Gaming Laptop vs Desktop – Which one is better?

Most gaming laptops weigh between four and eight pounds, making them the heaviest of all laptops. A laptop that is very powerful can be as difficult to handle as an engine block, though it is still easier to carry than a desktop computer. If you’re addicted to gaming or participate in serious gaming tournaments, you won’t be able to transport your desktop. As gaming gets better and better, laptops for gaming are becoming more and more popular.

Laptops are easier to use and more portable compared to desktop computers. You need a monitor and an outlet even if you have the smallest desktop computer. Most of us keep our desktop experiences in one place all the time. It’s worth mentioning that some people aren’t afraid to bring a tower with them to the LAN party for whatever reason.

In terms of portability, gaming laptops are the clear winner.

Gamer laptops are usually the most ‘upgradeable’ of all laptops, though storage and RAM are almost always limited. It is common to find Intel and AMD CPUs and graphics cards closely integrated into motherboards, so upgrading them is not an option. The Thunderbolt port does come with some Intel-based laptops, though you may find the desktop more practical if you need to use this feature.

With Gaming desktops, there is a lot of customization available. You can make sure you only get the hardware you need by changing out the hardware so easily. A custom liquid cooling loop will ensure the highest performance and the lowest temperatures, or you may prefer an ultra-compact gaming desktop, and you can really customize it however you want.

Depending on your hardware requirements, you can install fans or an AIO CPU cooler. You may also install complex cooling loops. In addition to optimizing your machine’s performance, carefully selected hardware and cooling solutions also allow you to design a machine that has a unique appearance.

Gaming Desktops are undoubtedly the best in terms of customization.

The price of gaming laptops can differ from the price of desktops, depending on many factors. Due to the high cost of modern GPUs and the fastest monitors, desktop computers may cost more than laptop computers, especially when other components are included, such as mice, headsets, and keyboards.

The limited repair and upgrade options of laptops cause them to be more expensive. If a user’s current laptop gets old or malfunctions, he or she must buy a new one.

Compared to gaming desktops alone, gaming laptops cost more. The laptop will almost always cost more than a desktop when they have similar performance.

Gaming desktops tend to be cheaper than laptops with similar features, depending on their peripherals and components. The price can easily rise for gaming laptops that feature high-quality GPUs or monitors with high refresh rates.

The cost of peripheral devices, such as gaming mice, headsets, and keyboards, can also significantly raise the price of a desktop. The longevity of desktops is due to their upgradeability.

As new technology is released, users can upgrade parts gradually rather than replacing the whole unit. Desktop users can also replace faulty parts without replacing the whole system.

There are few repair options for laptops, which means that many owners must dispose of them when they break. When considering the long-term cost factor of desktops, replacing faulty components or gradually upgrading is an important factor.

If we look at gaming laptops and desktops from the perspective of price, several factors come into play, making it difficult to select one over the other.

The performance also increases with more space. Gaming desktops are very often superior to their laptop counterparts at delivering performance. This is due to the fact that they use full-size components instead of scaled-down versions; however, it is common that a $2,000 gaming laptop beats a $1000 desktop gaming computer.

Gaming desktops, on the other hand, tend to be more powerful. Components with similar performance will generally perform better on desktop computers. The bigger chassis and the more fans enable better cooling and heat dissipation, which means better performance. Liquid cooling is also an option for desktops.

In general, gaming laptops do not have processors and graphics cards as powerful as PCs, but they can come close in some cases. In order to fit components into laptops, manufacturers have to reduce their size. There are components on desktop computers that are not found on laptops, such as the CPU. These parts are designed to fit specific laptop motherboards rather than having a universal fit for all devices. Typically, laptops do not have a full-sized desktop GPU space, so lower-performance mobile versions are the norm.

In our opinion, Gaming Desktop is the winner in terms of performance.

The amount of RAM on laptops is usually lower than that on desktops; although some laptops permit the installation of additional RAM, this can be quite difficult.

As a rule, gaming laptops have hard-to-reach RAM slots, and the only way to reach them is through their disassembly. This is not only dangerous. It affects the warranty of your laptop as well. It is obviously not a good idea to buy an expensive gaming laptop and try to add RAM to it later.

Storage is another problem with laptops. It is clearly not possible to add extra Hard Drives (HDDs) or Solid State Drives (SSDs). You can always use an external drive or replace your existing HDD/SSD if you need additional storage. The majority of laptops allow you to change the RAM and storage, but you may find some thin laptops with the memory attached directly to the motherboard.

On the other hand, a desktop computer has more than one SATA port, so you can connect several hard drives or SSDs, making gaming more enjoyable.

The winner of this category is Gaming Desktop too.

Ergonomics play a vital role in gaming comfort, especially during long gaming sessions. Gaming laptops typically have integrated keyboards and trackpads, which can be less comfortable for extended use. The compact layout may not provide the same level of comfort and precision as a dedicated gaming keyboard and mouse setup. However, external peripherals can be connected to laptops to improve the gaming experience.

Desktops excel in terms of ergonomics, as they offer the flexibility to customize your setup according to your preferences. You can choose from a wide range of gaming keyboards, mice, monitors, and other accessories to create a comfortable and immersive gaming environment. Additionally, desktops can be paired with ergonomic chairs and desk setups, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of strain or discomfort.

Desktops are the clear winner in terms of ergonomics because of their flexibility and customization.

Power consumption is an important consideration, especially for those conscious of their energy usage or concerned about utility bills. Gaming laptops are generally designed to be power-efficient, as they are optimized for portable use. While gaming laptops can still consume a significant amount of power during gaming sessions, they are likely to consume less power compared to desktops with high-end components.

Desktops, particularly those equipped with powerful processors and graphics cards, tend to consume more power. The increased power draw is due to the higher performance capabilities and additional cooling requirements. However, advancements in power-efficient hardware and technologies have made desktops more energy-conscious than ever before. Additionally, desktops offer the advantage of not relying on battery power, allowing for uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Laptops are more power-efficient, but desktops use more power while giving an extra bit of performance.

Final words

There is no correct answer when it comes to purchasing a gaming laptop versus a desktop. Both are equally effective. However, many gamers prefer to buy a desktop PC rather than a laptop. On the whole, desktop PCs are cheaper and offer better performance than laptops. If you choose a case with a higher level of durability, the components can be easily replaced or upgraded whenever necessary.

If you’re looking for the mobility of a gaming laptop, or if you prefer the customization options available on desktop gaming PCs, including the option of building your own box, it all depends on what’s most important to you. Consider factors such as your budget, the types of games you play, the need for portability, and your long-term plans for upgrading your system. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that aligns with your gaming preferences and allows you to enjoy a fulfilling gaming experience.