Finding a laptop that can juggle both gaming and schoolwork isn’t as tricky as it used to be. These days, you don’t have to choose between a machine that can handle your homework and one that can keep up with your favorite games. Whether you’re diving into an essay, editing video for a project or hopping into a round of Fortnite or Baldur’s Gate 3 after class, there are plenty of laptops that strike the right balance between performance, portability and price.
The key is knowing what to look for. A solid schoolwork and gaming laptop should have enough processing power for multitasking, a GPU that can handle modern games (even if you're not cranking settings to ultra) and decent battery life to get you through a day of classes or study sessions. Some are sleek and lightweight enough to slip into a backpack while others double as full-on gaming rigs when you’re home and plugged in. We’ve tested a range of laptops to help you find one that fits your student schedule and your Steam library.
Best laptops for gaming and school in 2025
Best laptop for gaming and schoolwork FAQs
Are gaming laptops good for school?
As we’ve mentioned, gaming laptops are especially helpful if you're doing any demanding work. Their big promise is powerful graphics performance, which isn't just limited to PC gaming. Video editing and 3D rendering programs can also tap into their GPUs to handle laborious tasks. While you can find decent GPUs on some productivity machines, like Dell's XPS 15, you can sometimes find better deals on gaming laptops. My general advice for any new workhorse: Pay attention to the specs; get at least 16GB of RAM and the largest solid state drive you can find (ideally 1TB or more). Those components are both typically hard to upgrade down the line, so it’s worth investing what you can up front to get the most out of your PC gaming experience long term. Also, don’t forget the basics like a webcam, which will likely be necessary for the schoolwork portion of your activities.
The one big downside to choosing a gaming notebook is portability. For the most part, we'd recommend 15-inch models to get the best balance of size and price. Those typically weigh in around 4.5 pounds, which is significantly more than a three-pound ultraportable. Today's gaming notebooks are still far lighter than older models, though, so at least you won't be lugging around a 10-pound brick. If you’re looking for something lighter, there are plenty of 14-inch options these days. And if you're not into LED lights and other gamer-centric bling, keep an eye out for more understated models that still feature essentials like a webcam (or make sure you know how to turn those lights off).
Do gaming laptops last longer than standard laptops?
Not necessarily — it really depends on how you define "last longer." In terms of raw performance, gaming laptops tend to pack more powerful components than standard laptops, which means they can stay relevant for longer when it comes to handling demanding software or modern games. That makes them a solid choice if you need a system that won’t feel outdated in a couple of years, especially for students or creators who also game in their downtime.
But there’s a trade-off. All that power generates heat, and gaming laptops often run hotter and put more strain on internal components than typical ultraportables. If they’re not properly cooled or regularly maintained (think dust buildup and thermal paste), that wear and tear can shorten their lifespan. They’re also usually bulkier and have shorter battery life, which can impact long-term usability depending on your daily needs.
Gaming laptops can last longer performance-wise, but only if you take good care of them. If your needs are light — browsing, writing papers and streaming — a standard laptop may actually last longer simply because it’s under less stress day-to-day.
What is the role of GPU in a computer for gaming and school?
The GPU plays a big role in how your laptop handles visuals — and it’s especially important if you’re using your computer for both gaming and school.
For gaming, the GPU is essential. It’s responsible for rendering graphics, textures, lighting and all the visual effects that make your favorite titles look smooth and realistic. A more powerful GPU means better frame rates, higher resolutions and the ability to play modern games without lag or stuttering.
For schoolwork, the GPU matters too — but its importance depends on what you're doing. If your school tasks mostly involve writing papers, browsing the web or using productivity tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Office, you don’t need a high-end GPU. But if you’re working with graphic design, video editing, 3D modeling or anything else that’s visually demanding, a good GPU can speed things up significantly and improve your workflow.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-laptops-for-gaming-and-school-132207352.html?src=rss
Choosing the best laptop can be a bit of a challenge — there are so many models, sizes and specs out there that it’s easy to feel lost in the shuffle. But the good news is that modern laptops are better than ever. Whether you're looking for a powerful AI PC, a travel-ready ultrabook or an affordable machine that can handle everyday tasks, there's something out there for everyone. Today’s systems combine improved performance, longer battery life and smarter features in sleek, lightweight designs that are built to keep up with work, play and everything in between.
Out of all of the notebooks we've tested and reviewed recently, we consider Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air M4 to be the best laptop for most people, and this is still the case for our top picks to start off the new year. It's powerful enough to handle most tasks (even light video editing); it has a great screen and built-in speakers; and its battery could last over 18hours (depending on what you're doing, of course). The MacBook Air M4 is also one of the lightest and thinnest systems we've reviewed, and it's dead silent, thanks to a fanless design.
Of course, not everyone wants a MacBook, and there are excellent Windows laptops and Chromebooks out there, too. Windows systems offer a range of configurations, from budget to high-end UHD screens with stunning IPS panels that boast high nits for vivid brightness. Chromebooks, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable and are great for users who mostly work online. Whether you need a powerhouse for creative work, a compact system for note-taking, or a laptop that can handle family movie night, there’s something for everyone in today’s laptop market.
