The Truth About RTX 4090 Laptops: Looking Beyond the Name

The RTX 4090 is among the top cards available, and if you're thinking of purchasing one, make sure to take a look at our favorite choices.

Introducing the top 5 RTX 4090 laptops in 2024, brought to you by ENBLE.

So you’ve been eyeing the powerful RTX 4090, the pinnacle of graphics processing units (GPUs), and you’re ready to dive into the world of gaming nirvana. But before you shell out your hard-earned cash, there’s something you should know. GPU makers can be a little bit sneaky when it comes to naming their products. 🤔

You see, when a brand uses a mobile Nvidia GPU, they often append an “M” to indicate a smaller form-factor version. So, if you’re buying an RTX 4090 for your laptop, it’s actually an RTX 4090M, which is equivalent to an RTX 4080 in desktop terms. This means that all laptop GPUs are one step down from their desktop counterparts. An RTX 4080M on a laptop is essentially an RTX 4070, an RTX 4070M becomes an RTX 4060, and so on. It may seem peculiar at first, but there’s a good reason behind it. 😅

Companies like Nvidia and AMD prefer to simplify the messaging to consumers. Saying “the RTX 4090 is the best GPU you can buy on any device” is much easier than explaining the nuances of laptop GPUs and their slightly lower power. Plus, laptop GPUs often need to be throttled to manage heat, even the so-called RTX 4090M (which is actually an RTX 4080). So, having an actual RTX 4090 in your laptop wouldn’t give you the full performance you’re expecting. It’s like having a formula one car on a congested city street – you won’t be able to unleash its true power. 🏎️

Now that we’ve got that clarification out of the way, let’s dive into our favorite picks for RTX 4090 laptops in various categories. We’ve considered factors like screen size, thickness, and overall performance to bring you a curated list that caters to different needs. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best RTX 4090 laptops of 2024! 💪

Table of Contents

  1. The Best RTX 4090 Laptops in 2024
  2. Alienware m16: Best overall RTX 4090 laptop
  3. ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16: Best thin and light RTX 4090 laptop
  4. Alienware m18: Best 18-inch RTX 4090 laptop
  5. MSI Stealth 17: Best 17-inch RTX 4090 laptop
  6. ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14: Best 14-inch RTX 4090 laptop
  7. How We Chose These RTX 4090 Laptops

The Best RTX 4090 Laptops in 2024

These laptops not only feature the RTX 4090M, but they also boast similar specifications and price ranges. The main differentiators are the screen size and chassis thickness. It’s essential to consider your specific requirements beyond gaming when choosing the right laptop from our list. Here are our top picks:

Alienware m16: Best overall RTX 4090 laptop

  • Pros: High-end CPU, solid construction, lots of RAM
  • Cons: Still quite expensive, a bit heavy and bulky

When it comes to gaming laptops, Alienware is a top-tier player, and the Alienware m16 doesn’t disappoint. This laptop strikes an excellent balance between specs and price. With the RTX 4090M and an Intel Core i9-13900HX, it offers one of the best CPU-GPU combinations, ensuring smooth gaming and streaming experiences. You’ll be able to handle both the game and the transcoding effortlessly.

The 16-inch screen delivers a stunning 2560 x 1600 resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate, providing exceptional visual clarity and smoothness. The laptop also comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a capacious 2TB storage option, ensuring you have ample space and a seamless overall experience. While battery life may not be stellar, the sturdy build quality compensates for it. 💪

Specifications: – Screen Size: 16 inches – Processor: Intel Core i9-13900HX – RAM: 32GB DDR5 – Storage: 2TB – Weight: 7.17 pounds

ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16: Best thin and light RTX 4090 laptop

  • Pros: Smart and stylish design, powerful graphics, beautiful 240Hz screen
  • Cons: RTX 4090 can’t shine in this size, battery life is a bit weak

If you crave a gaming laptop with top-grade specs but in a sleek and lightweight package, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is the one for you. With a thickness of just 0.78 inches and weighing in at around 5.07 pounds, it’s remarkably compact and portable, making it an ideal choice for gamers on the go.

The Zephyrus M16 sports an Intel Core i9-13900H processor, ensuring seamless multitasking and gaming performance. The 16-inch display boasts a QHD resolution and a stunning 240Hz refresh rate, providing immersive visuals and smooth gameplay. Alongside 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a generous 2TB of storage, this laptop packs a punch in a small form factor. Just keep in mind that thermal throttling may limit the RTX 4090’s full capabilities due to the slim chassis design. 🌬️

Specifications: – Screen Size: 16 inches – Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H – RAM: 32GB DDR5 – Storage: 2TB – Weight: 5.07 pounds

Alienware m18: Best 18-inch RTX 4090 laptop

  • Pros: Large screen, good thermal performance, great keyboard experience
  • Cons: Very heavy, battery life not ideal

If you believe bigger is better when it comes to gaming laptops, look no further than the Alienware m18. This behemoth comes with an impressive 18-inch screen, allowing you to fully appreciate the RTX 4090’s capabilities. With a stunning 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, gaming and multimedia experiences on this machine are bound to be super immersive.

