Best laptops for Forza Horizon 5 in 2023

Forza Horizon 5

As an avid racing game enthusiast, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for Forza Horizon 5 to fully experience the high-octane gameplay and stunning visuals. In this guide, I will help you navigate through the vast laptop market and identify the top choices for enjoying the latest entry in the Forza Horizon series.

Forza Horizon 5 boasts a vast open-world environment, filled with diverse terrains and dynamic weather conditions. To truly appreciate the intricate details of this game, you'll need a laptop that not only meets the minimum requirements but also excels in areas such as display quality, performance, and cooling solutions. It's essential to find a laptop that can handle the game's graphics and provide smooth gameplay at high settings without breaking the bank.

After reviewing an extensive spreadsheet of recent laptop releases, comparing specs, and analyzing both professional and user-generated reviews, I've narrowed down the top picks for the best laptop for Forza Horizon 5 across different price ranges. I've considered factors like CPU and GPU capabilities, refresh rates, and thermal management to ensure you get the most out of your Forza Horizon 5 gaming experience. Stay tuned as we dive into the specifics and help you find the perfect laptop to immerse yourself in the world of Forza Horizon 5.

Deciding on a processor

Intel Core i7 processor

There are many components that will affect your gaming experience on a laptop, but one of the most important ones is the processor. CPUs are designed to handle the large number of calculations required for games, which makes them integral to gaming performance.

Requirements

Forza Horizon 5 is a demanding game, but not at the same level as Call of Duty or Battlefield. You'll need at least an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor to meet minimum requirements, but for a decent gaming experience, I recommend Intel Core i7-1065G7. AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is your best option if you want to take advantage of high refresh rate displays or achieve a high FPS with 4K resolution.

Recommendations

When looking for a laptop for Forza Horizon 5, I recommend looking for one with at least an Intel Core i3-1005G1 and, ideally, Intel Core i7-1065G7. AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is also a good option if you're looking for high FPS in 4K or 144Hz displays.

The right graphics card

Minimum graphics (under $1000)

gpu

Since there are no benchmarks yet, it's hard to say what is the best graphics card for Forza Horizon 5 (I'll update this section in the near future with accurate banchmark results). The only thing I can recommend is NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile. It will be able to run Forza Horizon 5 on lowest settings with playable framerate, but it's not guaranteed that the game will run smoothly.

Recommended graphics ($1000 – $2500)

It's still too early to say what is the best graphics card for Forza Horizon 5, but if you're looking for a good compromise between price and performance, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is your best bet.

It will be able to run Forza Horizon 5 on high settings with 60 FPS.

Best graphics ($2500 and up)

If you want the best graphics card for Forza Horizon 5, go for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080. It will be able to run Forza Horizon 5 on highest settings with ~100 FPS.

My memory recommendations for Forza Horizon 5

memory ram stick gamming

RAM is one of the few component that is easy to get right when it comes to laptops. As long as you're not on a tight budget, 16 GB is the perfect amount for most people.

Minimum (8 GB)

There are two situations where 8GB RAM is more than enough. First of all, if you're on a tight budget and you know that you can upgrade to 16GB or 32GB in the future. Second, if you know what you're doing and are willing to get your hands dirty by adding an extra stick of RAM later.

Recommended (16 GB)

For Forza Horizon 5 – 16 GB should be enough for most people, unless they are using it for other purposes, such as working on CAD or rendering video. It's plenty of gaming and work.

Best (32 GB)

If you are the type of person who streams gameplay, has multiple games open, or uses Chrome 100 tabs open – consider investing in a 32GB model. The more RAM, the merrier, but it's not necessary by any standard. I'd instead invest in other components, such as CPU or GPU.

TL;DR
  • 8GB RAM is bare minimum for Forza Horizon 5
  • 16GB RAM is recommended for Forza Horizon 5 (work, other programs)
  • 32GB RAM is recommended for high refresh rate displays and streaming (high FPS)

My storage recommendations for Forza Horizon 5

ssd or hdd

Forza Horizon 5 is the latest installment in the popular racing series, but you can't just pick any old laptop and expect to play it. You need a good storage setup.

Why is storage important?

First of all, let's talk about why storage is important. To put it simply, a lot of what you do in a game is load files from your hard drive into your computer's memory. The more space you have, the more data you can store on your hard drive and less of it will be loaded from the disk every time you load a level or open up a menu. It will make your gameplay smoother, faster, and free up some memory for other tasks while playing the game. So the bottom line is – get as much storage as possible.

The bare minimum

The bare minimum you should go for if you want to play Forza Horizon 5 on a budget is 256 GB SSD. It will be enough for OS and a few other essential programs, but won't leave any room for games or anything else you might want to store on your computer's hard drive. It's enough for most people, but not everyone. And that's why we're here – to help those people who need more than just enough.

