Overwatch is a very popular game and one of the very first few games to take the FPS genre to a whole new level. With this being said, Overwatch as a game was designed to be accessible to many people and most laptops can run it at minimum settings. But if you’re looking for the best laptop for overwatch, then this article is for you.
Since Overwatch’s minimum requirements aren’t very graphic heavy we won’t just be recommending high-end gaming laptops but other laptops as well such as convertibles and budget laptops. Here are laptops that we recommend that you buy:
Recommendations for June 2023
- ASUS ProArt Studio book One – This is overkill for Overwatch. If you have no regard for money and want the best graphics and gamut accurate screen, this laptop is for you.
- ASUS ZenBook 14 – A portable laptop that uses a 10th gen processor equipped with the newest and more powerful Iris integrated graphics.
- MSI GL65 Leopard – The two key things you should know about this laptop are: it has high specs and it has a decent cooling setup.
- Acer Aspire 5 – If you want a budget laptop that performs like a high-end entry laptop, as well as giving you a stable internet connection thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – One of the most inexpensive ones on this list, despite its low cost, it is capable of giving you decent games of Overwatch.
- Lenovo Flex 14 – A reliable convertible that you can easily carry around while playing popular AAA titles like Overwatch.
- Alienware M15 – One of the best laptops on this list for long gaming sessions thanks its powerful specs and advanced CRYO-TECH V3.0 technology.
- Dell XPS 15 7590 – A very versatile laptop that you can use for work, for leisure while still capable of playing games like Overwatch.
- HP Pavilion x360 – A convertible laptop that features a backlit keyboard for a better gaming experience.
- Razer Blade 15 – One of the most powerful gaming laptops on this list. Specs-wise, nothing else on this list can beat it.
Best Laptop for Overwatch in 2023
ASUS StudioBook 17 – Powerful Work And Play Laptop
If the last thing you want people to call you inside an online game is a plebian, then this is the laptop for you.
Definitely one of the best laptops for overwatch and for work, this laptop was built for scientists, 3D animation artists, engineers, and architects, you would never question the raw power that its specs bring to the table. This isn’t a cheap PC for Overwatch, especially for its price range.
Its primary core strength is its graphics coprocessor: the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card. The laptop also has ray tracing (tech that makes 3D renders lighting more realistic), deep learning (AI development and big data processing), and advanced shading.
It can handle Overwatch’s maximum graphic setting. If you’re playing at the max settings the GPU would probably say if it can talk, “Can you please give me more work?”
If you opt for the FHD display, you won’t have any problems running the game on 60 FPS. What’s more, it has thin bezels maximizing its 17-inch screen. Imagine having one of the best possible screens for 3D artists and video editors, and you can play your game with it!
This laptop also has 32GB of RAM. If this laptop is a desktop with the right cooling setup, you can launch four to six instances of the game without any significant bottlenecking or frame drops.
By the way, ASUS equipped this laptop comes with an Intel Core i7-9750H. The H suffix means that it’s graphics-oriented, and you can overclock it to bring out more power. With proper knowledge, you can push this processor to even higher heights but we doubt you’ll need it just to play Overwatch.
Recommended Configuration for ASUS StudioBook 17
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | RAM: 32 GB RAM | Screen: 17.0” Full HD (1920*1200) NanoEdge matte | Storage: 512 GB HDD + 512 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 2 hours | Weight: 5.70 lbs
ASUS ZenBook 14 – Portable Gaming Pick
It may not be the best gaming laptop but it’s easy to carry around and more than enough to run Overwatch. Even if Overwatch is a AAA game, it isn’t really that demanding. Even without a dedicated graphics card, it can run smoothly on integrated cards.
And currently, Iris’s integrated graphics card is one of the most powerful and can take this game on in medium to high graphics settings.
Of course, other laptops are using Iris, but why this one? Well, it’s one of the more reasonably priced and portable laptops in the market. You should know that laptops with Iris graphics will most likely have either a 9th or 10th gen Intel processor. And they don’t come cheap.
By the way, if you want to get the one with the Iris Plus, you should make sure to choose the one with the Core i7 1065G7 processor. If you select the other Core i7 or the Intel Core i5s, you’ll get the regular Intel UHD integrated graphics card.
