7 Best Laptops For The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in 2023

Maybe you’re looking for a fresh-new gaming laptop to replace your old beatdown machine, or you’re new to the gaming community and don’t know where to start. In either case, don’t despair, because we prepared this article to make the pursuit of your next Skyrim gaming companion a little bit easier. 

We’ll be sharing with you the list of the 7 best laptops that can run Skyrim smoothly. So, If you are looking for the best possible option for your new Skyrim companion, then look no further.

So let’s explore the mighty arenas of gaming laptops and pick your champion.

Minimum & Recommended System Requirements

Fortunately, Skyrim isn’t as hard on the hardware as it used to be back in its day, kinda like League of Legends laptops. Computer hardware has improved massively in the past decade, so you shouldn’t have any issues running the game even with an entry-level gaming laptop. However, you probably won’t use your new laptop only for playing the game, so you need to have a clear understanding of what to expect for your money.

7 Top Laptops for Skyrim

1. Best Overall: ASUS ROG Strix G16

ASUS ROG Strix G16

• CPU: 2.2 GHz Intel Core i9-13980HX
• RAM: ‎16 GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 16-inch FHD (1920 x 1200)
• GPU: 8GB ‎‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• Battery: 4-5 hours

$1,699.99

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ROG Strix G16 might just be the ultimate shout and one of the best laptops for Skyrim. It’s super powerful, fast, and quite the looker.

In this Dragonborn-worthy companion beats the heart of one of the latest Core i9s and a relentless RTX 4070. In other words, not only will the Dovah-Kiin move swiftly and precisely, but you’ll get to breathe in every single detail of Blackreach, Sovngarde and Winterhold — at high settings.

Don’t believe me? Strix’s display is hi-res, color-accurate and super fast. 165Hz comes in handy when you’re about to battle faster enemies, like Sabre Cats or Wispmothers.

I also like Strix’s design. It may not be as light as ROG Zephyrus, but the RGB strips, sturdy chassis, 3D elements, and prominent logo are a gamer, through and through.

The heat management is quite efficient and among the better ones on the market, but you’ll surely hear this little dragon breathing in intense gaming sessions.

Plus, the battery life of 4-5 hours isn’t the worst in gaming laptops, but you’d need a charger nearby for uninterrupted play.

Sound, on the other hand, is pretty solid. It feels like a little more bass would have been great, but you’ll still get to revel in Skyrim’s gorgeous music.

So, if you want a Skyrim gaming laptop that is Alduin-proof and brings many hours of great adventures, ROG Strix G16 is the way to go.

2. Best HP Laptop for Skyrim: HP Victus 15

HP Victus 15

• CPU: 2 GHz Intel Core i5-12450H
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch QHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB ‎NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
• Battery: Up to 11 hours

$699.00

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Maybe you’re a student or a young professional who still occasionally enjoys Skyrim (and really, who could blame you?). If you want a classy Skyrim gaming laptop, HP Victus might just be the thing.

I find Victus to fall somewhere between HP Spectre and MSI Sword in terms of design. The dark-gray finish, compact look, and absence of RGB gaming lights make a great choice for any gamer-gone-incognito in a more formal environment.

Underneath the polished exterior, this is still a gaming laptop. A 12th Gen. i5 and a GTX 1650 are perfect for occasional gamers, who like to relax every now and then with mid-tier fps and beautiful visuals.

Another thing going for this machine is the high refresh rate and really good screen size. A 15.6” display still feels large enough for gameplay, but it’s also much easier to pack and carry.

Screen size affects battery life as well. Although Victus comes with a smaller battery (70WHr), it’s super-optimized and delivers around 11 hours of YT playback on a single charge, which is kinda impressive.

However, the hinge could have been better. There is a bit of screen wobble that occurs with accidental bumps, though simple typing won’t trigger it.

The heat management is pretty good, and the fans aren’t loud, but it does feel like they’re on more so than in other laptops, so get a cooling pad.

Overall, you get a capable and affordable gaming laptop for Skyrim, and one classy enough for any environment.

3. Best 17-inch Model: Lenovo Legion 5

Lenovo Legion 5

• CPU: 3.2 GHz AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
• RAM: ‎16 GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• Battery: Up to 5-7 hours

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Lenovo Legion 5 is for people who want a large display and powerful performance, but don’t want to overspend.

This Skyrim laptop packs a Ryzen 7 and a well-respected RTX 3050 GPU, so get ready to send those dragons flying into oblivion in no time, and without so much as a hiccup.

Plus, you’ll get to see the story unraveling beautifully on a 17.3” hi-res display with a high refresh rate. The only downside to this panel is that it has a mediocre color gamut, though this wouldn’t affect the gameplay visuals that much. If you were taking an RTX 3070 version, that would be a whole other story — but with RTX 3050, it works well.

