The debate between gaming PC and gaming laptops is an ongoing one, with each having its own advantages and drawbacks. It is important to understand the key differences between the two to assess whether one will suit your individual requirements more than the other. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each choice to help you make an informed decision as to whether you should buy a gaming PC or laptop.
Size and Portability
First and foremost, size, weight, and portability should be considered. While gaming PCs are bulky and static, gaming laptops are smaller, lighter and more convenient to travel with. A gaming laptop is definitely a more desirable choice if you need a device that you can take places with you.
Price
The cost of gaming PCs and gaming laptops is always considered, as it directly affects the payback period and total cost of ownership. Generally, gaming PCs are cheaper, however gaming laptops tend to depreciate in value more slowly as components can be upgraded or replaced as needed. This means that when the time comes to upgrade, you can save money in the long run.
Components
Each gaming system is made up of different components that are responsible for the performance. With gaming PCs, you have much more flexibility when it comes to upgrading the components, which can drastically improve the capabilities. Conversely, gaming laptops have components which are not as easy to upgrade, which could limit the performance potential.
System Requirements
Another important factor to consider when contemplating which one to buy is the game’s system requirements. PC games tend to have higher system requirements when compared to console or laptop versions, so although you may have the more powerful choice in terms of performance, you may still get reduced fps or graphical settings depending on the capacity of the system.
Rendering Performance
Rendering performance is one of the key factors when purchasing a gaming system. Performance is generally higher with PCs when compared to laptops; with PCs, you have the ability to pick and choose each component for maximum performance. This ensures you’ll have the highest level of performance with maxed out settings.
Reliability and Maintenance
Reliability is also important, as you don’t want your system letting you down when you need it most. It’s important to note that gaming laptops tend to be more reliable than PCs due to the sealed internal components which don’t require regular maintenance. PCs, on the other hand, are more prone to failure due to its open structure, which exposes more components to dust, while also requiring more regular maintenance checks.
VR and Streaming Performance
Most gamers now require some form of VR or streaming performance. PCs provide the best performance in this regard due to the ability to upgrade crucial components such as the GPU. This ensures you get the best performance when running intensive games or applications when compared to laptops.
Durability
Durability is also extremely important for gamers, as you don’t want to be replacing it every year. Generally, gaming laptops offer better durability, as they have a more solid feel and are built from higher quality materials. PCs tend to have poorer durability due to their more open structure and more exposed components.
Accessories
The last thing to consider is the accessories which may come with the system. PCs will come with more accessories such as keyboards, mice, and monitors. Gaming laptops may not come with all the extra accessories, so you’ll need to purchase them separately. This could be an extra cost which needs to be taken into account.
Cost of Upgrading
Maintaining the performance of a gaming system is also important. PCs have an advantage in this area due to the fact that individual components can be upgraded as needed. This is not an option with gaming laptops, as the components are typically sealed in and can’t be upgraded. This could mean that you need to buy a new gaming laptop regularly in order to keep up with the latest technologies.
Compatibility
If compatibility is important to you, then the choice between PC and laptop is quite easy. As PCs are more flexible, they are generally more compatible with external devices, such as printers and scanners. Laptops, on the other hand, may have more compatibility issues depending on the model.
Noise Level
The last item to consider is the noise level of the system. PCs tend to generate more noise when in use due to the open fans and multiple components. Laptops, on the other hand, don’t usually generate as much noise as the components are sealed in and have quieter fans.
