12 Laptops for Cities Skylines 2

Welcome to this comprehensive guide to finding the best laptop for Cities Skylines 2. As a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast, I've spent countless hours sifting through extensive laptop spreadsheets of recent releases, comparing specs, scrutinizing professional and user reviews, and identifying the top laptops that meet the game’s demanding system requirements and price ranges. It's worth noting that a game like Cities Skylines 2, known for its intricate city planning and management simulation, requires a robust system to run smoothly and offer an immersive gaming experience.

Remember, not every gaming laptop is ideal for Cities Skylines 2. The game's complex simulations and breathtaking graphics demand a powerful CPU, a robust GPU, and ample RAM. Therefore, a laptop that can handle heavy multitasking, high-resolution graphics, and complex simulations is crucial when playing this resource-intensive game.

From my experience playing Cities Skylines 2, I've learned the importance of having a laptop that can handle the game's rigorous system demands. Whether you're intricately planning your transportation networks or meticulously managing your city's resources, the last thing you need is lag or stuttering. Therefore, this guide aims to help you find the best laptop for Cities Skylines 2, keeping in mind the game's unique requirements and your budget. We're focusing on delivering valuable content that will help you enjoy the game to its fullest potential, free from any performance-related frustrations.

Powering Your City: Choosing the Right Processor

What's new in the laptop processor market?

The laptop processor market has seen some exciting developments recently. Apple's introduction of their ARM-based M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max system-on-chip modules has brought exceptional single-core performance and impressive battery life to their MacBook lineup. On the other hand, AMD has made significant strides in capturing a 20% share of the laptop CPU market with their Ryzen processors. The latest 7th-generation Ryzen CPUs are now shipping in laptops, while the previous 6th-generation models are still widely available. Intel has also released their 13th-generation Core processors, but the 12th-generation Core CPUs still offer excellent value, particularly if you don't require cutting-edge performance.

Processor requirements for running Cities: Skylines

When it comes to running Cities: Skylines 2 on a laptop, the CPU is an important consideration, although not as crucial as it used to be. The game's system requirements recommend a dual-core processor with a clock speed of at least 3.2 GHz. However, for a smoother gaming experience, it's best to opt for a quad-core processor or higher. Thankfully, most modern laptops come equipped with quad-core CPUs by default, so you won't need to worry too much about this requirement.

How do I rank processors by performance?

To rank processors by performance, you can refer to benchmark tests conducted by reputable sources such as PassMark or Geekbench. These tests evaluate various aspects of processor performance, including single-core and multi-core speeds. Higher scores indicate better performance, allowing you to compare different processors and make an informed decision.

MacBooks – what to expect when going for a MacBook Pro

While MacBooks are not officially supported for running Cities: Skylines 2, it's worth mentioning that Apple's ARM-based M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max processors offer exceptional performance and energy efficiency. If you are considering a MacBook Pro for other tasks and occasional gaming, these processors can handle the game admirably. However, it's important to note that MacBooks are generally not recommended for serious gaming purposes due to limited game compatibility and optimized support.

Table of recommended processors and their expected price tags

Below is a table outlining recommended laptop processors for Cities: Skylines 2, along with their expected price ranges:

Processor	Expected Price Range
Minimum Requirement	i3-1115G4
Recommended	i5-1135G7
High-end Performance	i7-11370H

Please keep in mind that these are just recommendations based on the system requirements and desired gaming experience. Prices can vary depending on the specific laptop model and additional features.

By considering these recommendations and the specific requirements of your usage scenario, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right laptop processor for Cities: Skylines 2.

The Powerhouse: Unleash your City's Potential!

What's new in the GPU market?

As of October 2023, Nvidia's RTX 40 series cards are starting to make their way into the laptop GPU market. However, the majority of laptops still feature Nvidia's previous generation, the RTX 30 series. It's important to note that desktop GPUs have become more power-hungry, creating a larger gap between notebook graphics cards and their desktop counterparts. Additionally, Nvidia has done away with the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, leaving the exact GPU wattage to be determined by laptop manufacturers. This has resulted in a wide variance in graphics performance even among laptops with the same GPU chipset.

How does a graphics card affect gaming performance?

In the case of Cities Skylines 2, a dedicated graphics card is a must-have for smooth gameplay. The game is not particularly demanding, so high-end GPUs are not necessary. However, a graphics card plays a significant role in determining the quality and performance of your gaming experience. A more powerful GPU will allow you to play the game at higher resolutions, with more detailed graphics, and at higher frame rates.

