10 Best i7 Gaming Laptops of 2021 (Budget, High-end, 8 & 16Gb RAM)

How well a core i7 CPU (especially of the latest generation) is married with other hardware components also highly matters when it comes to getting the most out of its performance. So, it’s also important to pay attention to other components that are used in conjunction with the CPU when exploring your options of good i7 laptop deals. To make it easier and hassle-free for you to get your hands on the right assembly of an i7 CPU with the overall hardware configuration, we’ve handpicked 10 best i7 laptops that vary with pricing, form factor, chassis size, and utility. Whether you are looking for a lightweight laptop that backs you up for your entertainment spree or one which you can trust to get all your work done, we’re positive that you’ll find the best fit in this list.

Introduction

Choosing the CPU in a laptop is pretty much the same as choosing any other component. The mainstream theory of ‘the latest the version, the better it is’ isn’t less true with laptop CPUs. However, there’re more factors to consider than just the latest version. It’s highly important to properly assess your requirements in order to make sure that the CPU you go for isn’t an underkill nor is it overkill for your requirement and the budget that you put in.

It’s safe to say that core i7 processors hit the sweet spot in balancing performance and price. Core i3 and i5 processors are underpowered than i7, while i9 processors add up a significant cost. With a bit of a price bump over core i5s, core i7 CPUs bring a lot to the table, with improved multithreaded performance being one of the biggest value additions. The support for hyper-threading allows i7 processors to get an edge over i5s in multithreaded applications such as video editing, 3D model rendering, and data crunching. Along with higher clocking speeds, core i7 CPUs also feature a large cache and bring improvements in the power efficiency department.

Review of Best Intel Core i7 Gaming Laptops

MSI GS66 Stealth –  best i7 gaming laptop

To be able to offer one of the best performances that a well-calibrated core i7 CPU can deliver, it’s a must to ensure that the CPU’s hardware counterparts are on the same level as it is in. And if finding such a laptop seems much of a hassle, it isn’t as the MSI GS66 Stealth comes as an easy option as one of the best core i7 laptops with top-of-the-line hardware configuration.

well-suited for versatility

Powering MSI GS 66 stealth is a 10th generation Intel i7 6 core processor that runs at a base power of 2.6 GHz. With TurboBoost, the CPU is able to crank up to 5.0 GHz of peak power that’s needed for intensive gaming and professional-level content creation. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU with 8GB of DDR6 dedicated memory works together with the CPU to deliver high-end graphics processing performance. Whether you are simultaneously conducting multiple video calls, opening dozens of browser tabs, running multiple programs at once, or rendering videos while gaming in a split screen, the 32 GB DDR4 RAM of this laptop will not let you down during even the most intensive multitasking. 512GB SSD storage opens up a good amount of storage space while ensuring faster booting and loading times.

The thin bezels design of the laptop’s 15.6 inch full HD display seamlessly fuses with the rest of the body design language. The 300 Hz refresh rate of the display makes the viewing experience on this laptop simply amazing. The external connectivity of this laptop benefits from both myriad options and versatility with one Thunderbolt 3 port, one USB 3.2 Type C port, three USB 3.2 Type A ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack. The 4.63 pounds of overall weight for a 15.6 inch chassis comes as a good fusion of sleekness and portability.

Pros:

  • High-end performance that well-suited for versatile uses
  • Good build quality

Cons:

  • Not the best thermal management

New MacBook Pro 16 inch best laptop with i7 processor and 16gb ram

When it comes to creating a seamless fusion between different hardware components and software, Apple holds a dominating position. Although the well-thought-out marriage of hardware components can be seen on all Apple devices, it’s most apparent in MacBooks, and certainly in the new MacBook Pro 16 inch. Together with other top-of-the-line hardware components, this new MacBook doesn’t fail to make the most out of its i7 processor in order to deliver a smooth and consistent performance.

