Looking for a laptop to replace desktop setup ($1500-$2000)?

h0gb0t

I am looking for something that:
- Can run games moderately well for at least 5 years
- Supports: 3 external monitors (28" 4K, 2x 24" 1080p), G.Skill RGB mechanical gaming keyboard, Oculus Rift (can switch off from one of the screens)
- ~16" screen
- ~8+ hr battery life

Being that laptops don't have that many ports, I am curious what docking stations would pair best with it?  (Ex Anker 777)

h0gb0t

Looking at this another way, what specs do I need to future proof a laptop for 5 years of gaming and triple monitors?  (Intel CPU model, GPU models, memory, etc)

Ian

Greetings,

For recommendations like this, I would suggest visiting a Micro Center store and speaking to a store sales expert so they can review the products they have in-stock with you directly in-store as sales experts would be available in-store any time during store hours. Alternatively, we will email you and see if your nearest store can have someone reach out to you about product recommendations for an in-store purchase with us, if you'd like to set that up just respond back to the email I will be sending you.

PowerSpec_Alex

Hello!

Battery life and supporting 3 additional displays at your listed spec is a bit tricky. Battery life is the most fickle, especially when the PC is being used for gaming because power usage can vary so much. I'll give this my best shot (hopefully this helps!), and you should follow up with an expert in-store as well for a second opinion.

For your budget, I think a great option would be the HP Omen and j5create docking station at the below links. These should maximize your gaming performance in a laptop while still holding to your budget.

HP Omen: https://www.microcenter.com/product/671890/hp-omen-transcend-16-u0078nr-16-gaming-laptop-computer-shadow-black

j5create: https://www.microcenter.com/product/667447/j5create-4k60-elite-usb-type-c-triple-monitor-10gbps-mini-dock

Ideally, to try to help with better battery life and as much future proofing as possible, you'd want something on the high-end of the spectrum but that does come with the premium high-end price. Something like this Razer Blade Gaming Laptop and its matching Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock would give the best that current gaming laptops have to offer. (Below these I also linked the IOGear Dock Pro as a ideal option overall for use with 3 monitors).

Razer Blade Laptop: https://www.microcenter.com/product/662882/razer-blade-16-16-gaming-laptop-computer-black

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock: https://www.microcenter.com/product/643861/razer-thunderbolt-4-dock-chroma

IOGear Dock Pro: https://www.microcenter.com/product/664904/iogear-dock-pro-usb4-8k-triple-view-docking-station

If any of these aren't available near you, an expert in store should be able to help find a perfect alternative!

I hope I was able to help!