Making any big purchase can feel a little stressful. There’s so much information out there, and it’s hard to tell what is an advertisement and what is useful information that can help you choose the right product for you and your needs.
6 Qualities to Look For in a Gaming Laptop
When it comes to buying tech, this stress can be amplified because there are so many different factors to consider. The following will break down the qualities you want to keep an eye out for when you’re shopping for a gaming laptop.
1. Understand Your Games’ Requirements
It is important to note that all games are a little bit different in their requirements. If you have a handful of favorites that you expect you’ll be playing for years to come, spend a little bit of time researching those games and what they require. This can give you a list of non-negotiable features to look for when you’re shopping around.
2. Graphics Card Considerations
When it comes to video games, your GPU (graphics processing unit) is really important. Most games depend on the GPU to run, and this part of a laptop can’t be upgraded. Sometimes the GPU is referred to as a graphics card. One easier way to figure out whether a GPU is a right choice for you is to consider your monitor resolution.
Many mainstream graphics cards can handle gaming at 1080p (between 30 and 60 frames per second). If you’re planning on playing some 4K games, you’ll need to seek out a higher-end GPU. It’s also worth noting that as games continue to come out, it is expected that more and more will be in 4K.
3. You’re Likely Going To Be Balancing Speed and Resolution
It almost goes without saying that a high-speed laptop is going to sacrifice a little resolution, and a high-res laptop is going to sacrifice a little speed. Take a moment to think about what you’re willing to give up.
To compare these two qualities, think about the resolution (which will be described as one number X another number). This is the number of pixels on your screen and, for gaming, you’re probably looking at a minimum of 1920 x 1080 for best results. The refresh rate (measured in Hz) will affect how quickly your laptop runs your game.
For most gamers, 60Hz is enough, but if you’re playing competitively, you might want more. Laptops that are above 2560 x 1440 or 3840 x 2160 can’t go above 60Hz. You might be surprised to find that for many games, 1080p is ideal for just this reason.
4. Think About RAM
Many games are heavy on RAM (random access memory). As a general rule, 8GB is what is recommended for average tasks that don’t take too long. Ideally, for gaming, you want to be somewhere around 16GB.
If you can’t manage to get the right amount of RAM with all the other features you need, it is worth noting that RAM can be upgraded on most laptops. You will be able to boost this up later if you find you want to.
5. Consider Your Other Needs
Sometimes gaming isn’t going to be the only thing that you use the laptop for. Do you need a webcam and a good microphone for recording video and live streaming? Will you be writing or editing, or completing school assignments on the device as well?
Find a guide for these needs as well just to make sure you’re not sacrificing something that could help you with your other laptop tasks. Experts at LaptopBlogger.com have compiled a list of all the things writers need to keep in mind when choosing a laptop. Take a few days to note down all the reasons you use your current computer to make sure you’re not missing anything.
6. Touch Screens Probably Aren’t The Way To Go
Yes, touch screens are wonderful things, but when it comes to gaming laptops, this feature is going to absorb your battery life like nothing else. This feature can also make the image display look a little too glossy, and many gamers don’t like this.
By comparing the above qualities with the requirements listed by your favorite games, you should be able to narrow down the list of available laptops into something manageable. Of course, price is a concern, and you should ideally make a budget for yourself before you begin shopping.
Your laptop isn’t going to bring you nearly as much joy if each time you open it, you’re reminded of the money you still owe. As well, when budgeting, ensure you include the cost of a warranty. You don’t want to spend all this time and money only to have a technical issue that you’re not covered for.