The 9th generation core i7 processor of the new MacBook Pro 16 inch is based on a 6 core architecture that helps sustain high performance over a long period of time. Along with the hexacore multithreaded architecture, the new MacBook Pro 16 inch gains a good spot among some of the best i7 laptops with 4.5 GHz of overclocking power which is one of the fastest. Providing a high random memory bandwidth to the CPU is the laptop’s 16 GB DDR4 RAM. The redesigned thermal architecture in which the CPU is housed provides consistent cooling which helps maintain consistency during overclocking performance. For storage, this core i7 MacBook Pro 16 inch variant comes with 512GB of SSD storage space.

the undisputed productivity machine

Also, it goes without saying that this new MacBook Pro 16 inch has one of the best graphics performance management. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 chipset takes care of regular visual performance demand while the discrete AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU springs into action whenever the graphics processing demand increases. Although the external connectivity options in this new MacBook Pro 16 inch is limited, the availability of four Thunderbolt 3 ports insurers versatility. Accessibility of this MacBook Pro, just like in every other MacBook, is hands down one of the best. The quartet of an HD Retina display, innovative Touch Bar, magic keyboard, and a wide trackpad work wonders in improving user experience.

Pros:

  • One of the best core i7 performances
  • Premium look and feel

Cons:

  • Not as lightweight as MacBook Air

Dell XPS 15 – performance that’s backed by reliability & consistency

If you are someone who prefers the premium look, feel, and usability of a MacBook but want to explore your options in the Windows OS territory, you cannot go wrong with the Dell XPS 15. Although not an all-metal build, the Dell XPS 15 sure does give users the experience of one of the best i7 laptops by combining powerful performance with ease of use and sophisticated aesthetics. Given the more utilitarian features that this laptop packs, the price point that it’s available at is totally justified.

The Dell XPS 15 uses a 9th generation Intel i7 6 core processor that can deliver up to 4.5 GHz of overclocking power. The multithreaded performance of the CPU makes this laptop a powerhouse in crunching some of the most computing-intensive tasks such as compiling and running codes, running CAD software, and using high-end video editing software. With the help of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with a dedicated 4GB DDR5 memory, the laptop can help you complete graphically-intensive tasks such as simulating and rendering 3D CAD models, and editing and rendering videos at higher frame rates. The duo of 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD storage helps you enjoy uninterrupted multitasking and faster booting and loading times.

The 15.6 inch 4K display of Dell XPS 15 doesn’t fail to garner attention as it sports an ultra-thin bezels design which gives it an ultra-modern look. The overall sleek chassis of the laptop perfectly complements the modern-looking display. This laptop also features a good number of port selections, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one USB 3 Type C port, one USB 3 Type A port, one HDMI port, a full-sized SD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack. Despite the high-end 4K resolution of the display, this laptop manages to last through most normal workdays with its excellent battery backup that averages around 8 hours.

Pros:

  • High-end performance
  • High-quality build

Cons:

  • Not the best thermal management

ASUS ZenBook 13 – take-anywhere creativity device

If you are into creative work and want to access the power of an i7 processor laptop, there is no reason why you shouldn’t choose the ASUS ZenBook 13. Right from the core computing unit to the additional features, this model has been designed to help you make the most out of your creativity and productivity. The 13-inch footprint of this laptop, combined with its sleek and lightweight chassis, also makes it a highly portable workhorse.

At a non-premium price tag, it’s amazing to see how ASUS has managed to use an 8th generation Intel i7 4 core processor in this ZenBook 13. The 4.6 GHz of overclocking power of the laptop’s is apt for helping you work on all types of creative tasks such as editing photos and videos at higher resolutions, assembling and simulating 3D CAD models, and rendering videos and 3D CAD models at higher frame rates. An Intel HD Graphics 620 chipset handles graphics processing duties in this model. The 16 GB DDR4 RAM this laptop ensures that you do not run out of memory bandwidth when you need to access multiple tools, run multiple software, and open multiple files in order to help unleash your creative vision.

