> What compromises, if any, should I expect when prioritizing ray tracing on a laptop? tbh I spent weeks researching this before I pulled the trigger on my current setup. If your target is under $2k, you realy need to prioritize the GPU's TGP (Total Graphics Power) over almost everything else. I've seen some "thin and light" 4070 laptops get outperformed by high-wattage 4060s because the cooling couldnt handle the power draw required for heavy RT workloads. I eventually went with the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 9 which usually sits around $1,600-$1,800. For ray tracing, the biggest lesson I learned is that you're basically relying on DLSS 3.5. Without Frame Gen, even a $2000 machine struggles with high-end RT in titles like Alan Wake 2. Iirc, the main compromise is gonna be heat and fan noise. When those RT cores are pinned, it sounds like a jet engine, and you'll definetly see some battery drain. If you can find the MSI Vector GP68HX on sale, it sometimes drops below $2k and has a 4080, which is a massive jump for RT performance compared to any 4070. Just my 2 cents!

omg i have been dealing with this exact same headache for like two months now!! seriously... trying to find something under 2k that handles ray tracing without it being a total gamble on build quality is so hard. i want those amazing visuals so bad but im also terrified of spending that much money and getting a lemon that overheats or breaks immediately. its honestly frustrating because i keep seeing these cool demos but then i look at the price tags and just cry lol. i really hope someone drops a solid answer here because i am just as lost as you are and i am dying to finally upgrade my setup!!

Get this: ASUS ROG Strix G17 https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-GeForce-Backlit-Keyboard-Windows/dp/B0D8LKHF3K?------123456890?7649-20