Moving forward, you should know that this isn’t a gaming laptop. It’s more at the affordable and personal entertainment machine. However, despite all this, it’s still a good laptop for Overwatch as well as other AAA titles.
Recommended Configuration for ASUS ZenBook 14
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8 GB RAM | Screen: 14” Full HD (1920*1200) NanoEdge Bezel| Storage: 512 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 9.5 hours | Weight: 2.6 lbs
MSI GL65 Leopard – Simple Yet Powerful
Out of the gaming laptops on this list, the MSI GL65 Leopard has one of the simplest yet ideal designs. And as you might have expected, this laptop has a dedicated graphics card in it.
It’s NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 has 8GB VRAM and one of the top leaders in benchmark scores.
We recommend this because we’re sure that you’ll not stop playing Overwatch with this hefty piece of equipment. Once you get this gaming laptop, you’ll never stop trying and playing a vast number of games that weren’t accessible to you before…
It also has decent speakers, which is kind of hard to believe. But it’s actually good; the only problem is that turning it on max volume can hit your battery charge hard. But it has a large battery capable of sustaining the power-hungry processor, graphics, display, speakers, wireless, and keyboard.
There are many gaming laptop candidates from MSI. The reason we chose this one instead of the million others is its simple black design. It isn’t as janky as the GF65, and the finish is smooth and gorgeous. You wouldn’t be ashamed to bring it around.
Lastly, this laptop has an impressive cooling system that helps prevent the fan from overexerting itself resulting in a little less annoying. Of course, this doesn’t completely silence the fans and it can still get loud when you’re playing super high-end games.
Recommended Configuration for MSI GL65 Leopard
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 | RAM: 16 GB RAM | Screen: 15.6″ Full HD (1920*1200) Thin Bezel| Storage: 512 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 5 hours | Weight: 9.38 lbs
Acer Aspire 5 – Reliable Wi-Fi 6
The reason you will want to pick this is up is its price and style. Even if it has a Core i7 1065G7 and has a 15.6-inch display, getting the Aspire 5 will save you a lot of money considering its cheap price range.
That is because a laptop doesn’t need to be costly or contain components that only suits your needs. For example, its RAM capacity is around 8GB. A regular computer user or gamer only needs that much to get the right type of performance.
And since this has a 10th gen Ice Lake processor, it has the integrated Iris Plus graphics and Wi-Fi 6 capable. You don’t have to worry about forcing yourself to run Overwatch in low graphical settings since the Iris Plus can handle higher settings.
With the Wi-Fi 6, you can be sure that you won’t experience lag or ping issues if you’re in a crowded place as long as the wireless on that location is decent.
One of the other things you may like on this laptop is its keyboard. The layout and spacing are just right for gaming (even if its manufacturer did not make it for that purpose).
The screen is bright and sharp. It also has a sizable display, given that it’s 15.6-inch. You won’t have to squint your eyes to hit that 100-feet target away with your gun or abilities.
Once you get this, you won’t just have a laptop for Overwatch. You’ll also have a stylish notebook that you can use for studying, work, or only direct personal entertainment.
Recommended Configuration for Acer Aspire 5
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8 GB RAM | Screen: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display| Storage: 512 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 8 hours | Weight: 5.79 lbs
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Cheap and Affordable
Know that this is the cheapest PC for Overwatch that we can recommend. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is one of the cheapest laptops on this list. However, cheap doesn’t always equate to poor performance.
This laptop uses an earlier make of a 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor, the 1005G1. However, note that despite being in the Ice Lake series, Intel UHD integrated graphics, which is still a few notches above the minimum requirement of Overwatch.
Recommended Configuration for Lenovo IdeaPad 3
CPU: Intel Core i3-1005G1 | Graphics: AMD Radeon R5 Graphics | RAM: 8 GB RAM | Screen: 15.6″ HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare Display| Storage: 256 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 S | Battery Life: 7.5 hours | Weight: 4.4 lbs
Lenovo Flex 14 – Powerful Convertible
This laptop comes with AMD’s Ryzen 5 3500U. If you don’t know AMD, replace AMD Ryzen 5 with the words Intel Core i5, and you’ll get an idea about its performance. To those sticklers, the 3500U’s version is closer to Intel Core i5 4300U.
