Gaming laptop vs desktop has become increasingly popular in recent years as the power of portable devices has increased. However, many people still debate whether a gaming laptop is a better option than a desktop. In this article, we will compare the two options and help you decide which is the best for you.
Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops are extremely portable and simple to use. Gaming laptops integrate everything into one unit, from the monitor to webcam to keyboard. Users don’t need to buy them separately. Because of their small size, gaming laptops are ideal for frequent travel.
Pros of gaming laptops
Portability
Gaming laptops have the greatest advantage, without a doubt, of being portable. It is easy to pack a gaming laptop with peripherals like the mouse or headset into a small travel bag and take it on trains and planes.
Plug-and-play nature
These laptops are easy to set up and use because they have sound, webcams, and monitors. Buyers can get all they need in one device and don’t need to worry about getting compatible peripherals. To get the best gaming experience, gamers still purchase aftermarket headsets and mice.
Cons of gaming laptops
High prices
Gaming laptops are more expensive than desktops. However, this is due to many factors. Desktops can be more expensive than laptops due to the high cost of modern GPUs and the most powerful monitors. This is especially true when considering additional components such as headsets, mice, keyboards, and mice.
Laptops are more expensive because they offer limited to repair and upgrade options. The laptop cannot be replaced or upgraded, and users must purchase a new one if the old one becomes damaged or wears out.
Gaming laptops are more expensive than desktops. The laptop is almost always more costly than the desktop option, even though they offer similar performance. If you add speakers, keyboards, mice, and headsets to your desktop PC, it can be more expensive than a laptop.
Limited repairability and upgradeability
Gaming laptops are limited in their ability to be upgraded. Although you can upgrade RAM and storage capacity, parts such as the CPU or GPU cannot be replaced since they are embedded in the motherboard. Most desktops can be opened and upgraded easily, but laptops can be difficult to disassemble. You can also lose the warranty by opening a laptop. Before you attempt repairs, make sure to read the manual.
It is also more difficult to repair damaged gaming laptops due to the integrated components. Users may need to replace the entire system if the GPU or CPU fails on a gaming laptop.
Smaller screen size
The screen size is another area where gaming laptops fall behind desktops. The screen size is a major issue for gaming laptops. While desktop users have many choices, laptops are limited to 17-inch and 15.6-inch options. Although adding larger aftermarket monitors on a laptop increases its price, making the system more expensive.
Lower performance
To fit components into laptops, manufacturers must reduce the size of their components. Some components, such as the CPU, are designed differently than their desktop counterparts. These parts are made to fit specific motherboards for laptops rather than universally compatible with all devices. Mobile versions of lower-performance desktop GPUs are the best option as there isn’t enough room on a laptop.
Gaming desktops used to have better performance than laptops. However, this gap has shrunk. Modern high-end laptops can provide competitive performance but come at a steep price. This is not affordable for gamers who don’t require a portable gaming computer.
Gaming Desktops
Desktops have been the preferred choice for gamers from the very beginning. When compared to laptops, gaming desktops are more affordable than laptops. Desktops are also more compatible and easy to upgrade.
Pros of gaming desktops
Price
Gaming desktops are often cheaper than laptops at the same price, but this depends on their peripherals and components. The price of a gaming laptop can be higher if it has a top-of-the-line GPU or a high-resolution monitor.
The cost of peripherals such as keyboards, gaming mice, headsets, and keyboards can dramatically increase the price of a desktop.
Although desktops may not be cheaper than laptops, their price-to-performance ratio is better. While a powerful gaming rig may be more expensive than a laptop with the same features, it will offer better performance and a bigger monitor.
Desktops win when you consider the long-term cost difference between both options. Desktops are more reliable and have better upgrade options than laptops. The user must then replace the entire laptop with a newer model with the most recent specs.
Because they can be upgraded, desktops last longer. Users can replace the entire unit by upgrading individual parts as new technology becomes available. Desktop users can replace damaged parts and still use the system. The repair options for laptop owners are limited, and they often must dispose of the unit when it breaks.
