Are gaming laptops worth it? As time passes, the gadgets we are used to are improving and becoming better. Modern computers have a high speed of information processing. They are equipped with many advanced technologies which together give us much-needed convenience.
Manufacturers are now able to fit quality components into a very small space. There is also significant progress in terms of battery life these days.
Such advances raise logical thoughts. Is a gaming laptop worth it? Whether to choose a PC or gaming laptops? Each option has its admirers and detractors who will always disagree.
What is a gaming laptop?
Such models exist to solve 1 problem: portability. PCs in turn are quite limited in this way. Companies are now able to build powerful devices with fast processors, powerful cooling systems, and great computing capabilities. On the best laptop, games run at top quality.
It also has many other applications. Many people buy notebooks for graphic design, video editing, and 3-D animation. For example, in 3-D modeling, video rendering, and artistic design work.
But before buying one, you might consider selling your old device.
Sell my gaming laptop near me
- Delete personal data (save it to an external hard drive or use a cloud service)
- Check your software (If you have third-party applications installed, go to each of them and disconnect your license from your computer)
- Perform a cleanup (This is fairly straightforward, but you should be aware that deleting the information is done on a consumer level)
To determine the gaming laptop price for sale, look out for
- Graphics card model
- Powerful Advanced Processor
- Decent amount of RAM
- A reasonable size of hard drives
- A compact size, but it should have a wide and high-quality screen.
10 reasons to buy a gaming laptop in 2023
Always on hand
What’s the best in a gaming laptop? The main advantage is mobility. It’s difficult even to move a massive system unit to the other side of your desk, not to mention the many different wires. A gamer laptop, on the other hand, requires only a power outlet, and not one all the time. It will be easy to move to any other place so as not to disturb your family. You are provided with both a display and a keyboard straight away.
The best cheap gaming laptop is no longer known as a ‘suitcase’. They all weigh roughly 2 to 3 kilos. Which means it’s easy to take with you on the trip. Now there are models which are also suitable for the office because of their design rigor.
Many new devices offer the best of both worlds: mobility yet superior performance. Whatever your computing requirements are, you can find an option that is powerful enough for your everyday needs. While they still allow you to be away from the socket for hours at a time.
What do you need to consider when it comes to mobility? If you want to buy the best value gaming laptop, mind the following factors:
- Battery life (how long will you be away from charging)
- Weight (how many extra pounds can you carry?)
- Notebook dimensions (will it fit in a backpack?)
Powerful hardware
The build/completion question is very important. Just 3 to 5 years ago it was thought that a notebook could never catch up to a PC in terms of performance, speed, and power. A combination of powerful hardware, a thin processor, and a powerful cooling system.
The hardware of ordinary models can be slightly overclocked in automatic mode. And top playing devices even have overclocking mode. Where the frequencies are increased beyond the official CPU and GPU settings. At the same time, their cooling systems can cope with a higher load.
Increased refresh rates on the display, as well as advances in graphics cards. NVIDIA G-Sync technology has made its way into notebooks. Such tech is used in any gaming laptop 2021, 2022, 2023. This contributes to a better display refresh rate with the graphics card. The result is a smoother display, with no “tearing”, “flickering”, or other artifacts.
Today, however, that statement is all but obsolete. Time has passed when graphics hardware for notebooks was not much different from embedded solutions. We now have true full-size processors in them, as well as GPUs capable of delivering the same performance as desktop versions. The difference will only be noticeable with special tests.
The performance of mobile graphics cards is now very close to that of dedicated desktop GPUs. The RTX 3080 Mobile roughly matches the GTX 1080 Ti but also offers ray tracing and DLSS. The new technology has been widely used in the best gaming laptops since 2022. It’s just as easy to play the best game on a notebook as it is on a desktop model.
All in one
The models feature a major benefit versus PC: in fact, they include just about everything you need to play the game straight.
In the case of a PC, you’ll additionally have to invest in a gaming monitor, speakers or headsets, gaming mouse and a keyboard.
When buying a playing device, you won’t have to purchase any extra accessories other than a mouse. You may even find a touch screen in some models. It is usually made just above the keyboard. It turns the device into a 2 in 1 gaming laptop rather than an ordinary gadget.
You can usually find several pre-configured notebooks with performance levels to suit your needs. In your choice, separate overviews can help you. A good option is to check out the r gaming section. This is the gaming laptop with deals on Reddit and reviews.
Desktops also use more power, take up more space, and are less versatile in where and how you want to play.
Then there’s the added benefit of going to someone’s house or setting up your device at a LAN party. It only takes a few seconds to set up and take down.
Advanced cooling system
The cooling systems of today’s models have long ceased to be a simple combination of radiator and fan. There are many high-performance devices on the market. But their owners are often faced with the problem of overheating the processor and graphics card under load. Sometimes the system cools down, but the hum of the fans still drowns out the sound of the game.
