Best Laptop for The Day Before in 2024

The Day Before gameplay

Welcome to your go-to guide for finding the best laptop for The Day Before, one of the most anticipated MMO survival games. As an ardent follower of the game since its announcement and a laptop enthusiast, I've developed a keen understanding of what makes a laptop stand out in the gaming world. This guide aims to take the guesswork out of your search, focusing on the specific needs of The Day Before players, and bridging the gap between gaming requirements and laptop capabilities.

The Day Before is a game that demands high performance and graphical prowess from your system. You'll need a laptop that not only runs the game smoothly, but also enhances your immersive experience in the devastated, post-pandemic world of the game. In my quest for the perfect gaming laptop, I've been reviewing an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs, and analyzing both professional and user-generated reviews.

Rather than getting lost in the sea of options, we'll be focusing on what truly matters: processing power, graphics capabilities, display quality, and battery longevity. Furthermore, understanding the importance of factors like refresh rate and response time in a game like The Day Before, where every millisecond could be the difference between survival and demise, is crucial. This guide will help you navigate through these technicalities and find the best laptop for gaming, specifically tailored to The Day Before. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the MMO world, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.

Power Up: Unleashing the Processor Potential

Why do we need a fast processor?

A fast processor is essential for smooth multitasking, quick application launches, and efficient handling of demanding tasks. Whether you're a content creator, a professional working with visual effects or 3D rendering, or a gamer, a powerful processor can significantly enhance your productivity and overall user experience.

How much money should you spend on a processor?

Determining how much to spend on a laptop processor depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require top-of-the-line performance and have the financial means to invest, then high-end options may be worth considering. However, if you're on a tighter budget, there are still affordable options available that can deliver satisfactory performance for everyday tasks.

How to decide which processors to consider

When evaluating laptop processors, it's crucial to look beyond marketing hype and consider objective performance metrics. One popular benchmark for professionals working in visual effects, 3D rendering, and gaming is Cinebench R23. This benchmark provides valuable insights into a processor's capabilities, allowing you to make an informed decision based on real-world performance.

Additionally, consider your specific use case. For graphic designers who primarily work with Apple products, the latest MacBooks with Apple silicon chips may be a top choice. However, for Windows users, focusing on a high-end graphics card rather than obsessing over CPU performance is often more beneficial.

Table of recommended processors and what to expect at each price point

Here are some recommendations for laptop processors based on different price ranges:

Price Range Processor Expected Performance
Minimum Intel Core i3 or AMD A4 Basic multitasking and web browsing
Recommended Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 Smooth multitasking, light content creation, and gaming
High-end Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 High-performance tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering

Please note that these recommendations are a general guide, and the specific performance of a laptop will also depend on other factors such as RAM, storage, and cooling capabilities.

Remember, if you're on a budget, don't expect top-tier CPU performance. Instead, prioritize other components such as RAM or GPU to ensure a well-rounded laptop that meets your needs within your budget.

By considering your specific requirements and budget, along with reliable benchmarks, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right laptop processor for your needs.

Powering Your Visual Experience: Graphics Card Insights

When a fast graphics card is not needed for photo editing

For those primarily interested in photo editing, you may not require the fastest graphics card available. Most photo editing software relies more on CPU performance and memory capacity. However, if you work extensively with high-resolution images, use complex filters, or engage in multi-layer editing, a dedicated GPU can significantly speed up your workflow.

When a dedicated GPU is needed

If you're a gamer, VR enthusiast, or regularly work with video encoding, a dedicated GPU becomes crucial. Gaming laptops should focus on Nvidia's latest generation of graphics chips (RTX), as they offer the best performance. Keep in mind that these high-performance GPUs may come at the expense of battery life and heat management.

How to determine if a laptop has a good GPU

When evaluating a laptop's graphics card, relying solely on the GPU model is not enough. The same GPU model can perform differently in different laptops due to the thermal design power (TDP) limits set by the laptop manufacturer. To get a more accurate assessment, it's best to look at benchmark scores.

I typically use 3DMark scores to compare graphics cards across different laptops. However, keep in mind that these scores may not reflect real-world performance accurately. To ensure a laptop isn't held back by its cooling system, I also consider PassMark G3D and Cinebench R23 scores. These benchmarks provide insights into how well a laptop's cooling system can handle sustained GPU performance.

My personal picks for best GPUs for photo editing

Now, let's get into my recommendations for the best laptop graphics cards for photo editing, depending on your budget and needs.

Budget GPU Recommendation
Minimum Integrated GPU: Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon RX Vega Series
Recommended Dedicated GPU: Nvidia GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5600M
High-end Dedicated GPU: Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800M

For those on a tight budget, laptops with integrated GPUs like the Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon RX Vega series can handle basic photo editing tasks without breaking the bank.

If you're willing to invest a bit more, laptops with dedicated GPUs like the Nvidia GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5600M provide a significant performance boost and can handle more demanding photo editing tasks.

For users seeking the highest level of performance, the Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800M are excellent choices. These high-end GPUs offer exceptional performance for photo editing and can handle other intensive tasks like gaming or video editing with ease.

Remember, when choosing a graphics card for your laptop, it's essential to pair it with an appropriate processor and sufficient RAM to maximize its potential.

Boost Your Speed: The RAM You Need!

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a vital component of any laptop. While its importance may have diminished slightly in recent years, it still plays a crucial role in overall system performance. In the context of 3D modeling, having sufficient RAM is even more critical as it directly affects how smoothly and efficiently your software can handle complex tasks.

