Which Gaming Laptop To Buy
When it comes to gaming laptops, it can be tricky to choose the right one for your needs. With so many different models and configurations available, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. To make the process smoother, it is important to consider several factors: budget, screen size, internal storage, processor, and other features. Additionally, it is beneficial to research what type of games you will be playing, as each laptop is better suited for certain settings. This article will help you decide which laptop is the best gaming option for your individual needs.
One of the essential criteria to consider when choosing a gaming laptop is the budget. It is important to understand what the ideal price range is for the type of laptop you want. Additionally, knowing what type of performance requirements you have is key, as something as simple as an integrated or dedicated GPU can help you stay within budget while providing great performance. Furthermore, spending money upfront on a laptop with a decent processor, RAM, and storage can save money in the long run, allowing you to upgrade software rather than the entire system.
Another criterion to consider when purchasing a gaming laptop is screen size. It is important to not only consider the size of the display, but also the resolution. A bigger display may seem more appealing, but it can also lead to reduced performance due to the additional energy consumed. Keeping in mind the type of games you will be playing is essential when deciding on the perfect size for your laptop. Gaming laptops are generally available in standard sizes such as 11”, 14” and 17”, with more powerful options offering larger size options.
It is also essential to consider the type of internal storage you need when choosing a gaming laptop. Traditional hard drives are the most common type of internal storage found in laptops. However, they are not the most efficient. Solutions such as solid-state drives (SSDs) and hybrid drives (SSHDs) offer faster access time and can be more cost-effective. Additionally, depending on the type and frequency of games you will be playing, storing games externally on a dedicated hard drive or in the cloud may be a viable option.
Finally, one of the most important factors to consider when buying a gaming laptop is the processor. Intel and AMD both offer a wide range of laptop processors, and each offers different levels of performance and power efficiency. Choosing the right processor will depend on your budget and the type of games you intend to play. Additionally, CPUs with high core counts and threads may be essential for more powerful gaming experiences.
Display
Beyond the physical size and resolution of the display, there are several other factors to consider when choosing a gaming laptop. Refresh rate and response time are two of the main performance-related criteria to consider when it comes to displays. Higher refresh rates provide clearer images and a smoother experience, while response time indicates how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another. Higher response times can contribute to a noticeable ‘ghosting’ effect, which can be distracting during intense gaming sessions.
Other features available in Gaming laptops displays can include anti-glare, matte and glossy options. While anti-glare may reduce eye strain and make a screen more pleasant for extended gaming sessions, it can also impact the vibrancy of the colors. Additionally, matte screens usually offer better visibility in bright light, while glossy screens may have a slight advantage in terms of clarity and color accuracy.
Finally, it is essential to understand the type of connectivity options available with the laptop’s display. This will enable you to use multiple external monitors and other peripherals. Common ports available are HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. Additionally, some gaming laptops feature DisplayLink, which supports remote networking and multi-display connections.
GPU
The choice of GPU can be one of the most decisive factors when choosing a gaming laptop. Integrated graphics solutions are generally suitable for casual gaming. However, for more intense gaming experiences, having a dedicated graphics card may be essential. Graphics cards from both AMD and Nvidia offer different levels of performance, power efficiency, and price. It is important to find the balance between cost and performance when choosing a GPU for your gaming laptop.
Newer generations of GPUs include features such as real-time ray tracing for improved visuals, faster streaming capabilities for livestreaming, and support for multiple monitors. Some laptops may also include GPU overclocking, allowing you to push the performance of the graphics card further, though this may result in the laptop consuming more power and running hotter.
Finally, it is essential to consider cooling when choosing a gaming laptop. Most gaming laptops use an active cooling system via cooling fans that can be loud and distracting. Other options, such as water cooling and passive cooling systems, are available in some laptop models.
Battery Life
Battery life is an indication of how long a laptop can last on battery power before needing to be plugged in. It is especially important to consider battery life when looking for a gaming laptop due to the additional power required by the GPU. Generally, higher-end laptops offer more powerful hardware, but may suffer from reduced battery life. On the other hand, lower-end gaming laptops usually offer better battery life, but may sacrifice on performance.
When looking for a gaming laptop, it is important to assess battery life in relation to usage. For example, a laptop with a longer battery life might be ideal for an on-the-go user who spends a lot of time away from electrical outlets. Conversely, a laptop with shorter battery life may be more suitable for someone who spends most of their time in one place, such as a desk at a university library or a cafe.
It is also important to consider battery size when shopping for a gaming laptop. Generally, larger gaming laptops have bigger and more powerful battery packs, while smaller laptops may have less powerful ones. Additionally, laptops with dedicated GPUs generally require more power, resulting in reduced battery life.
Connectivity
Connectivity is essential when choosing a gaming laptop. Common ports available are Ethernet, USB, Thunderbolt, and audio jacks. Additionally, some gaming laptops may include expansion slots such as M.2 slots and Mini PCI Express slots for plugging in additional devices such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards, as well as USB expansion cards.
Wireless connection is also an important factor to consider when choosing a gaming laptop. 802.11ac Wi-Fi is the most common type of wireless connection found in gaming laptops, offering faster speeds and improved range. Bluetooth support is also essential, as it allows the laptop to connect to devices such as wireless keyboards, mice, and gaming controllers.
Finally, some gaming laptops include proprietary connection technologies. These can include better wireless technology such as WiGig, providing faster data transfer speeds and improved latency over traditional Wi-Fi. Other cutting-edge connection technologies, such as Alienware’s Graphics Amplifier, allow the laptop to be connected directly to an external graphics card, providing users with an upgrade path for additional performance.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard and touchpad are two of the most important features of any laptop. Gaming laptops generally include laptop keyboards with adjustable backlighting, often with various levels of brightness and customizable illumination effects. Additionally, gaming keyboards may also include mechanical keys for improved tactile feedback and durability.
The touchpad is also an essential feature when using a laptop for gaming. Generally, gaming laptops offer much larger trackpads than regular laptops. Additionally, they may include additional features such as dedicated gaming keys on the trackpad, customizable profiles, and gesture-based controls. Some gaming laptops also include an external mouse in the package, allowing users to tailor the input configuration to their individual needs.
Software
Finally, it is important to consider the software packages included with a gaming laptop. Many gaming laptops come with pre-installed game launchers such as Steam, Origin, and Uplay, making it easier to access a library of games from a single interface. Additionally, some models may also include proprietary software for overclocking the hardware, adjusting lighting effects, and prioritizing game-specific settings.
Additional software packages may also come preinstalled with the gaming laptop, such as ad-blocking programs, anti-virus software, and password managers. While many of these can be invaluable for gaming, it is important to remember that they may also have an impact on overall performance, so it is best to uninstall any unnecessary software.
Finally, gamers should consider software compatibility when purchasing a gaming laptop. Knowing which games you intend to play and what operating system they require is essential when choosing the right laptop. Additionally, knowing the processor and GPU the game requires is key to ensuring the laptop can run the game smoothly and without any hiccups.