Engadget has been reviewing laptops for two decades, and while the definition of what a portable PC is has changed considerably since, our obsession with testing their limits and serving up informative buying advice remains the same. Be it a hybrid tablet like Microsoft's Surface machines, a rotating 2-in-1 convertible like HP's Spectre x360s or a plain old clamshell notebook, our review process follows similar beats. How does it look and feel? How fast is it? Whether it’s a Windows device powered by an Intel Core i5 or higher, a MacBook or a Chromebook, we aim to answer the most important question: Is it actually worth your hard-earned cash? We also pay close attention to portability, webcam quality and display features, including IPS panels and nits of brightness, as they can make a big difference in daily use.
There's a good chance you've already committed to an operating system, but my advice is to be as flexible as possible. These days, most major software is compatible with both Macs and PCs. (Of course, it's another story if you've become dependent on an Apple-only app like Final Cut Pro.) Web-based apps, naturally, will work on any platform with an internet browser.
If you're an Apple-loyalist, there aren't many reasons to consider Windows laptops (unless you want a secondary gaming machine). But for Windows users, macOS is becoming more tempting every year. Apple's MacBooks, powered by its M-series Silicon chips, are among the fastest and most efficient laptops we've ever seen. They're incredibly well-built and have outstanding battery life to boot. MacOS itself is also an easy platform to learn, especially if you're used to iOS and iPadOS.
That brings up another point: iPhone users may want to consider Macs because of the seamless integration with Apple's other platforms. You can't respond to iMessage conversations easily or hop into FaceTime chats on Windows PCs, but doing so is simple on Macs. (Microsoft's Phone Link app lets you send iOS users individual texts, but not media or group chats.) Android users, meanwhile, may be better off with Windows, as Phone Link can make calls, synchronize all your texts and also access your phone's photos.
If cloud gaming is your priority, Windows laptops with NVIDIA’s GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming compatibility may offer more flexibility and decent performance, especially when paired with fast internet speeds. Chromebooks also make a compelling case here as an affordable, lightweight solution for casual cloud gaming sessions.
As for whether you’ll want a PC with a dedicated Copilot AI button on the keyboard, that depends on how often you see yourself using Microsoft’s generative tools. Given we’re only just seeing the first slate of AI PCs, it would be wiser to wait out the hype and see what improvements might come over time.
And what about ChromeOS? Chromebooks are a smart and (typically) inexpensive way to do things like web browsing and hopping on a few video chats, but for most, they're not the best choice as a primary computer. There aren't many apps or games that work offline, and they also don't work with powerful software suites like Adobe's (you can use the stripped-down Adobe Express and Photoshop online tools, though).
Chromebooks are great secondary machines to use alongside a more powerful Mac or PC, and they're popular in schools because they're cheap and easy for IT workers to manage. And if all you need is web browsing access, or a notebook for a kid, a Chromebook might be enough.
If, for some reason, you’re looking for a powerful ChromeOS system, there are also Chromebook Plus models to consider. These machines sport faster processors and more RAM than typical Google notebooks, and they can also tap into a few of the company’s online AI features, like AI image generation and photo processing.
Price
You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,800 for a new laptop these days, depending on the configuration. If you're looking for more of a workhorse, that could cost you well over $2,000 for additional RAM, storage, as well as a beefier graphics card and CPU. But you can also find some good laptops under $1,000 if you're willing to overlook build quality (or buy a refurbished or previous generation machine, which we highly recommend). Systems with AMD chips tend to come in cheaper than their Intel counterparts, but the bulk of their cost will come down to other components like RAM and storage.
I’ve included our favorite affordable model in this best laptop buying guide, but we have a list of the best budget laptops that you can check out as well.
Laptop size and weight
So how portable do you want your laptop to be? That's the ultimate question you need to ask when choosing between various screen sizes. 13-inch machines have become a solid starting point for most shoppers — it's enough real estate for the majority of tasks like emailing and writing, and it also helps keep machines relatively light (typically between two to three pounds). Thanks to manufacturing advancements, these dainty machines sometimes even come with larger screens (the smaller MacBook Air actually has a 13.6-inch display).
If you have trouble seeing fine text, we’d recommend going for a display larger than 13 inches. ASUS’s Zephyrus G14 is a solid 14-inch option for gamers, and we’re also seeing more productivity-focused machines aim for that size, like the Dell 14 Premium and MacBook Pro. While 14-inch notebooks are a bit heavier than 13-inch models, coming in between three to four pounds, their screens are noticeably roomier.
For artists, or anyone else who needs a large canvas, a 15-inch laptop may make the most sense. They typically weigh between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds, but that extra heft may be worth it to fit wider video editing timelines or Photoshop windows. And, as you'd expect, you'll also pay a bit more for a 15-inch notebook compared to smaller ones (the 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,199, while the smaller model goes for $999). PC makers are also replacing 15-inch systems with 16-inch versions, which will give you even more space to work.
If you're in the market for a business laptop, size and portability might be key considerations. A lightweight yet powerful system with a long battery life can make a world of difference if you travel frequently for work.
You can still find laptops with 17-inch or 18-inch screens, but those are typically gaming systems or souped-up workstations. They're not meant for mere computing mortals.
Ports and connectivity
These days, most laptops ship with a few USB-C ports, which can handle both charging and speedy data transfers. Apple's MacBooks also include a separate connection for MagSafe power, and you'll find custom power connections on some PCs like Microsoft's Surface. Older USB Type-A connections are less common now, but they still pop up in systems like HP's Spectre x360 14, as well as many models from ASUS.
