Hardware Requirements
When it comes to choosing a PC, the most important factor is if it meets the hardware requirements of the Steam games you’re playing. While some games can be run on just about any device, other much more recent ones require more powerful hardware such as that in gaming laptops. In general, if you’re looking to run the latest games, some hardware requirements to consider include having a processor with at least 2 GHz of power, 8 GB of RAM, and a dedicated video card.
According to PC Gamer, the Intel Core i7 is the processor of choice for gaming laptops and desktops, with some models boasting up to 6 and 8 cores – for the gaming enthusiast – allowing for more simultaneous tasks. Meanwhile, a higher number of RAM sticks helps get an edge in game-playing speed.
When it comes to graphics cards, NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX models are the best for running games on the highest settings, with the 1060 and 1070 being the minimum for more intense games. But even with alternative cards, like AMD’s Radeon series, a gaming laptop should still be able to perform well.
The power of a gaming laptop can also depend on the genre of game. For example, a laptop meant for RPGs, or role-playing games, requires a minimum of 8GB RAM, while a laptop running video-intensive AAA games may have an even higher requirement of 16GB RAM. As such, it is important to know the gaming laptop specs in order to make an informed purchase.
Cost
A gaming laptop is going to be significantly more expensive than a regular laptop or desktop, with the most current models ranging from around $1,000 to over $2,000. For those who just want a laptop to run Steam games, a good general-purpose laptop is likely cheaper and a better option, since you can add high-end gaming components such as GPUs and RAM upgrades at a fraction of the cost.
In addition, many gaming laptops tend to be heavier and have shorter battery lives than regular laptops. While this isn’t an issue if you’re gaming near a power source, it’s worth taking into account if you’re looking to use your laptop for gaming on the go.
When it comes to the price of Steam games themselves, most games can be bought for around $30 on Steam. While the cost may go up for more recent and AAA titles, it’s still much cheaper than actual console or PC games that require you to purchase a physical disc.
Range Of Games
For the most part, the range of games available on Steam is quite vast. Most major and recent games can be found on Steam, often a few months after their console release. There are many indie games available as well, though their availability may vary depending on your region. Steam also has an extensive library of classic and retro games.
One of the greatest advantages of Steam is that it regularly hosts sales where prices are heavily discounted. This can range from weekly discounts to seasonal sales, meaning you can purchase some of your favorite games at a much lower cost – if you don’t mind waiting.
What’s more, Steam offers thousands of games that are free-to-play, providing you with hours of entertainment. Many of these free-to-play games have reached new heights in terms of popularity, with some titles like Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds reaching heights in terms of online concurrent players.
Steam Link
For those looking to save money, Steam Link is another option. Steam Link is a device which allows you to play any game in your Steam library from a laptop, tablet, phone or TV. All you need is a wireless controller and an internet connection. While Steam Link isn’t as powerful as a gaming laptop, it can still provide an inexpensive way to game at a low cost.
Steam Link also comes with a variety of features, such as in-app purchases, chat, multiplayer support and streaming to other devices. You also have the option to explore Steam’s library, while being able to play some of the latest titles. However, Steam Link requires a good home internet connection, so if you don’t have one, then a gaming laptop would be the better choice.
Console Games On Steam
Since the advent of digital gaming, console games have become increasingly available on PC platforms like Steam. This means you can play some of your favorite PlayStation and Xbox titles on your laptop, without having to buy the console itself.
The range of games available tends to be quite wide and can include classic titles, as well as new and upcoming releases. PlayStation games are usually available on Steam first before making their way to Xbox consoles, but console versions tend to have more features, though this isn’t always the case.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a gaming laptop or use Steam Link depends on your budget and how you like to game. If you want to play the latest games on their highest settings, then a gaming laptop is likely the best option. Whereas, if you’re on a tighter budget and just want to play some of the classics, then Steam Link is a great way to do that while also exploring Steam’s vast library.
Customizing Settings
In addition to the hardware requirements, it is also important to consider what settings you are going to play on. Running a game on the highest settings will require more power, while playing on lower settings or at a lower resolution can help to conserve power.
Steam also offers a variety of settings that can help to optimize the performance of the game by limiting background processes or framerate – but this can often come at the cost of visual fidelity. Some games also have their own settings, such as optimizing for gaming performance or for visuals, so it’s important to explore the available options.
Steam also provides the player with an in-game FPS counter, allowing them to monitor the performance of their games and adapt the settings accordingly. It’s also worth exploring tools like Nvidia Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings, which allow you to customize graphical settings to maximize the performance of your graphics card.
Online Gaming
When it comes to Steam games, online play can be a major factor in your decision. For those that like to play with friends, many games now have online multiplayer support, which requires an internet connection and a good home network to utilize.
The performance of online multiplayer depends on the speed of the network connection, as well as the strength of the server. It’s important to make sure your device is capable of handling the demands of online gaming, as well as the requirements of other players.
Steam also provides the option to join servers or groups, which can be used to find other games or friends to play with. Many of these servers also have their own rules, so it’s important to read and understand them before starting a game.
Ports And Patches
Finally, when it comes to PC gaming, ports and patches are important considerations. Ports are merely versions of the same game that have been optimized for different systems, while patches are updates released by developers to address bug fixes and other gameplay changes.
On Steam, ports are usually easy to find due to the wide range of available versions, depending on the region you are in. Meanwhile, patches can be downloaded via the “check for updates” button in the game’s properties window. Patches are often released shortly after a game’s launch and are important for improving performance and stability.
Mods
Mods, or modifications, are also a popular way to enhance the gaming experience. Mods can be small additions, such as graphical changes or even total overhauls, and provide an extra layer of depth to the game. Depending on the game and mod, they can often be found on Steam itself or other modding websites.
Mods, while popular, can cause issues if they don’t work correctly. Similarly, as they can run in the background, they can also affect the performance of the game. As with patches, it’s important to read reviews and install mods only from reliable sources.
Games As Service
With the emergence of the “games as a service” model, many games now offer regular updates and additional content for players to purchase. These updates, known as downloadable content (DLC), often contain new characters, levels or skins – among other things – and can be purchased from within the game itself or from Steam.
DLC packs can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on the content. For example, some strategy games allow you to purchase a pack of additional characters, while games like Overwatch may offer an entire year’s worth of content at a discounted rate.
It is important to be aware of the costs associated with these games. While they can offer a great value if you’re looking to get the full experience, they can also be quite expensive if you don’t keep track of the costs.
PC As A Platform
Not only do gaming laptops come with the processing power to run most games, but the PC platform itself has also proved to be better than consoles when it comes to performance. Not only are games cheaper on Steam, with often higher discounts on certain titles, but the sheer number of titles available on the platform is staggering.
In addition, many types of games, such as real-time strategies, tower-defense games, and more, are better suited for PC performance. PCs also come with a range of customization options, such as variances in settings and modding, giving gamers more choices and control over their game-playing experience.
PC gaming has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with more and more people turning to gaming laptops. While a regular laptop can do the trick, a gaming laptop – with its more powerful hardware – is the best way to get the most out of the games available on Steam.
