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5 Reasons to Own an AMD Ryzen Laptop for Gaming
Linsey Knerl
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March 21, 2020
Want a gaming experience like no other? Consider why serious gamers harness the power of the AMD Ryzen™ mobile processor for life-like gaming and creative work that easily rivals the most decked-out desktop computer. Learn more about this premier gaming product and which laptops are available for purchase now.
What is the AMD Ryzen processor?
The Ryzen is AMD’s CPU (central processing unit) product line. It has versatile uses, from gaming desktops to servers to powerful business workstations. It has 4 to 32 cores, but most consumer models feature just 4. It also contains up to 62 processing threads for the handling of many tasks at once.
The processing speeds average around 3.4 GHz, but the most robust models have been clocked at 4.3 GHz. It uses 1331 pin AM4 socket motherboards and supports DDR4 RAM. The PCle slots are expandable, too, so you can build on as needed. The Ryzen has been referred to as “ZEN” in marketing and development communications.
Best features of an AMD Ryzen laptop
Taking a closer look at the AMD Ryzen processors, there are five perks that are especially relevant to gamers. They’re also useful for casual laptop users and the most demanding business and creative professionals, too. These notable advantages include:
1. Incredible processing speed
AMD Ryzen processors come in a wide range of performance levels, but the high-end models are known to deliver impressive multi-tasking capabilities. They offer between 4 to 8 cores compared to some other brands that max out at 6. Because of their potential to handle more applications at once, they’re ideal for gamers who want to stay ahead of the competition and run other tasks.
The processing speed isn't just notable for gamers. If you're like most players, you have a day job or pursue creative hobbies. That means you need an all-in-one tool that can help you shoot and destroy in the evenings, long after you've rendered video for work or created 3D graphics. How you use an AMD Ryzen laptop is up to you, but rest assured that the more advanced processors can handle what you throw at them.
2. Graphics-ready for all environments
When using an AMD Ryzen processor, be prepared to experience the perfect pairing when you add an AMD graphics APU (a combined CPU and GPU). Unlike other laptops that may put all the graphics processing on an integrated graphics card, the AMD brand uses dedicated graphics with its own memory for faster load times, less jitter, and more realistic gaming environments.
If you're considering getting a discrete graphics card, the AMD solutions are on par with many options on the market. Gamers find that the graphics installed in the AMD Ryzen laptops are more than adequate for their uses.
3. Affordable and value-based
Most people avoid buying higher-end processors because they can get costly. AMD managed to keep the Ryzen family of processors and graphics products at a reasonable price. This means that you can often get a comparable gaming experience at a lower cost.
If you see two gaming laptops with similar features, but one is an AMD Ryzen, don't be surprised if it's priced lower. The cost is not indicative of quality in this case. AMDs are simply an excellent buy.
4. Compatible with devices and future tech
Gamers want to know that their gaming laptops can get along well with their favorite accessories, components, and VR tech. Even if the Ryzen name is new to you, it’s definitely not an unknown in the field of gaming. In fact, AMD Ryzen is a trusted brand for eSports teams across the globe, and some of the most competitive players trust the brand for everything from their PCs to their monitors.
AMD Ryzen is also unique in how it can be upgraded. AMD uses AM4 sockets, making it easy to install a new processor as the latest tech becomes available. This forward-thinking vision is a more affordable approach for gamers who want to modify or boost their gameplay on their existing original laptop or desktop PC. AMD’s focus on compatibility and accessibility is one reason gamers prefer it over other brands.
5. Reliable and durable
If there's one thing that the previous four perks of the AMD Ryzen laptop have revealed, it's that AMD has earned its marks for being a trusted brand for gaming and any other high-demand laptop use. The fact that gamers are continually upgrading and tweaking their laptops is an indication that they last a long time. While time moves on and tech changes, the AMD Ryzen laptop continues to perform and impress its loyal fans.
When purchasing an HP AMD Ryzen laptop, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of the HP Care Pack. This plan protects your purchase against all the things that can go wrong when you own a laptop. Even accidental damage is covered when you purchase this plan at the same time as your new AMD Ryzen laptop. If you travel a lot, game on the road, or use your laptop for business, this is a smart way to protect your purchase and ensure you never miss a minute of the action.
Top AMD Ryzen gaming laptop choices
Now that you know why AMD Ryzen laptops are gaining in popularity, you may wonder which model is right for you. While computing needs vary significantly from user to user, these picks are all well-received by a variety of users, from gamers to business professionals. Consider any of them to be the perfect introduction to AMD Ryzen performance.
