Best laptop for CS2 – top picks for playing Counter Strike 2

Best laptop for CS2 – top picks for playing Counter Strike 2
Rosa Fryer Updated on by

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Is it possible to play Counter-Strike 2 on a laptop? Yes, you can get the best laptop for Counter-Strike 2 to experience the game on the go.

With the release of Counter Strike 2, it’s time to experience the improvements to the highly anticipated game. You need laptop that meets the recommended CS2 system requirements, including an Intel Core i7-9700K processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 60 GB of SSD storage space.

Based on these requirements, and with the help of our in-house expert Aaron Ritchie, we have found you the best laptop for Counter-Strike 2. Whether you’re prioritising resolution or budget, we have an option for you. You may also want to check out the best graphics settings for CS2 – which are friends at WePC have pulled together in extensive detail.

Best laptop for Counter Strike 2 at a glance

GIGABYTE G5 KF

Display Size

15.6 inches

Resolution

1920 x 1080

Ram

8GB

GPU

GeForce RTX 4060

CPU

Intel Core i5-12500H

HP OMEN 16

Display size

16.1 inches

Resolution

2560 x 1440 pixels

RAM

16GB DDR5

GPU

Nvida GeForce RTX 3060

CPU

Intel Core i9-12900H

MSI Raider GE66

Display size

15.6 inches

Resolution

‎3840 x 2160 pixels

RAM

32GB DDR5

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

CPU

Intel Core i9-12900HK

For those who are prioritising affordability then we’ve included a budget-friendly option. If you are still seeking a cheaper option then we’d recommend checking out the best cheap gaming laptops.

For our fellow CS GO fans, we’re here to get you clued up on everything there is to know. Whether it’s finding the best monitors for CS2 or the best CPU for CS2, we’ve got you covered. And everyone’s welcome! If you’re after the best 4K gaming laptops or the best small gaming laptops, at Videogamer, we’ve got something for everyone.

Best 1080p laptop for CS2

GIGABYTE G5 KF

Display Size

15.6 inches

Resolution

1920 x 1080

Ram

8GB

GPU

GeForce RTX 4060

CPU

Intel Core i5-12500H

Pros
  • Super affordable
  • High refresh rate
  • DTS: X Dynamic Audio
Cons
  • Less storage space

The best 1080p laptop for CS2 is the GIGABYTE G5. It’s one of the best gaming laptops under $1,000 that can easily run the game at lower settings with Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU.

Despite its impressively low price, its processor boasts a maximum clock speed of 4.5GHz, ensuring smooth gaming play. Pairing this with a 15.6 FHD display, you can enjoy a 1080p gaming experience when playing Counter-Strike 2, and DTS:X Dynamic Audio completely immerses you in action.

The only downside we can think of is the 512 GB SSD, but considering you only need 60 GB for CS2, it’s not a big deal. You can always check out other best RTX 4060 gaming laptops with better storage space, but we doubt you’ll find one at such an affordable price.

Best 1440p laptop for CS2

HP OMEN 16

Display size

16.1 inches

Resolution

2560 x 1440 pixels

RAM

16GB DDR5

GPU

Nvida GeForce RTX 3060

CPU

Intel Core i9-12900H

Pros
  • Large screen display
  • 1440p gaming with ultra-lightning refresh rate
  • RGB Backlit keyboard
Cons
  • Battery life could be better

The best 1440p laptop for CS2 is the HP Omen 16. It boasts a larger screen with 16.1 inches compared to other gaming laptops on our list. The hardware properties include a top-tier Intel Core i9 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 for lifelike gaming visuals. Take a look at the comparison of the RTX 3060 and the RTX 3060 Ti, to get more of a detailed understanding of what the card offers.

For just over $1,000, you can get a laptop that delivers high fps in 1440p. The 165Hz maximum refresh rate reduces frustrating lag and image ghosting when gaming at the highest graphical settings possible. Its QHD display features anti-glare and low blue light technology, ensuring you can play Counter-Strike 2 even in low light settings.

The addition of 16 GB of DDR5 and 1TB SSD cements it as one of the best gaming laptops on the market at a reasonable price. If you’re asking whether 16GB RAM is enough for gaming, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You’ll experience quick loading times, and it comes with an RGB backlight keyboard for a more immersive gaming experience.

Best laptop for CS2 at max settings

MSI Raider GE66

Display size

15.6 inches

Resolution

‎3840 x 2160 pixels

RAM

32GB DDR5

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

CPU

Intel Core i9-12900HK

Pros
  • Supports UHD 4K gaming
  • Lots of DDR5 RAM
  • Excellent cooling technology
Cons
  • Very pricey

The best laptop for CS2 at max settings is the MSI Raider GE66. It’s powered by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU that guarantees the best 4K gaming experience for Counter-Strike 2. Check out the comparison between the RTX 4070 and the RTX 3080 Ti, to see why the 3080 Ti has so much to offer your gameplay. Take a look at WePC’s review of the RTX 3080 Ti to get a more detailed breakdown of the graphics card’s features.

On top of that, you have the 12th-Gen Intel Core i9 that provides the much-needed boost for running demanding games and multitasking effectively. Fast performance and quick loading times are guaranteed with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage space.

The 15.6 4K UHD display is the standout feature, which delivers vivid colors and details when playing Counter-Strike 2 and other demanding AAA titles. It’s definitely a strong contender for one of the best 4K laptops. If the price isn’t a deal breaker, getting MSI Raider GE66 is a wise investment, especially for an avid gamer.

Can you play Counter Strike 2 on a laptop?

Yes, you can play Counter-Strike 2 on a laptop. We’d always recommend that you find a laptop that either meets the recommended specifications of a game, or ideally, one that goes above the system requirements.

Can a cheap laptop run CS2?

As long as the minimum system requirements are met, you can certainly run CS2 on a cheap laptop like the Gigabyte G5. Although Counter-Strike 2 is a reasonably demanding game in terms of hardware requirements, you’re good to go if you have a laptop running Windows 10 64-bit, an Intel or AMD processor with 2.8 GHz speed (Core i5 or Ryzen 5 1600 will do), an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics card, and lastly, 60 GB of SSD storage space.

Remember that a cheap laptop won’t provide the same experience as running the game on a high-end gaming laptop with a superior graphics card and top-grade processor. It’s a great option if you’re working on a tight budget.