BackGaming laptop buying guide: Transform the way you play games with our key considerations
Selecting the right gaming laptop involves balancing performance, portability, and budget. Here are a few important factors to consider the best fit for your gaming needs and lifestyle.
PremiumBuying the right laptop can make all the difference. Picture a device that combines cutting-edge performance, vivid graphics, and effortless gameplay in a sleek, portable form. Whether you're an occasional player or a dedicated gamer, the perfect gaming laptop can transform your experience, offering sharp visuals, quick load times, and the flexibility to play anywhere.
The online market is teeming with choices, from affordable options to top-tier powerhouses. If you're unsure where to begin, don't fret—we're here to help you navigate the key features and find the best gaming laptop tailored to your gaming style.
Which GPUs and CPUs are best for gaming laptops?The performance of gaming laptops is heavily dependent on the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and CPU (Central Processing Unit). For entry-level gaming, GPUs like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 are adequate. However, for more demanding gaming experiences, consider GPUs such as the RTX 2060 or higher. In terms of CPUs, a quad-core CPU like the Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is sufficient for casual gaming. For improved performance, especially in demanding games, go for an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. If you are into high-end gaming and multitasking, consider top-tier CPUs like the Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 that offer the best performance. When it comes to gaming laptops, there are primarily two types of gaming chipsets: Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Central Processing Units (CPUs).
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX Series: These GPUs are known for providing good performance in mid-range gaming laptops. They strike a balance between price and performance, making them suitable for most modern games in medium to high settings.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX Series: The RTX series GPUs offer advanced features like real-time ray tracing, DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), and AI-enhanced graphics. They provide excellent performance for high-end gaming and content creation.
- AMD Radeon RX Series: AMD's Radeon RX series GPUs compete well with NVIDIA's offerings, offering good value for mid-range gaming laptops. They provide solid performance for gaming in various settings.
- AMD Radeon RX Vega and Radeon RX 6000 Series: These GPUs offer strong performance across gaming and productivity tasks, with support for features like ray tracing. They are typically found in high-end gaming laptops.
Central Processing Units (CPUs)
- Intel Core Series: Intel's Core series CPUs, such as the Core i5, i7, and i9, are commonly found in gaming laptops. They offer varying levels of performance, with higher-end models providing better multi-core performance and efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen Series: AMD's Ryzen series CPUs, such as Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9, are also popular choices in gaming laptops. They offer competitive performance, especially in multi-threaded tasks, and are often paired with AMD Radeon GPUs for a complete gaming experience.
- These gaming chipsets come in various configurations and combinations, allowing users to choose a gaming laptop that suits their budget and performance requirements. Additionally, some gaming laptops may feature hybrid solutions, such as laptops with both NVIDIA and AMD components, offering a blend of performance and features.
Check out some gaming laptops below:
1. Acer ALG 12th Gen Intel Core i5 Gaming Laptop (16GB RAM/512GB SSD/4GB RTX 2050 Graphics/60Hz/Win11Home/Wifi 6) AL15G-52, 39.62cm (15.6 inch) FHD Display, Premium Metal Body, Steel Gray, 1.99KG
2. Lenovo LOQ Intel Core i5-12450HX 15.6" (39.6cm) 144Hz 300Nits FHD Gaming Laptop (12GB/512GB SSD/Win 11/NVIDIA RTX 2050 4GB/100% sRGB/3 Month Game Pass/Luna Grey/2.4Kg), 83GS008VIN
3. ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop, Intel Core i5-11400H 11th Gen, 17.3-inch (43.94 cm) 144Hz, (8GB RAM/512GB SSD/4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050/Windows 11/ RGB Backlit KB/Black/2.30 kg), FX706HF-HX018W
What are the disadvantages of the gaming chipset?
Gaming chipsets, despite their capabilities, have certain downsides. The high-performance Intel H-Series chipsets can consume a lot of power, resulting in increased energy usage and heat production, which might call for more advanced cooling solutions. Additionally, they often come with higher price points, making them less accessible. On the other hand, AMD Ryzen H-Series chipsets excel in multi-core performance but may fall slightly behind in single-threaded tasks that are crucial for specific games. NVIDIA RTX-Series GPUs provide outstanding graphics quality but can drive up the overall cost of laptops and require more power, impacting battery life. While AMD Radeon RX-Series GPUs are competitive, they may not offer the same range of features as NVIDIA's GPUs, affecting the gaming experience in certain situations.
What display features should you look for in a gaming laptop?
The display significantly impacts your gaming experience. Resolution plays a vital role in gaming, and the standard 1080p (Full HD) resolution provides satisfactory performance for most games. However, if you desire higher levels of detail and clarity, particularly in visually demanding games, it is worth considering resolutions like 1440p (Quad HD) or 4K (Ultra HD), provided that your GPU can effectively support them. Another important aspect to consider is the refresh rate. Opting for a higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz or 144Hz, ensures smoother gameplay, which is particularly advantageous in fast-paced games. Furthermore, it is advisable to choose displays with excellent colour accuracy and brightness levels to enhance your overall gaming and viewing experience.
