Far gone are the days when gaming laptops were typically bulky, monstrous beasts armed with massive fans that made lots of noise regardless of how little the load was.
These days, gaming laptops have seen a huge improvement and have advanced into incredibly sleek machines with incredible gaming capabilities to match powerful desktops.
Customarily, desktops were generally known to be more powerful, more durable, and more upgradeable than laptops, but gaming laptops have totally changed the narration, except you’re still living in the stone age, of course.
Normally, choosing the ideal gaming laptop hinges on what is most important to you between performance, portability or price. Generally, you can pick two only.
While some laptops are powerful and lightweight, they come with pricey price tags most times.
On the other hand, you can get a model with a powerful performance at an affordable cost, but it won’t likely be lightweight.
In this article, we will be going on a voyage into the world of powerful gaming laptops that can replace desktops. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’ll find something for your needs in this comprehensive guide of ours.
Differences Between Laptop Performance and Desktop
If you are stuck between choosing either a laptop or a desktop and don’t know which one to choose, you need to pay a bit more attention here. Below are the differences between a laptop and a desktop performance.
Processor
While the processors of desktops are a little larger in size, it also means the processors can be more powerful than those found on laptops.
Typically, the latest, advanced processors are firstly available in desktops. However, laptop processors have almost caught up with desktop processors, even though they are still a bit limited in comparison to desktop processors.
But with a gaming laptop, you can have a laptop whose performance can equal that of a desktop, albeit at a more expensive cost.
Power Usage
Typically, desktops consume more power than laptops. Since they usually come with so many components which they have to power, it’s totally understandable.
In the event that the power goes out or fluctuates, any unsaved doc files being worked upon can be lost.
On the other hand, laptops utilize less power. Since they come with smaller components, you can rest assured that they require less power to function.
Besides, laptops have a battery, which means power outages and fluctuations won’t likely cause any unsaved project to be lost. As soon as the power goes out or fluctuates, the battery continues powering the machine.
Speed
If you wanted a very speedy computer in the good old days, you had no option than buying a desktop computer.
Nowadays, a desktop and a gaming laptop are mostly equal in terms of performance. The only area in which they greatly differ is in their gaming abilities.
While gaming laptops are also admirably powerful when it comes to playing games, they just usually lack something, and they are always more expensive.
In general, if you are looking for a PC to be playing the latest games, its either you choose a desktop or a gaming laptop.
Either of the two options should offer you an incredible gaming experience.
What to Look for When Choosing a Top Gaming Laptop
One of the most unwise decisions anyone could make is buying a gaming laptop without knowing the things to actually look for. Buying a gaming laptop is a quite complicated affair, and ought to be treated as such.
The CPU
Also referred to as the central processing unit, the CPU is your PC’s brain and is actually why your computer is called a computer.
It does all of the code, calculations, and everything required to handle software, from web browsers to games to the operating system.
Keep in mind that a poor central processing unit can bottleneck your graphics card. Choose a modern 4 to a 6-core processor and you will be fine.
The GPU
The GPU is basically an additional CPU that your PC utilize to handle specific heavy-duty tasks such as gaming. A gaming laptop is essentially a PC that comes with a dedicated graphics processor. The CPU is the most vital component of any gaming computer.
Nowadays, we recommend not choosing anything below a GTX 1050 Ti if you are looking for a gaming laptop on which you want to run new games at quite good settings.
The RAM
The RAM is what the computer utilizes to run active tasks. It is also referred to as random access memory, and the “memory” in its name indicates how the PC stores running processes in it, having them read for speedy access at all times.
Therefore, more RAM enables your laptop to store or remember more active tasks – juggling them at the same time effectively – so that the laptop is more able to multitask smoothly. While 16GB is the ideal RAM for gaming laptops, look for a gaming laptop with 8GB of RAM at the very least.
Display
An excellent CPU is a total waste if your display is crummy.
Thankfully, older TN displays, known for sub-par contrast ratios and poor viewing angles, are making way for superior IPS panels which have greater dynamic contrast – wider viewing angles and accurate color display –black looks black, and not gray.
