What To Look For In A Gaming Laptop In 2024 – Gamers’ Guide

Buying a gaming laptop can be a daunting task. There are so many options and features to consider, and you don’t want to regret your purchase later. But how do you know which laptop is right for you? It’s not enough to just look at the specs and compare numbers. You need to see the laptop as a whole system that works together to deliver the best performance and experience. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing a gaming laptop that fits your needs and budget. 

Overview  

I’ll break down the 3 main aspects to consider when shopping for a gaming laptop: Key features, Budget and Brand. These are the essential factors that will determine what makes a good gaming laptop for you. 

Here’s a quick overview of the main points you should pay attention to when looking at gaming laptop specs:

• GPU: GPU is the most important part of a gaming laptop, even more so than the CPU. It’s the component that handles the graphics and affects the performance of most games. You can’t upgrade the GPU later, so it’s wise to invest in a powerful one that can handle future games.
• Durability or performance: This is a common dilemma when buying a budget gaming laptop. Some brands may offer better specs but compromise on the build quality. You need to decide what matters more to you: a sturdy laptop that can last longer or a faster laptop that may break sooner. 
• Battery life: Don’t expect much from gaming laptop batteries. Most gaming laptops will drain quickly when running games and will need to be plugged in most of the time. Don’t spend extra money just to get a slightly longer battery life. It’s not worth it.

What To Look For In A Gaming Laptop

GPU   

The GPU is the most crucial factor for gaming performance. It determines how well your laptop can handle different types of games. 

Here are some general guidelines for choosing a GPU based on the games you play:

• MOBA games (League of Legends, Dota 2, Marvel End Time Arena): These games are not very demanding and can run on low-end GPUs like UHD 620, VEGA8, MX230, etc. 
• FPS games (CS:GO, Valorant, Crossfire): These games require more graphics power and can benefit from mid-range GPUs like GTX1650, RX5300M, etc. 
• e-Sports games (Dota 2, PUBG, Street Fighter V): These games are competitive and need high performance and stability. You should opt for higher-end GPUs like RTX3050, RX5500M or higher. 
• AAA games (Devil May Cry 5, Metro: Exodus, Dying Light 2): These games are the most demanding and need the best graphics cards available. You should look for GPUs like RTX 3060ti or higher.

CPU

The CPU is the second most important factor for gaming performance. It affects the overall speed and responsiveness of your laptop. 

You should prioritize a quad-core CPU like Intel Core i5 (H, HQ, HS series) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3000, 4000 series) for high performance. 

Avoid low-power CPUs like the Intel Core U series or AMD Ryzen U series as they can bottleneck your GPU.

RAM

Having enough RAM is essential for gaming as it allows your laptop to run multiple programs and tasks smoothly. 

The minimum RAM you should have is 8GB, but the recommended amount is 16GB (2 x 8GB) running in dual-channel mode for optimal gaming experience.

Storage 

You should have at least 256GB SSD for your OS and games, plus a 1TB HDD for your data storage. Alternatively, you can opt for a large-capacity SSD if you can. SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, but also more expensive.

Display

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a display:

Screen Size: Common sizes include 14, 15.6, 17.3, and 21 inches. The most popular ones are 15.6 inches and 17.3 inches.

• 14-inch laptops: These laptops are lightweight and portable, but they might lack some features like a numeric keypad and a larger touchpad. Also, the smaller screen might not be as comfortable for gaming. 
• 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch laptops: These laptops offer a better gaming experience with more features, but they are less portable.

Display Quality: The display quality depends on the resolution, panel type, and refresh rate of the screen.

Resolution: The minimum resolution you should have is Full HD (1920 x 1080) with a 16:9 aspect ratio. 

Higher resolutions like QHD (2560 x 1440) or 4K (3840 x 2160) can offer more clarity, but they also require more graphics power and can reduce your battery life. 

Panel Type: The panel type determines how wide your viewing angles are and how accurate your colors are. There are two main types of panels: TN and IPS.

• TN panel: This panel has narrower viewing angles and lesser color and brightness compared to IPS, but it is cheaper and has a faster response time. 
• IPS panel: This panel is more common and has wider viewing angles and better color clarity. It also performs well under strong lighting conditions but can be more expensive. 

