Welcome to our in-depth guide to finding the best laptop for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, designed specifically for gamers who are passionate about this high-octane, Battle Royale experience. With the ever-evolving landscape of competitive gaming and the constant updates to Warzone, it's crucial to select a laptop that can handle the demanding requirements of this popular title. As a long-time enthusiast of the Call of Duty franchise and an avid Warzone player, I've taken it upon myself to dive deep into the vast pool of laptops to find the perfect match for this intense gaming experience.
In my quest to find the best laptop for Warzone 2.0, I've meticulously reviewed an extensive spreadsheet of recently released laptops, comparing their specs and analyzing both professional and user-generated reviews. This process involved narrowing down top contenders based on topic-specific requirements such as GPU performance, refresh rate, and thermal management, all while considering various price ranges to cater to different budgets. By doing this, I've been able to identify the key factors that make a laptop truly excel in running Warzone 2.0 and keeping you ahead of the competition.
Throughout this guide, you'll find valuable insights into the unique requirements and preferences of Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 players, whether you're a streamer broadcasting your gameplay on Twitch, a competitive player participating in tournaments, or simply someone who enjoys dropping into Verdansk with friends. You can trust that the laptops recommended here have been carefully selected to provide an optimal gaming experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the intense battles, strategic planning, and team coordination that make Warzone 2.0 such a thrilling game.
Processor Power
With the release of the M1 SoC from Apple, laptop performance is reaching dizzying heights. Intel and AMD also released their own new generation of processors, bringing a hybrid of performance and efficiency to PCs. This guide is designed to help you pick the best processor for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
When it comes to laptops optimized for CoD, Apple's MacBook Pro is the best option. If you're looking for a PC gaming laptop, the processor choice becomes more nuanced. In a nutshell, prioritize single-threaded performance over multi-threaded performance, as single-threaded games are still more common than multi-threaded ones. I used PassMark and Cinebench R23 benchmark scores to rank processors and compare them across different price points.
Here is a table of recommended processors for each budget category:
Budget Category | Recommended Processor |
---|---|
Minimum | i3-1115G4 |
Recommended | i5-10310U |
High-end | i7-1180G7 |
However, do note that the CPU is only one part of the equation – for a truly competitive gaming setup, you'll need a GPU that can keep up with the latest generation of graphics APIs (Vulkan or DirectX 12).
Unleash Graphics
If you're looking to buy a laptop for gaming, especially for the upcoming Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, you'll want to make sure that the laptop you get has a good graphics card. Let's take a look at the current gaming GPU market and what to look for depending on your budget.
Currently, Nvidia dominates the laptop GPU market, with its recently released RTX 40 series not yet available on laptops (expected in 2023). However, they do have their latest notebook cards in the RTX 30 series (such as the RTX 3070 Ti). Desktop GPUs are now a lot more power-hungry, resulting in a much wider gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards in the past few years.
Nvidia has also discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, meaning that the exact wattage of a laptop's GPU is determined by the laptop manufacturer (OEM). This results in a wide variance in graphics performance even among laptops with the same GPU chipset.
Integrated graphics are no longer an option for playing Call of Duty: Warzone, so a dedicated GPU is absolutely necessary. Thankfully, the performance gap between mid-range and high-end graphics chips has narrowed in recent years, so it's now easier to find reasonably priced laptops with decent graphics performance.
When evaluating graphics cards, I usually rely on 3DMark as it's widely used and provides a good estimate of real-world performance. I also use other tests such as Unigine Heaven/Valley benchmarks to provide a more complete picture. However, if you're looking for the best possible performance in laptops, then you'll need a high-end graphics chip from Nvidia or AMD (with AMD making some strides in this department recently). These chips offer the best possible framerates, but they come at the cost of reduced battery life and higher temperatures (which can cause damage to the chip itself).
What to look for in a laptop graphics card
Minimum: GeForce RTX 3050
For the absolute minimum, you'll want a laptop with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. It's an entry-level card that can handle 1080p gaming with lower settings. While it won't handle advanced settings or even 4K resolutions, it's good enough for casual gaming.
Recommended: GeForce RTX 2060
For better performance, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 is recommended. It's a great mid-range card that can handle gaming on higher settings with good frame rates. It's also capable of playing some games at 4K resolutions, albeit with lower settings.
High-end: GeForce RTX 2080
Finally, if you're looking for the best possible performance, then you'll want a high-end graphics chip such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080. It's one of the most powerful GPUs available and is capable of running games at the highest settings with smooth framerates. It can also handle some demanding tasks such as video encoding and streaming.
Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a laptop graphics card, you should be able to make an informed decision on what kind of GPU will suit your needs and budget.
Unlocking RAM Power
When it comes to picking the right laptop RAM for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, there are a few considerations to take into account. Most mid-range gaming laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end machines will have 32 GB or more. The latest generation of Intel and AMD CPUs both support DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, though DDR5 is still a bit more expensive and still needs time to mature as a technology.
If you're looking to play CoD: Warzone, you'll need plenty of RAM. The game is optimized for 64-bit, so the sweet spot for most gaming laptops is 32 GB. RAM speed is less important than it used to be, but if you can afford it, it's still a good idea to get DDR5. On the other hand, if you're on a budget and willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for savings, you can opt for DDR4-3200 CL14 or even lower. And if you're looking for a laptop with upgradable memory, make sure it has two SODIMM slots so that you can add more memory in the future.
