Benefits Of Gaming Laptops
Whether you’re a passionate gaming enthusiast or a casual player, choosing between a laptop and desktop computer can be overwhelming. Laptops are usually more costly and heavier than desktop computers, but they also offer more portability and convenience. When it comes to gaming, laptops bring an unbeatable level of flexibility and freedom.
For starters, gaming laptops pack powerful video cards, large displays and keyboards tailored for gaming into a portable form factor. This means gamers can carry their machines to friend’s houses or LAN parties, while still enjoying their favourite titles on the go. The latest gaming laptops also offer an unprecedented level of performance, with top-tier models surpassing high-end desktops in terms of most gaming parameters.
Portability presents another advantage of gaming laptops. The slim form factor allows for a better storage and organization, allowing gamers to move their machines around without extra hassle. If you’re out and about, gaming laptops can give you access to your favourite titles in any location. Finally, gaming laptops can often perform better in some games due to their efficient thermals, meaning less frame drops and higher frame rates.
Benefits Of Gaming Desktops
While gaming laptops bring a lot of advantageous features to the table, desktops offer some benefits that can’t be overlooked. Firstly, they offer much greater flexibility and upgradability. If you want to game on a desktop, you don’t need to buy a full-fledged system right away; you can take it in steps, buying better components over time to improve your gaming performance.
Desktops offer better value for money as well. Their parts tend to be cheaper, and buying a basic system allows you to upgrade it over time,while still having a useful machine in the meantime. In comparison, gaming laptops’ hardware is permanently locked, meaning you must buy a fully-equipped machine to get the most out of your gaming experience.
Finally, some genres of games just don’t do well on laptops. Titles that require extensive modding, such as Total War Warhammer or Grand Theft Auto 5, are probably better enjoyed on desktops. Also, if you’re into esports, chances are that desktops are what the pros are using, meaning you can net slightly better performance in your 5v5s duels.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing
Before buying either a gaming laptop or desktop, it’s important to consider your individual needs and budget. If you’re gaming on the go, a gaming laptop is the way to go. Although their components are limited, the best gaming laptops of 2021 are perfectly capable for most mid-tier titles, and can offer several hours of gaming away from the desk.
On the other hand, if your main goal is to save money and have a load of fun tinkering, a desktop is the way to go. Assembling gaming PCs is easier than ever, and it opens up a world of possibilities in terms of features, customizability and performance. Moreover, gaming desktops offer better multitasking performance, and can accommodate multiple displays to fuel your gaming experience.
Important Factors To Consider
When comparing the two platforms, cost, upgradability, portability and performance should all be taken into account. Gaming laptops may be more expensive but they are usually more powerful and easier to transport. On the other hand, desktops might be cheaper and customizable, but they are less convenient due to their lack of portability.
It’s also important to consider other factors, such as the types of titles you like to play. If you’re a competitive gamer, you should take into account the hardware limitations of laptops, as well as the ergonomic advantages of a desktop setup. If you’re playing on the go, laptops provide much better portability, allowing you to play wherever you are.
Choosing The Right Hardware
When it comes to hardware, you must take into account your specific gaming needs. If you’re budget-minded, a laptop equipped with a GeForce GTX 1650 Ti is a solid entry-level option. This chipset is capable of running most mid-tier titles at high settings, and it’s portable enough to run your favourite games while on the move.
For a desktop setup, the new AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a great way to jump start your gaming experience. This CPU offers excellent performance, impressive IPC improvements and six cores and 12 threads to provide fast and smooth gaming.
Finding The Right Display
Whether you choose a laptop or a desktop, the right monitor is key to get the most out of your gaming experience. For gaming laptops, it’s important to choose a panel with a high refresh rate. The more frames per second (FPS) you can squeeze in, the smoother your gaming will be.
For desktops, a simple 1080p monitor is sufficient for entry-level players, but if you want to max out the settings of your favourite games, it’s worthwhile to invest in a higher-end display. 1440p and 4K monitors offer a more immersive gaming experience, and are a great way to enjoy your titles at higher frame rates.
Finding The Right Peripherals
Beyond the hardware, gamers must choose the peripherals best suited for their playing style. Wireless mice, keyboards, controllers and headsets are available for both laptops and desktops, and they can greatly improve your game performance. Higher-end models offer ergonomic design and extra features, empowering you to make the most out of your gaming sessions.
Considering The Right Software
Gaming laptops and desktops can benefit from certain software to boost their performance, such as cooling systems, overclocking and tweaking programs. By investing in these software packages, gamers can easily squeeze more performance out of their machines.
Additionally, to game on the go, gamers should look into cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia or Amazon Luna. These subscription-based services offer access to hundreds of titles for a low monthly fee, providing an easy way to enjoy gaming without a full-fledged gaming laptop or desktop.
Deciding To Buy A Gaming Laptop Or Desktop
Ultimately, deciding between a gaming laptop and a desktop is a highly personal decision that must take into account several factors. Budget, ergonomics, portability, upgradability, performance and your own gaming needs must all be taken into account to find the best solution.
