When it comes to computers, PC gamers have more alternatives than ever. In addition to desktop towers, there are gaming laptops. However, Are Gaming Laptops as Good as Desktops? Some people might wonder if a laptop can offer the same gaming experience as a tower. The answer is unclear, but there are some pros and cons to consider when it comes to gaming laptops vs. desktops.
This article will compare desktops and laptops in terms of performance, upgradeability, price, and more to determine which one is best for you.
Gaming Laptop vs. Desktop: Which Should You Choose?
Most gamers enjoy the thrill of playing their favorite games on a big screen display with high-resolution graphics and a custom-built gaming desk. Many people are also becoming increasingly curious about whether gaming laptops are as good as desktops for gaming.
The answer is complicated since it varies on what you look for in a gaming computer. So let’s look at the difference between the two types of gaming tech.
💻Portability
You should consider whether you want a computer that you can use anywhere or one that is bigger and heavier but has more ports and customization choices.
➤Laptop
The significant advantage of a laptop is its portability. With the appropriate laptop, you’ll be able to do almost everything that a desktop can do but just about anywhere. If you travel often, this flexibility might be quite helpful to you.
Laptops are now more compact, so you can take them wherever you want, such as on an airplane, to a friend’s house, or a LAN party. On the other hand, laptops are not as easy to upgrade as desktops are. Once you buy a laptop, you’re pretty much stuck with its current specs unless you want to replace the entire thing. This can be expensive and time-consuming.
Gaming laptops are often equipped with high-end components that allow you to play competitive and AAA games wherever you go. They are also fitted with hardware designed to dissipate heat quickly, so you don’t have to worry about your machine crashing or slowing down because of overheating.
External gaming displays, mouse, keyboards, and docking stations can all expand the versatility of a laptop, although they do come at a cost.
➤Desktop
Desktops are less flexible than laptops and are not nearly as portable. Even the lightest desktop will still need a power source and a monitor. Although some people would rather bring a complete tower for special events like LAN parties, most individuals limit their desktop experience to one place.
Desktops also provide much I/O support—or the ability to connect external devices—typically available through the motherboard or PCIe expansion slot devices connected via PCIe, such as a discrete graphics card.
Users may also access a more powerful PC for computing tasks and an external MicroSD slot for expanded storage. The case may include additional connectivity options such as front-facing USB and audio ports. This means you’ll be able to use multiple monitors, non-standard peripherals, extra USB ports, and more
The biggest difference between gaming laptops and desktops is that laptops are portable and desktops are not. This means that you can take your laptop with you wherever you go, but a desktop will have to stay in one place. If you travel a lot more or like to game on the go, then a gaming laptop is the better option for you.
💻Performance
When it comes to raw performance, desktops are still the king. A desktop computer can pack more powerful hardware than a gaming laptop. It means that you will get better frame rates and higher-quality graphics when playing your favorite games.
However, gaming laptops are catching up to desktops in terms of performance. Many newer gaming laptops are now equipped with high-end graphics cards and processors, making them ideal for gaming. So if you are looking for a more powerful laptop that can handle games, then a gaming laptop is the way to go.
💻Upgradability
One of the main benefits of desktop computers is that they are highly upgradeable. This means that you can easily upgrade your computer’s hardware to keep up with the latest trends in gaming. On the other hand, gaming laptops are not as upgradable and are more limited in terms of what you can change.
If you like to keep up with the latest gaming trends, then a desktop is the better option for you. If you are not as concerned about upgrading your hardware and are looking for a more affordable option, then a gaming laptop is good.
💻Customization
By the same token, the larger size of desktop PCs makes them more adaptable to customization options that laptops don’t provide.
➤Laptop
When buying a laptop, you’ll typically be able to choose from a variety of fundamental components, including storage and GPU, CPU, RAM, and sometimes the display.
You can also find laptops with pre-installed features rare in desktops, such as fingerprint scanners and facial recognition cameras. Some gaming laptops also have a G-Sync chip to prevent screen tearing and an IPS display for wider viewing angles.
There are more options than ever before, but you’re still confined to existing form factors with a limited amount of customization, such as keyboard backlighting and custom paint jobs.
➤Desktop
When it comes to desktops, you are not limited by form factors and can choose any case. You will have a lot of customization options for the internals of your PC, such as choosing different parts for your motherboard, graphics card, and storage.
It will give you more flexibility regarding what you can do with your desktop and how you can make it fit your needs. If you want a gaming desktop, there are many different options to choose from that will fit your budget, which includes:
- More aesthetic choices: You can find cases in any color, style, or material that you want. You can also get custom-made cases from a variety of different companies.
- Highly regulated performance: You can also find overclocked desktops and pre-tuned from the factory, so you shouldn’t worry about doing it yourself
- More powerful hardware: Desktops typically come with more powerful hardware than laptops, making them better for gaming. You can also find desktops with multiple graphics cards, which is impossible on laptops.
You may still profit from the high degree of customization if you go the pre-built route. Even if you didn’t build it yourself, some vendors allow you to select what goes into your new PC before they assemble it, giving you the benefits of a home-built desktop.
💻Sound Quality
Laptops are more advantageous in terms of sound quality, but they are still not on par with desktops. This is because laptops have smaller speakers and are not able to produce the same amount of bass as a desktop.
If you want the finest sound quality, then a desktop is the way to go. However, if you want a more portable option, a laptop is good.
💻Price
Desktop computers are generally more expensive than laptops, but this is not always the case. Gaming laptops are usually more expensive than their desktop counterparts when it comes to gaming laptops. This is because gaming laptops are often equipped with more powerful hardware, making them better suited for gaming.
| DELL G5 GAMING DESKTOP | DELL G3 15 GAMING LAPTOP | |
| PRICE | $849.99 | $1049.99 |
| DISPLAY | N/A | 15.6-inch, 1920×1080 |
| STORAGE | 1TB 7200-rpm SATA HDD | 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 2666 MHz | 8GB DDR4 2666 MHz |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-9400 | Intel Core i5-9300H |
For a Core i3-9100 and GTX 1660 Super desktop with the same storage and RAM, the price drops to $679.99. Some last-generation components are used in a less expensive version of that laptop.
The most affordable gaming laptop with a GeForce RTX 2060 costs $799.99, and the most expensive one comes in at $1799.99. That’s nearly double the price of the most expensive desktop option.
This is not to say that all gaming laptops are more expensive than desktops; there are some less-expensive models on the market. However, when it comes to high-end gaming laptops, they are usually more expensive than their desktop counterparts.
💻Airflow and Cooling
Another essential factor to consider is airflow and cooling. Laptops are often more difficult to keep cool, leading to overheating and damage to your computer. If you like to play a game for long periods without worrying about your computer overheating, then a desktop is the better option for you. If you are not as concerned about this and are looking for a more affordable option, a gaming laptop is good.
💻Monitor Size
When it comes to monitor size, gaming laptops are at a disadvantage. Most gaming laptops come with small 15 or 17 inch monitors, whereas desktops typically have larger monitors of around 23 inches.
If you prefer a large monitor for gaming, then a desktop is the better option for you. A gaming laptop is good if you want a more portable choice.
Final Thoughts
So, are gaming laptops as good as desktops? The decision depends on what you are looking for in a gaming computer. If you travel a lot or want a more portable option, then a gaming laptop is good. A desktop is better if you want the most powerful option with the best cooling and airflow. And if you want the most affordable option, it depends on what you are willing to sacrifice in terms of features and performance.
