Gamers Need the Portability and Performance of Gaming Laptops
It is no secret that gaming laptops come equipped with higher-end hardware than their desktop counterparts, giving gamers a great advantage in both performance and portability. However, there is often a trade-off when it comes to battery life and the convenience of taking your laptop on the go. One of the biggest issues with gaming laptops is the battery life, which has often been seen as lacklustre when compared to other laptops. So why does it take so much energy to power a gaming laptop and why does the battery often drain so quickly?
Why Does Gaming Laptop Battery Drain Fast?
The answer is simple: the components that make up a gaming laptop. Gaming laptops come with superior components to handle the demands of modern video games, which require more power than the average laptop. These components consume power at a much faster rate, draining the battery quicker than a daily laptop.
The graphics card is particularly power-hungry, as it needs additional power to power the visuals. The processor, RAM and storage also contribute to this, generating excess heat that needs to be dissipated. This requires more power to be used, reducing the amount of battery life available.
The Impact of Faster Displays on Battery Life
Another factor that impacts battery life is the display. Gaming laptops usually come with high-resolution displays, such as 4K, Quad HD or even higher. These displays require more power to operate and drain the battery faster than lower resolution displays.
It is also worth noting that OLED and IPS displays are more power-efficient than traditional TN displays, so these should be preferred if you are looking for a laptop with better battery life. Similarly, 144hz or 300hz displays consume more power than lower refresh rate displays, so opting for a 60hz display can help improve battery life.
The Benefits of Optimising a Gaming Laptop
It is possible to improve the battery life of a gaming laptop by optimising the hardware and software. For example, reducing the brightness of the display and turning off any unnecessary components, such as the Wi-Fi adapter and Bluetooth, can help reduce the power consumption.
It is also possible to lower the performance of the laptop by changing the power settings or by undervolting the processor. This can help reduce the power consumption and improve battery life.
Choosing the Right Laptop for Gaming
When choosing a gaming laptop, it is important to consider the battery life as this will affect how long you can play your favourite games on the go. If you are looking for a laptop that offers great performance and reasonable battery life, you should opt for a laptop with an efficient processor and graphics card, such as an Intel Core i5 or Nvidia GTX 1060.
For the best battery life, you should opt for a laptop with a low-power processor and graphics card, such as the Intel Core i3 or an Nvidia GTX 1030. These components are more power-efficient and can help improve the battery life significantly.
Additional Factors That Affect Laptop Battery Life
Aside from the hardware, there are other factors that can influence the battery life of a laptop. Temperature is one such factor, as the higher the temperature of the laptop, the more energy it will consume. This can be managed by making sure the laptop is kept in a well-ventilated area, such as on a laptop stand, and avoiding closed spaces such as a backpack.
It is also important to maintain the battery by charging it fully and allowing it to drain completely before recharging it. This will help keep the battery in a healthy state, as well as improve its efficiency and thus the battery life.
Options To Consider in Improving Laptop Battery Life
If you are looking to improve the battery life of your gaming laptop, there are several options worth considering. Some laptop manufacturers offer an extended battery pack which will increase the battery life, however these are usually expensive.
An alternative option is to purchase an external battery pack, which can be charged and connected to the laptop via USB. This can provide an additional power source and help to extend the battery life, without breaking the bank.
The Benefits of Investing in External Laptop Batteries
Choosing to invest in an external laptop battery has several benefits. Firstly, you don’t have to worry about recharging the laptop battery as often and it offers peace of mind if you are travelling or away from a power source.
Secondly, if you purchase a high-quality battery pack, you can be sure that it will be reliable and long-lasting. This can be a great investment, especially if you are a frequent traveller.
Finally, external batteries are often compact and lightweight, so they are easy to transport and can be used on the go. This can be incredibly useful for gamers who are always on the move.
Working to Maximise Laptop Performance While Reducing Battery Drain
When using a laptop for gaming, there are several measures that can be used to maximise its performance while keeping the battery drain to a minimum. For example, ensuring that the laptop is running the latest drivers and BIOS is a must, as this will ensure that all software is running at its optimal level.
Similarly, it is also important to keep all software up to date and only install necessary programs. This will reduce the load on the system and help to prevent unnecessary power drain. Additionally, remember to lower the brightness of the display and turn off any unused components which can help improve the battery life.
Managing the Heat Generated By Gaming Laptops
When gaming, it is inevitable that the laptop will generate heat and this needs to be managed in order to prevent the laptop from overheating. Most modern gaming laptops come equipped with decent cooling systems such as fans, heatsinks and other components to keep the device at a reasonable temperature.
It is also important to make sure that the laptop is kept in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat. This will help reduce the heat and improve the laptop’s performance, as well as potentially reduce the power consumption.
