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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
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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.
Processor and RAM
Think of the processor and RAM as the brains behind the computer operation. The processor works hard to make your games run smoothly and the RAM acts as the laptop’s short term memory, storing everything it needs to prevent dreaded lag. If you want the ultimate in powerful performance then Intel®'s i9 processor will be perfect for high end gaming and 4K video viewing. Don’t settle for anything less than an Intel® Core™ i5 processor or the faster i7, to make sure your computer will keep up with the pace of the latest gaming titles. We’d recommend a minimum 8GB of RAM as a starting point. 16GB and above will give you enhanced performance.
Graphics
Good graphics are a gaming essential. The graphics card is the clever bit of kit that transmits images to your display, bringing that fast-paced action to life. Let’s look at which card is right for you:
- Online games – the NVidia 900 series is the minimum requirement for gaming and will handle your less demanding online titles.
- Mainstream games – the NVidia GeForce GTX 1050 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 will do the job. You’ll experience solid frame rates and all the cool effects your games throw at you.
- Hardcore – if only the best will do, you need the NVidia GeForce GTX 1070 or the epic NVidia GeForce GTX 1080. Be blown away by superior graphics, whatever you play, including those virtual reality and 4K adventures.
Storage
Now, let’s look at the ideal storage type and size. An SSD (solid-state drive) is thin, has no moving parts and they’re really fast, making them the perfect fit for gaming and more. If an SSD isn’t for you, then we recommend a hard drive with at least 1TB of storage, so you can load and save a bunch of your favourite titles.
Keyboards and Touchpads
With all that mouth-watering tech, it can be easy to forget about the things you use the most – the keyboard and touchpad. A multi-touch trackpad lets you tap, swipe and pinch your way to victory. Not only do backlit keyboards look cool, they also give you an advantage over the competition. Vital gaming keys can be lit up, making it easier to make split-second in-game decisions without having to look down.
Portability
The beauty of a laptop is its portability. But that might not suit every gamer. If you’re always on the go and want to take the action with you, then a 15 inch screen is ideal. A bigger 17 inch laptop is for those of you who prefer to game at home and only plan on moving from room to room.