So, what do you need to look for when deciding on the right RAM for your gaming laptop? Here are our recommendations based on price brackets:
Minimum RAM Requirements
- 8 GB RAM
Recommended RAM Requirements
- 16 GB RAM
High-End RAM Requirements
- 32 GB RAM
Warzone Laptop FAQ
Q: What is the best laptop for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0?
The best laptop for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 depends on your budget and gaming preferences. If you're looking for top-of-the-line performance, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 is highly recommended. It comes with a powerful GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card, an Intel i7-1180G7 processor, and 32 GB of RAM. However, if you're on a tighter budget, the HP Victus or the Acer Predator Helios 16 Ph16-71 Ph16-71-71av offer great gaming experiences at a lower price point.
What specs do I need to run Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a laptop?
To run Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 smoothly on a laptop, we recommend a minimum of a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, an i3-1115G4 or better processor, and at least 8 GB of RAM. For a better gaming experience, a GeForce RTX 2060 or higher graphics card, an i5-10310U or better processor, and 16 GB of RAM are recommended. However, if you want to push the game to its maximum potential, aim for a GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card, an i7-1180G7 or better processor, and 32 GB of RAM.
Can I play Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can play Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a budget laptop. While you may not be able to achieve the highest graphics settings or smoothest frame rates, budget laptops like the HP Victus and the Acer Predator Helios 16 Ph16-71 Ph16-71-71av offer a decent gaming experience at an affordable price. Just make sure the laptop meets the minimum requirements mentioned above.
Is an Intel i5 processor enough for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0?
Yes, an Intel i5 processor is enough for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, especially if you pair it with a GeForce RTX 2060 or higher graphics card and at least 16 GB of RAM. The i5-10310U processor, for example, provides sufficient processing power for gaming, but if you want better performance and future-proofing, consider upgrading to an i7-1180G7 or higher.
How much RAM do I need to run Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a laptop?
To run Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 smoothly on a laptop, we recommend a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. This will allow the game to run without major issues, although you may experience some occasional slowdowns during intense gameplay. For a better gaming experience, especially in crowded areas, we recommend 16 GB of RAM. If you want to future-proof your laptop or plan to multitask while gaming, consider upgrading to 32 GB of RAM.
What graphics card is recommended for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a laptop?
For Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a laptop, we recommend a GeForce RTX 2060 or higher graphics card. The RTX 2060 offers a good balance of performance and affordability, allowing you to enjoy the game at high settings and smooth frame rates. If you're looking for even better performance, consider upgrading to a GeForce RTX 2080 or higher.
Can a gaming laptop run Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 smoothly?
Yes, a gaming laptop can run Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 smoothly, depending on its specifications. As mentioned earlier, a laptop with at least a GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, an i5-10310U or better processor, and 16 GB of RAM should provide a smooth gaming experience. However, to achieve the best performance, it's always recommended to go for a higher-end gaming laptop with a more powerful graphics card, processor, and more RAM.
Is a 144Hz display necessary for playing Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a laptop?
While a 144Hz display is not necessary to play Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on a laptop, it can greatly enhance your gaming experience. A higher refresh rate allows for smoother motion and reduces motion blur, giving you a competitive edge in
4 Best Laptops for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
1.acer Nitro 5
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 laptop- Splendid processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
- Superb graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- Exceptional display (15.6)
- One of most affordable laptops with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- Middle-of-the-road memory amount (32GB)
- No IPS Panel (worse contrast)
Alternatives
Acer Nitro 50 N50-640-UA91 Desktop
- Excellent memory amount (512GB)
- Underwhelming graphics card (GTX 1650)
- No IPS Panel (limited viewing angles)
2.HP Victus 15
HP Victus 15: A budget gaming laptop that delivers respectable performance at an affordable price, but with some compromises.- Excellent price
- Good gaming performance
- Sturdy build
- Bad battery life
- Rather plain design
Summary
The HP Victus 15 strikes a good balance between affordability and performance, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. It offers respectable gaming capabilities, a 144Hz display, and a sturdy build. However, the battery life is subpar and the design is rather plain.
Alternatives
Acer Nitro 5
- Up to scratch processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
- Very good graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
3.ASUS ROG Strix G15
ASUS ROG Strix G15: Unleashing the Power of RTX 3070 for High-Performance Gaming- High-performance CPU and GPU
- Excellent build quality
- Impressive display
- Sleek and sophisticated design
- Limited connectivity options
- Potential for coil whine in certain situations
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 stands out as one of the latest gaming laptops, boasting a powerful combination of an RTX 3000 GPU and a Ryzen 5000 CPU. With its high-performance capabilities, a 300 Hz display, and excellent build quality, this laptop is a top choice for gamers. However, it does have limited connectivity and may experience coil whine in certain situations.
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
4.HP Omen 17
HP Omen 17: High-end gaming laptop with powerful performance, but falls short in some areas.- QHD display with high refresh rate
- Expandable working memory
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
- Individual key illumination
- Slightly below-average performance for an RTX graphics card
- High noise level
- Clattery case
- Meager battery life
Summary
The HP Omen 17 is a high-end gaming laptop with a Core i9 processor and RTX graphics, making it great for video processing, rendering, and QHD gaming. It also features a QHD display with a high refresh rate, expandable memory, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. However, it falls short in terms of performance compared to other laptops with similar graphics, has a high noise level, and a clattery case.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Omen
- QHD display with a high refresh rate
- Powerful processor and graphics for gaming and content creation
- Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
- High noise level
Table of the Best Laptops for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
Laptop | Price (approx) |
acer Nitro 5 | $680 |
HP Victus 15 | $880 |
ASUS ROG Strix G15 | $1,750 |
HP Omen 17 | $4,290 |