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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
Your laptop’s display decides how crisp and detailed your games look. Most gaming laptops come with a Full HD resolution that’s 1920 pixels high and 1080 pixels wide, which is great for smooth performance and a longer lasting battery. But if you’re after ultra-sharp visuals for cinematic games or creative work, Quad HD (2560x1440) or 4K (3840x2160) screens are the way to go. Just bear in mind – the higher the resolution, the harder your graphics card has to work.
Response time
Response time is all about how quickly your screen’s pixels switch colours – and in fast-paced games, every millisecond counts. Lower response times from 1ms to 5ms help cut down on visual problems like motion blur and ghosting, so your gameplay looks sharp and feels super responsive. The lower the number, the smoother the action. Perfect for those edge-of-your-seat moments when clarity is everything.
Refresh rate
Measured in hertz (Hz), this tells you how many times per second your screen updates. A 144Hz refresh rate is spot-on for games like shooters and racers – everything feels slick and responsive. If you’re into competitive gaming and want every frame to count, you might go all-in with 240Hz or even 360Hz for ultra-smooth, lifelike action.
Input
To get the best out of your gaming setup, your laptop needs the right ports. USB-C or Thunderbolt connections are great for super-fast data transfers and even external graphics cards, while HDMI lets you hook up to bigger screens for that cinematic experience. If you’re playing online, Ethernet gives you a stable, lag-free internet, and Wi-Fi 6 means faster wireless speeds when you’re gaming on the go.
Processor
Gaming’s not just about great graphics – you need serious speed too. That’s where the processor comes in. A powerful model like an Intel™ Core® i7 or an AMD Ryzen™ 7 keeps everything running smoothly, whether you’re storming the battlefield, streaming your win-streak, or juggling lots of apps in the background while you play.
Storage
Games are getting bigger and bigger all the time, so you’ll need storage that’s both fast and roomy. An SSD – or Solid-State Drive – is a must-have for speedy load times and smooth performance. Go for at least a 1TB and you’ll have plenty of space for your fave titles, plus quick access when it’s time to jump into a match.
RAM
RAM – or Random Access Memory – is what helps your laptop juggle multiple apps at once, from gaming and streaming to chatting with your teammates mid-match. For most gamers, 16GB is the sweet spot. But if you’re also editing videos or running heavy-duty software, 32GB gives you that extra oomph. Just avoid anything under 8GB – that’s like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops. Not ideal.
Graphics Card
The graphics card – or GPU – is how your computer turns data into the images you see on your screen. It’s what powers the crisp visuals and smooth frame rates that make your favourite games look and feel amazing. For serious performance, look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card like an NVIDIA GeForce® RTX™ or AMD Radeon™ RX. The higher the model number, the better the performance, so you’ll be ready for everything from blockbuster AAA titles to fast-paced esports matches.
Battery life
Gaming takes a lot of power. If you want more playtime away from the plug, look for laptops with high-capacity batteries, including 70Wh or more, and energy efficient processors like Intel®’s latest Core™ Ultra or AMD’s Ryzen™ 7000 series. Some models can stretch to around 8 hours for casual use, but during intense sessions you’re looking at 2 to 4 hours. Handy features like battery boost mode and power-saving settings can help squeeze out a bit more juice when you’re on the move though.
Guides and advice
Best laptops for 2025
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 for 2025 to help you find the perfect portable partner.
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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.
