Gaming laptops have come a long way since the early days when they were bulky and offered limited performance. Today’s gaming laptops feature huge, crisp LCD screens, cutting-edge video cards, and full-size keyboards that can hang with the standard clunky computer tower. These laptops can also be ordered fully customized to meet the exact specifications of any gamer. However, with so many customizable components, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This article discusses the five essential features that gamers should consider when buying a gaming laptop.
1. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The GPU is the heart of a gaming laptop computer and will make or break your gaming experience. If your GPU isn’t up to snuff, your games won’t play. The graphics card must not share resources with the computer, and it should have its own memory on board. Generally speaking, standard off-the-shelf laptops will not have this feature. The two current makers of laptop video cards are NVIDIA and ATI.
2. Display
The display is another crucial component of a gaming laptop. Without a screen that can render your games, you can’t play. While the technology and terminology for LCDs could take up an entire article, there are a few key points to keep in mind when choosing from available LCD options for your new gaming laptop computer. Native resolution, aspect ratio, rise and fall time, contrast, viewing angle, and size are the most important factors.
The native resolution is the setting at which your screen will render the clearest images. A widescreen format gaming laptop has advantages and disadvantages. While a widescreen LCD does offer plenty of screen real estate for web surfing and other types of computer activities, many games today do not have a widescreen mode. This means that the game may stretch across the screen and become distorted or run with black bars that fill in the sides.
The phrase “rise and fall time” is used to describe how fast the LCD can respond to changes. Fortunately, gaming laptop LCDs have come a long way, and they are only getting better. While once it was impossible to game on a laptop screen, the gaming laptop LCDs of today offer 25 milliseconds or less rise and fall time, while generally off-the-shelf laptops have 40 milliseconds or less rise and fall time.
If a gaming laptop LCD has poor contrast, that means that the black areas aren’t quite as black as they should be, and the white areas aren’t quite as white. This is important to a laptop gamer because you have to see the game properly – as it was intended to be seen – to compete effectively. Look for a contrast ratio of 400:1 or higher in a custom gaming laptop computer.
3. Keyboard
When it comes to gaming laptops, the keyboard is just as important as any other component. In fact, it is the one component that is used the most, especially if you are a frequent gamer. A keyboard that is too small or one with keys that are too close together can lead to cramped hands and fingers. A good gaming laptop should have a full-size keyboard with keys that are evenly spaced and provide a good amount of travel. Additionally, a keyboard with customizable RGB backlighting can be a nice touch, as it can be tailored to match your gaming setup.
4. Cooling System
Gaming laptops are notorious for running hot, which can affect performance and even damage the laptop’s internal components. It is important to choose a gaming laptop with a good cooling system that can handle the heat generated by the GPU and CPU during gameplay. Laptops with poor cooling systems will suffer from thermal throttling, which is when the laptop’s performance is automatically reduced to prevent overheating. Look for laptops with good airflow,
adequate heat sinks and fans, and even liquid cooling systems for high-end gaming laptops. Additionally, consider laptops with adjustable fan speeds or fan control software, which allow you to customize the cooling performance based on your usage needs. A well-designed cooling system can also reduce fan noise, which can be a distraction during gaming sessions. Overall, investing in a gaming laptop with a robust cooling system is a smart decision to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device.
5. Battery Life
Gaming laptops are notorious for having poor battery life due to the high-performance components and power consumption required for gaming. However, having a decent battery life is still important for portability and convenience. Look for laptops with at least 6 hours of battery life, and consider investing in a portable battery pack for longer gaming sessions on-the-go.
6. Price Gaming
laptops can be quite expensive, with some models costing upwards of $2,000 or more. It’s important to set a budget and look for laptops that fit within your price range. While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive and powerful model available, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of mid-range laptops that can still provide a great gaming experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gaming laptop can be overwhelming, but by considering these seven factors, you can narrow down your options and find a laptop that meets your gaming needs and budget. Don’t forget to also consider the brand’s customer support and warranty policies, as well as reading reviews and comparing specifications before making a final decision. With the right gaming laptop, you can enjoy immersive and high-performance gameplay wherever you go.
