Question Help me find a new laptop please ?

[ttonks93]

Hi, need to find a new laptop but i'm having trouble finding one. I will mainly use it for streaming games from a host PC and general browsing the internet so nothing too spec'd up.

Requirements:
HDMI 2.1 port capable of outputting 4k @ 144hz
Thunderbolt 4 port
AMD processor (faster the better)
32GB RAM
1TB SSD
14 inch display (would prefer touchscreen but not a necessity)
Budget is flexible

That's pretty much it, thanks in advance.

 

[Aeacus]

Take your pick: https://www.rtings.com/laptop/reviews/best/by-size/13-14-inch

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) fits your requirements. Except touchscreen.

For touchscreen ones, look here: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-touch-screen-laptops#

 

[LordVile]

Take your pick: https://www.rtings.com/laptop/reviews/best/by-size/13-14-inch

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) fits your requirements. Except touchscreen.

For touchscreen ones, look here: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-touch-screen-laptops#

While I do like the MacBook Pro the spec for 32GB and 1TB would be around 2.5K and that’s without the M4 Pro chip. Though I don’t see the point in a 32GB laptop for web browsing or streaming games. I also don’t see the point for 4K 144Hz when most streaming platforms are locked to 60 and even remote play is capped at 120Hz. Plus most GPUs will struggle hitting 4K60 on modern titles. A MacBook Air with upgraded storage an 16GB of RAM with a USBC to HDMI dongle would do pretty much anything for a much lower price.

 

[Aeacus]

Though I don’t see the point in a 32GB laptop for web browsing or streaming games. I also don’t see the point for 4K 144Hz when most streaming platforms are locked to 60 and even remote play is capped at 120Hz.

This is what OP asked and i delivered. Not my place to question why they need such a high-spec laptop for such a small task or how they spend their money.

 

[LordVile]

This is what OP asked and i delivered. Not my place to question why they need such a high-spec laptop for such a small task or how they spend their money.

My concern would be cost because 2.5k is a lot for the listed spec. They also aren’t requesting a high spec laptop

 

[Aeacus]

They also aren’t requesting a high spec laptop

32GB RAM and (AMD) CPU that is as fast as possible, are considered high-spec in laptop scene.

HDMI 2.1 can not natively push 144 Hz on 4K. It caps at 120 Hz. So, for 144 Hz on 4K, compression must be used.
Or HDMI 2.2 port, which even the latest desktop GPUs do not have.

 

[LordVile]

32GB RAM and (AMD) CPU that is as fast as possible, are considered high-spec in laptop scene.

HDMI 2.1 can not natively push 144 Hz on 4K. It caps at 120 Hz. So, for 144 Hz on 4K, compression must be used.
Or HDMI 2.2 port, which even the latest desktop GPUs do not have.

Really isn’t considering they don’t want a dGPU.

Think 120Hz is fine considering the demands is a display spec. 144 and120 is effectively the same.

 

[ttonks93]

For reference my old Alienware M15 R4 was outputting 144hz when streaming games so it is possible. But it is too big and loud for my liking. I've just brought a 144hz display so would like to get the most out of it. Should I be looking at something with a dedicated GPU or maybe buy an eGPU enclosure and say a RTX 3050?

I would like 32GB of RAM and a fast processor to future proof my laptop.

 

[ttonks93]

Looking at the Acer laptop below, but I cannot find any specs on the HDMI port. If someone knows whether this supports HDMI 2.1 I would be extremely greatful.

https://store.acer.com/en-gb/acer-swift-14-ai-touchscreen-sf14-61t-silver

 

[Aeacus]

but I cannot find any specs on the HDMI port. If someone knows whether this supports HDMI 2.1 I would be extremely greatful.

It has HDMI 2.1.

Source: review of it: https://laptopmedia.com/review/acer...ssive-performance-in-a-thin-and-light-design/