
- Solid productivity performance
- Display and webcam could be better
- Too much pre-installed software
2.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16
The Last of Us Part 1 laptop- First-class processor (Ryzen 9 6900HX)
- Exceptional graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- Exceptional display (16)
- Solid memory amount (64GB)
- Heavy (5.48 lbs)
- No IPS Panel (subpar viewing angles)
Alternatives
HP Victus 15
- Affordable price
- Good gaming performance
- Poor battery life
- Plain design
3.ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74 is a powerful gaming laptop with a fast GPU and high TGP, but lacks some premium features.- Fast GPU and high TGP
- 300 Hz IPS panel with full sRGB coverage
- Sturdy build with 2x SODIMM, 2x M.2 PCIe4 x4, and MUX switch
- No per-key RGB lighting
- Shorter WLAN runtimes
- Chassis base and lid exhibit some flexing
Summary
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74 is a high-performance gaming laptop with a 140 W TGP GeForce RTX 3060 and a 300 Hz IPS panel with full sRGB coverage. It has a sturdy build, but exhibits some flexing in the chassis base and lid, lacks per-key RGB lighting, and has shorter WLAN runtimes.
Reviews
Alternatives
Dell G15
- High CPU and GPU performance
- Illuminated keyboard
- Dark display poor in contrast
- Low color space coverage
4.ASUS ROG Strix G15
ASUS ROG Strix G15 is an excellent gaming laptop for high-performance gaming with a 300 Hz display.- High-performance CPU and GPU
- Good workmanship and sophisticated design
- 300 Hz display for smooth gaming
- User-friendly maintenance and good input devices
- Skimpy connectivity
- Coil whine in certain situations
Summary
Equipped with an RTX 3000 GPU and a Ryzen 5000 CPU, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a powerhouse gaming laptop that promises high performance for gaming. With good workmanship, a sophisticated design, and a 300 Hz display, it's an excellent choice for gamers. However, it suffers from skimpy connectivity and coil whine in certain situations.
Reviews
Alternatives
Acer Predator Triton 500
- High performance capabilities
- Excellent, bright 240-Hz display
- Soldered-in RAM
- Inaccessible SSD
5.HP Omen 17
The HP Omen 17 delivers premium gaming performance, but suffers from poor noise control and battery life.- High-quality QHD display with 165 Hz refresh rate
- Expandable memory
- Advanced Optimus technology
- High noise level
- Below-average battery life
- Clattery case.
Summary
HP's Omen 17 boasts a high-end QHD display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and expandable memory, making it an excellent choice for gaming. However, the laptop's noise levels and battery life are below average, and its case tends to clatter.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
- Thin and elegant design with a dual-screen setup
- Blistering gaming performance
- Very expensive, especially as configured
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
6.ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo - Top Performance at a Top Price- Thin, elegant design with dual displays and top-end performance
- Impressive two-screen layout
- Blistering gaming performance, with GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU, Ryzen 9 CPU
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
- Poor battery life
- High cost
Summary
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is a top-end gaming laptop with a dual-screen setup that is worth the price if you have the budget, but with its poor battery life, awkward keyboard and touchpad layout, and high cost, it may not be the best choice for those on a budget.
Reviews
Alternatives
Dell XPS 17 9720
- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
- Performance not completely stable under combined load
FAQ
What laptop is best for The Last of Us Part 1?
At the time of writing, the recommended laptop for The Last of Us Part 1 is the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro. It has a 10th gen Intel i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. For a more budget-friendly option, the MSI GF63 Thin or Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15 both offer decent specs for a lower price.
What laptop specs do I need for The Last of Us Part 1?
To run The Last of Us Part 1 on a laptop, you should look for at least an 8th gen Intel i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. To get the most out of the game, we recommend 16 GB RAM and a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card.
How to choose a laptop for The Last of Us Part 1?
When choosing a laptop for The Last of Us Part 1, you should make sure that it meets or exceeds the recommended specs above. If possible, go for a laptop with 16 GB RAM and a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card for the best gaming experience. Additionally, make sure to have at least 500 GB SSD storage to ensure that you have enough room for the game and other programs.
Is RTX 3060 enough for playing The Last of Us Part 1?
Yes, the RTX 3060 is more than enough to run The Last of Us Part 1. This will give you the best possible gaming experience with this game.
Can The Last of Us Part 1 run on a laptop?
Yes, The Last of Us Part 1 can be played on a laptop. However, make sure that your laptop meets or exceeds the recommended specs above in order to get the most out of the game.
Is the GTX 1650 enough to run The Last of Us Part 1?
Yes, the GTX 1650 is more than enough to run The Last of Us Part 1. This will allow you to play the game on a budget.
How much RAM is required to play The Last of Us Part 1?
You will need at least 8 GB of RAM to play The Last of Us Part 1. However, we recommend 16 GB of RAM for the best gaming experience.
Is 500 GB SSD enough for playing The Last of Us Part 1?
Yes, 500 GB is enough for playing The Last of Us Part 1. However, we recommend 1 TB SSD storage for the best gaming experience.
Is an Intel i7 needed to run The Last of Us Part 1?
An Intel i7 is not necessary to run The Last of Us Part 1, but it will provide the best gaming experience. We recommend going with at least an 8th gen Intel i3 processor.
Will The Last of Us Part 1 work on a laptop?
Yes, The Last of Us Part 1 will work on most laptops as long as they meet or exceed the recommended specs above.
Table of the Best Laptops for The Last of Us Part 1
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| MSI GF63 Thin | $630 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16 | $700 |
| ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74 | $1,300 |
| ASUS ROG Strix G15 | $1,860 |
| HP Omen 17 | $3,470 |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo | $5,250 |
