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Gaming Laptop vs. Desktop: Which Is Better?

October 3, 2024 • Devin Partida

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Many people will tell you that a PC is the best way to elevate your gaming experience. Before you buy anything, though, there’s another issue to deal with — should you get a laptop or a traditional desktop computer? The great debate of gaming laptop vs. desktop has evolved over the years, but you’ll still get conflicting opinions.

In reality, whether a laptop or desktop is better depends on what you need. Here’s a closer look at how they compare to help you make a more informed decision.

Gaming Laptop vs. Desktop: Price

In terms of price, it’s hard to beat a gaming laptop. You can get some for as low as $600, and many fall under the $1,000 to $1,500 mark. While it’s certainly possible to get or build a desktop for that range, you won’t likely get the same level of performance for your money.

It’s worth noting that laptops generally cost less to run than desktop PCs, too. That’s because they require less energy, even when you’re recharging. Any computer won’t likely make a significant dent in your power bill, but a smaller, portable one still lets you save a few bucks.

There is one caveat to note here. Some people claim that while desktops cost more upfront, they offer a better value because they don’t become outdated as quickly, thanks to their modularity. Keep that in mind as you shop.

Gaming Laptop vs. Desktop: Performance

The choice between a gaming laptop vs. desktop often comes down to performance vs. cost. While laptops may have a cheaper price tag, their bigger counterparts usually run better.

Many of a gaming PC’s most impactful components — namely, their CPU and graphics card — can be the same between laptops and desktops. However, desktop versions will have larger heatsinks, helping them reach peak performance. Even if the chipsets are the same, the desktop versions tend to come with additional cores and memory bandwidth, too.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get great performance from a modern gaming laptop. Newer models are plenty powerful enough to run most games on high-end settings. However, you’ll need a desktop if you want to reach the peak of the PC gaming experience.

Gaming Laptop vs. Desktop: Customization

Personalization is another point in favor of a gaming desktop. With more room to work with and almost always modular parts, it’s easy to replace components to make your PC your own. Not having a built-in screen lets you upgrade to an ultrawide monitor or otherwise change your display too.

You can change some parts of a gaming laptop. Things like its RAM and storage are fairly easy to upgrade. However, the big guns — your CPU and GPU — will be soldered onto the motherboard, making them hard to remove or install a new one.

Some laptops do offer a lot of customization when you order them, letting you choose what components go into them. After that, though, your options for future upgrades are limited. So, while today’s laptops are certainly more customizable than older ones, desktop PCs still win the personalization battle.

Gaming Laptop vs. Desktop: Convenience

Convenience is the final factor to consider when debating between a gaming laptop or desktop. Which one wins this category also depends on what you call convenient.

Laptops have one big advantage over desktops here in that they’re portable. You can take your gaming rig anywhere and set it up in seconds, which is particularly helpful if you’re a student or travel a lot. Because they’re smaller, they’re also easier to keep clean and fit in a cramped space. Not having to worry about plugging everything in is nice, too.

Desktops are far from portable and can be complicated to set up. However, they’re quieter and run cooler, which makes for a nicer experience at times. The customization is also convenient. You could cheap out on your GPU at first because it’s one of the most expensive parts and upgrade it later when you have more cash. That’s not always an option for laptops.

When to Buy a Gaming Laptop

Given all these factors, the winner of the gaming laptop vs. desktop debate is whatever suits your specific needs. A laptop will be the best choice when portability is the most important factor to you.

Those on a tight budget might find a laptop the way to go, too. While desktop computers may technically offer more bang for your buck in the long term, a smaller PC costs less upfront. Running it will also cost less, given the lower electrical cost and no need for peripherals.

A laptop is also a good option if you don’t have much space. Gaming desktops can be massive, especially once you consider the monitor, keyboard and everything else you need to plug in. That’s not ideal for small apartments or dorm rooms. Similarly, you could go with a laptop if you don’t want to deal with cable management.

When to Buy a Gaming Desktop

Desktops beat laptops in terms of performance and power, so if you want the best possible gaming experience, get a bigger PC. You’ll likely pay a little more for it, but you’ll also get your money’s worth.

You should also buy a desktop over a laptop if you’re concerned about long-term viability. Big graphics card manufacturers typically release new models every two years, leaving you with plenty of upgrade options over time. Using a full-size gaming rig lets you take advantage of that and keep your PC performing well without buying an entire new computer.

Stationary gaming rigs are also the best choice for gamers with unique preferences. It’s easier to tailor a desktop to your liking than a laptop, especially if you build your own.

Find a Gaming PC That Works for You

PC gaming is full of strong opinions. You’ll hear vehement arguments from both sides about whether you should get a gaming laptop or desktop. At the end of the day, though, it comes down to your preference, budget and needs.

Laptops have advantages over desktops in some situations and vice versa. Learning about these distinctions is the first step toward finding a PC that works for you.

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