512 GB SSD?

I'd recommend getting at least 512 GB SSD if possible – that would still leave some room for extra stuff like pictures or videos (depending on how many you take). But this option might not be available to everyone, depending on how much they are willing to spend on their laptop or if they can afford it at all (some laptops are too expensive). If that's the case with you, I recommend getting as big an HDD as possible – it'll help with loading times and general performance while playing Forza Horizon 5 even if it doesn't provide any additional storage space to install games or anything else.

Choosing a display

Choosing a display

Forza Horizon 5 is the latest iteration of Forza's signature series. Like any open-world racing game, the graphics and performance are critical. However, the Forza Horizon series has never been renowned for its visuals – it's about racing and exploring to your heart's content. With that in mind, there are two crucial considerations when choosing a laptop display for Forza Horizon 5:

Resolution

A resolution of 1920×1080 (FHD) is ideal – you won't have to worry about any less visible detail on screen. If you're not in a rush to upgrade your current laptop – stick with FHD for now. But if you want an upgrade right away – QHD or 4K are viable options. A higher resolution will allow you to see more detail at once, which might be helpful when driving at high speeds. And it'll make textures appear smoother, which is always nice.

Refresh rate

You can achieve refresh rates of 120Hz or more on some laptops, but that requires an expensive configuration with a high-end graphics card. For most people, 60Hz will suffice just fine – but keep in mind that it might be easier to spot frame drops with a high refresh rate display.

TL;DR
  • Forza Horizon 5 is an open world racing game that requires a FHD display with 60Hz refresh rate
  • QHD or 4K is viable for those who want to see more detail at once, but FHD is sufficient for most people and can be used as an upgrade from an older laptop
  • Forza Horizon 5 doesn't require high performance and high refresh rate displays, so any laptop with FHD and 60Hz will do just fine

FAQ

Q: What laptop is best for Forza Horizon 5?

When it comes to the best laptop for Forza Horizon 5, you'll want to aim for the maximum specifications to fully enjoy the stunning graphics and immersive gameplay. A laptop like the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16, priced at $3,390, will provide you with a top-tier gaming experience. With its powerful Ryzen 9 4900HS processor, RTX 3080 graphics card, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, this laptop can handle anything Forza Horizon 5 throws at it.

Can my laptop run Forza Horizon 5?

To determine if your laptop can run Forza Horizon 5, you'll need to compare its specifications to the game's system requirements. While the minimum requirements may allow the game to run, it's always best to meet or exceed the recommended specifications for an optimal gaming experience. Keep in mind that Forza Horizon 5 is a demanding game, so if your laptop falls short of the medium or maximum specifications, you may experience performance issues.

What are the system requirements for Forza Horizon 5 on a laptop?

The system requirements for Forza Horizon 5 on a laptop are as follows:

  • Processor: For minimum requirements, an i3-1005G1 is sufficient. However, if you want a smoother gameplay experience, aim for at least an i7-1065G7 or even better, a Ryzen 9 4900HS.
  • Storage: The minimum requirement is a 256 GB SSD, but it's recommended to have at least a 512 GB SSD to accommodate the game's size and future updates. If you want to store more games and media, go for a 1 TB SSD.
  • Display: For a minimum requirement, a FHD TN panel will work, but it's recommended to have a FHD IPS panel for better color accuracy and wider viewing angles. If you're a competitive gamer, consider a high refresh rate display for smoother gameplay.
  • Memory: 8 GB of RAM is the minimum requirement, but we suggest having at least 16 GB for a more responsive gaming experience.
  • Graphics: The game will run with a GTX 1660 Ti, but to enjoy the game at its fullest, we recommend an RTX 3060 or even an RTX 3080 if your budget allows.
Is a gaming laptop necessary for playing Forza Horizon 5?

While it's not necessary to have a dedicated gaming laptop to play Forza Horizon 5, it is highly recommended if you want to fully immerse yourself in the game. Gaming laptops are specifically designed to handle the demands of modern games, providing better graphics performance, cooling, and overall gaming experience. If you're serious about gaming and want to enjoy Forza Horizon 5 to its fullest potential, investing in a gaming laptop will undoubtedly enhance your gameplay.

What graphics card do I need for Forza Horizon 5 on a laptop?

For Forza Horizon 5 on a laptop, the graphics card plays a crucial role in determining the visual quality and performance. To meet the minimum requirements, a GTX 1660 Ti will suffice. However, if you want to experience the game with better graphics fidelity and smoother framerates, we recommend an RTX 3060 or even better, an RTX 3080 for the maximum settings and future-proofing.

How much RAM is required to run Forza Horizon 5 on a laptop?

For Forza Horizon 5, the minimum requirement is 8 GB of RAM. However, to ensure a more responsive gaming experience and smoother multitasking, it is recommended to have at least 16 GB of RAM. This will allow the game to run smoothly while leaving headroom for other background processes.