When considering the long-term cost of desktops, it is an advantage to swap out defective components or upgrade gradually rather than buying a new one.
Upgradeability
The popularity of desktops can also be attributed to their ability to be upgraded. Although there are limitations to hardware as it ages, most desktops can upgrade components such as RAM, CPUs, and GPUs. This is important because modern games are getting larger and require more resources to run. Users don’t have to replace the entire computer. They can replace the parts that are needed to run the game.
Repairability is directly linked to upgradeability. Users can usually find a replacement part from several vendors if a component on a desktop computer breaks. It is possible to replace components on a desktop computer, extending its lifespan and saving users money.
Customization and modularity
Prebuilt gaming desktops
Desktop gaming computers offer more customization options than laptops. iBuyPower allows users to select every component and create a desktop according to their specifications. The case, GPU, and cooling system can all be customized.
Manufacturers like Alienware and Asus offer prebuilt gaming desktops with limited customization options. The user can choose the performance components such as RAM, GPUs, and processors but not the case or cooling options.
Custom-built gaming desktops
To save money, many gamers prefer to build their custom-built desktop. Modular design allows builders to select all components, from the AIO cooler to case to everything in between. After all the parts have arrived, the builders will put the PC together.
Monitor size
Players can choose the screen size that best suits their needs when building or purchasing a desktop computer. 24-inch 1080p monitors are possible for competitive gamers, while others can choose to use widescreen, 4Kor other sizes. If a monitor breaks or users wish to upgrade, standalone monitors can be easily replaced.
Cooling and airflow
Laptops have less cooling and airflow than desktop PCs. Because desktops are larger, air can circulate more easily through them. Users have more cooling options because they have more space. They can choose how many cooling fans they need or prefer an all-in-one (AIO) water cooler.
Performance
Performance is also affected by having more space. Gaming desktops have a higher performance than laptops, as they contain full-size components and not smaller versions. Because each component works at its best, desktops can benefit from better cooling and airflow.
Graphic cards are a great example of this point. Nvidia’s RTX 3090 graphics card is the top-of-the-range, but it’s limited to desktops. There’s no laptop version. Nvidia offers both versions of the RTX 3080 cards, but the desktop version is about 40% more powerful than that for mobile.
Cons of gaming desktops
Mobility
Gaming desktops can be heavy and difficult to transport. Depending on the number of components, the case can be quite heavy. Monitors that are larger become more difficult to transport.
This is generally true, but there are exceptions. Users prefer compact mini-ITX and micro-ATX designs with smaller cases. These builds can be more portable than their mid-tower ATX sibling if paired with a smaller monitor.
Parts availability
Although most components are easily found, some components, such as GPUs, can be more difficult to locate due to limited availability. Nvidia’s 30 series GPUs are a prime example. These GPUs have been out of production for a year, so buyers will need to consider other options.
Pricing is directly affected by the scarcity of GPUs. Nvidia’s RTX3070 graphics card, which is newer and has better performance, was released at $699. The RTX 3070 is more expensive than the RTX 2080 because of its high demand and low supply.
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Which Is One Is The Best For You?
Desktop gaming PCs offer a better alternative to laptops for most users. Desktops are slightly more expensive and provide better performance. Depending on the case, they can be more robust and can be replaced or upgraded whenever necessary.
On the other hand, gaming laptops are more suitable for those who need a portable solution. These laptops can be carried in a small bag and are portable enough to allow for gaming on the move. They are not cheap, but they can be used as portable gaming devices.
Out of all the options, desktops are the best for users who need the most customization and repair options. Laptops are the best option for those who travel frequently or require a certain degree of portability to get from one place to another.
Conclusion
There are several benefits of gaming laptops over gaming desktops. Laptops are portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go. They also have better graphics and sound than desktops. In addition, laptops typically use less power than desktops, so they are more energy-efficient.