Can A Gaming Laptop Run Cyberpunk 2077
With the excitement over the imminent release of CD Projeckt Red’s upcoming sci-fi RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, fans of the genre have been wondering weather their gaming laptops can handle the game’s intense graphics and demanding system requirements.
Can gaming laptops run Cyberpunk 2077? Firstly, it depends on the specs of the laptop, as the game is likely to be more resource-intensive than any other game on the market. The minimum requirement for the game is an Intel Core i5 7300U CPU and an Nvidia Geforce GTX1080 GPU, so a laptop with a mature CPU and a GPU to match should be able to handle the game without an issue.
Moreover, the game’s optimal system specs are a Intel Core i7 6700K or AMD Ryzen 5 2500K CPU, and an Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 Ti or AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 GPU. Here, a gaming laptop can run the game if it has been upgraded with regard to its CPU and GPU, or if it has a more advanced CPU and GPU installed.
However, a laptop’s performance will not be optimal in comparison to a PC setup running Cyberpunk 2077. This is because a laptop’s processor and GPU are typically less powerful than their desktop counterparts, so the graphical and performance settings may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Additionally, it is likely that some laptop manufacturers may produce special Cyberpunk 2077-themed editions of their gaming laptops with more powerful CPUs and GPUs for optimal performance. This could give die-hard fans of the game an opportunity to experience the game on a laptop optimised for the game’s specific needs.
Considering laptop gaming hardware is often more expensive than a desktop equivalent, the cost of the laptop should also be taken into account. Once the laptop is up to its correct specs, it will still be more expensive than a PC, and bear in mind that the hardware will eventually become outdated, meaning that an upgraded laptop will eventually become obsolete at some point.
Other Considerations
As with any laptop, cooling needs to be taken into account when running demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077. The laptop will require ventilation systems such as fans and cooling systems to manage the heat generation, as well as adequate storage to house the game as it is installed.
Ultimately, laptop gaming performance cannot compare to a custom-built gaming PC, and laptop game enthusiasts would be better served investing in a high-spec desktop for gaming, rather than a laptop.
For those looking for more power, the Razer Blade Pro 17 and Alienware Area-51M, which both feature Intel’s newest 8th Generation i7 processors and RTX 2080 graphics, are both capable of running the game and a range of other demanding titles with ease.
Furthermore, the game’s high-end specifications put it firmly out of reach for those wishing to game on a budget system, so for cheaper gaming solutions gamers may be better served sticking to less demanding titles.
Verdict
While laptop gaming has advanced significantly in the last decade, laptops still lack the supreme performance of a desktop PC.
While there are a few laptops that are powerful enough to run Cyberpunk 2077, most laptops will not run the game at an optimal level as it requires powerful hardware.
Ultimately, whether to choose a laptop or PC will depend on the budget, the requirements and performance preferences.
System Requirements For Cyberpunk 2077
The official system requirements for Cyberpunk 2077 include the following:
- Minimum: Intel Core i5 7300U / AMD Ryzen 5 2500U or equivalent
- Suggested: Intel Core i7 6700K / AMD Ryzen 5 2500K or equivalent
- Dedicated GPU: Nvidia Geforce GTX1080 / AMD Radeon RX Vega 64
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 70GB
Alternatives To Consider
For those who are looking for less expensive solutions, there are a few budget gaming laptops that can handle the game at an acceptable level. The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is a decent option, with a Core i7 processor and GTX 1060 graphics, and it will run the game at settings low to medium settings.
Meanwhile, the Asus ROG GL504 is a gaming laptop with more power, featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, an Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card, and a 120Hz display. This laptop will run the game with settings medium to ultra, depending on the graphics settings.
For those looking for gaming on the go, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501 can handle the game at ultra settings, given its Core i7-8750H processor and RTX 2070 Max-Q graphics card.
Benefits of PC Setup
A PC setup running Cyberpunk 2077 will offer more advantages in terms of performance, allowing gamers to make use of higher settings and more accessories; from extra RAM to a range of peripherals, as well as more expansive cooling solutions.
If a gamer is looking for the ultimate gaming experience and better performance, a desktop system such as a high-end gaming PC is the obvious choice. However, those looking for portability, and a smaller form factor, a laptop may be the better option.
Comparisons With Current Titles
Cyberpunk 2077, with its intense visuals and sophisticated game mechanics, is expected to be one of the most demanding games on the market today. Comparisons can be made to current titles such as Assassin’s Creed Origins and Red Dead Redemption 2, in terms of system requirements, though Cyberpunk 2077 runs at a much higher resolution, making it more demanding.
Ultimately, the key to running Cyberpunk 2077 on laptop hardware is to ensure that it’s up to scratch with the recommended specs. But, it is wise to bear in mind that the laptop will still not be able to reach the performance of the game on a PC.
