Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Gaming Laptop

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. GPU Selection
3. GPU Power Limits
4. GPU VRAM
5. Mid-Range GPU Options
6. CPU Selection
7. CPU Power Limits
8. RAM Capacity and Configuration
9. Storage Capacity and Speed
10. Laptop Size and Weight
11. Laptop Design and Screen
12. Battery Life and Performance
13. Keyboard and Touchpad
14. Port Selection
15. Operating System Choice
16. Conclusion

Introduction

When it comes to buying a new gaming laptop, there are many factors to consider to ensure You make the right choice and don't waste your money. In this article, we will break down the important things you need to consider into different categories to make the decision-making process easier. We will cover topics such as GPU selection, CPU selection, RAM capacity, storage options, laptop size and weight, and much more. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what to look for in a gaming laptop and be able to make an informed decision Based on your needs and budget.

GPU Selection

The graphics processing unit (GPU) is a crucial component to consider when picking a gaming laptop. It is responsible for rendering the frames of your game, and unfortunately, most laptops do not allow GPU upgrades. Therefore, it is important to choose the right GPU when purchasing a laptop as you won't be able to change it later.

A higher-end GPU will provide more FPS in games but will also come at a higher cost. Higher-end GPUs also require more power and generate more heat, resulting in larger laptops with better cooling. This means that smaller gaming laptops with lower GPU power limits may perform worse compared to larger laptops with higher GPU power limits.

Other things to consider when picking a GPU include VRAM (video memory) capacity. While 6GB of VRAM is generally sufficient for 1080p gaming, it is recommended to opt for 8GB if your budget allows. Budget-friendly options like Nvidia's GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 may have only 4GB of VRAM but will still offer a decent 1080p gaming experience.

The best mid-range GPU options for gaming laptops are Nvidia's RTX 3060 and AMD's Radeon 6600M. The RTX 3060 has 6GB of VRAM, while AMD offers 8GB on average in various games. These GPUs perform similarly, with the RTX 3060 having a slight AdVantage. As for higher-end options, Nvidia's RTX 3070 TI offers excellent gaming performance, but the performance increase from the 3070 TI to the 3080 TI is not worth the additional cost in most cases.

CPU Selection

After GPU selection, the CPU (central processing unit) is the next crucial aspect to consider. Just like the GPU, most gaming laptop CPUs are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded, so it is essential to choose the right CPU from the start.

AMD and Intel offer different options, with AMD currently providing up to 8 cores and 16 Threads on their laptop processors, while Intel goes up to 16 cores and 24 threads. More cores and threads allow running multiple tasks simultaneously, and Intel's latest 12th gen CPUs have shown better performance in both single and multi-threaded workloads compared to AMD.

For gaming, a modern 6-Core, 12-thread CPU such as AMD's Ryzen 5 6000H or Intel's i5-12500H is more than sufficient for a great gaming experience. Investing in an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPU may offer slightly better performance in some games, but the difference is not significant enough to justify the extra cost in most cases.

Intel's Core i9 and AMD's Ryzen 9 CPUs are only worth considering for CPU-heavy activities like competitive esports gaming or 3D rendering. For the average gamer, an i7 or Ryzen 7 CPU is a good sweet spot.

RAM Capacity and Configuration

Random access memory (RAM) is another important consideration for gaming laptops. A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for optimal gaming performance. Having dual-Channel RAM (two sticks installed instead of one) will offer better performance compared to a single stick.

While higher memory capacities like 32GB are not necessary for AAA gaming at high settings, it is still beneficial to prioritize the budget towards the CPU, GPU, and screen. Faster RAM speeds and other factors like timings, ranks, and banks are less crucial and typically only matter for those looking to upgrade their laptop's memory, which can offer a performance boost.

Storage Capacity and Speed

When it comes to storage, both capacity and speed are important factors. The size of your drive determines how many games you can install simultaneously, while speed affects how quickly games and applications load.

A minimum of 512GB of storage is recommended, but ideally, at least 1TB of total space would be preferable. Indie games generally require less space, while AAA games can exceed 100GB in size. It is essential to consider the types of games you plan on playing and how many you want to have installed at once.

Most modern gaming laptops come with at least one M.2 storage slot that supports fast PCIe Gen 3 and NVMe SSDs. Some laptops have two M.2 slots, making it easier to upgrade without reinstalling the operating system or using drive cloning methods. The availability of multiple M.2 slots varies between laptops, so checking the spec sheet is necessary.

While PCIe Gen 4 storage is available in some laptops, Gen 3 speeds are still sufficient for gaming purposes. Gen 5 storage is currently limited to high-end laptops with larger form factors. For most people, prioritizing budget towards the CPU, GPU, and screen is more important than seeking the latest storage technology.