For gamers or creators who rely on discrete graphics, ensuring your laptop has the right ports for external monitors or GPUs is crucial. DisplayPort or HDMI connections can also ensure you’re ready for dual- or multi-screen setups for more immersive experiences. Similarly, if you want to save high-resolution files or install multiple games, you might need to consider additional hard drive space; external hard drives are pretty affordable, as long as you have a proper port to connect them.
If you're a fan of wired headphones, it's worth keeping a close eye on headphone jack availability. They usually include a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, but that's a clunky solution, and it also takes up a USB port. Sure, most people use wireless earbuds and cans today, but it's still helpful to have a wired one around for when those devices run out of juice.
Most laptops today offer Wi-Fi 6 or 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 or later, which should mean faster and more stable connections if you have compatible routers and devices. While Wi-Fi 7 routers have started appearing, that spec hasn't made its way into laptops yet. As for cellular coverage, there are notebooks like the Surface Pro 9 and Samsung Galaxy Book models that offer integrated 5G. But from our testing, that feature may not be worth the cost of a separate data plan. Instead, you could tether to your smartphone or invest in a wireless hotspot that can keep multiple devices online.
Battery life
A laptop's battery life depends on several factors: The power draw from the screen and other hardware, the optimizations used to avoid unnecessary power drain, and, of course, the size of the actual battery. One of our previous favorite systems, the Dell XPS 13, lasted 13 hours and 15 minutes in the PCMark 10 battery benchmark. In real-world testing, I was able to use it for a day and a half without needing a recharge. The MacBook Air 13-inch, meanwhile, more than 18 hours in our benchmark and kept running for more than two work days of my typical workflow. In general, you should expect a modern laptop to last at least eight hours.
If battery life is your absolute priority, I'd strongly suggest looking at Macs over Windows PCs. Apple's M-series chips are essentially mobile hardware, with all of the power efficiency you'd expect from something originally designed for phones. Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon chips could help Windows PCs compete with Apple’s astonishing battery life, but we’ve yet to see those in action. Chromebooks also typically get decent battery life (as long as you don’t overstuff them with power-draining tabs).
Refresh rate
A laptop's refresh rate refers to the amount of times its screen is cycled every second. Modern displays like IPS LCDs and OLEDs support 60Hz refresh rates at a minimum, but we're seeing more devices offering 120Hz, 240Hz and beyond. The higher the number, the faster the screen is refreshed, which ultimately leads to a smoother experience while mousing around or scrolling through web pages. (If you want to get a sense of what a slow refresh rate looks like, just grab an e-reader like the Kindle and try to flip between book pages.)
While high refresh rates used to be reserved for gaming laptops, nowadays we're seeing more mainstream machines like the Dell 14 Premium offer 120Hz (or variable rates that move between 60Hz and 120Hz).
CPU & GPU
If you’re buying a new laptop, you’ll want to make sure it’s powered by the latest CPUs. For Windows PCs, that includes Intel’s Core Ultra chips for thin-and-light machines or the 14th-gen HX chips for beefier systems. The Core Ultra series have NPUs for handling AI tasks, while the HX hardware does not – they’re based on Intel’s previous chip architecture, and they’re more focused on delivering raw horsepower. Intel's older 13th-gen and 12th-gen laptop chips also don't have NPUs, so keep that in mind if you're looking at used systems.
You'll also see AMD's Ryzen 8000 and 9000 chips in plenty of new systems like the ASUS Zephyrus G14 and Razer Blade 14. Those CPUs mainly target gaming laptops and high performance systems, while you'll still find AMD’s older Ryzen 7000 chips in ultraportables. AMD's main advantage is that its chips also include Radeon graphics, which are far more capable than Intel's Arc hardware (though those are getting better).
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus are also an option in Copilot+ PCs (more on those below). Since they’re based on mobile chip designs, they’re likely also more power efficient than AMD and Intel’s hardware. In the past, we’ve avoided recommending Snapdragon chips because they led to a slow and frustrating Windows experience. But Microsoft claims it’s rebuilt Windows 11 around Snapdragon’s Arm-based architecture, which should lead to far faster performance and better app compatibility.
As for Apple's laptops, you'll be choosing between the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max, each of which is progressively more powerful.
On the graphics side of things, a GPU, or graphics processing unit, is the component that communicates directly with a laptop's display. Laptop CPUs all have some form of integrated GPU: Intel has either its standard graphics or beefier Arc hardware, while AMD's chips include fast Radeon mobile graphics. If you want to play demanding games at high speeds (measured in frames per second, or fps), or if you need some extra power for rendering video or 3D models, you can configure a laptop with a dedicated GPU like NVIDIA's RTX 40-series hardware or AMD's Radeon RX 7000. Just be sure to leave room in your budget if you want a powerful GPU, as they typically add $300 or more to the cost of a laptop.
Apple's M-series chips, meanwhile, have GPU cores that can perform as well as NVIDIA’s and AMD's lower-end dedicated GPUs. That's quite the accomplishment for systems like this (especially the MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro), and it's another reason we highly recommend Apple's notebooks.
AI PCs, NPUs and Copilot+
Simply put, an AI PC is a computer equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU), which is designed to handle AI-related tasks. Much like how GPUs tackle heavy-duty gaming and rendering workloads, NPUs are designed to handle the complex math necessary for AI workloads. They’re also far more power efficient than CPUs or GPUs, which could lead to better battery performance in laptops. While many factors go into NPU performance, for the most part we measure their potential speed by TOPS (tera operations per second).
