With the rate screen technology progresses these days, it might only be a matter of time before 144Hz becomes the new 60Hz, meaning it might feel inadequate for gamers who are growing more and more sensitive. If you’re ready for this kind of future, then perhaps the next step with the best 165Hz gaming laptops is due.
They’re not quite as robust as 240Hz screens but at least a 165Hz refresh rate is more easily attainable with today’s hardware and is more realistic as a framerate goal.
Embrace the near future with our recommendations for the best 165Hz gaming laptops.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop
PROS
- Comes with an i9 processor
- Beautiful RGB lighting implementation
- Stylish chassis
- Good cooling system
CONS
- Only 1080p
- 720p camera
Specs:
- CPU / Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX
- GPU / Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM / Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
- Display: 16” 16:10 FHD 165Hz
If you’re looking to max out that 165Hz refresh rate more consistently with the latest big-budget games these days, then a beefy system and spec sheet is almost mandatory. The RTX 4070 should have no trouble handling it at 1080p.
Yes, 1080p only sadly, but that’s a compromise you’d have to live with in order to smoothly sail in 165Hz or 165 FPS. However, you can always use Nvidia’s resolution and image upscaling tech to squeeze 1440p in a 1080p screen at the cost of performance, of course.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 GA402XY-XS96
PROS
- That's a lot of RAM
- Huge storage space
- Top-of-the-line laptop GPU
- Comes with a Ryzen 9
- Stunning all-white chassis
- Small form factor
- QHD resolution
- Comes in other specs
- Jaw-dropping Mini-LED display
CONS
- Expensive
- RAM speed could be better
Specs:
- CPU / Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- GPU / Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
- RAM / Memory: 48GB RAM 4800MHz DDR5
- Storage: 4TB WD NVMe SSD
- Display: 14″ QHD+ 165Hz Mini-LED
This is by far one of Asus’ most gorgeous offerings in the gaming laptop segment. Granted, the ROG Zephyrus lineup has always amazed its beholders. This particular model comes in the all-white chassis and the compact 14-inch form factor.
They had to go AMD Ryzen for heat and power management but it didn’t sacrifice GPU prowess one bit. Moreover, the other specifications are just packed. You can opt for a lower 1TB storage version for a $500 savings but come one, with games these days, you’re going to need that 4TB.
ASUS ROG Strix G15 Gaming Laptop Advantage Edition
PROS
- Generous RAM
- Generous storage
- QHD resolution
- Stylish chassis
- Good cooling system
- Beautiful RGB lighting implementation
- Slightly more power efficient
CONS
- Ray tracing performance still lags behind Nvidia
Specs:
- CPU / Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX
- GPU / Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6800M
- RAM / Memory: 32GB
- Storage: 2TB PCIe SSD
- Display: 15.6″ 165Hz QHD (2560 x 1440)
If you don’t mind previous-gen hardware, then the Advantage Edition for the following aforementioned gaming laptops is a competitive option. The Asus ROG Strix G15 is a 15-inch beast equipped with the full AMD combo.
This combination ensures that battery life remains at its most optimal since AMD laptop components are less power hungry than Intel. Moreover, the RAM amount is rather generous and the only compromise for this device is the fact that ray tracing performance won’t be ideal.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop (RTX 4060 version)
PROS
- Affordable pricing
- Comes with an i7 CPU
- Good cooling system
- Stylish chassis
- Beautiful RGB lighting implementation
CONS
- Storage could be better
Specs:
- CPU / Processor: Intel Core i7-13650HX
- GPU / Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM / Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Display: 16” 16:10 FHD 165Hz
You needn’t look at any other budget options since the Asus ROG Strix G16 has an RTX 4060 variant that comes in priced at a sub-$1,100 tag. That practically beats out any RTX 3060 gaming laptop with a 165Hz refresh rate.
It’s future proof, no doubt and even comes with a beefy CPU in case you need to use it for work. Also, you don’t have to worry since like all Strix lineup laptops, this model comes with a max-TGP GPU. There are some noticeable compromises, but nothing too major.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is 165Hz a big step from 144Hz?
That depends on your sensitivity for visuals and framerates. But for some, a 20+ Hz increase is noticeable. -
Is 165Hz more power-hungry?
Yes. Refresh rate is one of the factors for power consumptions since you're allowing your GPU to perform higher, letting it consume more power.