Nevertheless, overheating of the CPU and video card remains a very common problem. The best gaming laptop under 1500 dollars has many solutions to these problems. Manufacturers have learned to solve this problem in different ways.
For example, with heat pipes, a special chassis design, or multiple fans. A clever system allows cool air to flow through the grilles on the underside of the chassis. And the outlet of hot air does not mix with the incoming airflow.
Many models also feature the ErgoLift system, which lifts the underside of the notebook away from the surface. This also has a positive effect on component ventilation. In other words, the notebook stays comfortably cool. And has low noise even when playing games at top graphics settings.
Other gaming laptops under $500 or even under $1000 have more modest cooling capabilities and can often suffer from overheating during a long, intense play.
In exceptional cases, a removable water-cooling system can be added to the notebook. There are very few models of this kind on the market, literally on the fingers of one hand.
A colorful and high-frequency display
The screen is one of the most important parts, and not just because you’re constantly looking at it. Today’s matrices can offer not only quality color rendering but also speed. Most gaming notebooks use an IPS-type matrix, which guarantees wide viewing angles and good color reproduction. But today, not only do these matrices show a good picture, but they also do it very quickly.
If you’re playing solo or not competing, a normal gaming laptop, cheap but good, might do the trick. However, such variants will have a screen of 60Hz. This refresh rate results in noticeable “jagged” or “artifacts” when it comes to on-screen animation and activity. It makes gameplay seem less immersive and realistic.
Avid players require a high-frequency screen. They do not offer great advantages, but they make the picture smoother and more pleasing to the eye. Many models today come with a best 4K monitor or 1080P screen. The former is better suited to multimedia content.
Best Laptops For Multiple Monitors 2023
An overclocked screen is also suitable for work, as the high clock rate reduces strain on the visual organs.
A number of models also offer HDR as well as Pantone certification. The latter means that these screens are not only suitable for playing, but also for professional photo and video processing.
Variety of interfaces
Conventional models previously faced another problem, namely the lack of connectors. Playing models fared better – they were not designed to skimp on peripheral connectors.
Even budget gaming laptops today feature interfaces such as Thunderbolt and support DisplayPort. In addition, connectivity to a large display is via the classic mini DisplayPort or HDMI. A headphone jack is also present.
Of course, there’s a LAN port for cable connection to the network. But with a good router in your flat or office, you’re unlikely to need one. There are Bluetooth 5.0 modules for wireless connection of a headset, mouse, or gamepad. Wi-Fi 6 support allows you to get good internet speeds without lags and delays.
Nice keyboard
Another extremely important thing is the keyboard. Let’s start with what you can’t see. Namely, the key pressure mechanism, which is hidden under the key cap. On conventional scissor-type keyboards, the actuation point of the key is located approximately 3/4 of the way down the keyboard when pressed.
Regardless of screen size, notebooks come with a full-size keyboard. It’s just as ergonomic as traditional models. Keystrokes are short, so input responsiveness is instantaneous.
These models purposely leave more space between the keys to ensure that they are not accidentally bumped or pressed. The lower-left Windows button can be locked and unlocked with a shortcut key. Basic functions such as volume control and microphone control are kept separate.
Dozens of buttons can be pressed at once and everything will be registered without errors. This solution will especially please fans of MMOs, where you often have to be like a pianist.
Some manufacturers have gone out of their way to install mechanical keyboards in their devices. This makes these models much thicker than the vast majority of their competitors. But, on the other hand, companies can claim that they are using real “mechanics”.
LED backlighting has gradually become a necessary option in playing environments. Customization is also a thing of the past. The device is equipped with illuminated keys. It usually has several modes of operation. You can choose from a variety of colors.
Also, a WASD pad, for example, can be highlighted using proprietary software. It allows you to navigate better during nighttime battles. Working with text is also comfortable. Presses are well felt, and the buttons themselves are located at a distance from each other.
Best Gaming Keyboards
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Mini Gaming Keyboard
If you’re used to discrete accessories, you can turn your device up a notch with external peripherals.
Autonomy
Among the main advantages of notebooks is that they continue to run without power. Battery life averages between 3 and 6 hours. This is enough time to finish a text or any other work and meet a deadline.
Most people don’t just use these kinds of models for playing. They also work well as an assistant in business or study. At certain times we may find ourselves away from charging. In such cases, you need quality insurance.
However, nowadays not every model has decent battery life. It’s hard to find good cheap gaming laptops under 500 that boast a long-lasting charge. Such models can often run for around 5 hours wirelessly.
Gaming laptops under 1,000 are already capable of easily exceeding 6-7 hours of battery life and tend to provide stable and fast performance for their users. Longer battery life is also possible with NVIDIA Battery Boost technology. When you run games in battery life, it locks in at 30fps (frequency can be adjusted) and prevents the graphics card from drawing too much power. As a result, you can play games for hours on a single battery charge.
