Gaming laptops are more expensive, come with greater specs, have a lot of extra power, and run much hotter than their regular counterparts.
I’ve spent plenty of time using and owning a range of different laptops. That includes both gaming and regular models. My hands-on experience with each kind allowed me to break down the topics laid out below.
The following article goes over both gaming and regular laptops in great detail by analyzing their differences, looking at the pros and cons of each style, and ultimately analyzing their various purposes.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Gaming laptops are powerful machines with specialized graphics that are often beyond what most users want from their personal computer.
- For all of their benefits, gaming laptops command a higher price, overheat much more, and have a shorter battery life than regular models.
- For serious gamers who want excellent graphics or great quality, there’s no substitute for a solid gaming model.
The Cost of a Laptop Style
There are many computers in today’s world, and they all bring something different to the table. Even so, none are more specialized than gaming devices. The machines come with all the functionality of a normal laptop, but with several key differences.
They are much more focused, have a lot more power, and come with stellar graphics. That makes them extremely unique. So unique, that few users will ever want or need their specializations. That even includes some gamers.
Getting a gaming laptop is not an easy choice, and it’s made even more difficult by the fact that there are so many models on the market. That’s why it’s so important to understand how they differ from a regular model before deciding to get one.
There are several factors that separate gaming and regular laptops, but none are more apparent than the price point. While laptops can still be expensive, there are plenty of budget options out there as well. That’s not necessarily true for gaming models.
On average, gaming laptops are much more expensive than other computers. They require special parts, more power to run, and a lot of backend work as well. That very quickly adds up to a higher price tag.
For that reason alone, gaming laptops should only be reserved for those who want the best regardless of cost. If a high price tag doesn’t scare you off and want to, then they’re a great choice. If you don’t want to break the bank, a regular laptop is more than fine.
Functionality and Power
Gaming laptops tend to have more features and specifications than normal models. That’s because, in addition to being amazing recreational devices, they need to have the functionality and usability of normal laptops as well.
That duality offers up more versatility, especially when paired with extra processing power or stronger internal components. Gaming laptops do have the distinct advantage of simply being able to do more, even if that extra functionality comes at a higher price.
In that same vein, the machines typically have more options when it comes to extra accessories or plug-in functionality. Where regular laptops only have the usual ports like USB and HDMI, gaming models usually have a much wider array.
Another easily noticeable difference between gaming and regular laptops is the processing power and graphics quality. There are some normal computers that can run high end games, but they’ll never be able to do it at the same level as gaming models.
There are several reasons for that, but one of the most important is the graphics card. Gaming laptops are supported by high-end cards that can then run more powerful games. Regular laptops, however, have an internal graphics card that isn’t anywhere near as strong.
That dependability is also why gaming machines have more memory and general power than regular laptops. They have the ability to do a lot more because they often need to do a lot more.
Routine Maintenance and Overheating
As gaming laptops have more involved parts, they also require a bit more maintenance and accessories than normal computers. It’s a good idea to regularly clean yours to prevent dust or grim building up inside the system.
You want to keep regular laptops clean as well, but you don’t have to be as diligent as you do with gaming models. That’s because regular computers don’t work as hard and aren’t under as much stress, which means they generate much less heat.
If you don’t clean a regular laptop every few months, nothing will likely happen. If you don’t clean a gaming laptop, however, it could cause massive damage to the internal parts. The models generate a lot more heat than normal computers, so they need better air flow.
That comes from their immense power which, while a boon for playing high-end games, also puts a lot of stress on the battery. Regular laptops last longer unplugged than gaming models, which is nice for those who don’t want to be tied to an outlet.
FAQs
These are some of the biggest questions users ask about gaming and regular laptops.
Can I Use a Gaming Laptop for School?
Gaming laptops, while a lot of fun, are not the best devices for school. They do a great job at running more intensive programs, and are great for video editing, but they are typically too loud, hot, and clunky for most classroom or lecture use.
What are the Disadvantages of a Gaming Laptop?
Gaming laptops, for all of their benefits, tend to be much more expensive than normal laptops. Not only that, but they don’t have the best battery life and are prone to overheating/noise.
Can a Regular Laptop Be Used for Gaming?
Yes. Any laptop with integrated graphics can play mid-level or indie games, but older models will struggle in that department. They also won’t run any big or brand new titles, either.
Final Words
Gaming laptops are special machines built for a specific purpose. They can function as an everyday computer, but that’s not their intended function. For serious gamers, they’re great machines. For everyone else, a regular laptop is more than fine.
Have you ever owned a gaming laptop? Why do you prefer, or not prefer it, to a regular model? Let us know below!
