Gaming laptops are a popular choice for gamers who want the convenience of portable devices without sacrificing performance. These laptops are specially designed to handle the demands of modern video games and are equipped with powerful graphics cards.
A gaming laptop is a small, mobile personal computer with built-in screen quality. It’s primarily used to play computer games. The powerful hardware can handle the most demanding games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Metro Exodus, Far Cry 6, etc.
These laptops also have the highest quality display technologies that offer excellent visual clarity.
- CPU:
Depending on your budget, you can get a potent Core i7 CPU or even one you can overclock, such as Intel Core i9-12900HK. It becomes easy to find laptops with desktop CPUs. However, most games benefit more from a quality GPU than a CPU so you can get by with the i5 processor.
Consider saving if you see something older than the current Intel 12th Gen Core or with less power. Most CPUs aren’t upgradeable, so you’re making this choice.
Intel came up with 12th Gen Core parts for mobile this year, so they’re the most recent.
- RAM:
Gaming can be RAM intensive, and 8GB is good for average productivity tasks. If you can, go with 16GB considerations for a gaming PC. A laptop with in-built GTX 3050 or 3050 Ti usually comes with 8GB.
Once you get a GTX 3060 or higher, some will come up with 16GB of RAM. If you can’t get your laptop with 16GB RAM, you must take it soon.
Memory is upgradeable in many laptops, so this is an area that you can consider boosting later if you’re handy with a screwdriver.
Some laptops have VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) that can run multi-player games more quickly as they need clear video streaming.
- Fortnite — 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
- Doom Eternal — 8GB minimum, 8GB recommended
- Destiny 2 — 6GB minimum, 8GB recommended
- PUBG — 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
- Overwatch — 4GB minimum, 6GB recommended
- Half-Life: Alyx — 12GB
You can use 8GB RAM without sacrificing gaming detail or frame rates per second if you want older games.
- Storage:
Hard drives or SSD? Why not both? Some budget gaming PCs come with only a hard drive in the range of 1TB. But most gaming laptops also include a small SSD that serves as a boot drive.
It’s common to see 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD working in tandem. If you get a larger SSD, you may see decreased load times, costing you more money.
Ensure that you get a faster 7,200-rpm HDD than a 5,400-rpm HDD.
- Size:
Most gaming laptops come in a size range of 15 to 17 inches. However, a few vast systems come up with size considerations of 18 inches. What size you like matters most. Remember that the larger the screen, the bigger and heavier the laptop.
- Resolution:
Never expect anything less than a 1920.1080 display quality. Finding one with less resolution is rare, but going with 4K(3840.2160) screens is an excellent option on gaming laptops.
More and more laptops come up with a 1440p middle ground, an excellent option.
4K Gaming focuses on the game’s ultra HD or 4K resolution. As you can tell, the graphic quality of these games is sky-high. You’ll need a better GPU (or two) to run the 4K games smoothly. Processors usually don’t make a difference for 4K Gaming.
- Refresh Rates:
Most of the laptops offer an excellent refresh rate of 60Hz. Fortunately, for many gamers, it is enough. High-resolution displays are great but often top out of 6oHz.
Some laptops offer FHD displays with refresh rates of 144 Hz, 240 Hz, or even 360 Hz that offer smooth gaming.
To play advanced games, you need great GPU handling on-play settings that emphasize frame rates.
- VRAM ( Video Random Access Memory):
VRAM, or Video Random Access Memory, is a type of memory specifically dedicated to storing graphical data and textures actively being used by a computer or gaming monitor 144hz console’s graphics processing unit (GPU). It serves as a high-speed buffer between the main system RAM and the GPU, allowing quick access to the graphics data needed to render images on a display.
When it comes to purchasing a gaming laptop, making an informed decision is essential to ensure you get the best value for your money and an optimal gaming experience. There are several crucial factors to consider before making your purchase. These factors can greatly impact your gaming performance and overall satisfaction with your new gaming laptop.
- Performance: One of the most critical factors to consider is the laptop’s performance. Look for a powerful processor, sufficient RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. The better these components, the smoother your games will run, and the longer your laptop will remain relevant for gaming.
- Display: The quality of the display is vital for gaming. A high refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz or higher) and a Full HD (1080p) resolution will ensure you enjoy sharp, smooth visuals. Some gamers also prefer laptops with G-Sync or FreeSync technology for reduced screen tearing and a more immersive experience.
- Portability: Decide how often you’ll be on the move with your gaming laptop. If you plan to travel frequently, a lightweight and compact design is crucial. However, if your laptop will mostly stay on your desk, a larger screen and more powerful components may be preferable.
- Battery Life: Gaming laptops are notorious for shorter battery life due to their powerful hardware. If you need a laptop for both gaming and productivity on the go, consider one with decent battery life. Gaming laptops with advanced battery management technologies can help you find a good balance.
- Cooling System: Intense gaming sessions can push a laptop’s components to their limits, leading to heat buildup. Look for laptops with efficient cooling systems, like multiple fans, heat pipes, and cooling pads. This will help prevent overheating and ensure your laptop’s longevity.
- Storage: Having ample storage is crucial. Modern games can be quite large, so a gaming laptop with a spacious SSD or HDD is essential. An SSD offers faster load times and better overall system performance, but it can be more expensive than an HDD.
- Budget: Last but not least, your budget is a critical factor. Gaming laptops can vary widely in price. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and find the best laptop within your budget that meets your gaming requirements. Keep in mind that gaming laptops are a long-term investment, and it’s often worth investing a bit more for better quality.
Bottom Line:
Gaming can’t be completed without top-notch features. You need great refresh rates, color depth, adequate contrast ratio, resolution, and more to enjoy heavy-duty games like The Ascent, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, Halo Infinite, etc.
With the help of these functions, you can also beat your competitors in adventurous titles.