Assembled by the manufacturer
Wondering what the catch is? Are gaming laptops worth it? There’s another argument for buying one. It’s the branded build, from the company itself. You can subsequently replace the hard drive and/or expand the RAM stock.
Unfortunately, you can’t get a new CPU and graphics chip. If you initially take a weak one, it will remain weak. If powerful – in 2-3 years it will give up its position. Plus, cleaning the insides of the device is more complicated than the system unit. Often without a visit to the service center, one can not do it.
However, there are exceptions to these rules. For example, there are models that are built on the idea of modularity. You can freely dock an external graphics card and connect an external keyboard.
Sound
Games are not just about graphics and story. Sound is just as important, as it helps create the right atmosphere. To ensure that it’s conveyed correctly, these game laptops have been given quality speakers. They point to the sides, as well as an intelligent amplifier.
The latter will suppress various sound distortions even at maximum volume. As a result, the owner of such a device will not complain about the lack of “tops” or “bottoms”. A dedicated amplifier optimizes volume and sound quality. While support for DTS:X Ultra adds volume to movies and games. It’s normally located on the bottom of the chassis.
Final note
The best laptops for gaming are compact and powerful decisions that rival stationary units with dignity. They allow you to play without being tied to one place and support RAM and storage upgrades. They’re equipped with all the necessary interfaces. Considering the current trends, such purchases will even save money on hardware. Now, in many cases, a ready-to-use device is cheaper than assembling a system piecemeal.
Playing models have added a lot in recent years, both in terms of performance and power efficiency. When you buy a modern one, you can be sure it’s powerful enough for everything you need. Hopefully, after reading this article, the difference between a regular and a gaming computer laptop has become clearer.
Are Gaming Laptops Actually Worth Buying?
The best models of gaming laptops that are worth buying
| GAMING LAPTOPS | SPECIFICATIONS | REASONS TO BUY | BEST PRICE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Predator Helios 300 | Suitable for a strapped budget Has a long-standing battery Shows solid gaming performance Demonstrates a refresh rate of 144 Hertz | $1,349 | 8.1 | |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | Impressive full-scale keyboard Vivid 16-inch screen Capacity for both work tasks and games Long-standing battery Full range of ports | $1,419 | 8.3 | |
| Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 | High gaming performance in a blow mind design One of the fastest screens Versatile illumination An extremely abundant number of hardware settings Easy to disassemble and clean | $1,649 | 8.4 | |
| MSI GS66 Stealth | 240Hz refresh rate looks great Quality components Ergonomics Battery suitable for power consumption Connectivity | $1,145 | 8.5 | |
| ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733 | A powerful device for non-stop gaming Top performance among 2022 releases An eye-catching design that stands out A mechanical keyboard with responsive features | $3,099 | 8.7 | |
| Dell G3 15 | Great intermediate option Moderate performance Comfortable keyboard Aesthetically pleasing visual | $749 | 8.8 | |
| Razer Blade 14 | Sleek design Light and portable Reliable build | $1,626 | 8.9 | |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 | Rarely seen but great AMD + NVIDIA blending Stays up longer than any other average contenders Capable and overwhelmingly fast SSD Vivid 120Hz display Loud enough speakers with many presets Unusual, attractive white design | $1,397 | 9.1 | |
| Razer Blade 15 | Incredibly powerful Unique yet recognizable design Responsive keyboard A large and convenient touchpad | $2,099 | 9.3 | |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 | Omnipotent Perfection of visual geometry Battery lasts longer than some smartphones Enveloping sound Value for money | $1,848 | 9.5 |
FAQ About Gaming Laptops
Certainly, we can say with confidence that yes. Of course, everything is largely determined by personal needs and aspirations. So, in case you’re a modern playing enthusiast, then this would be ideal. And if you need solid power for work, then it’s not a bad choice either. Overall, these are great devices for gamers, graphic designers and 3-D developers alike.
As for high performance and fast running times, yes. Their hardware will give you a high level of appreciation for modern gaming projects. These models offer better video graphics, faster response time, more memory capacity, sound quality, screen resolution and size and so on.
Nevertheless, it’s worth considering how much is a gaming laptop?
As batteries have improved, so has their lifespan. Those improvements have not spared mobile devices. The best gaming laptop for the money you can spend will provide approximately 7 hours of battery life. For top performance, however, you’ll need to be connected to a power source at all times.
The main weaknesses include:
1. Massive and bulky:
These models tend to be heavier, larger than conventional models.
2. Battery life:
As high performance requires high power consumption, these models unfortunately have a short autonomy period.
Everything is determined by what the user needs from the device. Manufacturers have learned how to cram high-speed components into a relatively small space. They can easily replace desktop devices. Plus you don’t have to worry about parts, because companies are in charge of assembling all the hardware.
