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Gaming Laptops Buying Guide
Check out the top 5 things you need to know before you take the plunge on a gaming laptops with our helpful guide
The best gaming laptops are packed with the latest and greatest tech that will take you ahead of the competition. From graphics cards to RAM and storage, this handy buying guide will help you find the right laptop for your needs.
Things to know
Resolution
A screen’s resolution is made up of thousands of tiny dots called pixels, and more pixels means better images. You’ll want a high resolution if you use your computer to play games, edit videos, or watch movies. But for basic stuff like work, social media and online shopping, a low resolution option is all you need.
Response time
The response time gives you an idea of how quickly a screen updates its picture. Measured in milliseconds (ms), the lower the number, the faster it’ll do what you want. Whether you’re flicking between tons of tasks, editing a video, or on a long gaming sesh, it’s a multitasking must-have.
Refresh rate
A Laptops refresh rate tells you how many new images (or frames) they can draw every second. 60Hz is equal to 60 frames per second, while serious players usually opt for 144Hz or higher. The faster a refresh rate is, the more frames it can draw per second. That gives you a much smoother picture with much more realistic movement. It’s an advantage in games like shooters and sports where reaction time is really important.
Input
Input is a techy name for the ports on your computer. There’re a few different types for sharing data, sending audio-visual info, or even charging up your phone. It’s always worth checking which ports your devices have, so you’ll have no trouble connecting them.
Processor
The processor is your computer’s brain – it’s what makes apps and hardware tick.
It does all the clever stuff to make your computer work, and tells things like your RAM and storage what they need to do when you use them. You’ll need a powerful processor if you want to run lots of things at once. But for email and web browsing, a less powerful one will do the trick.
Storage
Storage is where your computer saves apps, files, and all the data it needs to work, including the operating system. There are a few kinds of storage to choose from, and they all come in different sizes. Some start up and load apps really fast, while others have lots of space for saving big files.
RAM
Your computer's short-term memory is also known as RAM. It stores all the info that your apps need to work properly when you launch them. If you just want to send emails or do some shopping online, you won’t need as much – 4GB of RAM is enough to handle the basics, while 8GB is ideal for multitasking. But for more demanding apps and games you’ll want 16GB or 32GB of RAM, while 64GB and up is usually only needed for professional video editing and 3D modelling work. Apple also has their own type of RAM called Unified Memory that lets the processor and graphics card access the same resources for a more streamlined experience.
Graphics Card
A graphics card or chip is how your computer turns data into the images you see on your screen. It’s usually part of the processor on regular desktops and laptops, while gaming and professional workstations have a separate bit of kit that handles more intensive tasks.
Battery life
Battery life gives you an idea of how long your laptop can run from a full charge without needing to be plugged in again. It keeps you connected on-the-go and runs more smoothly when it doesn’t desperately need recharging. What you’re doing on the computer has an effect too, for example streaming videos uses more juice than editing a doc. The longer the battery life, the more freedom you’ll have from cables.
Guides and advice
Best laptops of 2024
If you’re always on the move and need a lightweight computer that can keep up, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a guide of the best laptops of 2024 to help you find the perfect portable partner.
Land a laptop deal
Head over to our laptop deals page and check out some of the amazing offers on our huge range of top brands.
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FAQs
- What makes a good gaming laptop?
A little bit of this depends on what you’re using the laptop for, but if you’re looking for a workhorse then it can be broken down into a top processor & RAM, high amounts of SSD storage, and a high-quality screen.
A good indication of these things is the number included. Processors go up i9, while RAM goes up to 32GB (though anything from 8GB onwards is good). It’s the same with SSD storage, the higher the number, the faster your laptop will be and the more it will store. As for the screen, WQXGA is a good resolution while LED, IPS or OLED are indicators of a quality screen too.
- How much is a gaming laptop?
Gaming laptops tend to be a bit more expensive than other models since they have more powerful hardware. You can expect to pay around £549 for an entry-level model, while pro players can grab a top-end machine for up to £3,500. Have a look at our up-to-date prices here.
