It Starts with the Processor
The core of any computer performance all comes down to its processor, so if you are going to be relying on your laptop to process fast-paced, 3D visual games, you’re going to want one that will work hard for you. Of course, the type of processor available to you also depends on your budget. Processors can range from something as affordable as $70 to a high-tech product that can cost $1,000.
Display is Important, Too
What good is playing 3D, life-like games when you can barely see the screen? Though it is important to keep portability in mind when purchasing a laptop, if you’re specifically purchasing for gaming you want to make sure that you have a great display as well. The standard screen size for gaming laptops is anywhere from 11 inches to 18 inches, any smaller and it defeats the purpose, any larger and you’ll be breaking a sweat lugging the PC around. The Alienware 18 gives the largest visual experience, with an 18.4-inch screen size, while the also popular Digital Storm Veloce, rounds out the bottom at 13.3 inches.
It’s Really All About the Graphics
For avid gamers, visual elements are key. Tying in with the importance of a quality display, is the importance of purchasing a gaming laptop with a great mobile GPU (graphics processing unit). Though most processors that come with an integrated GPU tend to slow down the system when graphics are needed, the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor actually features one of the best mobile GPUs.
The Adreno GPU is seamlessly built into the Snapdragon processor and powers console-quality graphics on laptops and your mobile device. And it’s fast, too. The latest version, the Adreno 330, can process as many as 3.6gig pixels per second. This GPU also features FlexRender, a proprietary technology that allows for quick graphics, no matter how complex. It was also built with power-efficiency in mind so you don’t have to worry about pausing your mobile playtime to plugin.
Some of the Best Choices
Even with guidance, the possibilities for choosing the best gaming laptop are endless and depend on a number of factors, including price range and desired usage. Keeping the above criteria in mind should help you select the best fit for you. However, if you still can’t decide, here are some of the most popular gaming laptops that are out right now.
Alienware 18
Alienware has a reputation for building some of the best gaming devices, and even allows you to create custom laptops to suit your needs. Aside from its heavy weight (12lbs), the Alienware 18 has everything a gamer needs, including the Nvidia GeForce GTX 780M SLI graphics card and 32GB of RAM.
MSI GX60 1AC-021US
This laptop is a great option for mobile gaming as it features 8GB of RAM and an impressive 15.6-inch display.
Razer Blade
The Razer Blade features a respectable 14-inch, 1600 x 900 display and weighing in at only 4.1lbs, it is among the most portable gaming laptops around.
If you love gaming and want to make sure your laptop can keep up with your gaming needs, make sure it has these must-have features.
About the author –
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer who enjoys writing about gadgets, apps and the latest tech news. Follow her on Twitter.