In the storage department, ASUS ZenBook 13 packs 512GB of SSD storage space that helps you store all your creative work essentials within quick reach. Despite the 13 inch footprint, the ultra-thin bezel design of the laptop’s full HD display opens up viewing real estate. The trackpad of this laptop, known as ScreenPad, performs double duty as a compact secondary display and improves accessibility. For connectivity, ASUS ZenBook 13 includes two USB Type A ports, one USB Type C port, one HDMI port, one microSD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack. With its overall weight averaging at 2.6 pounds, this model gives a tough competition to other lightweight laptops.

Pros:

  • Consistent and reliable performance
  • Lightweight and sleek chassis

Cons:

  • Not the best GPU

HP Envy 13.3 inchbest sleek i7 gaming laptop

HP Envy 13 takes the path that ASUS ZenBook 13 charts. However, unlike the latter, this model features the best of both CPU and GPU performance while offering unmatched portability reserved for the 13-inch footprint. With powerful overall performance and sleek chassis that’s both aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian, HP Envy 13 easily comes as one of the best laptops with i7 processor and 16 GB RAM in the portable size category.

portable and mobile creativity studio

Inside its sleek chassis, HP Envy 13 packs an 8th generation Intel i7 4 core processor that operates at a base power of 1.8 GHz. With Intel TurboBoost technology, the CPU is able to crank up to 4.6 GHz of overclocking power. The 16 GB DDR4 RAM this laptop works wonders in adding memory bandwidth to the CPU’s overall processing power. This way, you do not face any lag or slowing down of the performance when it comes to simultaneously working on intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, intensive web-based research, and running CAD software. For uncompromised graphics processing, an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU delivers an unfailing performance. The mid-tier 512GBSSD storage space of the laptop suffices for storing all your work and entertainment-related files and programs.

HP Envy 13 is also one of the few portable laptops in the non-premium range to have a 4K resolution display. The stunning viewing angles combined with the thin bezel design of the display make this laptop look like a modern marvel. With a battery backup of up to 9 hours for lightweight usage, this model fuels your creativity all day long. One USB 3.1 Type C port, two USB 3.1 Type A ports, one headphone/mic jack, and one SD card reader provide external connectivity options on this laptop.

Pros:

  • Good CPU and GPU performance
  • High-quality chassis build

Cons:

  • Not the best external connectivity options

2019 HP Pavilion 15.6 inch – premium performance experience at a non-premium price

If you want a powerful i7 CPU performance and the brand awesomeness of HP, but at a lower price tag, this 2019 HP Pavilion 15.6 inch laptop is for you. This model covers all the important aspects that define a proper do-it-all laptop. If you want to rely on a powerful laptop that helps you make your work experience a smooth-sailing one, you definitely cannot go wrong with this model.

Inside 2019 HP Pavilion 15.6 inch is an 8th generation Intel i7 4 core processor that positions this model among some of the best laptops with i7 processor. The CPU operates at a base power of 1.8 GHz and can deliver a peak power of up to 4.6 GHz. The eight-way processing calibration of the CPU that’s based on an ultra-low voltage platform makes it go gentle on power usage. This feature of the CPU further contributes to the overall power efficiency on the laptop. Augmenting the performance of the CPU is NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU that has a dedicated 4GB DDR5 memory. Also, 16 GB DDR4 RAM makes it easy for you to enjoy lag-free multitasking sprees. 2019 HP Pavilion 15.6 inch gives other mid-range laptops a run for their money in the storage department with its 1TB SSD storage capacity.

This model comes with a 15.6 inch full HD display that has a thin bezel design. Like many new laptops in the 15 inch territory, this model features a full-sized chiclet keyboard that has an ergonomic layout which eases typing experience. External connectivity options in this laptop include two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C port, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, one micro SD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack. The overall weight of this model averages at 4.25 pounds which is fairly light for a 15.6 inch laptop.