We were primed for AI PCs based on the chips Intel and AMD announced in 2023. Intel unveiled its "Core Ultra" CPUs in December, its first to include an NPU for AI work. AMD also announced its Ryzen 8040 AI mobile chips that month (and it couldn't help but say they were faster than Intel's new hardware). But in May, Microsoft announced its Copilot+ initiative, which is pushing major PC makers to deliver premium AI PCs with specifications including 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSDs and NPUs with at least 40 TOPS of AI performance.
Copilot+ is more than just a marketing term: Microsoft is also launching AI-powered features in Windows 11 that take advantage of powerful NPUs. That includes Recall, which can help you locate anything you’ve done on your PC (whenever it finally launches), as well as Cocreator in Paint, which can generate AI images based on text prompts and doodles.
If you buy an AI PC that isn’t Copilot+ certified, you’ll still be able to use some features like Windows Studio Effects, which can blur your background in video calls or keep you in frame. Developers like Adobe and Audacity are also building features into their apps that can take advantage of NPUs.
At the time of this post, Chromebook Plus notebooks can also access a few of Google’s online AI features, like image generation and photo processing.
The ThinkPad X9-14 Aura Edition is a great spiritual successor to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, offering the best that business laptops have to offer. That includes long battery life packed into a thin and light chassis. This is an optimal ultraportable business laptop.
While the price might give you some pause, we tested the lowest configuration, and found that the X9-14’s performance is excellent for casual business users. The only issue with quality is that the keyboard is lacking. It’s mushier than we’d like, which could get a bit tiresome throughout the day. You’ll still miss out on a USB Type-A port, so you may need to carry a Type-C hub with you.
Where the ThinkPad X9-14 will win you over is its bold OLED screen. Combo that with its well-rounded audio, and the ThinkPad X9-14 makes for an excellent multimedia device in and out of the workplace.
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
Aside from its lovely OLED screen, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED doesn't stand out from the crowded laptop field in any way. It just looks dull and boring, especially compared to the strikingly beautiful ASUS Zephyrus G14, which also came out this year. While you can probably find the Zenbook 14 for a decent price, I'd recommend holding out for something with a bit more personality (and with a less wobbly screen hinge).
Razer Blade 14
The Razer Blade has almost everything you'd want in a 14-inch gaming notebook, but it's far pricier than the Zephyrus G14 on this list, and it doesn’t even have an SD card reader. It would be a solid competitor once its price falls a bit, and it's certainly a great option if you just have to have a jet-black laptop.
Framework Laptop 16
Framework gave its modularity magic to the Laptop 16, delivering a gaming notebook where almost every single component is user replaceable. But you'll have to pay a pretty penny to snag it with upgraded hardware, and its optional Radeon 7700S GPU was surprisingly slow.
Alienware m16 R2
The Alienware m16 r2 has been revamped with a slimmer case, but it’s otherwise a fairly typical gaming laptop. It’s a solid option for Alienware fans, but you’ll find better hardware and deals elsewhere.
ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024)
The Zenbook Duo is a fascinating dual-screened notebook, and according to my colleague Sam Rutherford it’s the first of its kind that’s worth buying. But its unique hardware isn’t really meant for mainstream consumers, and Windows 11 still doesn’t support multi-screen setups well enough to make full use of the Zenbook Duo’s ample canvas.
Dell XPS 16
Dell’s XPS 16 is big and beautiful, but it’s far too expensive compared to the competition. Plus, it uses a capacitive row of function keys that you basically can’t see under bright light and has too few ports for a machine of this size.
What is the average battery life of a laptop per charge?
It’s hard to come up with an average battery life for laptops, since that will ultimately depend on what you’re doing with them. An ultraportable like the MacBook Air that sips power can last around 20 hours in our battery benchmark, and around two full work days of real-world usage. But a gaming laptop may last only a few hours if you’re actively playing something while on battery. At this point, Macs are delivering far better battery life than PCs, thanks to Apple’s Silicon chips, but Microsoft claims Copilot+ systems with Qualcomm chips will also get over 20 hours of batter life.
How much RAM do I really need?
The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do simultaneously. For that reason, we recommend buying PCs and Macs with at least 16GB of RAM. That gives you enough memory to have several applications open at once, as well as web browsers filled with RAM-hogging tabs. Many PC games also require at least 16GB of RAM. While you could use a system with 8GB of RAM for basic tasks, you’ll quickly run into slowdowns and error messages as your apps stack up. Many laptops, especially ultraportables, don’t let you upgrade RAM, too – so you’ll have to buy an entirely new computer if you didn’t equip enough memory at the start.
If you’re a hardcore gamer, programmer or planning to render videos or 3D models, then you may want to go for 32GB of RAM or more. And if you just need a secondary laptop for lighter work – perhaps a no-frills system for writing – then you can probably get by with 8GB. Just be sure to keep those browser tabs in check.
What is the best storage capacity for a laptop?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to laptop storage. You’ll typically find configurations between 256GB and 1TB SSDs (solid state drives) on most laptops, and I’d recommend most people get at least 512GB. That’ll be enough space for large apps, music and video files without stressing your system too much. If you’re a media hoarder, or want to play a ton of games, then it’s definitely worth getting a 1TB SSD.
