Recommendations for a gaming laptop

[Misuzu]

Though, isn't it possible for malware and such to "live through" a factory restore?

No. (If it's done right.)

As has been said it shouldn't be an issue, but in life there are no guarantees. Some years ago some new hard disks were coming out of the factories already infected.

So whatever you get ensure you do install avast and run a scan.

Was those computers factory refurbished or brand new? Either way, it's bound to happen at some point somehow. Though hopefully that doesn't become a frequent problem. 
I always do Avast! and MBAM scans on the new computers my family gets anyway.

And thanks for the info, Dch48. I usually don't uninstall a lot of programs except the pre-installed antivirus programs.

[DavidR]

It was the hard drives coming from the factory, so the possibility is going to be there for infection from any point in the chain, be that new PC or refurbished. However, that is a limited possibility at all points suppliers would/should be exercising due care. But you shouldn't be too concerned when you also exercise due diligence, get your security software on there and run your scans.