Introduction
The choice between gaming laptops and gaming PCs is a debate that has been going on for some time, and both sides have some valid points to consider. It may seem like the answer is simple – buy a gaming laptop if you are looking for portability, and get a powerful gaming PC if you don’t mind a permanent setup. Yet if you’re looking for the best gaming experience, deciding between the two can involve a lot of research and contemplating.
Gaming Laptop Pros
The main benefit of owning a gaming laptop is of course, portability. Being able to take your gaming machine with you wherever you go is an extremely attractive option, especially if you prefer to game in your bedroom and travel with your laptop at the same time. Additionally, gaming laptops are becoming cheaper and more powerful all the time, making them a viable option even for hardcore gamers.
The other main benefit of a gaming laptop is that they usually come with top-notch graphics cards, such as the RTX 2070, which can provide a great gaming experience. Furthermore, gaming laptops are often smaller and lighter than their desktop counterparts, so if you plan on taking your gaming rig on the go, a gaming laptop is the way to go.
Gaming Laptop Cons
However, as with any purchase, there are some drawbacks to consider when buying a gaming laptop. While gaming laptops now have powerful graphics cards and processors, they might still not be as powerful as the ones in desktop models, limiting the gaming experience. Additionally, part replacement in a gaming laptop is more difficult and expensive, which means if a part needs to be replaced, you may end up spending more money than if you had a desktop. Finally, gaming laptops usually come with smaller screens, and while this is great for convenience, they may not be as immersive as larger screens found on desktops.
Gaming PC Pros
The biggest advantage of getting a gaming PC is of course, power. Since gaming PC’s are designed specifically for gaming, they come with powerful processors and graphics cards, meaning you can enjoy a richer, higher-quality gaming experience than an off-the-shelf laptop could provide. Additionally, PCs can be more easily upgraded and repaired, which means you can extend the life of your machine, and save money on repairs.
Finally, since gaming PCs are not meant to be portable, you can afford to get a larger monitor and other peripherals, allowing for a more immersive experience.
Gaming PC Cons
However, gaming PCs do have their drawbacks as well. Firstly, since they’re not meant to be taken on the go, you’ll need to find space at home for your rig. Furthermore, since gaming PCs are specifically for gaming, you’ll end up shelling out a lot more money than when building a regular PC, which may be hard to justify. Additionally, the cost of buying peripherals such as a mouse, monitor and gaming chair may be rather high, and can quickly add up.
Build vs Buy
Another important factor to consider is whether you should build your own gaming PC, or buy a pre-built one. If you’re tech-savvy and don’t mind tinkering with your gaming rig, building your own gaming PC is a great option – it lets you hand-pick the components you need, and you’ll be able to save money over time since you can upgrade components as you please. On the other hand, if you’re not comfortable building a PC, it may be better to buy a pre-built machine.
Cost
The cost of a gaming laptop or gaming PC is an essential factor to consider. As mentioned before, gaming laptops are becoming cheaper, but may still not be as powerful as a gaming PC. On the other hand, gaming PCs can be more expensive to buy and upgrade, but if you need more power from your machine, spending the extra money may be worth it.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding between a gaming laptop or a gaming PC. Ultimately, it depends on what you want in your gaming experience and how much you’re willing to invest in it. Whether you get a gaming laptop or a gaming PC, you’ll be able to enjoy a great gaming experience.