If you’ll mainly be streaming your shows and music, and would rather invest in RAM or other hardware, then 256GB of storage would be serviceable. I’d recommend staying away from any machine with 128GB of storage though. Most of that will be taken up by the operating system, and you’ll likely run into issues cramming in large apps after a few months.
We recommend springing for extra built-in storage or investing in a portable SSD for backing up your most important files. It's also worth noting that Chromebooks tend to come with less built-in storage — 32GB, 64GB or 128GB — since ChromeOS encourages users to save their files in the cloud rather than on the device. In that case, 128GB is plenty.
What's a good price range for a decent laptop in 2025?
You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,800 for a typical 13-inch laptop today. As I explained above, you'll pay more if you want to stuff in more RAM or better GPU hardware. But you can also find deals below $1,000 if you look for refurbished or older-generation models.
What’s the difference between macOS and Windows? Which is better?
Simply put, macOS is the operating system in all of Apple's notebooks and desktops, while Windows powers the vast majority of PCs. You'll also find Chromebooks running Google's ChromeOS, but those are basically just web browsers running on top of Linux.
Debating the differences between Windows and Macs is something PC nerds have been doing since the '80s, so we won't be declaring a winner here. There are some small, negligible distinctions, like using a Command versus a Control key, how file explorers work and concerns about viruses and security. For the most part, those are minor issues or have become moot thanks to better built-in security.
But if you care more about playing the newest games, you'll want to have a Windows system. If you're more focused on creative apps, like Photoshop, Premiere and Final Cut Pro, then macOS may be a better fit (especially if you're running an iPhone).
What are the best laptop brands?
There is no single "best" laptop brand, but judging from this guide alone, we're generally impressed by notebooks from Apple, Dell and ASUS. They all offer fast, reliable and sturdy machines. HP also makes some eye-catching devices if you want an option that’s the most aesthetic. Those four brands, along with Lenovo and Acer, dominate laptop sales worldwide. We'd avoid systems from any retail store brands, or companies that don't have a major presence in the US.
CoreWeave scored significant wins in the first half, with revenue and stock performance soaring.
The company is a key partner of Nvidia and depends greatly on demand for the AI leader’s chips.
CoreWeave(NASDAQ: CRWV) delivered an exciting first half to investors. The company, known for its close relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant Nvidia(NASDAQ: NVDA), made its market debut, reported triple-digit quarterly revenue growth, and went on to gain 300%.
Investors are excited about CoreWeave as the company has seen soaring demand for its AI cloud services, and with the AI market potentially heading for $2 trillion in a few years, this momentum could continue. And just last week, this up-and-coming AI giant delivered even more fantastic news to shareholders. Let's check it out.
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Image source: Getty Images.
More than 250,000 Nvidia GPUs
First, though, let's catch up on the CoreWeave story so far. As mentioned, the company is linked to Nvidia, and this is in two ways: CoreWeave's main business is the leasing out of compute power in the form of Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs), or the main chips fueling key AI tasks such as the training and inferencing of models. The company has a fleet of more than 250,000 GPUs operating in about 32 data centers, and customers can rent access to them by the hour or for a much longer period. So CoreWeave offers them a great deal of flexibility.
The second link to Nvidia is the fact that this AI powerhouse holds a 7% stake in CoreWeave. This support is a positive sign for CoreWeave and its investors because Nvidia, with its dominant position in AI, knows how to recognize potential winners. So, if Nvidia is investing in an AI company, other investors may want to give that particular company a closer look.
Now, let's consider the fantastic news CoreWeave just delivered to shareholders. The company said it became the first to make Nvidia's latest chip update -- Blackwell Ultra -- commercially available. This is in the form of the Nvidia GB300 NVL72 system built by Dell, a platform that CoreWeave says represents a "major leap" for AI reasoning and AI agent projects.
The GB300 NVL72 brings 1.5 times greater AI performance than the initial Blackwell chip -- GB200 -- that was launched in the fourth quarter of last year. And CoreWeave then was the first to make the Blackwell system available to customers too.
CoreWeave competes with other cloud providers such as Amazon's Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, and those companies have both hefty resources and a broad customer base -- and they, too, offer Nvidia products and services. But, what could help CoreWeave stand out over time is this first access to Nvidia products and the fact that CoreWeave specializes in AI workloads. So, CoreWeave being first to launch Blackwell and Blackwell Ultra is key because it's establishing itself as the place for customers to go if they aim to gain immediate access to Nvidia's latest innovations.
CoreWeave revenue climbs 400%
This could help boost CoreWeave's already soaring demand. In the most recent quarter, revenue climbed more than 400% as customers rushed to the company for compute power. Considering CoreWeave now is launching Blackwell Ultra, it's reasonable to expect strong growth in the upcoming quarter too amid demand for this high-performance platform.
All of this is great news for early investors in this young AI stock. But what if you haven't yet invested in CoreWeave? Is it too late to get in on this soaring stock? This depends on your appetite for risk and your investment horizon.
Stocks never rise in a straight line without any sort of pause. So, it's possible that in the near- or mid-term, CoreWeave will see its shares stagnate or dip. And, though demand is high, it's important to remember that risk is present too: CoreWeave must invest heavily in GPUs in order to keep up with demand, and this may make it difficult to reach and secure profitability. This will be a point to watch in the upcoming quarters.
