Anyone looking for a new gaming computer inevitably comes to a crossroads at some point early in the process. “Should I buy a Gaming PC or a Gaming Laptop?”
Gaming PC’s have been around forever, and are still the go to choice for most gamers, but recent advancements in GPU and CPU technology have closed the gap. There are a lot of positives and negatives to both PC types. This article will highlight the differences and hopefully help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of a Gaming PC
Performance
If you are looking for high end peak gaming performance a desktop is going to be the best option. With liquid cooling, multi GPU support, advanced hard drive and RAM support, laptops still can’t quite match the options available in a desktop PC.
Price
Desktop PC’s will typically cost less for the same performance than their laptop counterparts. There is a higher cost associated with shrinking down components and fitting them into a laptop chassis.
Customization, Addons, Peripherals
While laptops may offer a level of customization, they don’t even come close to matching what you can do with a full desktop computer. From LED’s to cases and tubing, there are endless options if you want to customize your PC. You also have access to a wide variety of peripherals and addons like sound and network cards.
Upgradability
Upgrading a desktop PC is often as simple as popping in the new component, while modern gaming laptops often come with soldered on CPU’s, GPU’s, and RAM.
Advantages of a Gaming Laptop
Portability
If you need a machine that you can take with you, a gaming laptop is undoubtedly the best option. Hauling around a desktop, monitor, keyboard and mouse is wildly impractical. Having a laptop affords you flexibility at home or on the go that you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Cutting Edge Technology
Modern gaming laptops are typically refreshed with new components yearly. If you are looking for the latest and greatest tech, you can typically find it in a high-end gaming laptop.
Desktop Functionality
Now that most laptops have USB-C ports the days where you had to plug in every component one at a time to use your laptop at home are gone. A single USB-C hub can now handle all of that for you with one connection.
Desktop Level Power
Modern laptops, particularly models running Intel CPU’s and Nvidia GPU’s can offer desktop level gaming performance. Most high-end gaming laptops offer VR support and some are even 4K capable.
Picking the right system is very important. You want to make sure you purchase a machine that can handle what you want to do. If you are looking to game at 4K/60 for hours on end, a desktop may be the best option. If you primarily play E sports titles and are on the go a lot, a laptop may work best for you.
Charlie O'Donnell
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