Best 14'' Laptop for Uni and Gaming - Budget $2,500

LOblFa on 10/03/2025 - 20:35
Last edited 10/03/2025 - 21:02 by 1 other user

I need a laptop that's got enough battery life and a muted appearance for bringing to school but enough power to get through play some recent titles such as KCD2 or the upcoming EU5.

I can't have an Ultrabook and desktop as I'll be studying overseas on campus so I need something that I can bring back and forth (and I already have a decent desktop). I was very close to pulling the trigger on the Asus TUF A14 for $2350 but am considering just toughing it out for a few months for new releases such as the RTX 5000 and Strix Halo to trickle down and for better sales to come up. Budget is around $2500 max so the G14 is out of reach unfortunately.

Are there any models for me to take a look at now or should I just bide my time?

• 

  McMaferMur on 10/03/2025 - 22:15

  -1

  Wow you sure have lots of budget. May i know your occupation (before studying again)?

  • 

    OblFa on 11/03/2025 - 22:44

    Working casual at Officeworks lol. Just don't have too many other expenses

    • 

      McMaferMur on 11/03/2025 - 23:23

      Wow! Jealous…. i waited almost 7 month to finally bought $500 laptop.

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  Hellfire on 11/03/2025 - 07:42

  +2

  Metabox Aer-X could be suitable. Lightweight (for a gaming laptop) and good specs. ~$2500 including windows.

  https://www.kongcomputers.com.au/metabox-aer-x-v540tnd.html

  • 

    geekcohen on 11/03/2025 - 11:07

    You can directly to Metabox as well - https://metabox.com.au/

    I have always dealt directly with them.

  • 

    OblFa on 11/03/2025 - 22:56

    Looks intriguing. Hard to find any reviews about it though, but on paper it ticks quite a few boxes. Do you have any thoughts on their build quality and reputation?

    • 

      Hellfire on 12/03/2025 - 09:11

      +1

      Metabox buy their laptops as barebones from a manufacturer called Clevo. Other companies internationally do the same thing and sell them under their own brand. Sager in USA is one.

      To find reviews you usually need to look for the clevo model or one of the US or EU ones.

      Metabox has been around for years. Ive owned 2 and found them to be very reliable. Generally they offer some of the best bang for buck gaming laptops (outside sales).

      One of the main benefits is that they are very configurable. They also dont include windows so you can save money by using another OS or an existing Windows licence.

    • 

      geekcohen on 12/03/2025 - 11:22

      Can vouch for Metabox. I've bought multiple and they have always been great. Bought them for Family and Business, I think they are the best bang for buck and the customization is great.