Pros:

  • Premium performance at a non-premium price range
  • Good power efficiency

Cons:

  • Not the best build quality

2020 Acer Aspire 5 – a good balance of performance & price

Upgrading to a Core i7 CPU doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to break the bank as affordable laptops like the 2020 Acer Aspire 5 lets you access the power of an i7 processor at a non-premium price tag. To categorize this model as one of the cheapest i7 laptops would do it an injustice as its powerful hardware configuration makes its own stand in the ever-competitive laptop market.

An 8th generation Intel i7 4 core processor powers Acer Aspire 5 with a base computing power of 1.8 GHz. The CPU has been calibrated to crank up to 4.6 GHz of overclocking power to help you crush all types of intensive tasks such as video editing, data crunching, rendering, and spreadsheet management. A 16 GB DDR4 RAM has been paired with the CPU to ensure seamless multitasking which, in turn, helps you maintain your work efficiency at its best. In the graphics processing department, the laptop sports a mid-tier Intel UHD 620 graphics chipset that meets mid-level graphics requirements. This laptop also holds a mid-level positioning in the storage department with its 512 GB SSD storage capacity.

A 14 inch display with a full HD resolution awaits as a sweet surprise in the laptop’s display department. It’s also interesting to see that this laptop houses a full-sized backlit keyboard despite its 14 inch footprint. The robust suite of external connectivity options in this laptop include two USB 3.0 Type A ports, one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.1 Type C port, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack. So, the overall weight of this laptop totals at 3.75 pounds, thanks to its sleek and lightweight chassis.

Pros:

  • Good overall performance
  • Good port selections

Cons:

  • Not the best GPU

Dell Inspiron i5767-3649GRY – the best deal on affordability

Another cheap yet powerful laptop that deserves a spot in this list is Dell Inspiron i5767-3649GRY. This model is one of the few laptops in the affordable category with an i7 processor and 8 GB RAM to offer consistently-reliable performance at a mid-range price point. Apart from the core i7 processor, the combination of other powerful hardware components and additional features makes this laptop perfect for everyday usage.

The 7th generation Intel i7 2 core processor of Dell Inspiron i5767-3649GRY has been calibrated to deliver an overclocking power of 3.5 GHz. For unfailing graphics processing performance, this laptop uses AMD Radeon R7 M445 GPU. The 8 GB DDR4 RAM of this laptop may seem modest on papers, but it works wonders in helping you enjoy uninterrupted and stutter-free multitasking. For storage, this model packs a whopping 1 TB HDD storage capacity through which you are ensured that you do not run out of storage space. One of the unique selling points of this laptop is the inclusion of an optical DVD drive.

Dell Inspiron i5767-3649GRY also separates itself from the pack with a 17.3 inch full HD display that offers an immersive viewing experience. The anti-glare display helps ensure that you do not tire your eyes when working for hours on end. For external connectivity options, this laptop includes one USB 3.0 port, one USB 3.1 port, one USB 2.0 port, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, one microSD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack.

Pros:

  • Good overall performance
  • Inclusion of an optical DVD drive

Cons:

  • Weight is on the heavier side

Lenovo ThinkPad T480S – the best of work-focused performance

ThinkPads have evolved over the years in terms of usability and aesthetics. However, the core essence that they bring to the table, that is work-focused performance, does not get faded. This is true with the Lenovo ThinkPad T480S as it features the same old reliability and consistent performance of ThinkPads while sporting a new modern look. This model is hands down one of the best i7 laptops for the money for those who want a sleek and lightweight laptop that can perform reliably for getting all the work done.

Lenovo ThinkPad T480S operates at a base power of 1.8 GHz which its 8th generation Intel i7 4 core processor delivers. If you need to work on computing-intensive tasks such as managing datasets, working in large-sized spreadsheets, and editing videos at higher frame rates, the 4.0 GHz overclocking power of the CPU is there to back you up. The CPU is paired with the mid-range Intel UHD Graphics 620 chipset that doesn’t fail to maintain a consistent graphics processing performance. The 16 GB DDR4 RAM in this laptop is standard for most models falling in the mid-range segment. The 512GBSSD storage space on the laptop gives you the freedom to store all your essentials and be able to load them up without any lag.