All of this means CoreWeave isn't the best fit for cautious investors or those who are uncomfortable with some ups and downs. But, aggressive investors with a long investing horizon may pick up a few shares of this highflyer and hold on -- if AI momentum continues at this pace and demand for Nvidia's GPUs remains strong, CoreWeave and its shareholders may be among the first to benefit.
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The demand for AI servers and edge devices like personal computers is growing at a strong pace, and Dell is on track to benefit.
A solid backlog in AI servers and a strong share of the PC market are going to be tailwinds for Dell.
Dell's valuation is too attractive to pass up right now, considering its impressive potential.
The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is booming as cloud service providers, hyperscalers, and countries across the world are spending aggressively on this technology to develop large language models (LLMs) and deploy them to increase productivity for themselves and their customers.
This explains the growth rate in sales of AI chips, servers, and edge devices such as smartphones and personal computers (PCs). Market researcher IDC says that the global sales for servers rose 134% year over year in the first quarter of the year to a record $95 billion, driven by investments in AI infrastructure. IDC now expects the server market to have 45% growth in 2025 to reach a record $366 billion in revenue.
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And shipments of AI equipped PCs are expected to jump by 165% in 2025, according to Gartner.
Let's take a closer look at one company that's a key player in both these markets and is trading at an extremely attractive valuation right now.
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Dell is on track to win big from both these end markets
Dell Technologies(NYSE: DELL) sells servers and PCs, besides other computer peripherals. The booming demand for AI servers has given one half of the company's business a big boost in recent quarters.
When Dell released its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results (for the three months ended May 2) on May 29, it reported a 12% year-over-year jump in revenue for its infrastructure solutions group to $10.3 billion. And the company booked $12 billion in orders for its AI servers in the quarter.
That's higher than Dell's AI server shipments last year, indicating that this business is set to gain more momentum. Management expects to ship $7 billion worth of AI servers in the current quarter, which would be around four times its fiscal first-quarter shipments. That seems achievable considering that the company's AI server backlog was $14.4 billion last quarter.
And its AI server backlog has the potential to grow further, based on management's comments on the latest earnings conference call.
So Dell's AI server revenue still has a lot of room to grow -- not surprising considering that the company is the leader in the global server market with an estimated share of more than 19%. The pace of new orders -- and the revenue pipeline that it points toward -- indicate that it should capture its share of the global end-market opportunity in servers.
Dell's client solutions group (CSG) -- which includes sales of laptops, desktops, and peripherals -- has started seeing an uptick in growth. Its CSG revenue was up 5% in the previous quarter to $12.5 billion. Almost 90% of that figure was from the commercial segment, which is benefiting from the upgrade to AI-enabled Windows 11 PCs.
The company is the third-largest player in the PC market with an estimated share of 16.3% in the first quarter of 2025. Its shipments increased by 2.1% year over year in the first quarter, and sales could gain momentum as the year progresses because management says there are indicators that its installed base is upgrading to new Windows 11 PCs, many of them with AI.
With shipments of AI-equipped PCs expected to increase 32% annually over the next decade, the company has terrific room for growth in this market. That has led management to raise sales estimates for the current and the next two fiscal years.
Dell stock is trading at just 19 times trailing earnings, while the forward earnings multiple of 13 is even more attractive. Buying the stock at this valuation seems like a no-brainer considering the healthy prospects in the AI server and PC markets discussed above, which is expected to lead to similar earnings growth.
Consensus analyst estimates project a 15% increase in earnings this year to $9.39 per share, followed by double-digit growth over the next couple of years as well.
And Dell could do even better than that given the rate of improvement in its AI server revenue pipeline. Meanwhile, the stock's price/earnings-to-growth ratio (PEG) of 0.95 (based on analysts' five-year estimates as per Yahoo! Finance) suggests that Dell is undervalued considering its potential long-term bottom-line growth.
So, investors looking for an incredibly cheap AI stock with the potential for healthy upside in the long run should consider Dell before it flies higher following its 33% gains in the past three months.
Should you invest $1,000 in Dell Technologies right now?
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Nvidia and other large tech companies are building AI factories, creating unprecedented demand.
Dell Technologies' AI server sales skyrocketed last year.
Dell's AI orders continue to flow in, creating a significant -- and growing -- backlog.
There will be many winners as infrastructure is built to support the huge and increasing computing power needed for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Nvidia continues to pave the way and has already been a huge beneficiary thanks to its leading advanced chips, software, and engagement with developers.
Nvidia's revenue has soared from what was then a record $61 billion in fiscal 2024 to more than $130 billion in its fiscal year 2025, ended Jan. 26. That growth continues as sales in the first half of fiscal 2026 are expected to be approximately $90 billion. It's all about the company's data center segment, as companies -- as well as sovereign nations -- quickly invest in infrastructure to expand AI capabilities.
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That infrastructure includes servers and cooling systems that are provided by Dell Technologies(NYSE: DELL). The company's revenue has also been soaring, and it is well positioned to ride AI's "golden wave" along with Nvidia.
Image source: Getty Images.
Nvidia's AI factories are filling Dell's backlog
Dell isn't a pure-play AI stock, but it has already seen benefits from the AI revolution. Revenue hasn't soared quite as much as it has for Nvidia, but Dell's Infrastructure Solutions Group saw sales hit a record $43.6 billion in fiscal 2025, up 29% year over year. Zoom in specifically to its AI server business, though, and the growth is more impressive. Server shipments generated nearly $10 billion, up over sixfold from $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024.