Check out some gaming laptops below:
4. [Smart Choice] Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Laptop AMD Ryzen 5 5500H 15.6" (39.62cm) FHD IPS 300nits 144Hz (8GB/512GB SSD/Win 11/NVIDIA RTX 2050 4GB/Alexa/3 Month Game Pass/Shadow Black/2.32Kg), 82K20289IN
5. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 Gaming Laptop 13th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor (16 GB/1 TB SSD/Windows 11 Home/NVIDIA ® GeForce RTX ¢ 4050) PHN16-71, (16") WUXGA Display
6. HP Victus Gaming Laptop, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H, 4GB RTX 3050 GPU, 15.6-inch (39.6 cm) FHD IPS 144Hz, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, Backlit KB, B&O Dual Speakers (Win 11, MSO, Blue, 2.37 kg), fa0666TX
Also read: Best gaming laptops under ₹70000 bring together performance and value, top 8 picks
How important is the cooling system in a gaming laptop?
The proper functioning of a gaming laptop heavily relies on its cooling system, as it ensures optimal performance and durability. The powerful components used in gaming laptops tend to generate significant amounts of heat, and an effective cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling. This occurs when the CPU and GPU lower their performance levels to prevent overheating. It is advisable to choose laptops that come equipped with advanced cooling solutions, such as multiple fans, heat pipes, and efficient ventilation. Some high-end models even offer liquid cooling systems or vapour chambers for enhanced cooling capabilities. On the other hand, an insufficient cooling system can result in decreased performance, a shorter lifespan for the components, and an unpleasant user experience due to excessive heat and noise.
How much battery do I need on a gaming laptop?
Gaming laptops generally have a shorter battery life compared to regular laptops because of their power-hungry components. During regular use, gaming laptops typically provide around 3 to 6 hours of battery life, which significantly decreases during intensive gaming sessions. If you prioritise portability and longer battery life, it is advisable to opt for models with larger battery capacities and efficient power management features. However, for the optimal gaming experience, it is recommended to play while connected to a power source, as this allows the laptop to utilise its full power potential without rapidly depleting the battery.
Check out some gaming laptops below:
7. Dell G15-5530 Gaming Laptop, Intel Core i5-13450HX Processor, 16GB DDR5, 512GB,NVIDIA RTX 3050,6GB GDDR6, 15.6" (39.62cm) FHD 120Hz 250 nits, Backlit KB Orange,Win 11 + MSO'21,Dark Shadow Gray, 2.65kg
8. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro AMD Ryzen 7 5800H 16" (40.64cm) WQXGA-IPS 165Hz 500Nits Gaming Laptop (16GB/512GB SSD/Win 11/Office 2021/NVIDIA RTX 3060 6GB/Alexa/3 Month Game Pass/Storm Grey/2.45Kg), 82JQ010EIN
Also read: Best gaming monitor with high refresh rate: Top 10 options for all competitive gamers out there
How much storage capacity is good on gaming laptops?
The amount of storage you need for your gaming laptop will vary depending on your gaming library and other usage requirements. Most gaming laptops are equipped with a combination of SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). An SSD, particularly an NVMe SSD, is essential for fast boot times, quick game load times, and overall system responsiveness. Starting with a 512GB SSD is a good choice, but if you have a large collection of games, it's advisable to consider a 1TB SSD or higher. Additional HDDs can be beneficial for storing larger files and games or applications that are not frequently used. Some laptops also offer expandable storage options, allowing you to increase the capacity as needed.
What type of connectivity options are important in gaming laptops?
Choose laptops that offer a range of ports including USB Type-A, USB Type-C (ideally Thunderbolt 3 or 4 for rapid data transfer and external monitor compatibility), HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet. Ensure wireless capabilities feature Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E for improved speed and reliability, in addition to Bluetooth support for connecting various peripherals and accessories.
Check out some gaming laptops below:
9. MSI GF63 Thin, Intel Core i5-11260H, 40CM FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop (8GB/512GB NVMe SSD/Windows 11 Home/Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, GDDR6 4GB/Black/1.8Kg), 11SC-1477IN
10. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop AMD Ryzen™ 7 7735HS Octa-Core Processor- (16GB/ 512 GB SSD/NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB Graphics/Windows 11 Home) AN515-47 with 39.6 Cm (15.6 Inch) IPS Display
What software features should you look for in gaming laptops?
Software features can enhance your gaming experience and overall usability. Gaming-centric software utilities that allow you to customise performance settings, monitor system temperatures, control RGB lighting, and create macros for gaming peripherals. Additionally, consider laptops with pre-installed gaming optimisation software or utilities that help manage system resources efficiently, reduce input lag, and improve overall gaming performance. Research the available software ecosystem for the laptop brand to ensure it aligns with your preferences and requirements.
Also read: Best gaming earbuds: Top 9 options for an immersive gaming experience with exceptional sound quality
What is the significance of build quality and durability in gaming laptops?
Build quality and durability are crucial, particularly for gaming laptops that are often moved around or used extensively. It is advisable to choose laptops with robust build, long-lasting materials, and reliable hinge systems. Look for MIL-STD-810G certification for top-notch durability, or laptops with reinforced structures and spill-resistant keyboards for extra safeguard against mishaps.
Can I upgrade my gaming laptop's components?
It is important to consider the upgradeability of your gaming laptop to future-proof it. Evaluate if the gaming laptop provides convenient access to components such as RAM and storage for potential upgrades. Opt for laptops with modular designs or accessible upgrade slots, as opposed to those with limited upgrade options or that necessitate professional help for upgrades. If you anticipate enhancing performance or increasing storage capacity in the future, prioritise laptops with upgrade-friendly features.
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