Is it worth investing in a high-end GPU for a single game?

While it can be tempting to splurge on the latest and greatest GPUs, especially with the release of new series like the RTX 40, it's important to consider your specific needs. If Cities Skylines 2 is the primary game you'll be playing and you don't have any other demanding titles in your library, you may not need a high-end GPU. Opting for a mid-range graphics card that offers solid performance at a more affordable price could be a wise decision.

Best GPUs for each price bracket

To help you decide which graphics card would be the best fit for your Cities Skylines 2 laptop, here are our recommendations for each price bracket:

Minimum: GeForce GTX 1650

The GTX 1650 is an entry-level graphics card that should be able to handle Cities Skylines 2 without any issues. While it may not offer the highest graphics settings or the smoothest frame rates, it provides a good starting point for those on a budget.

Recommended: GeForce RTX 3050

The RTX 3050 is a mid-range graphics card that strikes a balance between performance and price. It offers better performance than the GTX 1650 and should be capable of running Cities Skylines 2 at higher settings with smoother gameplay.

High-end: GeForce RTX 2060

If you're looking for the best possible performance and are willing to invest more, the RTX 2060 is a solid choice. While it's not the latest generation, it still offers excellent performance for gaming and should provide a smooth and immersive experience in Cities Skylines 2.

Remember, these recommendations are based on the assumption that Cities Skylines 2 is the primary game you'll be playing. If you have other demanding titles in your library or plan to use your laptop for other graphics-intensive tasks, you may want to consider a higher-end GPU.

When comparing graphics cards, I recommend using industry-standard benchmarks like 3DMark. This benchmark provides consistent results across different versions of the test, allowing for accurate comparisons between different GPUs.

RAM Up: Unlocking Maximum City-Building Power

Cities: Skylines 2 is a popular city-building game that can be quite demanding on your laptop's hardware, especially if you're aiming for high framerates and 4K resolution. One component that plays a crucial role in delivering smooth performance is RAM. In this section, we'll discuss how much RAM you'll need, the difference between DDR4 and DDR5, and what to expect at different budget levels.

Why does Cities: Skylines 2 need a lot of RAM?

Cities: Skylines 2 is a complex game that simulates the creation and management of a virtual city. As you construct buildings, infrastructure, and manage various aspects of your city, the game requires a significant amount of memory to store and process all the data involved. Without enough RAM, your laptop may struggle to keep up, resulting in slower performance, longer load times, and potential stuttering or lag in-game.

How much memory is needed for a comfortable experience?

To ensure a comfortable experience while playing Cities: Skylines 2, it's recommended to have at least 16 GB of RAM. This amount of memory allows the game to run smoothly, even with mods or custom content. However, if you're on a budget, 8 GB will still be sufficient to run the game, although you may experience occasional slowdowns or longer loading times.

DDR4 vs DDR5 – Does it matter for Cities: Skylines 2?

When it comes to RAM, there are two main types available: DDR4 and DDR5. While the latest generation CPUs from Intel and AMD support both, DDR5 is still relatively new and comes with a higher price tag. For Cities: Skylines 2 specifically, there's no need to invest in DDR5 RAM as the game does not significantly benefit from its higher speeds and capacities. DDR4 RAM is more than capable of handling the game's requirements, and it will save you some money in the process.

Other RAM specifications to consider

Aside from the type of RAM, there are a few other specifications to keep in mind when choosing the right memory for your laptop. One important factor is latency, which refers to the delay between when a command is given to the RAM and when it responds. Lower latency numbers indicate faster response times and can contribute to smoother gameplay.

Frequency, measured in megahertz (MHz), determines how quickly the RAM can transfer data. Higher frequency RAM can improve overall system performance, but the impact may be marginal, especially for gaming. Focus on getting sufficient capacity (such as 16 GB) before prioritizing higher frequencies or lower latencies.

What to expect depending on your budget

If you're on a tight budget, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM will allow you to play Cities: Skylines 2, but you may experience occasional slowdowns and longer load times. However, if your budget allows, it's highly recommended to invest in 16 GB of DDR4 RAM for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

For those looking to go all out, high-end laptops with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM are available. While this amount of memory is not necessary for most gamers, it can provide some future-proofing and accommodate other resource-intensive tasks you may perform on your laptop.