I’ve seen a lot of laptops, but Legion remains my favorite in terms of understated design. The whole chassis feels very refined and polished — similar to HP Victus, but with a much sturdier hinge.

The latest Legion also comes with an improved cooling system. The Quiet mode is noticeably better than in previous models and Legion 5 Pro, and for the most part, it doesn’t affect performance. However, make sure to check this when you play Skyrim.

The battery life has also improved, and you can expect anywhere from 5 to 7 hours on a single charge.

Overall, if we exclude minor annoyances like a bad webcam and the heft, Lenovo Legion has come a long way. It’s easily one of the top mid-range gaming laptops for Skyrim, with tons of value for money.

4. Cheapest Option: Dell G15

Dell G15

• CPU: 3.2 GHz AMD Ryzen7 5800H
• RAM: 32 GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050TI
• Battery: Up to 4-5 hours

$979.99

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Dell G15 is Alienware’s budget version — and this gaming laptop for Skyrim has a lot going for it, including a powerful GPU, ample RAM, and a great display.

It always feels a little weird when you see a budget laptop outranking the more expensive ones, spec-wise. G15 does exactly that — a Ryzen 7, an RTX 3050 Ti and a whopping 32GB RAM outweigh the likes of Lenovo Legion and definitely the HP Victus on this list.

Needless to say, Skyrim will run great on this type of firepower.

The screen does have a somewhat lower refresh rate, though 120Hz is still considered pretty good for gaming. However, the contrast is spot-on, adding extra depth and punch to the games.

As for design, G15 is a sturdy machine, and when it came out in 2021, it was probably quite advanced. Nowadays, though, it feels a little too robust.

On the flip side, you get a pretty good cooling system and an efficient battery life. Dell easily pulls 2 hours of gaming and much more for non-intensive tasks. 

Compared to most gaming laptops, G15 is not the best choice if you have loads of peripherals. It uses USB 2.0 which is slower, and there’s no SD card reader.

But, frankly, I don’t mind the connectivity (there is a USB-C port, after all), if I’m getting this sort of horsepower. Dell G15 is a gaming laptop for Skyrim that cuts the corners just right and capitalizes on the most important gaming specs.

5. Best Mid-Range: Acer Nitro 5

Acer Nitro 5

• CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-12500H
• RAM: ‎8 GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• Battery: Up to 4-5 hours

$693.00

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Acer Nitro 5 is another reasonably-priced gaming laptop for Skyrim that makes a few choices differently than Dell but still offers awesome value.

To start with, Acer prioritizes CPU and packs a 12th Gen. i5 which beats Ryzen 7 5800.

On the other hand, an RTX 3050 is slower than the 3050 Ti we saw in Dell G15, but still a very capable GPU. However, what Acer does right is connect the GPU to a 144Hz display to utilize its full power. Granted, Nitro’s panel isn’t as contrasty as Dell’s, but it has improved a lot over the years, and the color gamut is better.

The main concern is the RAM, since Nitro comes with 8GB. This is enough for Skyrim, but if you want to future-proof the machine, I’d upgrade it to at least 16GB (and you can).

In my opinion, Acer’s design is quite striking. The latest and revamped Nitro 5 still uses the much-loved red backlit keyboard, yet the new panel and modern look are very pleasing. And not as bulky.

Plus, the connectivity is way better. With multiple USB-C and USB 3.2 ports, Nitro will handle the peripherals much better. Curiously, there’s no SD card here either.

Ultimately, it comes down to whether Nitro 5 fulfills your needs. If you want your Skyrim gaming laptop to include a strong CPU and more ports, I’d go for Acer.

Gaming with style > Watch our Acer Nitro 5 Review

This YouTube review was created by the Not Just Laptops team. The specs may slightly differ from the laptop in the article.

6. Best Mid-Range from ASUS: No products found.

ASUS TUF Gaming A15

• CPU: 3.2 GHz AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
• RAM: ‎32 GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050TI
• Battery: Up to 8-9 hours

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If you’d like a classy Skyrim gaming laptop with gamer highlights and top-notch performance, and you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks to get it, ASUS TUF is worth considering.

Besides ROG Strix, ASUS TUF has probably the most well-rounded specs on this list. A newer Ryzen 7, RTX 3050 Ti and 32GB RAM is giving off some serious Talos-strength vibes in terms of Skyrim performance.

And the display is just gorgeous. I like that it’s visually elevated above the keyboard, unlike the Lenovo Legion, for example. With a strong 144Hz for reduced blur and thin bezels, you’re bound to get transported into the realms of Skyrim.

The build is quite sturdy and keyboard very easy to get used to. At 4.85 lbs, this is one of the lighter gaming laptops, so it should be no problem to carry around.

TUF’s battery pulls 8-9 hours for easier tasks, which is quite good for a gaming laptop. When it comes to gaming though, I wouldn’t expect more than 2 hours.