When it comes to integrated graphics, this processor comes with an integrated Radeon Vega 8, which is as powerful as Intel’s Iris Pro 580. Its RAM size is 12GB, and its storage size is 256GB. For its price point, the Flex 14 is commendable.
Inside, this 2-in-1 passes with flying colors when it comes to running Overwatch. Now, you know convertibles have different screen positioning that alters your computer experience, right? The merit we’re talking about is the tent mode.
When you use the tent mode, you can help alleviate the temperature and airflow problems of your laptop. Allowing the laptop stand makes all of its intake and exhaust ports free from obstructions—hence, better cooling and performance.
Why would you play in tent mode, you ask? We’re pretty much sure that you won’t use the laptop’s keyboard and trackpad and use another keyboard and mouse anyway.
And your viewing angle will be much better in tent mode since you can have a lot of position options for your convertible standing up than using it in laptop mode. That’s how convertibles are good to use as an impromptu gaming laptop. By having more room to breathe, it can sustain its performance and improve its lifespan.
Recommended Configuration for Lenovo Flex 14
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U | Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 | RAM: 12 GB RAM | Screen: 13″ FHD (1920 x 1080) Touchscreen Display| Storage: 256 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: 10 hours | Weight: 3.52 lbs
Alienware M15 – CRYO-TECH V3.0 technology
The Alienware M15 is the most popular Alienware laptop for a reason. Its price point isn’t that bad, the specs are great for a gaming laptop, and its design isn’t overbearing. Also, it’s lighter than its brothers, and it’s even quieter.
Unlike regular laptops, its processor, the Core i7 8750H, has a TDP of 45 watts. It means three things. One, it exceeds low power laptops in terms of performance. Two, it can get hot fast. And three, it can also drain the battery quite quickly.
That’s why the M15 is heavy. To compensate for its hard-working CPU, it has the CRYO-TECH V3.0 technology (basically Alienware’s advanced cooling and airflow system). And it also has a larger battery pack to ensure that it won’t go kaput after just an hour of game time.
Another thing to note is that it has a dedicated graphics card, the GTX 1060, which has a VRAM of 6GB GDDR5. To sum it up nicely, this is a powerhouse that runs AAA games. And Overwatch is one of them.
Recommended Configuration for Alienware M15
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060 6GB | RAM: 16 GB RAM | Screen: 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) display, 144Hz refresh rate and 300-nit brightness| Storage: 512 GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 6 hours| Weight: 4.76 lbs
Dell XPS 15 7590 – Very Versatile
The XPS 15 7590 may not be a super high-end gaming laptop for playing Overwatch. Nonetheless, it’s one of the most versatile laptops on this list capable of running programs for work, editing photos and videos, and even for gaming.
This makes it one of the best laptops for Overwatch on this list especially if you’re planning to use it for other things like business and work.
With its specs like the 10th Gen Intel i7 CPU and reliable graphics card, there’s no doubt that it can run and handle Overwatch. The question is, will it provide you with a good gaming experience? The quick answer is yes.
We say yes because it has one of the laptops out there with the best displays. Note that it’s a 4K UHD. It means that you can set its resolution to 3840 x 2160. It needs to be together with a powerful graphics card and a modest battery with a solution like that.
Fortunately, this laptop has the GTX 1650. The battery is also a bit large, probably the reason the XPS 15’s on the heavy side.
Aside from those, there’s nothing much to say more about this laptop, except that it’s considered the best laptop by many of its users thanks to its versatility. You have to remember that it’s a premium laptop, so prepare your pocket for some hefty spending if you choose this.
Recommended Configuration for Dell XPS 15 7590
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650| RAM: 16 GB | Screen: 15.6″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge Anti-Reflective Touch IPS display| Storage: 512 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: 8 hours| Weight: 4.5 pounds
HP Pavilion x360 – Backlit Convertible Keyboard
The Pavilion x360 is one of the most loved HP laptops and probably one of the best mid-prices laptops for overwatch. Its specs don’t compare to gaming laptops but it can still provide a decent gaming experience with its specs.
