Buying a gaming laptop in 2018 can be a tricky task. It is not only important that you get the best laptop available, but you should also ensure that all of the specifications are up to date, so that you are getting the best performance and value for your money. This article will provide an overview of what to look for when buying a gaming laptop in 2018, and provide in-depth information on topics such as RAM, processor, graphics card, and more.
Types of Graphics Cards
When looking for the best gaming laptop, it is important to consider the type of graphics card that the laptop has. This is especially true if you plan to use the laptop for games that require high-resolution visuals, such as first person shooters or real-time strategy games. Generally speaking, most gaming laptops come with either an integrated graphics card, such as Intel’s HD Graphics 620 or Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1050, or a dedicated graphics card such as the AMD Radeon RX 480 or the Nvidia GTX 10 series.
For those who are looking for the best gaming experience, a dedicated graphics card is highly recommended. This is because dedicated graphics cards are capable of running the most up-to-date games at a high level of performance. However, if you are looking for an affordable option, an integrated graphics card is a good choice, as they are usually more affordable and are capable of running most modern games at a decent level.
Processor/CPU
Another important factor to consider when buying a gaming laptop is the processor, or CPU. The processor is an integral part of the laptop, and is responsible for many of the tasks that the laptop performs. For gaming laptops, it is important to make sure that the processor is powerful enough to run a game at an acceptable level. It is generally recommended to buy a laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor or higher.
The processor is directly related to the performance of the laptop, and can have a major impact on the gaming experience. For example, if the processor is not up to the game’s requirements, then it can cause significant lagging or can even prevent the game from running at all. As such, it is important to make sure that the processor is powerful enough before buying a gaming laptop.
RAM/Memory
An important factor to consider when buying a gaming laptop is the amount of RAM, or random access memory. This is important, as the amount of RAM that a laptop has will directly influence the performance of the laptop. Generally speaking, it is recommended that a gaming laptop has at least 8GB of RAM, but gaming laptops with 16GB of RAM will achieve an even better performance.
It is important to note that most games require a large amount of RAM, so having too little RAM can cause the gaming laptop to suffer from significant lagging and can even prevent some games from running. As such, it is important to make sure that the laptop has enough RAM to handle the games that you plan to play.
Storage
For those who are looking to store a large library of games, it is important to make sure that the laptop has enough storage space. Generally speaking, it is recommended that the laptop has at least 500GB of storage space, but laptops with 1TB or higher are recommended for those who plan to store more than a few games.
Storage space is very important, as it is the main factor that determines how many games can be stored on the laptop. As such, it is important to make sure that the laptop has enough storage space to meet your gaming needs.
Battery Life
Finally, the battery life of the laptop is an important factor to consider when buying a gaming laptop. Generally speaking, gaming laptops tend to have much lower battery life than normal laptops. This is because gaming laptops require more power in order to run games, which leads to a reduced battery life. As such, it is important to make sure that the laptop has enough battery life to last for several hours of gaming.
Modern gaming laptops such as the Asus ROG Strix GL502VS and the MSI GS63VR Stealth Pro can have battery life of up to 6 hours in some models. As such, it is possible to find gaming laptops with decent battery life. However, it is still important to make sure that the laptop has enough battery life before buying it.
Cooling System
When gaming, it is important to make sure that the laptop has a decent cooling system. This is because gaming laptops tend to generate a lot of heat, and can be prone to overheating if the laptop is not properly cooled. As such, it is important to make sure that the laptop has a decent cooling system, such as a dual-fan system or copper heat pipe technology.
Modern gaming laptops such as the Acer Predator 17X GX-792 or the Asus ROG Strix GL502VS come with powerful cooling systems that are capable of cooling the laptop even during intensive gaming sessions. As such, it is important to make sure that the laptop has a powerful cooling system before buying it.
Connectivity
Finally, when looking for a gaming laptop, it is important to make sure that the laptop has the necessary ports and connectivity options. This is especially true if the laptop is to be used in a multi-device environment, such as a network of gamers. These ports and connectivity options include HDMI, USB 3.0, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, among others.
Most gaming laptops such as the Asus ROG Strix GL502VS and the MSI GS63VR Stealth Pro come with the necessary ports and connectivity options to ensure that the laptop can connect to all of the necessary devices. As such, it is important to make sure that the laptop has the necessary ports and connectivity options before buying it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when buying a gaming laptop in 2018. It is important to make sure that the laptop has the necessary specifications and hardware, such as a powerful processor, enough RAM, and a decent graphics card. It is also important to make sure that the laptop is capable of cooling itself, and that it has the necessary ports and connectivity options. Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of what to look for when buying a gaming laptop in 2018.
