Choosing a gaming laptop requires considering the hardware and form factor that best suits your needs. This guide will help you make informed decisions by explaining the essentials:
Modern games are memory-hungry and require a powerful CPU and GPU to hit high frame rates at a stable resolution. Compare the system requirements of your favorite games to the specs of each laptop you’re considering.
CPU & GPU
Gaming laptops offer a balance between power and portability. They feature powerful CPUs and GPUs that allow gamers to play at higher resolutions and frame rates. They also have a variety of ports and can be connected to external peripherals for enhanced gaming at home.
Depending on your gaming needs, you may want to prioritize a faster CPU or more RAM. You can also look for a laptop that has enough space to support an external storage drive or Thunderbolt dock.
Some gaming laptops are designed to be upgradeable, but it’s not common. Unless you’re planning to build your own desktop PC, it’s not always practical to upgrade a laptop once it’s in use.
RAM
A gaming laptop should have enough RAM (random access memory) to run the graphics required for the latest games. Look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, or 16GB if your budget allows it.
Dedicated video RAM or VRAM is another important feature to consider for a gaming laptop. This is a special type of RAM that is used exclusively by the video adapters in your laptop for gaming and graphics.
Storage is also important in a gaming laptop, as you’ll likely want to save and store game files on the computer. Look for a laptop with SSD (solid state drive) or HDD (hard disk drive) storage options to improve loading times and performance.
Storage
Anyone who installs more than a couple games will want a larger SSD for storage. Look for one that uses the latest PCIe Gen 4 technology, as this will future proof your system.
The display size and resolution of your gaming laptop will play a role in your overall gaming experience. Many modern laptops use 14 or 16-inch screens with a high refresh rate, while older budget systems typically use 15-inch panels. Look for a resolution higher than 1920 x 1080, as this will offer better visual clarity.
Some gaming laptops also support technologies like Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync to sync the display with the GPU, improving gameplay smoothness and reducing screen tearing. Some models even have touch screens, though some gamers prefer to avoid them as they can reduce battery life and cause ghosting on glossy panels. Discrete graphics cards are also available on some laptops, though they’ll often cost more than an integrated option.
Graphics Card
The GPU is the most important component for gaming laptops, as it processes and transmits image frames to your display. It also enables high-end features like smooth gameplay and better graphics fidelity for demanding games. The best gaming laptops feature the latest GPU architecture from leading vendors like Nvidia and AMD.
The most essential gaming laptop features are a capable CPU and GPU, a high-resolution display, and a comfortable keyboard and trackpad. Other luxury extras include multiple screens, ultrawide aspect ratios, upgradeable hardware, and overclockable designs.
As you shop for a gaming laptop, keep in mind that the more features a laptop has, the more expensive it will be. Consider balancing performance, portability, and good looks to find the best gaming laptop for your budget. Also, be aware that some laptops may cut down on ports to achieve a sleeker form factor, so check the specs carefully.
Keyboard & Trackpad
Gaming laptops often come with special keyboards and trackpads that provide extra support and comfort for long gaming sessions. Additionally, they can have additional ports for connecting accessories like mouses and headsets.
Most modern gaming laptops can run the latest games with ease, and some even come equipped for VR experiences. However, it’s important to note that these laptops are typically more expensive and heavier than other types of laptops.
For those looking for a portable gaming experience, consider a budget-friendly Chromebook that offers strong day-to-day performance and decent gaming on GeForce Now. If you’re willing to spend more, look for a gaming laptop with a brushed metal finish and user-controlled RGB lighting. These premium laptops may also include more advanced cooling solutions and upgradeable hardware. In addition to the features mentioned above, you can improve your gaming laptop’s performance by keeping it updated with the latest operating system and drivers. You can also try running fewer applications in the background and closing them when you aren’t using them.
Display
Gaming laptops require a fast refresh rate to deliver a smooth and fluid experience. Look for laptops with a 144Hz or 240Hz display to ensure you can compete in esports without any lag. Additionally, consider a display with IPS (in-plane switching) technology to deliver better color and viewing angles. You’ll also want to check if the screen supports G-Sync or AMD FreeSync technologies to eliminate blurriness and screen tearing.
Resolution is another important consideration, as it dictates how sharp graphics are. A laptop with a 1920 x 1080 display will be sufficient for most games, but a 1440p display is ideal. You should avoid 4K screens, as they’ll tax the GPU and make gameplay difficult unless you turn down the graphical settings.
Finally, consider the screen’s brightness. You’ll want a high maximum brightness to play in bright environments. Look for 320 nits or higher to find a comfortable level of brightness.
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