Demand continued to grow in the company's fiscal 2026 first quarter, and the period ended on May 2 with a $14.4 billion AI backlog. Chief operating officer Jeff Clarke called the demand unprecedented, adding, "We generated $12.1 billion in AI orders this quarter alone, surpassing the entirety of shipments in all of [fiscal 2025]."
That's all because of the huge data centers and AI training factories being built by large growth companies as well as sovereign governments -- all of it supported by Nvidia and its powerful products. Meta Platforms, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft collectively have plans to spend as much as $320 billion this year investing to expand AI capabilities.
Another group of tech companies is partnering with ChatGPT creator OpenAI for the Stargate Project, with another $500 billion in AI infrastructure investments planned over the next several years.
OpenAI has also started a program intending to help regions outside the U.S. launch large AI projects. Dell servers will likely be part of most of this development. It's why the stock has quickly rebounded from its April lows.
More reasons to own Dell
That growth is driving investors to Dell stock. But there are other reasons to own it, too. The company's Client Solutions personal computer segment is also integrating AI for commercial and retail clients. That segment provides a stable cash flow base and it generated more revenue than the Infrastructure Solutions group last year.
Management is returning some of that cash flow to shareholders. It increased its annual dividend by 18% for the current fiscal year, and its board of directors approved a $10 billion increase in its share repurchase authorization.
The company says it is committed to returning at least 80% of its adjusted free cash flow to shareholders. It also plans to raise its dividend at least 10% annually through fiscal year 2028. That shareholder-friendly approach should make investors feel good.
Yet surging demand and a large and growing backlog for its AI servers are what really make it a good time to buy Dell stock. It has more runway ahead to ride the golden wave of AI along with Nvidia.
Should you invest $1,000 in Dell Technologies right now?
Before you buy stock in Dell Technologies, consider this:
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Consider whenNetflixmade this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation,you’d have $697,627!* Or when Nvidiamade this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation,you’d have $939,655!*
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The tech sector has been a market-beating beast in recent years. Tech-heavy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) like the Vanguard Information Technology ETF(NYSEMKT: VGT) and the Invesco QQQ Trust(NASDAQ: QQQ) have delivered annual returns of more than 21% over the last three years. Broad market trackers like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF(NYSEMKT: VOO) only gained 15.5% per year over the same period. Yes, that's a fantastic return from a historic perspective, but the tech sector offered even stronger gains.
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The technology boom has been driven by artificial intelligence (AI) news, starting with the public release of ChatGPT in November 2022. Many leaders in the AI market have soared sky-high, adding fuel to the tech sector's market performance fires, but also making those market darlings a bit expensive.
Fortunately, the market-moving forces left a few top-notch companies behind. I still see several tech stocks with a combination of bright business prospects and modest stock prices. Let's check out a couple of underappreciated bargain-bin tech stocks. This dynamic duo looks ready for a fresh bull run.
1. Criteo
Digital advertising has been a troubled sector since the first signs of an inflation crisis in 2021. Paris-based commerce media specialist Criteo(NASDAQ: CRTO) provides purchase-inspiring ad services to global brands. This focus placed the Parisian company in the epicenter of the inflation-based slowdown -- why invest in lavish marketing campaigns when consumers are pinching pennies and tightening belts?
Criteo's revenues have indeed slumped since then, and so has the stock price. You know what's surging in recent quarters, though? That would be Criteo's free cash flows:
The cash profits took a temporary dip, but came back stronger, with trailing cash flows reaching an all-time high in May's Q1 2025 report. But Criteo's stock price is down more than 30% in the last quarter, and the shares are trading at the bargain-bin valuation of 11.3 times earnings and 6.6 times free cash flow.
I'm not saying the digital ad market is roaring back to life in the spring of 2025. The political climate may result in another inflation spike, and advertisers are already reducing their ad-spot spending right now. Hence, Criteo's undervalued stock may see more volatility and weakness in the coming months. However, I think the market makers have underestimated Criteo's ability to turn cash profits in a soft market.
The Criteo shares you buy at a discount in this downswing should return to more reasonable valuation ratios someday. At the same time, the company's robust cash generation makes it less vulnerable to short-term financial challenges. You can buy Criteo stock with confidence while it's cheap. This one is poised for great long-term returns, and patience is the greatest Wall Street virtue of them all.
2. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
My next recommendation is more of a household name. Hewlett Packard Enterprise(NYSE: HPE) has been around (in some form) since 1939. As the data center and cloud computing operator of the old HP business, HP Enterprise (aka HPE) plays a serious part in the AI boom.
Indeed, seven out of the 10 most powerful supercomputers today were built by HP Enterprise. Only Chinese rival Lenovo has more systems in the top 500 than HP Enterprise, and nobody can match the total number-crunching performance of this company's ultra-powerful systems. Any company or organization that needs a top-performance system for their AI training and operations is likely to check out HP Enterprise's catalog first.
So I'm talking about an AI powerhouse here. Yet, the stock price has dropped 16% lower year to date while smaller system builders Super Micro Computers(NASDAQ: SMCI) and Dell(NYSE: DELL) are up by 41% and down by just 1%, respectively. Trading at 8.9 times earnings and 14.3 times free cash flow, HP Enterprise looks downright cheap next to these challengers.
HP Enterprise's stock could double or triple in price and still be affordable next to Supermicro or Dell. This could be a great value play on the hardware side of the AI boom.
