Should you get a laptop or computer for gaming? This decision is a big deal, especially for gaming enthusiasts. We will cover the pros and cons for both so you can make an informed decision.
Gaming desktops:
It is known that gaming computers are the popular choice given the solid performance they deliver. Gaming desktops house the most powerful processors, graphic cards, and other hardware as well. Also, gaming desktops have an edge when it comes to budget. If not the complete setup, a mini gaming PC is equally powerful and best for gamers on a budget.
Pros of gaming desktops:
Price:
As compared to their rivals, gaming desktops are cheaper. A high refresh rate monitor or the newest top-of-the-line GPU can easily raise the cost above that of a gaming laptop. Additionally, the price of a desktop can be significantly increased by peripherals like gaming mice, headphones, and keyboards.
While desktops don’t always cost less than laptops, they do offer better value for the money. Although a powerful gaming rig may be more expensive than an expensive gaming laptop, it will perform better and have a larger panel. Desktops win out when comparing the two solutions’ long-term expenses. Laptops have fewer upgrading choices and age out more quickly than desktop computers. The user will then need to buy a brand-new laptop with the newest specifications.
Gaming Desktop PCs have a longer lifespan because they are upgradeable. Users can replace individual components when new technology becomes available rather than replacing the entire equipment. Desktop users can also replace the malfunctioning item and keep using the system. Owners of laptops have few choices for repairs and frequently must dispose of the device if it malfunctions. When considering the long-term cost, the ability of desktops to gradually upgrade or change out broken components rather than purchasing a new system is a huge benefit.
Upgradeability:
This is one of the major reasons which makes desktop PCs a popular choice. You can upgrade CPUs, GPUs, and RAM on most gaming desktop PCs. However, there can be some limitations when the hardware ages. Modern games require a lot of resources and there is a consistent need for upgrading the system for getting the desired high-resolution graphics. You get an edge if you have a desktop PC because you can easily upgrade the components rather than replace them completely.
Customization:
Desktops have a lot of customization options to offer as compared to laptops. Many companies allow the users to choose the components which they like the best. You can get the same specifications that you desire. Pick any cooling system, GPU, or case you want. You have the option to choose the monitor size as well. Competitor gamers mostly go for 24-inch monitors with 1080p. If you don’t want to customize the desktop PC, there are pre-built desktops as well from top-notch manufacturers like Asus, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, etc.
Cooling and airflow:
Desktop PCs will always have better cooling and airflow as compared to laptops. Desktops have more space and air can circulate easily which makes the cooling system more effective. Manufacturers have more options as they can integrate multiple fans, and some go for a more efficient all-in-one water cooler.
Performance:
Gaming desktops can never go for scaling down the full-sized components which is why they always win according to the performance perspective. Having better airflow and cooling system can help in making the performance better as each part will be working in optimized conditions. Now the top-of-the-line graphic cards like RTX 3090 do not even come for the laptops. Nvidia makes graphic cards for both desktops and laptops, but the graphics cards made for desktop PCs are a lot more powerful than the mobile versions.
Cons of gaming desktops:
Mobility:
The major downside to desktop PCs is that they are bulky and cannot be carried around. As desktop PCs house many hardware components in their full form, there is a lot of weight. However, there are some exceptions to this case. There are compact micro-ATX and mini-ITTX builds in the market that has smaller cases. Pair these PCs with the monitors and you are good to go.
Parts and availability:
There are many components in the desktop that have limited availability. There are many GPUs that you will have difficulty finding for your customized PC setup. This directly affects the pricing of desktop PCs. Now if we take the example of RTX 3070, it is in high demand and the supply is low. This leads to higher pricing of the graphic card although it offers almost the same performance as the older RTX 2080.
Gaming laptops:
Pros of gaming laptops:
Portability:
The biggest advantage gaming laptop has over gaming desktop PC is the portability factor. Gaming laptops offer unparalleled simplicity and portability Gaming enthusiasts can easily fit the laptop into a bag and can go around without any hassle. Whether it’s a plane or train, a gaming laptop can always be your traveling partner.
Plug and play nature:
Gaming laptops are easy to set up and use. They offer a lot of convenience to the users. Everything from the webcam to the monitor to the keyboard is integrated into one package. Users never have to worry about buying compatible peripherals separately. That being said, some people go for buying separate peripherals to get the best performance out of the gaming laptop.
Cons of gaming laptops:
High price:
Laptops are pricier than gaming desktop PCs. Considering the long-term cost, laptops have limited upgrade and repair options which makes them expensive. The laptops have to be replaced they can’t be fixed according to what you want.
Limited upgradeability and repairability:
The manufacturers of gaming laptops intend to make the laptops with limited upgradability. You can upgrade the storage capacity or RAM but that’s it. the GPU and CPU are integrated into the board and hence they can’t be replaced. It is difficult to disassemble any laptop and also if you open the laptop, the warranty goes void.
Lower performance:
The components of the gaming laptops are scaled down to fit into the body of the laptop. There is not enough space in the laptop to house the full-sized processors and GPUs. Alternatively, mobile versions are used that deliver lower performance. But now the manufacturers are working on shrinking this performance gap between gaming laptops and desktop PCs. There are modern top-notch gaming laptops that deliver competitive performance, but they come with a huge price tag.
Wrap up:
Most gaming fanatics choose desktop Gaming PCs because they are real gaming beasts. They offer better performance, and they are slightly less priced compared to gaming laptops. Desktop PCs are more durable and offer better upgradeability options. However, the laptops are compact enough to fit in a bag. They are pricier but there is no substitute for on-the-go gamers.
So, if you are looking for ultimate performance pick gaming desktop PCs, and if you need a degree of portability, pick a gaming laptop.