There’s only so many perks for the price, and in TUF’s case, the downside is the cooling system. It won’t go crazy like some other ASUS laptops, but get a cooling pad and a nice set of headphones when the fans kick in.

Overall, however, TUF Gaming A15 is a sleek, powerful gaming laptop for Skyrim. If you don’t mind the price, it will pay off handsomely.

7. Most Portable: MSI Prestige 14 Evo

Alienware M15 R6

• CPU: 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7-1195G7
• RAM: ‎16 GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: ‎Intel Iris Xe
• Battery: Up to 13-14 hours

$1,037.86

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Sometimes sheer performance just isn’t enough. If you’re often out and about, and play Skyrim only occasionally, then MSI Prestige 14 is for you.

At 2.8 lbs of weight, this is the lightest Skyrim gaming laptop on the list. The aluminum chassis is quite thin and easily fits into any bag.

Plus, with an impressive battery life of 13-14 hours in power-saving mode, MSI Prestige can last the whole day at work or college.

Specs-wise, you won’t pull crazy punches with an 11th Gen. i7 and the integrated GPU, but you’ll still be able to get decent fps in Skyrim. The CPU is still very much relevant and if you’re mainly dealing with office tasks, it will last you a good number of years.

The hi-res FHD panel can be flipped back 180°. It’s one of the more color-accurate laptops, although it feels like the panel could use a little more brightness.If you’re a hardcore gamer and want to stream, then this laptop is not for you — instead, I’d take a look at Nitro 5 or the more expensive TUF Gaming A15.

However, if you want a super-portable, affordable laptop for occasional gaming, MSI is a great choice.

Buying Guide for Best Laptops for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Before we dive in into the laptop reviews, let’s find out what to be careful about when researching and buying a new gaming laptop: 

1. Get a Well-Performing Laptop

Obviously, performance is the most important thing for gaming. Although Skyrim isn’t as hardware-intensive as it used to be, you still need a good CPU/GPU combo if you also want to play newer titles. Luckily, many laptops under $2000 are beasts nowadays.

So when it comes to the CPU, look for something that packs at least an Intel Core i5 or a Ryzen 5 processor. But if you want a more future-proof option, go for something with an Intel Core i7. 

As for the graphics, it is crucial to get a laptop featuring a dedicated GPU for a smooth gaming experience. On that note, the NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti is a great mid-range choice that can run even the latest AAA titles at a good pace. 

2. A High-Quality Display Means a Great Deal for Gaming

Skyrim is well known for its gorgeous visuals, so if you want to enjoy them properly, you’ll need a high-quality display. Top-notch visuals and a higher refresh rate (at least 120Hz) mean the picture remains smooth during battles or when flying your dragon. 

3. Don’t Neglect the RAM. 

Having more RAM means smoother performance, not just with games but for anything you do with it. For Skyrim, even as little as 8GB RAM would be enough. 

However, as apps and games are becoming more RAM-hungry, we suggest going for something that packs at least 16GB or more. 

4. Think about Build Quality and Cooling 

Build quality is not a thing to be considered lightly. If you want your laptop to last several years, something more resistant to heat and everyday bumps is a good thing. 

Also, gaming laptops tend to generate higher temperatures than regular laptops. This is mainly because high-performance hardware draws much more power when running games or other resource-intensive software. 

Skyrim is unlikely to scorch you, but you surely don’t want loud cooling fans ruining your gaming experience. So before purchasing your gaming laptop, check the user comments about the laptop’s heat management. 

5. Are Portability and Battery Life Important to You

If you’re a college student, besides performance, you may also want to think about portability and battery life. Unfortunately, gaming laptops tend to be heavier (5-8 lbs) and drain the battery much quicker than regular laptops. 

So if you want to take your laptop to school for taking notes, a large and mighty gaming machine may not be the best option for you. But there are many laptops for gaming and school that come with exceptional battery life and portability, and can run AAA titles easy-peasy. 

6. Set Your Budget 

Finally, it’s important to consider your budget when purchasing a new laptop. Pricing on gaming laptops can get a bit crazy, but thankfully you don’t need one with the highest specs to run Skyrim. 

FAQs about Best Laptops for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Here are a few of the main questions people usually ask us when they want to play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: 

Verdict

So what makes a good laptop for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim? Considering all the factors, we have landed on some of the best laptops available to run a great game like Skyrim. 

Before you decide what to pick, think about budget, performance, build quality, visuals, and battery life. When you sort out your priorities, the choice will be obvious. 

Here is a bit more simplified selection: 

• If you’re looking for a cheap option with amazing battery life and portability, then the MSI Prestige 14 Evo is probably the best option. 
• For the best mid-range combination of gaming hardware, we recommend the Acer Nitro 5. 
• Finally, for the ultimate gaming experience featuring the latest generations of CPU and GPU, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is our top pick. 

Did you find what you were looking for, or would you choose another gaming laptop over the ones we listed? Let us know in the comment section below.