Should you invest $1,000 in Criteo right now?
Before you buy stock in Criteo, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Criteo wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider whenNetflixmade this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation,you’d have $653,389!* Or when Nvidiamade this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation,you’d have $830,492!*
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Anders Bylund has positions in Criteo, Vanguard Information Technology ETF, and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool recommends Criteo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A lawyer representing MyPillow and its CEO Mike Lindell in a defamation case admitted using artificial intelligence in a brief that has nearly 30 defective citations, including misquotes and citations to fictional cases, a federal judge said.
"[T]he Court identified nearly thirty defective citations in the Opposition. These defects include but are not limited to misquotes of cited cases; misrepresentations of principles of law associated with cited cases, including discussions of legal principles that simply do not appear within such decisions; misstatements regarding whether case law originated from a binding authority such as the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit; misattributions of case law to this District; and most egregiously, citation of cases that do not exist," US District Judge Nina Wang wrote in an order to show cause Wednesday.
Wang ordered attorneys Christopher Kachouroff and Jennifer DeMaster to show cause as to why the court should not sanction the defendants, law firm, and individual attorneys. Kachouroff and DeMaster also have to explain why they should not be referred to disciplinary proceedings for violations of the rules of professional conduct.
Despite the extreme stock market volatility at the start of 2025, the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is moving full steam ahead. Advances in machine learning and automation technology are rapidly reshaping the global economy, ushering in a new era of business productivity and human creativity.
At the core of this transformation are high-performance data centers, which play a critical role in the AI ecosystem. Two leading companies in this space are Super Micro Computer(NASDAQ: SMCI) and Dell Technologies(NYSE: DELL), which supply the essential server equipment and storage hardware to run AI workloads.
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Let's discuss whether Supermicro (as it is commonly known) or Dell Technologies is the better AI stock to buy right now.
Image source: Getty Images.
The case for Supermicro
Supermicro presents a remarkable growth story as an early winner in the AI boom. Even with the stock down 66% from its 52-week high at the time of writing, longtime shareholders have still enjoyed a 1,470% return over the past five years.
The company capitalizes on the demand for specialized rack-scale computer systems, which integrate power, storage, cooling, and software components to support graphics processing unit (GPU)-based AI chips from Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices. Its technical leadership in next-generation direct-liquid cooling (DLC) technology is a key advantage, offering significant energy-efficiency gains for power-intensive data centers. Additionally, the company's U.S. manufacturing presence has become increasingly important amid trade tensions as businesses seek to secure their supply chains.
Supermicro expects revenue to reach $23.5 billion to $25.0 billion in fiscal 2025, a 62% year-over-year increase. Looking ahead, the company sees a path to $40 billion in revenue by next year, driven by growing market adoption of its DLC technology and expanding production capacity. This momentum is accompanied by improving profitability, with Wall Street analysts predicting a 17% increase in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) this year to $2.59.
On the other hand, Supermicro's success has not been without challenges. In 2024, the company faced a headline-making accounting investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) while its auditor resigned due to governance concerns. Favorably, the company has since cleared up some of those issues, releasing an audited 2024 annual report, while an independent special committee cleared it of misconduct allegations. Uncertainties remain, including possible DOJ sanctions, yet the attraction of Supermicro now as an investment is in this comeback story.
Investors who believe Supermicro's growth trajectory is back on track have plenty of reasons to buy shares of this AI leader.
The case for Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies' strength lies in its diversification. Generating $96 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025 (ended Jan. 31), the company is 4 times larger than Supermicro. It benefits from a broad product portfolio across enterprise-grade solutions and a consumer devices franchise.
This year, its AI-optimized server systems powering data centers have driven record earnings. For the last reported fiscal 2025, revenue increased 8% year over year, with adjusted EPS rising 10% to $8.14. Notably, the AI servers and networking segment revenue grew 54% annually, nearly matching Supermicro's momentum.
While sluggish personal computer demand has weighed on Dell's firmwide results, this segment could have a silver lining. Dell's strategic emphasis on AI-powered PCs for businesses and consumers positions it to leverage an anticipated industry-wide replacement cycle for AI-ready devices into the next decade.
Perhaps the strongest case for Dell as the better AI stock over Supermicro is its valuation. Shares trade at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.2, a steep discount to Supermicro's earnings multiple of 14.3. One interpretation is that Dell stock is undervalued, with shareholders also receiving a 2.1% dividend yield supported by its high-quality free cash flow.
Data by YCharts. PE Ratio = price-to-earnings ratio.
A tough decision between two industry leaders
I'll give Supermicro the edge as the better AI stock based on its more specialized focus on AI infrastructure hardware and leadership in liquid cooling solutions. While the stock is riskier than Dell's, its stronger growth outlook may offer more upside potential if it can overcome regulatory uncertainties. If investors recognize that the delicate macroeconomic environment is a risk to consider, Supermicro stock is a great option for investors to capture tech and AI exposure in a diversified portfolio.
Should you invest $1,000 in Super Micro Computer right now?
Before you buy stock in Super Micro Computer, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Super Micro Computer wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider whenNetflixmade this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation,you’d have $495,226!* Or when Nvidiamade this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation,you’d have $679,900!*
Now, it’s worth notingStock Advisor’s total average return is796% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to155%for the S&P 500. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you joinStock Advisor.
Dan Victor has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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