The Intel Core i9-13980HX and 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensure seamless performance for multitasking and resource-intensive tasks. The m18 boasts excellent thermal management capabilities, which is crucial for maximizing the RTX 4090’s potential. While it may not be the most portable option, this desktop replacement will please gamers seeking a larger canvas for their adventures. 💥

Specifications: – Screen Size: 18 inches – Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX – RAM: 32GB DDR5 – Storage: 2TB – Weight: 8.90 pounds

MSI Stealth 17: Best 17-inch RTX 4090 laptop

  • Pros: Thin and minimalist design, perfect for online meetings, excellent battery life
  • Cons: Still a bit heavy, can run a bit hot

The MSI Stealth 17 strikes a great balance between screen real estate and portability. With a 17-inch display, it offers a sweet spot for those who want a large canvas without venturing into the bulky 18-inch territory. The Stealth 17’s sleek design and thin profile make it a stylish companion for both work and play.

Under the hood, an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and a whopping 64GB of DDR5 RAM deliver powerful performance for demanding tasks, from gaming to CAD or 3D modeling. The QHD resolution and 240Hz refresh rate ensure a visually impressive and smooth experience. The Stealth 17 also boasts an excellent battery life, making it an attractive choice for users on the move. Just watch out for potential heat buildup during intensive gaming sessions. 🔥

Specifications: – Screen Size: 17 inches – Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H – RAM: 64GB DDR5 – Storage: 2TB – Weight: 6.17 pounds

ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14: Best 14-inch RTX 4090 laptop

  • Pros: Excellent gaming machine, responsive touchpad, unique lid design
  • Cons: Noisy at idle

For those who value portability and compactness above all else, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14 is a standout choice. With its ultra-thin 0.77-inch profile and featherweight of just 3.79 pounds, it’s a marvel of engineering that manages to pack in an RTX 4090.

The Zephyrus 14 stands out not only for its petite size but for its powerful performance too. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, this laptop is a beast when it comes to gaming and multitasking. The 14-inch display boasts a QHD resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and a super bright 500nits screen, offering stunning visuals on the go. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage, it’s a potent machine in a small package. Just keep in mind that the smaller size might impact the RTX 4090’s full potential due to heat concerns. 🌡️

Specifications: – Screen Size: 14 inches – Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS – RAM: 32GB DDR5 – Storage: 1TB – Weight: 3.79 pounds

How We Chose These RTX 4090 Laptops

When it comes to laptops equipped with the RTX 4090M, there aren’t many options on the market. Most of these laptops have similar specifications, leaving screen size and chassis thickness as the primary differentiators. This allowed us to focus on the bigger picture and choose laptops that cater to various user needs. It’s crucial to consider factors beyond the GPU, such as intended use, portability, and visual preferences, when selecting the right laptop from our list.

📚 Further Reading: 1. The Best Laptop Deals on Dell’s Popular Work-From-Anywhere Models 2. Snag $500 off this HP Omen gaming laptop with an RTX 4070 3. Today only! Grab this HP 17-inch gaming laptop with an RTX 4060 for $350 off

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the best RTX 4090 laptops, it’s time to make your choice. Consider your gaming needs, work requirements, and preferences, and let the power of the RTX 4090 elevate your experience to new heights. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, drop us a comment below. Happy gaming! 🎮


Reference List:

[1] RTX 4090 Super vs RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4070 Super: Digital Trends. (Link: RTX 4090 Super vs RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4070 Super)

[2] One of Dell’s most popular work-from-anywhere laptops is 65% off: Digital Trends. (Link: Dell’s Popular Work-From-Anywhere Laptops)

[3] Wow! This HP Omen gaming laptop with an RTX 4070 is $500 off: Digital Trends. (Link: HP Omen Gaming Laptop with RTX 4070 Discount)

[4] This HP 17-inch gaming laptop with an RTX 4060 is $350 off today: Digital Trends. (Link: HP 17-inch Gaming Laptop with RTX 4060 Discount)

[5] Alienware m16 gaming laptop image source: Miximages. (Link: Alienware m16)

[6] ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 image source: Miximages. (Link: ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16)

[7] Alienware m18 laptop image source: Miximages. (Link: Alienware m18)

[8] MSI Stealth 17 image source: Miximages. (Link: MSI Stealth 17)

[9] ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14 image source: Miximages. (Link: ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14)

Hey, fellow gamers! Which RTX 4090 laptop do you think suits your needs the best? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s ignite some interesting discussions! Don’t forget to hit that share button and spread the word about these remarkable machines with your friends on social media. Let the gaming world know that the power of the RTX 4090 is here to rock their virtual adventures! 🚀

Disclaimer: This article was created independently from the ENBLE Editorial team.