Visuals in this laptop aren’t cluttered as the 14 inch full HD display sports a thin bezels design at both sides. Usability of this laptop is on par with that of other ThinkPads, courtesy of the classic ThinkPad keyboard and the three button trackpad duo. This model also sets itself apart from other laptops with myriad external connectivity options, including one USB type C port, two USB 3.0 Type A ports, one proprietary connector that includes a Thunderbolt 3 port, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, one microSD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack.

Pros:

  • Fast performance
  • Good battery life

Cons:

  • Not the best display

Microsoft Surface Book 2 – versatility at its best

If there is one word that sums up describing the Microsoft Surface Book 2, its versatility. In fact, it is one of the few 2-in-1 models that gives even some of the best i7 laptops a run for their money in terms of versatility. This laptop holds a dominating position in the 2-in-1 laptop category with its ultra-responsive touchscreen, easy body detachability design, premium build quality, and of course high-end performance.

The computing power of Microsoft Surface Book 2 lies in its 8th generation Intel i7 4 core processor that runs at a base power of 1.9 GHz and can overclock up to 4.2 GHz. Unlike most 2-in-1 laptops, this model excels in the graphics processing department as well, thanks to its powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 discrete GPU that has a dedicated 2 GB DDR5 memory. The 16 GB DDR4 RAM of this laptop backs you up for your versatile multitasking requirements, such as playing A high-end game and using a messaging software in split-screen at the same time, editing video at high frame rates and using multimedia applications at the same time, etc. with 512 GB SSD storage space, storage in this laptop doesn’t come as a hurdle.

The detachable 13.5 inch touchscreen display of Microsoft Surface Book 2 has excellent color accuracy and highly responsive touch. Additional accessories, including the Microsoft Surface pen, and Microsoft Surface Dial, can help you make the most out of your creativity by using the laptop in the tablet mode. Individual batteries included in both the display and keyboard unit, this laptop provides a whopping battery backup of up to 17 hours for lightweight usage. A pair of USB 3.1 Type A ports, one USB Type C port, one SD card reader, and one proprietary Surface connect port provide external connectivity options in this 2-in-1 laptop.

Pros:

  • High-end discrete GPU performance
  • Premium look and feel

Cons:

  • Not the best thermal management

FAQs

1) Is i5 better than i7?

No, i5 processors are underpowered than i7s. Although i5 CPUs are good for normal, everyday usage, i7s provide faster and consistent performance. i7 processors of the latest generations, such as the 9th and 10th generation, are well-suited for intensive computing requirements, such as high-resolution video editing, 3D CAD model simulation and rendering, and intensive gaming.

2) What is the cheapest i7 laptop?

Affordable and reliably-performing i7 laptops, other than the ones that we have included in this list, include Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (with 120 8GB SSD, 1TBHDD, 8GB Ram, and Intel HD Graphics 620 chipset), and HP 15.6 inch Touch i7-855OU (with 1 TB HDD, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, Optane DVD drive, and Intel UHD Graphics 620 chipset.

3) Which is the best RAM and GPU for i7 processor?

8 GB RAM and integrated graphics suffice for lightweight everyday usage. However, for intensive tasks, such as managing large-sized spreadsheets, working on large data sets, editing and rendering videos at higher frame rates, and opening dozen Chrome tabs, a combination of 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a dedicated graphics chipset is a must-have with an i7 processor.

Conclusion

To wrap up this list, we thought there would be no better way than to talk a bit about the generation version of i7 processors. It goes without saying that the latest the generation version, the better the performance of the Core i7 processor you choose. Core i7 processors of 8th, 9th, and 10th generation feature more cores and better support for multithreaded performance. These core i7 CPU generations are well-suited for content creation, data science, machine learning, digital design, and CAD professionals and students.