Equipped with premium hardware, gaming laptops are better than ever for all your AAA titles and marathon sessions.
We’re rounding up everything you need to know about gaming laptops. Whether you’re a veteran user or just thinking about dipping your toe into the world of portable gaming, this big guide will take you through it all. Pros, cons, product spotlights, and even some further reading for you. So, grab yourself a cuppa and a biscuit or two!
What is a Gaming Laptop?
A gaming laptop is a computer that has been designed for portability and optimised for applications such as AAA games. Instead of a bulky tower and endless peripherals, laptops provide an all-in-one solution. Their slimline frames hold everything from the beating heart CPU and other components to all the hardware you need to interact with a computer, like a screen, trackpad, and keyboard. This isn’t to say they cannot be paired and enhanced by external peripherals, just that you have everything you need to plug in and start playing right out of the box.
Are Gaming Laptops Good For Gaming?
With recent developments in gaming tech, laptops are indeed good for gaming. Traditionally, they have offered a significant drop in performance in comparison to their desktop counterparts, but that gap is rapidly closing.
Gaming laptops are equipped with high-performance GPUs from NVIDIA, the latest CPUs from Intel and AMD, and fast storage solutions – all to keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently. NVIDIA has even crafted a suite of software to optimise their mobile GPUs, called MAX-Q, ensuring the best possible performance even in a slimline form factor. Pair this with the same advances you’d enjoy on a gaming PC, like DLSS and ray tracing, and you have the perfect recipe for gaming on photo-realistic graphics at smooth frame rates.
Do Gaming Laptops Compare to Gaming PCs?
Of course, elephant in the room is: do they compare to gaming PCs? The answer is yes and no. Yes, with the right hardware you can experience high-octane and immersive gaming. No, because of the smaller form factor the hardware has to be adapted and this can affect performance. Plus, the thermal solutions cannot rely on ample airflow in the same way spacious PC cases can. That said, these two factors are constantly being dealt with and innovations are made to combat them.
There is another “no”, though, a logistical “no”. By this, I mean that a gaming laptop is going to fit different needs to a gaming PC, so they do not compare in that sense. Because they are all-in-one machines, a gaming laptop is great for those who travel or commute, needing their device in more than one location. They’re also great for those who don’t have a lot of space – perhaps the desk is used for both work and play. Being small and portable means you can tuck a gaming laptop away when it’s not in use, allowing you to use that dedicated space for other activities. Plus, having a built-in battery means you don’t always have to be tethered to the mains. A gaming PC does not offer this flexibility, as it is fixed, large, and needs a constant power supply.
In short, a gaming PC and a gaming laptop will both fit different needs. Thanks to the advances in laptop hardware, it is becoming more the case that you can pick the device that best fits your lifestyle without having to compromise on power or flexibility. There is one aspect where the gaming PC is still dominating, and that is upgradability. It is much easier to pop open your PC case and swap out old hardware for something new and shiny than it is to upgrade components in your laptop. That could even void your warranty. However, select laptop models now do offer an extra M.2 port for additional storage and even RAM can be replaced for higher capacity modules. Perhaps a fully upgradable laptop is in our future!
What are the Benefits of a Gaming Laptop
We’ve touched on this slightly already, but we’d like to go into more detail here because there are many benefits to using a gaming laptop.
The main one is portability. You can take your gaming laptop with you on your commute to work, round your friend’s house for a bit of multiplayer fun, or even from the various rooms in your own home. Improved battery life even means you don’t have to be plugged in should you not have immediate access to a power outlet. I’m particularly a fan of using my laptop on the sofa with the foster pup snuggled up next to me. Just note that you should always use your laptop on a tray or stand, as this prevents dust and fibre from soft surfaces clogging the vents and helps to keep the air flowing generally.
Another great benefit ties into the fact that it’s an all-in-one platform. For one lump sum, you are getting a computer, display, mouse, keyboard, and sound system. If you buy a gaming PC, you have to purchase all of these things separately. You may not get quite as much bang for your buck when it comes to performance in a gaming laptop, but it’s certainly great value in terms of extras. Plus, there is nothing stopping you from upgrading down the line and integrating dedicated peripherals.
Our other favourite thing about gaming laptops is that they can be stored away. Take my set-up, for example, I have one desk but separate laptops for work and personal use. During the day, I can store my personal laptop away and dedicate this space to writing content for you guys. Come clocking out time, though, I can disconnect my work laptop and swap my workstation into a game station. I can even store both my laptops away if I want to bullet journal or get crafty. Gaming laptops facilitate versatility when space is a premium.
As with anything, there will also be drawbacks. We have a handy pro/con list here for you to draw your own comparisons.
Pros:
- All-in-one device – everything you need to just plug in and play!
