Gaming laptops have evolved a lot in recent years. They are no longer bulky and clunky machines that you might have seen in the past but rather sleek devices that are unmatchable in terms of power and portability.
However, the rapid evolution of technology has taken the mantle of gaming excellence from a few selected brands and has spread it out to a vast range of manufacturers who are constantly competing to provide you with the best options.
With a plethora of options available in the market, it becomes very difficult to choose the right one especially if you don’t know the answer to the question: “What to look for in a gaming laptop?”
In this guide, I will be sharing with you essential factors that are crucial to your decision.
Key Factors To Look For In A Gaming Laptop
Here are some of the key factors that you must consider when buying a gaming laptop:
Performance – The Heart of Gaming
First of all, you should pay attention to the core of your performance which includes the CPU & and GPU. These are the components that you won’t be able to upgrade later on.
So, it is important that you invest a major part of your budget in ensuring you get the highest you can go. For the CPU, the higher generation is always better.
For GPU, you must look for a balance between the VRAM and the generation. However, one cannot deny that a higher series GPU even with low VRAM outperforms the previous generation one with high VRAM. So, generation is paramount.
As for replaceable and upgradable performance components, you can always leave room for later. Just make sure you get the highest generation. The DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 4 SSD are the latest on the market right now.
Check out our guide to the best gaming laptops overall!
Display – It’s More Important Than You Think
When it comes to display, a person who is not familiar with the world of gaming might just limit his thinking to the display size and resolution. But there is so much more to a display.
Yes, screen size and resolution hold significant importance of their own but as a gamer, you have to focus on several other factors as well.
One of those factors is the refresh rate. The higher the refresh rate you get, the better the gaming experience you will get. You also have to pay attention to the color accuracy, brightness nits, and response time of the screen.
If you have a big budget, then you should also pay attention to the display panels. Modern display panels including OLED and Mini-LED, though expensive, are definitely worth it because of the immersive visuals they provide.
Check out our list of best 4K gaming laptops!
Build & Design – Quality & Durability
When considering the build quality and design, you must pay proper attention to the portability of the laptop, its construction, keyboard and touchpad, and the aesthetics of your laptop.
If you prefer to be on the move, then you must consider a slim-profile laptop that comes in a thin, compact, and lightweight design without compromising on performance.
One common mistake people make is not paying attention to the keyboard. You must check the laptop’s keyboard for the key travel distance and anti-ghosting features. Some laptops come with bigger keys. Choose the one that feels right.
As for aesthetics, they are more of a personal preference. The best way is to go with RGB lighting which is customizable. It will allow you to create custom color profiles and choose the colors that best suit your aesthetic needs.
Cooling & Noise – Look for Balance
A powerful gaming laptop can get hot pretty easily. So, it is important that you select a laptop that comes with an advanced cooling and thermal management system.
Just fans are no longer enough for cooling. Modern gaming laptops come with so much more that provides more efficient cooling while also taking care of the noise at the same time.
Multiple intake and exhaust vents, copper heat pipes, high-tech thermal paste, and next-gen cooling fans ensure that the laptop doesn’t overheat and keeps performing at its best for long hours.
Upgradability – Futureproofing
You must always leave room for upgrades, especially if you are not investing a lot of money in the beginning. Your laptop must come with multiple expansion slots and must have the capacity to upgrade both RAM and Storage.
This upgradability provides future proof to some extent. You will be able to enhance the performance of your laptop by adding RAM and storage, increasing its life before you have to get a new one to keep up with the speed of technological evolution.
Connectivity – Ports & Wireless
In terms of connectivity, you must ensure that the laptop comes with multiple USB ports, especially the USB Gen 3 ports that have Thunderbolt support. The laptop also must have USB Type-C ports. If there are more than one, it’s better.
Modern gaming exists in the online world, and you will have to be connected to the internet most of the time. Make sure the laptop can provide seamless and uninterrupted connection both in wired and wireless interface.
Price & Warranty – Promise of Quality
Last but not least, set a budget and try to get the best specs within it. Don’t forget to consider the warranty and customer service, as these can be invaluable down the line.
If you have a low budget, consider taking a look at our list of best gaming laptops under 700.
Wrapping Up!
A gaming laptop is a significant investment and it’s only right if you invest this money after profound thought and consideration.
If you don’t know what to look for in a gaming laptop, I hope the above guide gives you a detailed idea.
By considering the above factors and aligning them with your gaming needs and budget, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision. Happy gaming!
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