1. HP ENVY x360 13z laptop
One of the most common AMD Ryzen processors for casual gamers is the AMD Ryzen 3 processor. The HP ENVY x360 13z has this along with an impressive set of features that include the following:
- AMD Radeon™ Vega 6 graphics card, upgradeable to Vega 10
- 8GB DDR4 onboard memory, upgradeable to 16GB
- 256GB SSD storage, upgradeable to 1TB
- Fingerprint login and privacy camera kill switch
- 13-inch diagonal, beveled-edge display
This model can also be upgraded to the AMD Ryzen 7 for even more serious gaming performance.
If you need an AMD Ryzen laptop that’s smaller and more portable, this is the go-to choice for gamers who take their gaming on the road. This feature-packed laptop has a full-size, backlit keyboard in addition to all the perks listed and still weighs under 3 lbs. It also converts to tablet or table mode for expanded use.
2. HP ENVY x360 15z laptop
With a larger screen and more robust features, this Ryzen gaming laptop is a step up from the previous entry on our list. The HP ENVY x360 15z laptop offers the same base specifications as the smaller 13-inch model, but it also includes these perks:
- 15.6-inch diagonal Full High Definition (FHD) IPS micro-edge touch screen
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, upgradeable to the Ryzen 7
- Radeon Vega 8 graphics card, upgradeable to Vega 10
- Lightweight at 4.53 lbs
Like the other HP ENVY x360s with Ryzen technology, this laptop features Bang & Olufsen quad speakers with HP Audio Boost. It also supports HP Fast Charge, which gets your laptop’s battery to 50% in just 45 minutes.
3. HP ENVY x360 15-inch laptop
One additional consideration for those who love the flexibility of the previous laptops is the HP ENVY x360 15-inch laptop. Like the others, this device includes Windows 10 Home 64 and starts with the fully-equipped AMD Ryzen 7 processor. You can also get the most realistic graphics experience Ryzen offers with the AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics card.
This model also includes these specs:
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD storage
- 15.6-inch diagonal FHD touch display
- Up to 13 hours of battery life
- An array of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, eCompass, and magnetometer
This device includes so much functionality but only weighs 4.53 lbs. Enjoy the convertible features that take it from one mode to the next thanks to the durable hinges and an intuitive display. This laptop is also quite beautiful with its thin and seamless profile, midnight black case color, and striking geometric speaker grill design.
4. HP EliteBook 755 G5 notebook PC
While you may not have considered a pro-level notebook to be a useful gaming tool, the high-powered offerings that these business laptops come with are impossible to ignore. The HP EliteBook 755 G5 notebook PC can handle the most demanding games while giving you the security features you need for your business life. Many gamers are multifaceted users after all, and this HP EliteBook reflects that.
The most compelling feature of this laptop is the AMD Ryzen PRO APU processor which optimizes the synergy between the CPU and the integrated graphics with less time between processes. It also boasts 4 cores on par with similar AMD Ryzen 7 products.
The AMD Radeon Vega graphics card makes sure that your creative projects and your games appear lifelike and stay responsive to your inputs. The same technology that qualifies this device as a powerhouse for graphics rendering, photo editing, and 3D animation is what keeps it a favorite choice for all your games.
The HP EliteBook series is known for efficiency and security, too. With a particular emphasis on malware protection, the system can self-heal in the case of an attack. Plus, the HP Sure Start Gen4 and HP Sure Click features make sure you, and only you, can view your most sensitive data.
This laptop also features the following specs:
- 16GB of RAM
- 512GB of SSD storage
- 720p HD IR webcam
- Full-size, backlit keyboard with spill resistance and a drain
- Ambient light sensor
- Up to 11 hours and 45 minutes of battery life
This is a fully-loaded workstation designed to accept all your accessories as well. It comes with 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB Type-C™ port, 1 RJ-45 port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, an HDMI 2.0 port, a docking connector, and a pair of expansion slots. The HP EliteBook is often considered one of the best Ryzen laptops for the most demanding business tasks, and it’s ideal for serious gamers, too.
Consider the move to Ryzen
If you are unfamiliar with the perks of a Ryzen laptop, it may be surprising that there are so many options available. The brand presents an outstanding opportunity to create, design, build, and share, as well as dominate in the gaming realm.
Many of the laptops mentioned above are customizable, too, so you don't have to select a one-size-fits-all model. If you want more speed, HP® can make it happen. Personalize your AMD Ryzen gaming laptop to your unique tastes, and get ready to get back in the game.
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
