Hello, I’m in a bit of a pickle as I’m trying to get another gaming laptop to replace my Eluktronics. It’s had too many issues, and I don’t feel like extending the warranty for it, so I’m currently shopping for a new gaming laptop. However, as per the title, I’m struggling on what GPU to get. My goal is to get an 18-inch laptop, as I want the extra screen and such. With the 5090 laptops being available for purchase by March, should I wait for that or should I get another 4090 laptop? With AI being the new focus for 50xx and DLSS4, are these features even worth considering? I’ve seen way too many performance numbers, along with hearing too many opinions. I’m debating with Alienware and MSI for my 18-inch models, then Lenovo for 16-inch. Please make this easy for me. I’ve been doing hours of research since November. Thanks, and happy Friday!
5090 desktop reviews showed it’s 30% faster than 4090 but with a 30% more wattage. Lithography is the same, so no big surprise. I know 4090 and 5090 laptop are totally different things than desktop but bear in mind they’ll both be at 175W max no matter what. So don’t expect any significant FPS increase. Also, 5090 Desktop got +30% in 4K titles; at 1440p or lower it was a lot less. If you plan on playing on your 1440p 18" monitor, consider a very low increase in FPS, wattage aside. Unless you plan on playing a lot of multi-frame generated capable titles, then it might be worth considering 5090. That’s the only fakery-tech that massively increases the FPS count on 50x0. If you play a lot of single-player games, it might be a good thing to consider. Else… I’d go for a discounted 4090 18" beast like Scar 18, Alienware M18, etc. and you’ll not regret.
@Franklin
Hey there, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. In the end, I might get another 4090 laptop from MSI or Alienware and call it a day. I know a lot of people will say the 5090 is worth it, but is it THAT much better compared to a 4090 from the same company? I’ve heard laptops don’t see that benefit like desktops do. I don’t plan on doing 4K gaming, and I don’t have a desktop monitor. I don’t play super intensive AAA games anymore. I won’t be considering an ASUS, as I’ve heard way too many horror stories about their support.
I’m not being biased here since I have this laptop already, but get the Acer Predator Helios 18 then. It’s 18 inches and great. For the 4090 or 5090 questions, it really depends on your price point, but I’d go with the 5090 if you can afford it.
@Reilly
I would like to stay on the more premium laptop side of things, and I don’t think Acer would meet my needs. I use my Eluk a lot, toss it in bags, take it to/from school, and beat the gaming shit out of it when I’m in the mood. I’m trying to stay under $3k, as I’m dreading this whole process again. Have you seen any performance stats that you’d maybe find useful? I’m getting overwhelmed here… Thank you again.
@Ash
Don’t please. I purchased the Acer Helios 4090, and not even a full year yet, I already had to send it to Best Buy for repair.
Zan said:
@Ash
Don’t please. I purchased the Acer Helios 4090, and not even a full year yet, I already had to send it to Best Buy for repair.
Yeah, I had to do that with my Eluktronics. I’m sticking with something more higher end.
@Ash
Yeah unfortunately, though bro, they all have issues. I’d honestly recommend getting something cheaper that’s under 2k, get a Best Buy warranty, and rock that for 2-3 years. Buying these super expensive gaming laptops isn’t worth it. All these brands have issues.
@Zan
Anything cheaper than $2k will be outdated sooner than something more expensive. I will probably get another 4090, but will look more into the brands. AW and MSI are my top two so far.
Ash said:
@Zan
Anything cheaper than $2k will be outdated sooner than something more expensive. I will probably get another 4090, but will look more into the brands. AW and MSI are my top two so far.
Just my experience. I’ve had like 4 “premium” gaming laptops over the past few years, and each and every last one of them had some kind of annoying issue. I just don’t think it makes sense spending all that money on these devices knowing they’ll likely break down within two years. I’d honestly just go for a midrange device on sale and use that leftover money to upgrade later down the road.
@Ash
Ok, I don’t know too much about gaming laptops and premium brands stuff, but you said you were debating with Alienware, MSI, and Lenovo. I would personally go for MSI, but if you’re trying to stay under 3k, getting a 5090 might be kind of hard. Try watching some vids on reviews with these laptops you are considering, and the 5090 is 42% faster, so if you are willing to research more for deals or just pay more, you should get the 5090. And also, why don’t you think Acer would meet your needs?
@Reilly
I saw the Acer 18-inch laptop at a local tech store, and I didn’t like the feel of it. Maybe that was a bad unit or something, but the hinges and touchpad didn’t have that good quality feel for me. I don’t want to have my next laptop break by the hinges or a touchpad not working properly.
@Ash
It’s all preference, but the touchpad is one of the best touchpads I’ve ever used imo.
Get a cooler and make sure to repaste your SoC and dGPU when needed.
Niall said:
Get a cooler and make sure to repaste your SoC and dGPU when needed.
Well, it depends on what laptop. If I get the Alienware, I’m not deconstructing a $3k+ laptop for a thermal paste job, which may or may not help. I would do some research into getting an external laptop cooler.
I personally would go with the 5080 over 4090, or if money isn’t an issue, 5090. That’s because I don’t play esports games. For me, the new AI stuff is probably worth a slight premium over not having the option to use it.