Heat management
Another important consideration you must make when choosing an ideal gaming computer for your needs is the heat management, especially if you’re buying a gaming laptop which doesn’t have full-sized cooling fans and large airy cases.
A well-built gaming laptop needs to disperse heat properly while the GPU and CPU run under heavy processes, with a capable heatsink design and a great ventilation.
VRAM
For the GPU’s proper functioning, it is vital to have for a GPU to have a VRAM of its own. This is important for storing different textures, frames, and other properties required for obtaining frames.
It may be quite tricky to determine how much you need. Therefore, it is better to go choose an option with as much as possible VRAM.
You can purchase a gaming laptop with three to four VRAM. If you’re on a budget, you can choose a VRAM of 2GB. However, you have to make sure that the laptop’s resolution is 1080P.
G-Sync or FreeSync
The panels of many gaming laptops offer support for G-Sync or FreeSync techs, both of which are engineered to get rid of unpleasant ghosting and graphical tears on monitors that range from 1080p to 4K.
60Hz is the minimum refresh rate currently, but there are many monitors that provide 120Hz, which delivers even quicker rendering with no introducing stutter.
Battery Life
Gaming laptops aren’t typically known for their prolonged power, and the majority of them will last for only 4 hours of moderate usage. There are also a couple of models that are capable of lasting for 7 hours or more.
In any case, you ought to also check the battery life information of the gaming laptop before buying it only to ensure it’ll last long enough.
Storage
While most computers nowadays come with a lot of space for storage, what kind of hard drive you require totally depends on your preference.
There are primarily two types of hard drives – solid state drives and rotary drives.
Solid state drives are extremely popular thanks to reliability and speed.
However, these drives are costlier per gigabyte, so they are typically smaller – most gaming laptops with solid-state drives come with about 256GB.
Rotary drives, on the other hand, are a bit slower to read and possibly less reliable, but they come with more storage, about 1TB in most cases.
Top 3 Best Gaming Laptop to Replace Desktop
If you are looking to buy a gaming laptop to replace your desktop, it might not be an easy task.
However, we have reviewed some of the best options on the market here to make things a bit easier for you.
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin
If you are looking for a gaming laptop that features everything you want, this model has to be one of your top considerations. Offering an incredible amount of portability and convenience, you can easily take this laptop to wherever you want. Coupled with the capabilities of a gaming laptop, this unit is adequately powerful to run the most recent games at max settings.
The laptop has a very sleek aluminum body that has a luxe and sturdy feel, and fortunately lacking in detestable gamer aesthetics. The best part is that apart from being very slim, the screen 4.9mm bezels take into account an overall chassis size that is around one-inch smaller in size than most 15” laptops. Furthermore, the laptop features a highly responsive, solid, and RGB-lit keyboard from SteelSeries.
Also, it comes with a touchpad and a useful webcam that is located at the screen’s top, luckily avoiding the terribly unappealing “nose-cam” seen on most laptops with thin bezels.
The G-Sync is the only gaming feature you won’t find on this PC, but that is not something you can’t live with as its omission even allows for both a more affordable price and battery life that lasts through an entire day of streaming video, web browsing, and email.
Pros
• Stunning, subtle design
• Outstanding performance
• Long battery life
• Sturdy and luxe feel
• Responsive and solid keyboard
• Responsive touchpad
Cons
• No G-Sync
• Underside gets hot
Razer Blade 15
Being an upgrade on the popular Razer Blade 14, nothing less than exceptional can be expected from this unit.
It improves on the workmanship quality, RGB keyboard, and IO of its predecessor, but with a contemporary design, more powerful hardware and a high-refresh rate display.
Due to their similarities in design, a lot of people call the Blade 15 a “gaming MacBook Pro.
It sports a thin unibody aluminum construction with straight edges, a basic keyboard, loudspeakers, and large trackpad.
However, the Razer Blade 15 has thinner bezels, a 144 Hz FHD IPS panel, and more powerful hardware.
The pc comes in a couple of different configurations. Each one has 32 GB of RAM, 6-core Intel Core H processor, an 80 Wh battery, and a single M.2 storage slot.