It has an Intel Core i5-1035G1 which meets the gaming requirements, so that’s a check. Does it have a capable integrated graphics that can run games? It has the Intel UHD integrated graphics, so that’s a check as well. Does it have the recommended 8GB? Yep. We believe that it can run Overwatch. However, how well does it fare in terms of user experience?
Out of the box, it’s fast, and it can stay that way for months. Most owners claim that it’s a stress-free laptop. You won’t encounter any problems with it, and it just runs smoothly as when you use it for the first time.
If you’re planning to use the keyboard to play, you might like its feel and action despite having the only 1.38mm of travel. It also has a keyboard backlight, which everyone can appreciate, mostly if owners of this laptop frequently play inside a dark room.
And one of the things we love about it is that it has a long battery life. It can run for 9 hours with mixed-use. And it can get us to play a game like Overwatch in four to five hours in one single charge.
Recommended Configuration For HP Pavilion x360
CPU: Intel Core i5-1035G1| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics| RAM: 8GB RAM | Screen: 14-inch 1920×1080 FHD IPS display| Storage: 512GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 9 hours | Weight: 3.5 lbs
Razer Blade 15 – Unparalleled Specs
The Razer Blade 15 from its name alone can send shivers up your spine. Unlike its rival Alienware, Razer has been rocking it out in the market recently with the Razer Blade 15.
So, can it run Crysis, err, Overwatch? Indubitably! It has a six-core 10th gen 10875H. It also has a dedicated graphics RTX 2080 Super, a 4K OLED screen, and 16 gigs of RAM. Overall, this laptop will provide a quality gaming experience for all of its users.
You can max out the graphics settings to embellish yourself with beautiful pixels as you destroy the enemy heroes/champions in 300 Hz of FPS glory.
It’s all praises up to this point, but we must level your expectations. First, it will get hot—the laptop’s keyboard will feel slightly toasty after half an hour of gameplay. Then fans will start to whirr in the background audibly. All of those are normal. And that’s all about it!
Sure, with its price, you can buy a monster of a desktop. But for its style, mobility, and the renowned Razer tech support alone, we say that this is a must-have if you’re an avid gamer. And it’s definitely the best laptop for Overwatch and any other game for that matter.
Recommended Configuration for Razer Blade 15
CPU:Intel Core i7-10875H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER | RAM: 16GB RAM | Screen: 15.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) FHD 300 Hz display| Storage: 1TBSSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 5 hours | Weight: 9.04 lbs
Picking the Best Laptop for Overwatch in 2023
GPU
One of the most important things you need for gaming nowadays is a powerful graphics card. You’ll need at least a dedicated graphics card if you want to run and play Overwatch on the higher graphical settings.
You can opt for an integrated graphics card if you’re on a budget as long as it meets the recruitment. As long as its more powerful than an Intel HD Graphics 4400, you’re good to go.
CPU
The minimum required processor is either an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Phenom X3 8650. It means that any laptop before 2010 is automatically out of the list. Of course, some may have the power to meet the minimum requirements, but we’re sure that its other components will pull back its performance.
Blizzard intended people to play Overwatch on desktop computers and consoles. That means that the minimum system requirements are actually for desktop components. Desktop and laptop CPUs differ a lot when it comes to performance. A first-gen Intel Core i5 desktop CPU may allow you to play Overwatch barely, but a first-gen Intel Core i5 laptop CPU may not.
This is why we recommend getting a laptop with powerful processors like a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU which most of the laptops on this list have.
Don’t Base Your Pick On Desktop Specs
Remember that desktop CPUs often have little to no restrictions on themselves. They can use how much power they can and heat up as much as they can. After all, desktops don’t rely on batteries, and they have robust cooling systems.
Because of this, it’s the proper rule of thumb that whenever a game requires a particular processor, you must choose a twice powerful laptop processor to make sure you meet the requirement.
Moving forward, the recommended spec for CPU is an Intel Core i5 or AMD Phenom II X3.
RAM
The minimum required RAM for this game is 4GB. Getting a laptop with the bare minimum means that you need to turn off all applications and possibly close any programs running in the background when playing Overwatch.
The recommended RAM size is 6GB, but let’s make that 8GB for safe measure—it’s challenging to find a machine with 6GB, which is an odd number for RAM. Remember that any device that has more than 4GB of RAM requires a 64-bit operating system.
