Whether you’re a competitive gamer or casual after-work player, you’ll want a portable gaming laptop from one of the industry’s top brands, like MSI, Lenovo, ASUS, or Razer. But make sure to consider the entire package, and not just the specs. Aim for the best performance, latency, and graphics your budget can afford, then think through the options below to bullseye your target.

Play on the Move With Our Gaming Laptops

A 17”-18” laptop will be heavier and more power-hungry, but it also delivers a more robust gaming experience. Smaller 13-15” models are easier to carry but often lack punch in their GPUs or CPUs. For gaming at home, a bigger screen is your best bet, but dedicated mobile warriors should choose a laptop size and weight that’s easier to sling around on planes, trains, and in cafes.

From CPU to GPU - Processors That Suit Your Budget

A quality GPU can matter more than the most powerful CPU because most games are still GPU based. In other words, don’t rush out and buy the latest Intel processor just yet. Most games work fine on a Core i7 processor, but you can’t easily upgrade a laptop’s CPU once it’s in place. That means it’s worth saving for a hexa-core or quad-core processor if you’re hunting for something more high-end.

The Best Display Works for You

If you don’t plan to use external monitors, your gaming laptop’s native screen will be a crucial choice. Go for bright, clear colors and a screen that looks great both in the living room and in full daylight. For more casual gamers, a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz display are ideal. But if you want the best graphics and most immersive experience, consider beefing up your specs to handle 4K gaming on a 120Hz display.

Memory Matters When You’re on the Clock

The average gamer needs 8GB of RAM, but 16GB will serve you better in the digital arena. Keep in mind that you can always upgrade RAM later, so don’t worry if your budget can only stretch to 8GB today.

Can Gaming Laptops Be Used for School?

Gaming laptops often feature high-end components like robust processors, additional RAM, and quality graphics cards, so they’re well suited for many applications — including school work. While most basic laptops don’t work well for gaming, the opposite is true for gaming laptops. They’re more than sufficient for running any program you may need for school.

Keep in mind that gaming laptops with cameras can come with a higher price tag than more streamlined notebooks. If you’re taking your gaming laptop to school, you should invest in a protective case.

How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last?

Even with the most rigorous daily use, gaming laptops should last for several years. Over time, your operating system or certain components may become outdated. If you notice performance issues, consider upgrading specific components like the graphics card, operating system, or RAM before you buy a new device.

Keep your gaming laptop in good working condition by staying on top of driver updates and using comprehensive antivirus software. Make sure to visit only secure sites for laptop gaming to avoid exposure to malware and viruses that can slow your computer’s performance.

Can You Upgrade a Gaming Laptop?

Yes, though some aspects of gaming laptops are easy to upgrade, while others are more complicated. Because laptops are small machines compared to desktops, replacing internal components yourself can be a complex undertaking. A RAM swap is one of the easier upgrades to do, and it will improve performance considerably.

It’s always a good idea to buy a laptop that includes all the components you’ll need for fast performance. If you need to upgrade or repair internal components, consider sending your gamer laptop to an authorized service center.

What’s the Difference Between a Gaming Laptop and Regular Laptop?

The main differences between gaming laptops and regular laptops are their performance and visual quality. Gaming laptops need to run complex programs without lagging, so they require plenty of RAM, a faster processor, and a high-end graphics card. Gaming laptops usually have high-definition or 4K displays, too.

Laptops designed for basic tasks can get away with less expensive components and reduced resolution displays. As you shop for a laptop, consider the system requirements for the games and programs you want to run.

Are Gaming PCs Good for Everyday Use?

Gaming PCs work well for just about any task you may have in mind, from video editing to more mundane programs. When you’re deciding on a new computer, you should select a system that can handle the most complex tasks and programs you’ll use.

Gamer laptops can handle photo and video editing, audio recording, and graphic design, thanks to their high-quality graphics cards and fast processors.