Remember, when considering your RAM options, it's also beneficial to choose a laptop that allows for RAM upgrades. This way, you can expand your memory capacity in the future if needed, rather than being limited by the amount of RAM soldered onto the motherboard.

In conclusion, when deciding on the right laptop RAM for Cities: Skylines 2, aim for a minimum of 8 GB of DDR4 RAM if you're on a budget. However, for a smoother gaming experience, it's recommended to have at least 16 GB of DDR4 RAM. Higher-end laptops with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM provide additional headroom for future needs and multitasking. Remember to prioritize capacity over frequency and latency, and consider a laptop with upgradable RAM to future-proof your gaming setup.

Unleash Your Urban Planning Potential: FAQs Answered

Q: What are the recommended laptop specs for Cities Skylines 2?

For the best experience playing Cities Skylines 2, we recommend a laptop with a minimum of 16 GB of RAM, an Intel i5-1135G7 or higher processor, and a dedicated graphics card such as the GeForce RTX 3050 or better.

Can I play Cities Skylines 2 on a laptop?

Absolutely! Cities Skylines 2 is fully compatible with laptops. Just make sure your laptop meets the minimum system requirements to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Best laptops for Cities Skylines 2 under TOPIC_QUESTIONS000.

Here are some top laptop recommendations for playing Cities Skylines 2 under TOPIC_QUESTIONS000:

• HP Victus 15 ($880)
• ASUS TUF Dash F15 (starting from $1,600)
• ASUS ROG Strix G15 (starting from $1,750)

These laptops offer excellent performance and are designed to handle demanding games like Cities Skylines 2.

Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for Cities Skylines 2 on a laptop?

While it is possible to run Cities Skylines 2 on integrated graphics, we strongly recommend having a dedicated graphics card for a better gaming experience. A dedicated graphics card, such as the GeForce RTX 3050 or better, will provide smoother gameplay and higher graphics settings.

How much RAM do I need for Cities Skylines 2 on a laptop?

The minimum requirement for Cities Skylines 2 is 8 GB of RAM. However, for optimal performance and to avoid any potential lag or stuttering, we recommend having at least 16 GB of RAM.

Are gaming laptops suitable for playing Cities Skylines 2?

Yes, gaming laptops are an excellent choice for playing Cities Skylines 2. They are specifically designed to handle demanding games and provide the necessary power for smooth gameplay. Look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards, ample RAM, and powerful processors to ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.

Which processor is best for Cities Skylines 2 on a laptop?

For Cities Skylines 2, we recommend a laptop with an Intel i7-11370H or higher processor. This will ensure smooth gameplay and allow you to handle large cities without experiencing significant slowdowns.

Can I play Cities Skylines 2 on a budget laptop?

While Cities Skylines 2 is a fairly demanding game, you can still enjoy it on a budget laptop. Look for laptops with at least 8 GB of RAM, an Intel i3-1115G4 or higher processor, and a dedicated graphics card like the GeForce GTX 1650. These specifications should allow you to run the game at lower graphics settings and still have an enjoyable gaming experience.

What are the minimum system requirements for Cities Skylines 2 on a laptop?

The minimum system requirements for Cities Skylines 2 on a laptop are as follows:

• Memory: 8 GB
• Processor: i3-1115G4 or equivalent
• Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650 or equivalent

Meeting these requirements will allow you to run the game, although you may need to lower some graphics settings for optimal performance.

How to choose a laptop that can handle Cities Skylines 2?

When choosing a laptop to handle Cities Skylines 2, consider the following key factors:

1. Memory: Aim for at least 16 GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance.

2. Processor: Look for an Intel i5-1135G7 or higher processor for better gaming performance.

3. Graphics: A dedicated graphics card, such as the GeForce RTX 3050 or higher, will provide better visuals and smoother gameplay.

4. Price: Consider your budget and choose a laptop that offers the best performance for your price range. Refer to the recommended laptops mentioned earlier in this FAQ section.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a laptop that can handle the demands of Cities Skylines 2 and provide an enjoyable gaming experience.

6 Best Laptops for Cities Skylines 2

Table of the Best Laptops for Cities Skylines 2

Laptop	Price (approx)
HP Victus 15	$880
ASUS TUF Dash F15	$1160
ASUS ROG Strix G15	$1750
Lenovo Legion Pro 5	$2630
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16	$3390
Dell XPS 17 9720	$5600