If you are an enthusiastic gamer then you are aware that you can’t pursue your hobby with any old laptop. No, you need a proper gaming rig if you’re looking for a fun and vivid experience. If you have never bought such a device, though, you may not know the ins and outs of the process.
In case you’re a bit confused about all the computers available, then look to the information below. Here you will discover the dos and don’ts of selecting such a laptop, ensuring that you end up with the best possible option. So, let’s get started.
Do Look for a Good GPU
In most cases, the feature that you often look to first is the CPU. This makes sense since it determines the processing power of your device. However, when it comes to gaming, the main component to look for is the GPU and the graphics card. This ensures that you are able to have the best possible visual experience while gaming.
Now, when it comes to GPUs, there are only two real options on the market – NVidia and AMD. So, if you are considering a particular make and model of a laptop, check out the GPU first. Then, do a little research to see just how well the card is able to hold up to serious gaming.
Don’t Focus on Resolution Too Much
As the above point stated, visual features are important when it comes to gaming. Despite this, it is best to avoid looking for computers with overly high resolution, such as 4K. In case this sounds surprising, there is a reason for this logic.
There is a direct link between resolution and frame rate. This is because higher resolutions put greater pressure on the rest of the system, including the graphics card. As a result, these components have to work harder to produce a higher quality image. Unfortunately, the frame rate then suffers, causing your game to slow down quite a bit.
Thus, you need to look for a laptop that creates a balance between resolution and frame rate. The sweet spot is often with displays that boast either 720p or 1080p. Therefore, this is what you must look for in your own rig.
Do Consider the Keyboard
When it comes to laptop gaming, there is a good chance that you are going to be relying on your keyboard above all else. So, the keyboard has a huge impact on what your overall performance will be like. This is why you need to always carefully consider the keyboard without making a purchase.
In particular, look for a keyboard that is comfortable for you to use. Each person’s hand span and typing capabilities differ. So, you need to do some testing on your potential rigs before you take one home. Make sure that you can reach all the keys easily and fluidly and that the keyboard, in general, is comfortable to use.
Don’t Opt for High-End Rigs
Most gamers are hesitant to purchase a gaming rig and you probably are as well. This, of course, is because such machines often have an incredibly high price tag attached to them. So, most people are unable to afford such rigs.
Now, while there is no denying that a more expensive rig can offer up a better experience, you shouldn’t invest in one. Most of these devices are built for serious, competition-level gamers. As such, you will not have any need for many of the features included in them.
What you should do instead is focus your attention on budget gaming laptops. These are designed for avid gamers who don’t require quite as many specs as more senior gamers. So, while they offer up an excellent performance, they are also a great deal more affordable as well.
Do Try for an SSD
SSDs are showing up in more and more laptops. So, now that you have this choice, which one should you select – an SSD or HDD? Well, in terms of speed and performance, you just can’t beat the new and improved SSD. If you want to take your gaming experience to the next level, this is the way to go.
Still, there is no denying that when it comes to long-term storage, SSDs aren’t as useful as HDDs. This is why you should consider relying on both these systems together. Get a computer that has an SSD for your gaming. Then, get a larger HDD to store all your files and documents on.
Don’t Buy a Touchscreen Laptop
Touchscreen laptops are all the rage in the industry right now. Their main perk is that they can be used as both a laptop as well as a tablet as needed. Now, while this may seem like a fun feature for a gaming rig, it is best to steer clear of this particular function.
Understand, since you rely so much on your keyboard, touchscreens are unnecessary for the most part. There is also the fact that they tend to drain your battery and this isn’t something that you want. Furthermore, there are many brands that hike up the price for this 2-in-1 computer and it doesn’t make sense to pay extra for something that you don’t even really need.
Do Focus on Battery Over Portability
As a gamer, you may want to buy a smaller laptop. This will allow you to easily take your machine from one spot to another and game virtually anywhere. Well, you should probably ignore this temptation, however, in favor of a larger battery.
Traditionally, smaller laptops come with smaller batteries. As a result, you need to keep plugging these computers in more often. Considering how much power gaming requires, such laptops will often be no match for your power needs. Therefore, you should save yourself the hassle and opt for a larger model that can accommodate your power requirements better.
These are the top dos and don’ts that you need to focus on when selecting a gaming rig. By paying attention to what you should and shouldn’t do when making such a purchase, you can increase the likelihood of choosing a rig that is just right for you.