- Support for additional peripherals
- Hardware optimised for smaller form factor
- Available at a range of price points to suit every budget
- Portable
- Battery enables you to play without being plugged in
- Flexible and versatile set-ups
Cons:
- Hardware out-performed by its desktop counterpart
- Thermal throttling
- Limited battery life
- Limited upgradability
- Harder to repair than gaming PCs
Is a Gaming Laptop For You?
Whether a gaming laptop is for you or not depends entirely on your needs. If you prioritise powerhouse performance and upgradability, then a gaming PC is going to be the better fit. However, if versatility and flexibility is your vibe, then a gaming laptop is the way to go. Plus, with the latest gaming tech, you aren’t really compromising on performance much anymore either.
Gaming Laptop Spotlight
If a gaming laptop is looking like a great option for you, we have a great showcase of the range available at Overclockers UK. Here, we are shining the spotlight on an entry-level, mid-range, and powerhouse laptop to provide a tasty cross-section of the different price points out there. Of course, this is but a small sample, we have an extensive selection of gaming laptops from brands like ASUS, Lenovo, and MSI. We have cheap laptops for those on a budget and models decked out with all the whistles and bells. You can even bag yourself some great deals!
You can explore our full range of gaming laptops and deals by clicking the buttons below. Read on for our showcase and further reading.
Entry-Level Darling: Intel Core i5 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
| Medion Erzaer Crawler E40 Gaming Laptop |
|---|
| Intel Core i5-12450H CPU |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU |
| 16GB DDR5 RAM |
| 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD |
| 15.6″ 144Hz FHD screen |
| Windows 11 |
The Medion Erazer Crawler E40 is the perfect gaming laptop for those just getting into gaming or even casual gamers. The Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU provide the perfect platform for gaming at 1080p on popular esports titles and cosy games. With 16GB DDR5 RAM, you can game with near-zero latency whilst the PCIe SSD will keep those loading times to a minimum. What’s more, the 15.6” FHD display with 144Hz refresh rate will bring all your favourite games to life in crisp detail and smooth frame rates.
Mid-Range Tank: Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
| MSI Pulse 15 Gaming Laptop |
|---|
| Intel Core i7-13700H CPU |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU |
| 16GB DDR5 RAM |
| 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD |
| 15.6″ 165Hz QHD screen |
| Windows 11 |
If you want to take your gaming up a notch, then the MSI Pulse 15 is for you. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-13700H CPU, this gaming laptop takes full advantage of advanced hybrid architecture. The blend of P- and E-cores are managed by Intel Thread Director, ensuring the best core is on the job. As a result, you can enjoy enhanced gaming, optimised workflows, and seamless streaming. Handling your games is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, powered by Ada Lovelace architecture to provide real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced upscaling for stunning graphics in every game.
Keeping thermals under control is the Cooler Boost 5 technology. This consists of two fans and five heat pipes working together effectively to draw heat away from your vital components and vent it out of the back and side of the frame. As a result, you can ensure maximum performance even under extreme gaming.
Powerhouse Titan: AMD Ryzen R9-7945HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
| ASUS Zephyrus Duo Gaming Laptop |
|---|
| AMD Ryzen R9-7945HX CPU |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU |
| 32GB DDR5 RAM |
| 2TB PCIe SSD |
| 16.0″ 240Hz WQXGA screen and 14.1″ Mini LED touchscreen |
| Windows 11 |
For the ultimate titan-class performance, there is the ASUS Zephyrus Duo. This gaming laptop features an AMD Ryzen R9-7945HX CPU, equipped with Zen 4 architecture, sixteen cores, thirty-two threads, and boost speeds up to 5.4GHz. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM, this gaming laptop can effortlessly handle any workload you throw at it, from AAA gaming to content creation. Plus, the NVIDIA RTX 4090 provides elite-tier graphical rendering, brought to life on the 16” WQXGA display with 240Hz refresh rate.
What we love most about the ASUS Zephyrus Duo is the second QHD Mini LED HDR touchscreen. This rests above the keyboard and can be tilted up to ergonomically and seamlessly integrate with the main display. This extends your screen, so you can boost creativity, enhance your field of vision, or even multi-task while you chat, game, and stream. This 14.1” display will elevate every workflow.
More on Gaming Laptops
We have loads of great gaming laptop content available for you to read. From shopping list inspiration to helpful how tos, we have articles to answer every gaming laptop question you may have. If we don’t, drop your questions in the comments and we’ll fill the gap. Feel free to bookmark this article, as we will be adding new laptop content as and when it drops.
How Tos and Guides
This first round up is a bunch of helpful guides offering how tos on various aspects of your gaming laptop. There are simple functions and more complex workings, for beginners and pros alike.
How to Tether Your Phone to a Laptop
Enjoy reliable connectivity, wherever you go. This guide shows the ins and outs of tethering a smartphone to your gaming laptop.
How to Connect your Airpods to your Laptop
Vibe your to favourite gaming soundtracks, even on the move. Thanks to this guide, you can connect your Airpods and keep the tunes going at work, on the train, in the library – anywhere!