Can I play Forza Horizon 5 on an entry-level laptop?

Playing Forza Horizon 5 on an entry-level laptop will be challenging, as the game is quite demanding in terms of graphics and processing power. While it may be possible to run the game on a laptop with minimum requirements, you may have to compromise on visual quality and performance. For a more enjoyable gaming experience, we recommend aiming for laptops with at least medium specifications or higher.

What are the recommended laptop specs for Forza Horizon 5?

The recommended laptop specs for Forza Horizon 5 are as follows:

  • Processor: Aim for an i7-1065G7 or better, or a Ryzen 9 4900HS for optimal performance.
  • Storage: We recommend a minimum of 512 GB SSD to ensure sufficient space for the game and future updates.
  • Display: A FHD IPS panel is recommended for better color accuracy and wider viewing angles. If you're

4 Best Laptops for Forza Horizon 5

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acer Nitro 5$680
Ryzen 7 6800H | RTX 3070 Ti | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 15.6″; 2560x1440 |

1.acer Nitro 5

Forza Horizon 5 laptop
Pros
  • Superb processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
  • Splendid graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
  • Exceptional display (15.6)
  • Superb memory amount (32GB)
Cons
  • No IPS Panel (worse viewing angles)
Alternatives
acer Nitro 5 $780
acer Nitro 5
Pros
  • Low price
  • Solid gaming performance with 12th Gen CPU and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
Cons
  • Limited storage and processing power for gaming
  • Middling build quality
ASUS TUF Dash F15 $1,160
i7-12650H | RTX 3070 | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS-level G-Sync; 1920x1080 |

2.ASUS TUF Dash F15

ASUS TUF Dash F15: A balanced performer with a competitive price tag.
Pros
  • Lightweight and well-built
  • Good performance for the price
  • Range of screen options to choose from
  • Decent battery life
Cons
  • Quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
  • Ports squeezed together on the left edge
  • Avoid the FHD 144Hz screen option
Summary

The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is a lightweight and well-built laptop that offers good performance for its price. It has a range of screen options to choose from and offers decent battery life. However, there are some quirks with its ergonomics, and the FHD 144Hz screen option should be avoided.

Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53 $1,100
ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53
Pros
  • Superb 1080p gaming performance
  • Strong productivity capabilities
Cons
  • Poor webcam, touchpad, and speakers
  • Some games appear washed out on display
Lenovo Legion Pro 5 $2,630
i9-13900HX | RTX 4070 | 64 GB RAM | 4000 GB SSD | 14.31″ IPS G-Sync; 2560x1600 |

3.Lenovo Legion Pro 5

Lenovo Legion Pro 5 offers good value and performance, but has some thermal issues and limited battery life.
Pros
  • Good build quality and design
  • Good screen and IO
  • Competent CPU with multiple GPU options
  • Competitively priced
Cons
  • No Thunderbolt or biometrics
  • Some thermal hotspots while gaming
  • Poor speakers
  • So-so battery life
Summary

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is a well-built mid-tier laptop that provides good value for its price. It features a good screen, inputs, and performance, but potential buyers should be aware of its thermal issues during sustained loads, limited battery life, and subpar speakers.

Reviews
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion Pro 5$2,840
Lenovo Legion Pro 5
Pros
  • Strong performance for the price
  • Quality build and port selection
Cons
  • Display quality and battery life are just decent
  • Bulky and heavy
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 $3,390
i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 16″ HDR; 2560x1600 |

4.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: Powerful Performance Packed in a Sleek Design.
Pros
  • Strong overall performance
  • Big, bright and fast display
  • Per-key RGB lighting
Cons
  • Some flex to keyboard deck
  • Poor battery life
Summary

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 offers impressive performance with its i9-13900HX processor and RTX 4090 graphics card, all while maintaining a sleek and understated design. With a fair price tag compared to its competitors, it is a great option for gamers looking for a high-end gaming laptop.

Alternatives
HP Omen 17 $4,290
HP Omen 17
Pros
  • QHD display with 165 Hz refresh rate
  • Expandable working memory
Cons
  • Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
  • High noise level

Table of the Best Laptops for Forza Horizon 5

LaptopPrice (approx)
acer Nitro 5$680
ASUS TUF Dash F15$1,160
Lenovo Legion Pro 5$2,630
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16$3,390
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Mathew Greensbig
I'm an enthusiastic gamer with extensive knowledge of computers, laptops, components, and gaming. It's this depth of knowledge that I bring to writing reviews for the most suitable laptops for specific games. My finely tuned understanding of the intersection between cutting-edge technology and gaming requirements ensures that gamers are equipped with the best tools to augment their gaming experiences. I pride myself on my ability to distill complex tech concepts into understandable advice, proving myself to be a trusted guide in the vast landscape of gaming technology.