Buzz
Are you a passionate PC gamer, tired of being confined to a bulky desktop case? If so, a laptop is a smart choice for gamers. Of course, knowing how to choose a laptop specifically designed for gaming is crucial when making the switch.
1. Guidance on Choosing the Best Affordable Gaming Laptop
Do you love gaming on your PC but tired of being stuck with a massive desktop case? Well, then a laptop is a smart choice for gamers. Of course, choosing the right laptop for gaming is essential when you want to make the switch
While the mobile technology landscape has seen many changes over the past 5 years, including the rise of tablet systems and hybrid Tablet-Laptop devices, one thing remains unchanged since the beginning: gaming laptops. The strength of these machines, dubbed as 'beasts,' lies not in their slim design or touchscreens but in speed and performance.
It sounds simple, but nowadays there is a multitude of laptop types on the market, ranging from the common ones that cost just a few million dong to specialized ones with prices in the thousands. Choosing a laptop that fits your budget yet is powerful enough to 'battle' your favorite games is the rightful desire of any gamer. Here are essential tips to find such a laptop.
GPU – the Key Component to Prioritize
Not only for laptops, but any gaming tool will emphasize the importance of GPU as the top priority in selecting a device (Laptops with dedicated graphics card).
When shopping, customers often get distracted by additional features like RAM, storage, LED-backlit keyboards, etc. Remember one thing: all of these must be set aside until you have chosen a laptop with a satisfactory graphics card.
Within the scope of this article, it's challenging to summarize which GPU is the best (meaning performance must justify the cost) because manufacturers frequently release products with various types and even different tweaks. Therefore, before purchasing a laptop, research thoroughly, and don't forget that there are five types of performance here, ranked from strongest to weakest. Of course, you get what you pay for.
Explore some Laptops with dedicated GPUs, high-end configurations from the world's top brands for gamers:
CPU – Extremely Crucial
Don't think that just because we mention GPU first, we can overlook the CPU. Remember that, in many cases, the CPU is even more crucial than the GPU. Unlike the conventional thinking of gamers about 'config assassins,' in reality, such games can be divided into two types: GPU-intensive and CPU-intensive. Most games only need a good graphics card and a Core i3 or Core i5 CPU is sufficient, but there are some games that even make a quad-core Core i7 struggle. Supreme Commander is one such case, surprisingly released five years ago.
Core i5 is the first choice for gamers who don't want to spend too much. At the current moment, multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks can still be easily handled by a Core i5 Ivy Bridge motherboard, and the leftover budget can be used to upgrade to a better GPU.
Of course, users can choose a quad-core Core i7 if they like and can afford it. But there's no need to choose the latest model, just a Core i7-3610QM is sufficient, and there's no need to choose a tuned version because, even though it's faster, it's not worth the money spent. That money is best used for other purposes.
SSD Storage Requires the Right Attention
While laptops using HDD storage need to pay attention to fast-spinning disks for data storage, SSD storage laptops use NAND Flash memory chips. Because there are no mechanical moving parts, SSDs are faster, more durable, and more power-efficient. However, they are considerably more expensive than traditional hard drives, but the investment is usually not wasted. The difference between SSD and HDD is significant and can be noticed immediately when opening applications, copying data, and booting up the computer. Additionally, extended battery life and comfortable laptop mobility are achieved without worrying much about the impact on the hard drive.
Although they have the same strengths, not all SSDs are alike. Some are much slower than their counterparts. The reason for this difference lies in the interface used and the type of controller that manufacturers choose. Typically, SATA 3 Gb/s or even 6 Gb/s interface is sufficient for SSDs, while the older PATA interface will make SSDs run much slower.
Therefore, before selecting an SSD for your laptop, buyers should gather information from various sources about the chosen drive. Look for high-quality SSDs using controllers from Intel, Indilinx, or Sandforce... If purchasing a laptop with a pre-installed SSD, inquire with other users about the speed of that SSD. In reality, many integrated SSDs have subpar speeds while maintaining a relatively high price.
Laptop Screen Size Should Align with Graphics Quality
The initial resolution of multipurpose laptops is 1280 x 800, with the highest being 1920 x 1200 often found only in high-end laptops designed for gamers. For everyday computing tasks, a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels is suitable. Some 13.3-inch laptops with this resolution include the Apple MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and select high-end models from Dell, Asus, Lenovo, and others.
The resolution of 1280x800 is also standard for 14 and 15-inch laptops.
That resolution is standard for 14 and 15-inch laptops, but there are some exceptions. For example, the Dell Inspiron 1420 14-inch and Dell Inspiron 1525 15.4-inch offer a $50 option to upgrade the screen resolution from 1440 x 900 to 1680 x 1050 pixels. This resolution is suitable for photo editing or gaming, though for normal needs, icons and text on the screen may appear smaller and harder to read.
And Remember: Why Buy a Laptop Instead of Building a Desktop
Gaming laptop manufacturers often boast about their machines being smaller but delivering gaming quality comparable to the monstrous ones. The M14x from Alienware is a prime example of this 'small but mighty' scenario, a true gaming rig that anyone would crave.
However, cases like the M14x (weighing under 3 kg) are truly rare. Experience has shown that the more it's a gaming laptop, the bulkier it becomes. When choosing a laptop with a 14-15 inch screen, most users aren't overly concerned about the weight since these weaker machines are used as desktop replacements. Nevertheless, there are lighter models, averaging around 2.4 - 2.7 kg, taller ones can go up to 3 kg, and some even as low as 2.2 kg.
Laptops of this screen size all come with a full-sized keyboard, spacious key arrangement, a numeric keypad, suitable for those who work with numbers. They are often equipped with dedicated graphics cards to handle graphic-intensive tasks or serve entertainment purposes like gaming, movie-watching, etc. On the other hand, laptops over 17 inches typically have 'beefy' configurations, designed for graphic designers and 'professional' gamers. These laptops weigh over 4 kg, quite heavy and bulky. Gamers should only consider these laptops if mobility is not a concern. They come with a hefty price tag, suitable only for tech enthusiasts. Therefore, carefully consider before opting for such a laptop.
