Transforming your laptop into a gaming powerhouse is easier than you might think. The simplest and cheapest way of doing so is to upgrade your laptop’s RAM and add a dedicated graphics card. With the right components, a laptop can outperform a console or PC that costs more than twice the amount. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your laptop so it can become a powerful gaming machine.
Firstly, ensure that your laptop is compatible with upgrades. Before you make any changes, read its documentation to determine what types of RAM and graphics card it is able to support. This will save you time and money trying to purchase incompatible components.
Next, make sure your laptop has the required physical space and other connectors for the upgrades. This is especially important if you intend to add a dedicated graphics card. Also, the battery should be in excellent condition and the hard drive should have at least a 25% empty space to accommodate the new software you might need or want.
Thirdly, purchase the recommended RAM and graphics card for your laptop. You will also need to install compatible drivers to enable the upgrades. The internet or the laptop’s resources can be used to determine which drivers are compatible with the laptop’s version of Windows.
Fourthly, follow the instructions provided with the components for installation into the laptop. This can be done by opening up the laptop and installing the RAM and the graphics card based on the slots already available. An anti-static wristband can be used during this process to avoid any static electricity buildup.
Fifthly, install the purchased components’ drivers to make sure that they are compatible with the laptop. Furthermore, if the laptop is running a 32-bit version of Windows, it is recommended to upgrade to a 64-bit version for better performance and compatibility with the new hardware.
Finally, benchmark the laptop’s performance before and after the upgrade. This will tell you how much of a difference the upgrade made and what kind of games you can comfortably run on the laptop.
Upgrading The Laptop’s Storage
In order to make sure your laptop can run modern games without stuttering, you should also consider upgrading the laptop’s storage. This will allow you to store more games and data, without having to wait for long loading times. Depending on your laptop, you can either add an SSD or an additional hard drive, as a secondary storage device.
For most laptops, this can be done by simply unscrewing the back cover and connecting the storage device of your choice. Once connected, you can format the drive and use it for all your gaming needs. Additionally, you can use a USB enclosure to attach the storage device externally, for more convenience.
Generally, for optimal gaming performance, it is recommended that you have at least 30% of the laptop’s storage as an SSD. This will ensure that all the data and games can be easily accessed, without resorting to long loading times. Furthermore, if you opt for an SSD, you can also take advantage of their low power consumption to extend the laptop’s battery life while gaming.
Improving The Laptop’s Thermal Performance
If your laptop tends to overheat while gaming, then it means it wasn’t designed for high performance gaming and you can’t accurately assess its performance. To counter this, you can invest in a laptop cooling pad or a fan to improve the thermal performance of your laptop. Moreover, if you haven’t already, it is recommended that you clean the laptop’s fan and remove all the accumulated dust, since it can severely limit the laptop’s thermal performance.
The laptop’s fan should be kept clean, as dust and other debris can obstruct the airflow and prevent heat from dissipating effectively. To do this, you can use a compressed air canister, to blow away any dust that could be obstructing the blades. Additionally, if the laptop’s fan requires any disassembly, you should refer to how to troubleshoot the fan related issue in the laptop’s documentation.
Checking For Future Compatibility
Before you purchase any upgrades for your laptop, ensure that the components you select are future-proof in terms of compatibility. Since gaming hardware and software are constantly changing and evolving, you don’t want to invest in hardware that could be outdated soon. Therefore, read the reviews, benchmarks, and benchmarks tests for all hardware components before purchasing them.
It is also important to keep in mind what type of games you are planning to play on the laptop. This will determine the requirements for the hardware components. If you are mostly playing low-end titles, then you don’t need to invest in high-end components. Conversely, modern AAA titles may need more powerful hardware than your laptop can handle, so you are better off investing in a dedicated gaming PC.
Buying An External Monitor For Gaming
If you want an immersive gaming experience, then an external monitor is the way to go. It will allow you to take full advantage of the graphics card’s performance, since it can produce higher resolutions or refresh rates than a laptop’s display. You should also look into investing in an adjustable stand, to make sure the viewing angle is perfect for gaming.
Moreover, depending on your laptop, you can also invest in a video card that supports multiple external monitors. This way, you can enjoy gaming on multiple displays simultaneously. The best type of video card for this would be a graphics card with multiple HDMI ports. Furthermore, a good monitor should have a response time of 5ms or lower, to accommodate fast-paced games.
Adding A Game Controller
Finally, if you want to enhance the gaming experience, then it is suggested that you invest in a game controller. You can either use a wireless controller or a wired USB controller. Of course, a wireless controller provides the best gaming experience due to its convenience. Regardless of the game controller you select, make sure it’s compatible with your laptop before you purchase it.
A game controller will give you more control over the games and will also add to the realism of the gaming experience. Moreover, if you’re into racing titles, then investing in a gaming wheel would further enhance your experience.
Conclusion
Transforming a laptop into a gaming powerhouse is a relatively simple and cost-effective process. All you need to do is to purchase the right components, install them properly and make sure they are compatible with the laptop. Additionally, you can also improve the laptop’s thermal performance and gaming experience by investing in an external monitor and a gaming controller. So, if you plan to use your laptop for gaming, follow the above tips to get your laptop gaming-ready.