Cooling
Laptops get hot when you play a game, and it’s inevitable. Heat can reduce the lifespan of your machine and it can push it to slow down it’s processing to avoid going past the maximum operating temperature limit. It’s between 155 to 175 degrees for desktops and 150 to 210 for laptops.
You might have noticed that laptop processors have higher limits. Manufacturers built it that way to prevent failure since laptops have bad temperature management because of its form factor. In exchange, they often have lower frequencies than their desktop counterparts.
So if you’re looking for a laptop that can let you play games and live for a long time, consider machines that have some sort of unique system or setup that focuses on thermal management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much RAM Do I Need For Overwatch?
4GB is the minimum. 8GB is recommended, and anything above that is just plain excessive. But if you want to use the laptop for other RAM extensive tasks like video editing, there’s no harm in taking one with high amounts of system memory.
Is Overwatch Cpu Or Gpu Dependent?
Neither. It’s Both. However, Getting A CPU With At Least Six Cores Truly Helps In Improving Your Laptop’s Performance In Overwatch.
Can I Play Overwatch On A Macbook?
Overwatch is only available on Windows operating systems and select video game consoles. It means that laptops running macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux distros are out of the equation. When it comes to Windows, you can install this game in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Be sure that your operating system is up to date.
Of course, there are still ways to force your laptop to run Overwatch even if your machine came with a different OS. However, it involves a bit of research work and tinkering.
One such method involves using a Windows 10 emulator like VMware to run the game for you. However, you won’t get it at the best possible performance since emulation uses up a lot of your system’s resources. So only do this when you have a very powerful Macbook like the Macbook Pro 16.
So, normally it’s a no. Don’t get your hopes up that it will be available in other systems. Overwatch’s developers have already declared they wouldn’t work on that.
Can A Chromebook Run Overwatch?
Just like with a Macbook, Overwatch does not support gameplay on a Chromebook. And unlike with a Macbook, a Chromebook doesn’t have the specs to run a Windows 10 emulator so for now playing Overwatch on a Chromebook is still not possible.
What Is The Minimum Resolution For Overwatch?
It’s the standard 1024 x 768. The lowest playable resolution will make the game’s text and user interface blurry and a bit pixelated. Do know that the screen will be a bit cramped despite its simple UI.
We don’t recommend you lower the render scale below 75% further if you’re running on this resolution. You’ll hate yourself if you do that!
Does Overwatch Use Multicores?
Yes. Blizzard developed this game to use up to six cores when you’re playing the game. So, even if your processor has lower frequencies, but it’s a dual-core or quad-core, you can safely assume that it can run your game.
Will I Need A Cooling Pad For My Laptop When Playing This Game?
Definitely! The game might not be too demanding, but it will still be pushing your processor to get hot. We also suggest that you connect a keyboard and mouse for much better gaming experience and allow your laptop to vent out some heat upwards quickly.
Can You Play Competitively Using A Laptop?
You can make sure that you select or buy the top tier laptops or high-end gaming laptops we recommend or similar. We also included some mid-range over there, and you can still play competitively on them. However, you must tweak the graphical settings a bit to gain some FPS advantage.
If you’re going to use your old and low power laptop and still want to push it on the competitive scene, turn down your video settings, and we would advise you to not use laggy heroes like Genji or Tracer.
Can An Integrated Graphics Run This Game?
Yes. Overwatch’s minimum video card requirement is Intel’s HD Graphics 4400, standard in laptops around 2013 until early 2015.
With the lowest graphic settings, you can play Overwatch using HD 4400 and get 45~60FPS; if you get a brand-new laptop today with an Intel processor, chances are it will have the better UHD graphics or Iris Plus or XE. Using Intel’s UHD graphics in the lowest settings, Overwatch can run around 60~110FPS (depends on your processor and the resolution you choose).
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll understand that you don’t need a fancy and powerful laptop for Overwatch. We hope that you’ll also consider things like cooling and other features as well when playing the game.
The best laptop for Overwatch is determined not just by specs alone but with your budget and preferences as well and we hope that this article has given you an idea on what laptop to get for Overwatch and other activities.
Feel free to comment down below to tell us what you think! Do you agree with us? Do you disagree with the list? Why?