It is also worth mentioning that SSDs are highly recommended over traditional hard drives due to their faster load times and overall better performance.

Laptop Size and Weight

The size and weight of a gaming laptop play a vital role in its portability and user experience. Larger laptops, such as 17-inch models, can accommodate more powerful components and potentially offer more upgradability and higher performance. However, they are less portable and HEAVIER to carry.

Smaller laptops, such as 13 to 14-inch models, are more portable but tend to have lower performance due to their size constraints. 15-inch laptops strike a good balance between size, weight, and performance, making them a popular choice for many gamers.

Ultimately, the choice of laptop size depends on personal preference and the desired level of portability.

Laptop Design and Screen

While not as crucial as other factors, the design and screen quality do enhance the overall user experience. Laptops with aluminum or all-metal designs may offer a more premium look but can feel warmer to the touch due to their thermal conductivity properties. Plastic designs are usually cheaper and can provide better heat dissipation.

The laptop screen is the primary visual component, so it is essential to consider factors such as screen size, resolution, aspect ratio, refresh rate, response time, brightness, color gamut, and panel technology.

Screen size varies between 13 to 17 inches, with 15 inches being a common sweet spot. A 1080p resolution is still viable for gaming, but larger screens may benefit from higher resolutions like 1440p or even 4K. A taller 16x10 aspect ratio offers more vertical space and can be beneficial for multitasking and certain workloads.

For gaming, a higher refresh rate offers smoother movement, making 144Hz a popular choice. Response time dictates how quickly the screen can change between colors, which is important for reducing blur and ghosting in fast-paced games.

Brightness and color gamut affect how good the screen looks, with higher nit values and wider color coverage generally providing better visuals. OLED panels offer advantages like higher brightness, better colors, deeper blacks, and individual pixel lighting but are typically found in more expensive laptops.

Battery Life and Performance

Battery life is an important consideration for portable gaming laptops. The larger the battery, the longer the laptop can run without being plugged in. However, battery life can be influenced by various factors, including component power efficiency, program usage, screen brightness, and more.

Generally, gaming laptops with AMD processors tend to last longer when unplugged from the charger compared to Intel processors. However, individual laptop designs and specifications can vary, so it's crucial to check battery life benchmarks and user reviews for specific models.

Performance on battery power can also vary, with AMD-based laptops often performing better compared to Intel-based ones. This is due to the power optimization of AMD processors when running on battery. Intel processors typically offer better performance when plugged in.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are essential for a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience. Keyboard preferences can vary, with some gamers preferring a numeric keypad while others prioritize compactness. The feel of key presses also differs between laptops, so it's recommended to try them out in person if possible.

Mechanical keyboards are not as common in gaming laptops but can provide a satisfying typing experience. However, they tend to produce louder typing sounds. External keyboards can always be connected to the laptop for a more personalized experience.

The touchpad may not be as critical for gaming if a separate mouse is used. However, it's still worth considering the size and responsiveness of the touchpad for general usage and occasional gaming without a mouse.

Port Selection

Considering the number and types of ports on a gaming laptop is essential to ensure connectivity with external devices. Most 15 and 17-inch gaming laptops offer a variety of USB ports, HDMI ports, and audio combo jacks.

The number of USB ports can vary, so it's important to determine how many devices you plan to connect simultaneously. Some laptops may have fewer USB ports and require the use of USB hubs to accommodate additional devices.

USB Type-C ports can be used for charging the laptop, connecting external monitors, or other compatible devices. The ability to charge via USB Type-C varies, so it's important to check the laptop's specifications.

Ethernet ports with 2.5-gigabit support are becoming more common in mid to high-end gaming laptops, providing faster internet connectivity for those with higher internet speeds or local networks.

Operating System Choice

For gaming, the main choices for operating systems are Windows and Linux. Windows 11 is recommended for most people due to its compatibility with a wide range of games and frequent updates. Windows 11 also introduces newer features like Auto HDR and Direct Storage, enhancing gaming experiences.

While Linux can be used for gaming, it generally requires more effort to set up and troubleshoot games. Windows offers a more straightforward and accessible gaming experience for the average user.

It is worth noting that Windows 11 technically requires activation, but it can still be used without activation with only a few minor limitations.

Conclusion

When buying a gaming laptop, it is crucial to consider various factors such as GPU selection, CPU selection, RAM capacity, storage options, laptop size and weight, screen quality, battery life, and performance. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision based on your gaming needs and budget. Remember to prioritize the components that have the most significant impact on gaming performance, such as the GPU and CPU. Additionally, considering factors like screen quality, keyboard and touchpad comfort, and port selection will enhance your overall gaming experience.