When it comes to 3D modeling, a minimum of 16 GB of RAM is a good starting point. This amount will allow you to work on moderately complex projects without encountering major performance issues. However, if you're serious about 3D modeling and want the best possible experience, I recommend opting for a laptop with at least 32 GB of RAM. This higher capacity will ensure smoother multitasking, faster rendering times, and the ability to handle more demanding projects.

Now, let's discuss what you can expect at various price points when it comes to laptop RAM for The Day Before.

Minimum:

At the minimum price point, you can expect laptops with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM. While this may be sufficient for basic 3D modeling tasks, keep in mind that you may encounter performance limitations when working on larger projects or multitasking with resource-intensive applications.

Recommended:

For a better 3D modeling exprience, I recommend investing in a laptop with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM. This increased capacity will provide more headroom for multitasking and handling larger projects without significant performance bottlenecks.

High-end:

If you're a professional 3D modeler or work on highly complex projects, consider a laptop with 64 GB or more of DDR4 RAM. This higher capacity will ensure that your system can handle even the most demanding tasks and allow for seamless multitasking.

In conclusion, when choosing the right laptop RAM for The Day Before, prioritize the amount of RAM you need based on the complexity of your 3D modeling projects. Consider DDR4 RAM, as DDR5 is still maturing as a technology. Focus on overall system performance rather than getting caught up in minor differences in RAM speed and latency. Finally, choose a laptop with upgradability options if you anticipate needing more RAM in the future.

8 Best Laptops for The Day Before

HP Victus 15

1
Solid gaming performance at a budget price, but with some compromises.
Price
$710
i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 16 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS WA; 1920×1080
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Strong entry-level gaming performance
  • Solid productivity capabilities
Cons
  • Mediocre display and webcam quality
  • Excessive pre-installed software
Alternatives
$730
HP Victus 15t
Pros
  • Low price
  • Strong entry-level gaming performance
Cons
  • Weak GPU yields unsatisfactory frame rates
  • Screen only so-so despite 144Hz refresh rate
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HP Victus 15

2
HP Victus 15: A budget gaming laptop that offers respectable performance at an affordable price, but falls short in terms of battery life and design.
Price
$880
i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 32 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS WA; 1920×1080
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Excellent price
  • Good gaming performance
Cons
  • Bad battery life
  • Rather plain design
Alternatives
$970
MSI Thin GF63
Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Powerful Intel Core i5 CPU
Cons
  • Limited gaming performance
  • Dull screen
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ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53

3
Powerful budget gaming laptop with some minor flaws.
Price
$1100
i5-13500H | RTX 4050 | 512 GB RAM | 500 GB SSD | 15.6″; 1920×1080
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Superb 1080p gaming
  • Strong productivity capabilities
Cons
  • Poor webcam, touchpad, and speakers
  • Some games appear washed out on display
Alternatives
$2,400
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
Pros
  • Great screen and speakers
  • Over-the-top looks
Cons
  • No webcam
  • Poor exhaust placement
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GIGABYTE G5 KF5

4
Affordable gaming powerhouse with solid design.
Price
$1270
i7-12650H | RTX 4060 | 64 GB RAM | 4000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS-level; 1920×1080
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Great gaming performance
  • Nice-looking screen
Cons
  • Loud under load
  • Larger SSD upgrade is a must
Alternatives
$1,300
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16
Pros
  • Stylish, sleek form factor
  • Gorgeous display
Cons
  • Webcam quality is poor
  • No biometrics
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HP Envy 16

5
HP Envy 16: A hefty but tempting desktop replacement with high-end features.
Price
$1800
i9-13900H | RTX 4060 | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 16″ IPS Touch; 2560×1600
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Plenty of CPU and GPU power
  • New 120Hz screen refresh rate
Cons
  • Merely adequate base screen
  • Optional OLED has fewer pixels than before
Alternatives
$1,750
ASUS ROG Strix G15
Pros
  • High-performance CPU and GPU
  • Good workmanship and sophisticated design
Cons
  • Skimpy connectivity
  • Coil whine in certain situations
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Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16

6
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i: Sleek and Powerful Gaming Laptop with a Justifiable Price Tag.
Price
$3390
i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 16″ HDR; 2560×1600
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Strong overall performance
  • Big, bright, and fast display
Cons
  • Some flex to keyboard deck
  • Poor battery life
Alternatives
$3,970
HP Omen
Pros
  • Slim and portable build for a 16-inch laptop
  • Midrange gaming performance at a reasonable price
Cons
  • All-AMD configuration lags behind Intel and Nvidia competitors
  • Unimpressive 144Hz refresh rate and full HD resolution
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Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16

7
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A mid-priced powerhouse for demanding tasks.
Price
$3800
i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 16″; 2560×1600
Pros and cons
Pros
  • Strong overall performance
  • Display is big, bright, and fast
Cons
  • Some flex to keyboard deck
  • Poor battery life
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HP Omen 17

8
High-end gaming laptop with impressive performance, but falls short in noise level and battery life.
Price
$4290
i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 64 GB RAM | 8000 GB SSD | 17.3″ IPS; 2560×1440
Pros and cons
Pros
  • QHD display with 165 Hz
  • Expandable working memory
Cons
  • Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
  • High noise level
Alternatives
$4,290
HP Omen
Pros
  • QHD display with 165Hz refresh rate
  • Expandable working memory
Cons
  • Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
  • High noise level
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Table of the Best Laptops for The Day Before

LaptopPrice (approx)
HP Victus 15$710
HP Victus 15$880
ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53$1100
GIGABYTE G5 KF5$1270
HP Envy 16$1800
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16$3390
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16$3800
HP Omen 17$4290

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