Refresh Rate: The minimum refresh rate you should have is 60Hz, but the recommended refresh rate is 120Hz or 144Hz for smooth gaming.

Cooling system

Having an effective cooling system is vital for maintaining high performance and avoiding throttling or frame drops. 

You should look for laptops with at least two fans and copper heat pipes that have separate cooling systems for the CPU and GPU.

Build Quality 

Having a well-built laptop is important for durability and comfort. 

You should look for a laptop with a sturdy frame. It’s best to have a laptop with a good keyboard and trackpad that has comfortable ergonomics and responsive feedback.

Connectivity and ports 

Having good connectivity and ports is important for online gaming and external peripherals. 

You should check the available ports on your laptop, including USB, HDMI, and audio jacks, to ensure they meet your requirements. You should also consider laptops with good Wi-Fi capabilities for online gaming.

What Should You Get For Your Budget? 

Gaming laptops have become more affordable and accessible in recent years. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent gaming laptop anymore.

You can find a gaming laptop that suits your budget and gaming needs. But what are the differences between a $600 gaming laptop and a $2000 gaming laptop?

Here’s a quick comparison table for you:  

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and specific models may vary slightly. Additionally, laptops in the $800 range may still offer a decent gaming experience, while those in the $2000 range will provide more powerful performance and features. The best gaming laptop is the one that suits your needs and preferences within your budget.

Which Brand Should You Go For? 

Another important aspect to consider when buying a gaming laptop is the brand. Different brands have different reputations, strengths, and weaknesses when it comes to gaming laptops. Choosing the right brand can make a difference in your gaming experience and satisfaction.

Dell

Dell is a well-known computer brand from the United States, founded in 1984. The company offers a variety of products, from affordable to high-end laptops, such as Dell Vostro, Inspiron, Latitude, and XPS.

Besides providing laptops for office and graphic design purposes, Dell is also famous for its gaming laptops, such as Alienware and Gaming G-series. These are laptops that can deliver excellent gaming performance. 

Alienware 

Alienware is a subsidiary of Dell that specializes in gaming laptops. The brand’s designs are unique and distinctive, with a focus on gaming-oriented product lines.

With its reputation, Alienware consistently delivers high-quality products that are known for their durability, modern design, and powerful performance. The hardware components are made from premium materials that can withstand the demands of gaming.

Alienware laptops are often regarded as some of the best in the gaming market, featuring top-notch keyboards and displays.

Gaming G-series

The Gaming G-series is another notable laptop line from Dell. These laptops have a sleek and stylish design, less flashy than Alienware, but still appealing. They have powerful configurations, making them portable and ideal for conquering intense gaming battles anywhere.

If you like Dell gaming laptops but find Alienware’s price tag too high, the Dell G-series gaming laptops provide a great alternative.

MSI 

MSI (Micro-Star International) is a Taiwanese brand that specializes in producing high-quality gaming laptops since its founding in 1986. MSI products are known for their durable and trendy designs. Their gaming laptops offer impressive performance, comfortable keyboards, and excellent cooling technology, allowing gamers to enjoy smooth gameplay without worrying about overheating.

MSI gaming laptops are popular among the gaming community due to their dependability and long-lasting battery life.

Here are some mid-range gaming laptop models from MSI:

GS Series

The GS Series is a mid-range gaming laptop line with a sophisticated and stylish appearance. It is thin, lightweight, and suitable for female gamers or those who value portability while seeking high-end gaming experiences.

This laptop has a large battery capacity, powerful gaming configurations, and a dedicated gaming keyboard, providing amazing gaming and productivity experiences.

GE Series

The GE Series is a mid-range laptop ideal for semi-professional gamers who want to enjoy a variety of games, including heavyweight titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry 6, The Witcher 3, etc.

It also supports gaming accessories, like RGB LED lighting and a sleek, bold machine design.

GF Series

The GF Series is the budget-friendly option from MSI, offering fairly powerful configurations at an affordable price. It has a modern design and slim profile that reflect gaming aesthetics.

GV Series

The GV Series is another mid-range gaming laptop with a similar configuration to previous models. It replaced the old GL series with a more polished and smoother design, featuring sporty and dynamic gray stripes.

Asus

Asus is an electronics company founded in Taiwan in 1989. It is recognized as a leading gaming brand globally, consistently delivering innovative and high-quality products to users. Their gaming laptops are favored for providing excellent experiences, emphasizing durability and stability during usage.

