Gaming Laptop vs Desktop Gaming – Which One’s Better?

Gadgets by  Mashum Mollah 18 November 2020 Last Updated Date: 20 December 2024

Gaming Laptop vs. Desktop

If you are interested in gaming, no doubt one of your biggest difficulties is finding a great computer. At first instinct, you are probably considering a gaming desktop. Gaming laptops vs desktops is an old controversy that many youngsters often indulge in.

But gaming laptops have also made their way and can match up to the standards of desktop computers. So, what type of gaming computer do you choose?

What are the pros and cons of a gaming laptop vs desktop?

This guide will show you the differences and similarities between these two options so that you can choose for yourself.

Similarities and Differences between Gaming Laptop vs Desktop!

The following list will help clarify which one of the two is best for you – is it OG desktop gaming or the new-age gaming laptops? Find out: 

Gaming Desktops Can Be Prebuilt

One thing that can turn off many first-time gamers is building a gaming computer from scratch. But this doesn’t always have to be the case, as many prebuilt gaming PCs exist. You should research the best prebuilt gaming PC to see if any appeal to you.

Gaming laptops also have features that make them suitable for gaming. However, many hardcore gamers need to upgrade their laptops to meet the requirements of the games they play.

This is less likely with prebuilt gaming PCs. They are made with reliability and speed in mind.

Gaming Laptops Are Portable

The biggest pro of gaming laptops is their portability. If you travel often and always need to play games, the obvious choice is a laptop.

A gaming PC is not the most portable. These are larger computers and are often heavier than an average computer.

If you ever move to another location, you must take extra precautions in packing a gaming desktop. You must pack it in a separate box and with a protective material such as styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap.

Gaming Laptop vs Desktop for Sound

Part of the great experience of gaming is the sound. If you opt for a gaming laptop, you won’t get the best sound experience from your laptop speakers. As a result, gamers who use gaming laptops always invest in a pair of gaming headsets.

With a gaming desktop, you must invest in a great pair of computer speakers. You can invest in surround sound for gaming computers to enjoy the experience.

If you ever want to host a gaming party, your fellow gamers will love the surround sound experience. For this, a gaming desktop is the best option. If you only plan on playing games independently and don’t need an enhanced experience, then a gaming laptop works best.

At What Cost?

The budget is something you always have to consider as an avid gamer. You have to consider how much money you want to spend or how much money you want to save. The tussle between the choices of gaming laptops vs. Desktop is not an old one.

For example, if you aren’t willing to shell out for expensive speakers, you can opt for cheaper headsets. Some games might not require the audio experience, eliminating the need for speakers/headphones.

You also have to consider the games that you want to play. Some games, such as first-person shooters, will require compatibility for advanced graphics. They might also require in-game upgrades to enhance the gaming experience.

The cost of these games can break your bank so you want to think if you are willing to play them. If you do, you might need a gaming desktop, as a gaming laptop might not suffice for such games.

Even a prebuilt gaming PC allows for upgrades. These upgrades can enhance your gaming experience and make it easier to play advanced games with greater compatibility requirements. You must consider if you will spend extra money on upgrading when necessary.

A gaming laptop doesn’t work well with upgrades. You might find that you must put away your gaming laptop and buy a gaming desktop to play advanced games.

What About Performance?

Generally, gaming desktops have a superior performance over gaming laptops. But this doesn’t mean this will necessarily be your best option. 

You might also find that a premium gaming laptop will bring you superior performance over a gaming desktop made for beginners. Thus, if you pay $2,000 for a gaming laptop and $700 for a gaming desktop, most likely, the gaming laptop will give you a better performance.

Similarly, if you are on a budget, you might want to consider a gaming laptop over a cheaper gaming desktop.

Moreover, if you want a gaming desktop, you should consider shelling out a few hundred dollars more to get the best performance.

Gaming desktops can carry more fans to help with the cooling during gameplay. If your computer overheats, then it will slow down.

You can expect overheating from advanced games, so if you want to play such games, ensure you have a gaming desktop with adequate cooling.

If you still prefer a gaming laptop, invest in a separate cooling stand that cools your laptop as it overheats.

The Final Review

Let’s look at the pros and cons of gaming laptops vs desktops. Laptops usually come with a touchpad that isn’t suited for most games. You will have to invest in a great gaming mouse as an addition.

You might also find that the keyboard on a laptop doesn’t suffice, and you’ll have to invest in an external keyboard. As a result, gaming laptops require extra equipment. Regardless, the portability and affordability factors are a major attraction for beginner gamers.

Gaming PCs generally cost a lot more. They usually come with the appropriate mouse and keyboard for gaming. They are also made specifically for handling more advanced games. However, they take up so much space and can break your bank.

If a gaming desktop gets damaged, you might find it much harder to repair. You might have to buy a new gaming desktop if the damage is severe. However, for avid gamers, this is always the better option.

Start Playing Games

Now that you know the pros and cons of a gaming laptop vs. a Desktop, you can decide which is best for you. Choose the ideal computer and start playing games today! Make sure to share this guide with other amateur and avid gamers.

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Mashum Mollah

Mashum Mollah is an entrepreneur, founder and CEO at Viacon, a digital marketing agency that drive visibility, engagement, and proven results. He blogs at thedailynotes.com.

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Everything is very open with a precise description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

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