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The Dell G15 is a well-liked price range gaming laptop computer that boasts top-tier {hardware} and an excellent design, all for a surprisingly reasonably priced value. If you happen to’re searching for a powerhouse gaming laptop computer, however cannot afford Dell’s costlier Alienware model, then the G15 is a improbable selection.
I’ve spent weeks with the G15, and I like its quick processor, superior GPU, and vibrant display screen. And though it shares among the similar flaws as different price range laptops — a cumbersome body and mediocre battery life, for instance — I am satisfied that it is the most effective price range gaming laptops you should purchase.
Dell G15
The Dell G15 is a price range gaming laptop computer that doesn’t skimp on energy. With new Intel and AMD processors, high-end Nvidia graphics, and a vibrant display screen, it’s one of many high gaming laptops you should purchase. Observe: Actual specs range by retailer and configuration.
The Dell G15 is an reasonably priced powerhouse
A vivid display screen makes the Dell G15 look nice.
William Antonelli/Insider; Riot Video games
Relying in your configuration, most Dell G15 choices vary in value from $900 to about $1,300, placing them firmly into the price range laptop computer vary. Probably the most highly effective configurations can go as much as round $1,500, however you possibly can usually discover them on sale for much less. Regardless of the low value, all G15 configurations characteristic shockingly nice {hardware}.
Prime billing has to go to the Dell G15’s CPU. Each model of the G15 options both a Thirteenth-generation Intel Core (i5-13450HX or i7-13650HX) or 7000-series AMD Ryzen (Ryzen 5-7640HS or Ryzen 7-7840HS) processor. These are among the many latest and strongest cell processors available on the market, and are uncommon finds in a price range mannequin. Whichever mannequin you choose, multitasking is a breeze, and you will not have to fret about bottlenecking the remainder of your {hardware}.
Dell combines these processors with some nice graphics playing cards. The most cost effective configuration solely has an Nvidia RTX 3050, which is comparatively outdated at this level — though nonetheless robust sufficient to run practically any sport — however for just a few hundred {dollars} extra, you possibly can improve to an RTX 4050 or RTX 4060.
The particular configuration I reviewed got here with an Intel Core i7 13650HX and an RTX 4060. These specs are pretty much as good or higher than these in different price range gaming laptops. Additionally they imply that it doesn’t matter what you are enjoying — whether or not it is an indie sport with easy graphics like Pizza Tower, or a big-budget bestseller like Elden Ring — you are going to have a great time.
It is true that essentially the most intensive video games won’t keep secure body charges on absolutely the highest settings. At max settings, Cyberpunk 2077 jumped erratically between 40 and 60 FPS, and Starfield suffered from random lag spikes. However these are issues which are simple sufficient to repair by turning down settings like ray tracing, shadows, and texture high quality. And if you happen to’re utilizing an RTX 4050 or 4060 mannequin, you might be able to change on Nvidia’s AI-powered DLSS mode, which may increase body charges considerably by artificially producing new frames.
And fortunately, the Dell G15 manages to remain fairly cool even when gaming. Temperatures not often obtained too sizzling for consolation, and though the followers did rev up at instances to maintain issues easy, they weren’t obnoxiously loud. Most warmth will get pushed out of the G15’s base, so attempt to preserve it off comfortable surfaces whereas gaming.
The superb graphical efficiency is complemented by an equally wonderful 15.6-inch display screen. The Dell G15’s show is vibrant and responsive — fast-paced video games like Valorant feel and look lovely on it. My assessment mannequin solely has a 165Hz show with a 1080p decision, however you possibly can improve that to a 240Hz and even 360Hz possibility.
Excessive refresh charges can enhance your favourite video games.
William Antonelli/Insider; Riot Video games
That 240Hz mannequin additionally helps a better 1440p decision and as much as 400 nits of brightness with P3 broad coloration capabilities, which outpaces practically each different price range gaming laptop computer. It is a sharp distinction (no pun supposed) to duller price range fashions, just like the in any other case wonderful Acer Nitro 5.
If you happen to purchase the G15 by means of the official Dell web site, you will discover a great deal of customization choices that’ll enable you construct the right laptop computer on your price range. You’ll be able to change the specs, the display screen high quality, and even the colour — my assessment mannequin got here in a phenomenal “Pop Purple with Neo Mint” design.
Sadly, not the entire Dell G15’s options are as prime quality as the inner {hardware}.
The Dell G15’s weight, port, and trackpad present its price range standing
The G15’s charger is heavier than a calculus textbook.
William Antonelli/Insider; Riot Video games
Whereas the Dell G15 is likely to be an excellent price range gaming laptop computer, it is nonetheless a price range laptop computer. Which means it nonetheless suffers from most of the similar points as different price range fashions.
Let’s begin with the G15’s bodily construct. It weighs in at barely greater than six kilos, which is heavy even for a gaming laptop computer. And its general weight will get even heavier while you account for the bizarrely huge 330W charging brick, which provides one other three kilos. It is the heaviest charger I’ve ever seen, and even heavier than the charger for the stronger Alienware x16.
Talking of the battery, it has its execs and cons. With the brightness turned down and energy effectivity modes turned on, it could final some time — over 5 hours, in my testing. However as quickly as a sport launches, the battery life tanks. I obtained just a little greater than an hour enjoying Overwatch 2, and about two hours enjoying Mini Motorways. If you happen to preserve the brightness up however do not play video games, anticipate about 3.5 hours. Once more, that is common for a price range laptop computer.
The G15 has three USB-A ports, which is nice, however solely carries a single USB-C port. I might have the ability to take care of that if it weren’t for the port placement — the USB-C port, together with the charging, HDMI, and one USB-A port, are caught on the again of the laptop computer, behind the display screen. It is an unwelcome holdover from Alienware fashions that makes adjusting gadgets tough.
The G15’s different flaws are minor, however nonetheless price noting. The keyboard is okay, however the trackpad is uncomfortably small. And the audio system are comparatively loud, however tinny — you will not hear a lot element within the music you are listening to.
Dell G15: Specs
The Dell G15 is extremely customizable. Within the desk beneath, I’ve listed all of the potential specs for the G15 — however be aware that not all mixtures can be found collectively. Daring textual content represents the specs that my assessment mannequin had.
Must you purchase the Dell G15?
The G15 is available in three colours.
Dell
Sure! The Dell G15 is a improbable gaming laptop computer basically, and its low value is simply icing on the cake. There are only a few, if any, gaming laptops higher than it on the $1,000 to $1,400 value level.
Definitely, it is not for everybody — its weight and middling battery life make it a poor selection for consumers who desire a gaming laptop computer they will carry with them all over the place, and use all day lengthy. If that is the state of affairs you are in, I might advocate one thing slimmer, just like the HP Victus.
However in comparison with the Dell G15’s strengths, like its top-tier gaming and multitasking efficiency, or its vivid, vibrant display screen, none of these flaws are deal breakers for me. The Dell G15 is great, and I am excited to see how Dell improves it sooner or later.
I might advocate shopping for the G15 from Dell’s official web site, because it’s the best strategy to customise your mannequin. Simply preserve monitor of the worth, which may soar randomly — for instance, the Pop Purple and Quantum White fashions look nice, however most likely aren’t price a whole bunch of {dollars} greater than the usual grey.