Compared to other gaming-oriented manufacturers, Asus is known for producing products with excellent quality, powerful configurations, and reasonable pricing. Two prominent Asus gaming laptop lines are the Asus TUF Gaming and Asus ROG, both well-liked by many gamers.

TUF Gaming

The TUF Gaming laptop is highly popular among gamers due to its affordable price, powerful configuration, and impressive performance. Its design is youthful, and trendy, and exudes a gaming vibe. The laptop is made of high-quality aluminum or plastic materials and features attractive design elements, making it resistant to fingerprint smudges and appealing to even the most demanding aesthetics.

ROG

Asus ROG is a series of gaming laptops that offer relatively lower prices compared to other brands’ gaming laptops while still providing high and powerful configurations necessary for gaming.

For those who are frequently on the move or need high-performance machines, Asus ROG is an optimal choice, as it features a super-thin and modern design with a long-lasting battery life of 8-12 hours.

Acer 

Acer is a multinational electronics and computer hardware company from Taiwan, founded in 1976 under the original name “MultiTech.” In 1986, it officially changed its name to Acer and became a well-known brand producing various electronic devices, including gaming laptops, which have gained considerable attention. 

One of their strengths is providing a diverse range of products at different price points, suitable for various consumer segments. Acer gaming laptops are known for their eye-catching designs and unique technology, offering excellent experiences to users. Two notable Acer gaming laptop lines are the Aspire and Nitro, impressive with their designs and attractive prices.

Aspire

Acer Aspire is a series of high-quality laptops with reasonable prices, especially appealing to users looking for multimedia entertainment. These laptops have powerful configurations, long battery life, and Acer TrueHarmony technology, providing exceptional audio quality that attracts many gamers.

Their sleek and premium designs, combined with portability, make Acer Aspire laptops highly popular among users, especially gamers.

Nitro

Acer Nitro is a well-known gaming laptop series, offering top-tier performance to handle any game. These laptops feature a sleek, bold design, with modern and attractive aesthetics. Additionally, the cooling fan noise is significantly reduced thanks to the integrated CoolBoost technology, maintaining high performance without disruption.

Lenovo 

Lenovo is a Chinese brand founded in 1984 in Beijing under the name “Legend.” It is one of the well-known multinational companies producing diverse electronic devices. While relatively new to manufacturing gaming laptops, Lenovo has already left a positive impression with two laptop lines: Legion and IdeaPad. 

Gaming Legion

Lenovo’s Legion gaming laptops attract consumers with their perfect exterior design, meticulous craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This laptop is virtually flawless, with a plastic chassis that feels soft to the touch, a logo that changes colors, and a one-handed open mechanism, similar to a Macbook.

With 8GB – 16GB of RAM, dedicated graphics cards, and the latest processors, this laptop offers outstanding performance to fulfill most user needs, from work tasks to professional gaming.

IdeaPad Gaming

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming laptops are gaining popularity in the mid-range segment, providing unique features and powerful configurations that cater to various entertainment needs.

Despite being a gaming laptop, its design carries a sleek and lightweight feel, making it suitable for professionals who love challenging combat games. Additionally, the laptop includes various connectivity ports and a high-quality display.

HP

HP (Hewlett-Packard) was established on January 1, 1939, in Palo Alto, California, USA. HP is one of the multinational companies offering various electronic products. Among them, HP’s gaming laptops stand out, especially the Victus series. The brand is recognized for delivering a great combination of quality and durability.

HP Gaming Victus

The HP Gaming Victus laptop is remarkable for its overall consumer satisfaction, featuring standout designs and impressive configurations. Despite its gaming focus, the laptop’s price starts at around $1000, making it accessible to many.

HP laptops generally prioritize their appearance, and the Victus series is no exception. Its exterior is meticulously upgraded to be both sophisticated and fashionable. Moreover, the laptop’s large screen is comparable to that of a PC, ensuring excellent visual quality for gamers to appreciate in-game details and graphics.

Conclusion

When buying a gaming laptop, make sure to choose one that will last you for a few years. Don’t skimp on the GPU or CPU since they are not upgradable, and you’ll soon regret it. However, if you know a bit about computers, I would recommend getting one with less storage since you can always upgrade it at a lower price.