Gaming PCs vs. Laptops

Are you currently debating between gaming desktops and laptops? Deciding between a PC and a laptop can be difficult for anyone, especially with the sheer variety of options available. There are pros and cons of owning either device, but that certainly won’t help you make the smartest investment possible. In this buying guide, we explore the benefits and downsides between gaming PCs and laptops to give you the competitive edge when it comes to making the final decision. Join us as we dive headfirst into features, hardware options, prices, sizes, and other factors.Gaming PCs vs. LaptopsIn the endless battle between desktops and laptops, the gap is quickly narrowing. Until recent years, gamers might have laughed at the idea of leveling up on thin-and-light laptops. However, these high-end gaming notebooks are built with beefy Coffee Lake and Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and other premium components, all housed in one sleek and unassuming package. Gaming desktops, to no one’s surprise, are growing more powerful as each year of innovation passes. Graphics and speed are probably two of the most important factors on any gamer’s mind, but we believe that energy consumption, heat, and portability are all matters worth thinking about.Cooling: If you are in the market for a new gaming platform, chances are that you are also willing to cough up the cash for a dedicated graphics card. GPUs tend to run hot, making heatsinks and cooling fans an absolute must for both desktops and notebooks. Without much room for adequate air circulation, laptops can get hot very quickly and the cooling system may need to be tweaked in order to accommodate the rise in temperature. Desktop cases are typically equipped with intake fans and other features, but you can use air or liquid cooling to keep your PC running smoothly.Energy Use: Every hardcore gamer gets a little nervous when waiting for the monthly energy bill. If your goal is to keep operating costs low, a gaming laptop may be the best solution for you. Due to a battery-powered design, laptops consume about 80 percent less electricity than desktop computers do. Energy efficiency varies from one model to the next, so be sure to check the specs, calculate the potential savings, and be smart about using less energy overall.Graphics: There is no easy way to fit a massive graphics card inside the thin plastic frame of a gaming notebook, but the mobile GPU in a laptop might not be enough to handle the pixel rates and texture mapping in games you like to play. With desktops, the GPU possibilities are virtually limitless.Mobility: Laptops are the undeniable champion when it comes to portability and gaming on the go. Manufacturers pack a lot of premium components in such slim and lightweight designs, with some laptops weighing as little as two pounds!What’s our verdict? The short answer is that there is no competition between desktops and laptops when it comes to raw performance, but the decision is ultimately up to you. We would recommend a gaming laptop if portability is a primary objective, but a gaming desktop will provide everything you need to achieve the ultimate gaming experience. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this guide or our selection of gaming PCs today.