How to Screenshot on a Laptop
There are many ways to grab an image from your laptop screen. Do you know them all?
How to Speed Up Your Gaming Laptop
Need a boost? This guide covers all the best ways to speed up your gaming laptop.
How to Play XBOX Games On Your Gaming Laptop
Fancy playing some Xbox games on your gaming laptop? Here’s how!
How to Connect a Monitor To Your Laptop
Expand your screen real estate for enhance productivity, gaming immersion, and more. This guide details how to connect another screen to your gaming laptop set up.
Why is My Gaming Laptop So Slow?
Tired of poor performance? This guide takes you through why your gaming laptop might be running slowly and details how to remedy this.
How You Can Start to Earn Money from Your PC or Laptop Today!
Need a little extra cashflow to fund your gaming? There are many great ways you can earn extra income from your gaming laptop. Check out this guide to get you started.
Maximising Gaming Performance: Tips and Tricks for Laptop Gamers
Looking to get the most out of your gaming laptop? Check out our top tips and tricks for maximising performance.
Laptop Maintenance 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Device Running Smoothly
Keeping your laptop running in tip top condition takes work. Here are all our tips and tricks for maintaining your gaming laptop.
Can You Use a Laptop as a Monitor?
Looking for extra screen real estate? See how you can use your gaming laptop as a monitor.
General
This next selection of articles talks about gaming laptops in general. Why they are great, what benefits they may pose, and more.
Gaming Laptop vs Steam Deck: Portable Gaming Ultimate Showdown
Which is better: a gaming laptop or a Steam Deck? Read on to find out!
Gaming PC or Laptop? Which is Best?
It is the age-old question, really. Gaming PC or gaming laptop? This article expands on these two gaming platforms compare and the benefits each of them possess.
Gaming Laptops with High-End GPUs: The Best Way to Game on the Go?
Have high-end GPUs really bridged the gap between gaming PC and laptop? This in-depth article covers all the ares you need to look at and consider when purchasing a gaming laptop.
HX Mobile Processors Explained
Innovations to mobile CPU technology are constantly being made, all in the name of bringing their performance in line with their desktop counterparts. Learn all about the Intel processors with the HX suffix, mobile CPUs primed for elite-tier gaming.
Buyer’s Guides
Your shopping list is ready to be filled, these guides are going to provide plenty of inspo for you!
MSI Gaming Laptop Buying Guide: What to Consider Before You Buy
MSI has a truly extensive range of gaming laptops, with a number of series tailored for high-performance gaming, content creation, and more. This guide goes over everything you need to know about MSI laptops to help you pick the right model for you.
Best Gaming Laptops: 10 Incredible Laptops You Can Buy Right Now!
Need a TL;DR? Here are ten great laptops you can buy right now.
The Ultimate NVIDIA RTX 40 Series Gaming Laptop Guide
The NVIDIA RTX 40 Series is a game changer for laptop and PC users alike. This article goes through all the juicy deets on how these GPUs are going to boost your gaming performance.
The Ultimate Laptop Buyers Guide!
This article is exactly what it says on the tin. A laptop buyer’s guide, that’s ultimate. What more do you want?
Back to School
Thanks to their portability, one-in-one design, and small size, gaming laptops are perfectly suited to support your studies. We have a number of Back to School guides that prominently feature gaming laptops as a great tool for bagging top grades.
Level Up Your Performance with an MSI Intel 14th Gen Gaming Laptop
Get AI-ready with MSI 14th Gen Intel notebooks. This guide goes into the full details of this exciting range of MSI gaming laptops.
Intel Core Ultra Laptops: Harness AI Like Never Before
Learn all about how AI can enhance your performance and gaming like never before, with an Intel Core Ultra laptop.
The Best Gaming Laptops with 4K Displays
Game at 4K – even on the go! We have a selection of the best gaming laptops with 4K displays for you to peruse.
Why You Need an Everyday Laptop
Is there a place for everyday laptops in our set-ups? While they aren’t optimised for gaming, they certainly have plenty of inviting features for school, work, and home use!
Best Gaming Laptops for FPS Games
Discover what you need from a laptop to get the best performance in FPS games.
Gaming
Looking to play something specific on your gaming laptop? We love to pair powerful gaming laptops with great games. Here is but a selection of some of these round ups.
Five Gaming Laptops Perfect for Halo Infinite
Fine tune your Halo Infinite performance with a perfectly matched gaming laptop.
Five Amazing Gaming Laptops to Survive Icarus
Survive the perils of Icarus with a high-performance gaming laptop at your side.
Five Incredible Gaming Laptops to Experience Life is Strange Remastered Collection
Relive the highs and lows of Life is Strange with the Remastered Collection brought to life on a gaming laptop.
How Do You Game?
Do you game on a PC or do you prefer the portable power of a gaming laptop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
- 16 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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