Then, you can choose either GTX 1070 or GTX 1060 Max-Q graphics, and also 3 display options: UHD 60 Hz, FHD 60 Hz, and FHD 60 Hz.
While the GSync option is missing, that allows for longer battery life.
When it comes to performance, this laptop performs admirably. Despite its quite compact form, it does not run into throttling and hiccups.
Of course, it runs hot, but not as hot as some similar options, and its fans aren’t noisy either, even if some people might believe it ought to have been lower for a Max-Q design.
The keyboard of the laptop might not be that remarkable, due to its quite stiff nature, lack of lighting for secondary key functions, lack of a card reader, a bit dim 144 Hz display, and the high price tag as well.
As at now, the laptop is priced at $1899, which makes it quite expensive.
Pros
• Beautiful construction
• Tinniest gaming laptop
• Vapor chamber cooling
• Powerful hardware
Cons
• Lacks an Ethernet port
• Unimpressive keyboard
ASUS ROG G752VS OC Edition Gaming Laptop
Known for offering high-quality laptops at budget-friendly prices, Asus is one of the most renowned laptop brands in the world.
With copper titanium construction, the ASUS ROG G752VS is the real definition of long-lasting devices and some people even consider it as sturdy as a desktop.
Featuring 64 GB of RAM and over 1TB of storage space, this laptop is also as quick as a desktop and can be a perfect desktop replacement judging from all the features its packed with.
It is one of the best gaming laptops in the market and is backed by a 1-year warranty on accidental damages.
Furthermore, it comes with an overclocked next-generation processor which makes it extremely powerful. Besides, it sports a large 17.3” 1920 x 1080 p screen which provides a very clear display.
Since it’s specially designed for gaming purposes, this laptop has an incredible cooling system that makes it operate quicker and stay cooler.
It offers 12.5 percent more speed than most laptops and provides gamers and hackers with a life-changing experience.
Outfitted with the impressive Intel Thunderbolt technology, the laptop offers extensive connectivity, which makes it a solid option in the market.
Pros
• Exceptional gaming performance
• Strong build quality
• Features many ports
• Loads of storage
• VR Ready
Cons
• Heavy construction
• Expensively priced
• Short battery life
Lenovo Y700 15.6 FHD Gaming Laptop
Lenovo is a brand that has been churning out high-quality laptops and desktops for years, and the Lenovo Y700 is another one of their inventions that has gotten tongues wagging.
This laptop can seamlessly replace your desktop with no hassles or regrets. It’s subwoofer sound system and full HD display offers improved visual and audio experience.
Furthermore, the incorporated thermal cooling system helps prevent overheating with excessive usage. It’s Dolby Home and JBL speakers provide a desktop-like sound quality.
This Lenovo Y700 offers a quad-core processor and raw power. With performance-boosting power and stunning graphics, it is the perfect replacement for any desktop.
Its backlit keyboard, anti-glare display, upgradable RAM, and massive hard drive are just some of the several mouthwatering features you’ll find on this laptop.
Designed for long-lasting usage, the Y700 is as durable as a desktop while being simultaneously portable. Such laptops render desktops useless with such a beastly beauty.
It comes with all the important features you would be expecting to find in your ideal computer and since it’s engineered by a manufacturer such as Lenovo, you can totally trust it.
This powerful laptop is a great option for a desktop replacement, and there is no going wrong with it.
Pros
• Massive battery life
• Great performance
• Great features for the price.
• A massive amount of storage.
Cons
• The video card may be obsolete soon.
• Lacks a USB-C port.
Conclusion
Gone are the days when laptops were considered considerably inferior to desktops, thanks to the incredible advancement and revolution in technology.
These days, there are gaming laptops that are capable of rivaling the most powerful desktops in terms of performance.
In addition, gaming laptops offer a high level of performance in a compact construction, which makes them even better in comparison to desktops.
If you are looking for a laptop that is powerful enough to replace your desktop, any one of the options we have reviewed should do well.
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There are several gaming laptops which will suit your need. I have been using the Asus Rog series laptop which is really an awesome laptop.