We checked how
The Mashable staff put every laptop on this list through rigorous testing, which included testing their build quality and using them as part of a daily workflow for weeks at a time. This included working on different types of documents, checking emails, watching videos, taking pictures on their webcams, participating in video calls, listening to music (via Spotify), playing games (if possible), and trying out any unique software features or applications. . the cases they claimed to support.
Additionally, all the laptops featured here are made to run industry-standard positioning software. We use these benchmarks because they replicate real-world tasks to generate scores that we can use to easily compare the performance of different laptops. We recently started using these benchmarks in our testing, and you can expect to see them in all of our new laptop reviews going forward.
Performance benchmarks
We test the performance of all Windows laptops by having them run a version of Windows Primate Labs’ Geekbench 6which measures the performance of the processor in several common tasks. We record each multi-core score in our reviews — the higher the score, the better.
To get a feel for the graphics of gaming laptops, too play Cyberpunk 2077 to them. We chose this game because it’s a powerful Triple-A title that pushes most systems to their performance limits. If the laptop has an Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card (as opposed to an integrated GPU built into the CPU), we’re game. Cyberpunk and its DLSS technology is turned off and with DLSS when using the High preset without ray tracing. This tests the GPU power of the machine and its performance with the AI ​​boost, respectively.
We follow this 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark gaming PCs and record their scores. Also, higher is better.
Battery life benchmarks
We’re looking to see about nine to ten hours of battery life on the Windows laptops we review, with 12-plus hours being ideal. Gaming laptops are a different story: They only need to last at least two hours per charge to get our approval, earning extra brownie points for reaching the four-hour mark.
We’ve tested the durability of laptops in a few ways in the past. (More on that soon.) On the Alienware m16 R2, the Asus Zenbook Duo, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, we ran. UL Solutions’ PCMark 10 battery life test. This benchmark has a machine that completes a series of applications and tasks until it runs out.
On the Acer Swift X 14, HP OmniBook X, Yoga 9i, and Surface Laptop 7, we performed a video test that included playing the 1080p version Iron Tearsa short open source Blender movie, at 50 percent brightness.
To set up our battery life test method, we will only be using Iron Tears a rundown on all Windows laptops going forward. We’ll stick to PCMark 10 battery life tests for gaming laptops.
Final thoughts
After evaluating the laptop’s performance and benchmark test results, we make our final recommendations based on whether we think they offer good value for money. A more expensive laptop will sometimes get a pass if we think it looks and works well enough that it’s worth the hassle of getting it on sale.
It’s worth noting that these aren’t the only Windows laptops we’ve tried – we’re always testing and testing new models in different categories, and many don’t make the final cut. With that in mind, you can expect this guide to evolve further. We are always on the lookout for new top contenders.