It’s never been a better time to be a PC gamer. The options are endless, ranging from prebuilt gaming PCs to fully customized self-builds to compact gaming laptops.
Traditionally, desktops have offered better performance than gaming laptops due to their size and consequent scope to house better graphics cards and other hardware, as well as their ability to regulate their temperature far more easily.
However, times are changing, and with improved technology the performance gap between laptop and desktop has narrowed considerably. Companies can now fit powerful hardware into the compact dimensions of a laptop, and cooling systems have also benefited from the relentless march of progress.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of gaming laptops and desktops.
Portability
This is a no-brainer. In the portability stakes, gaming laptops win. Some particularly sleek gaming laptops even fit into a backpack with no problem. Desktops PCs, however, just don’t lend themselves to that kind of portability, and that’s without taking the monitor and any other peripherals into consideration.
Performance
I briefly touched on performance earlier in this article, but it’s worth mentioning again: the days of gaming laptops lagging far behind desktops in term of performance are in the past.
True, some desktops have a slight advantage when it comes to cooling systems and high-end components, but the differences are typically so small that it’s not worth making this a major consideration in the battle between laptop and desktop.
If you’re looking for a deciding factor, though, performance might just push you into opting for a desktop PC. While major progress has definitely been made and the performance gap is closing rapidly, the most impressive components are still desktop-only.
Ability To Upgrade
This point has to go to desktops. While most laptops allow you to upgrade the memory and storage (and even then, some of the sleekest laptops on the market have the RAM soldered to the motherboards), your options for upgrading your machine generally end there.
With a desktop, however, essentially all components are replaceable, meaning that you can upgrade some or all of your computer whenever your heart desires.
“Given that modern games files are only getting bigger and demanding more resources in order to run, I would argue that this is one of the most important features that works in a desktop’s favor,” says Ryan Peed, business writer at Brit Student and Next Coursework.
Cost
Due to the countless variables involved, directly comparing the cost of a gaming laptop and a gaming desktop is difficult. However, we can speak in general terms to get an idea of the trends in prices.
“On a like-for-like basis, insofar as that’s possible when comparing a laptop and a desktop, desktops are generally cheaper, and the price goes down even further if you’re willing to assemble your own. Don’t forget to consider the cost of all the necessary peripheral equipment, though,” advises Russell Carpenter, tech writer at 1 Day 2 write and Write my X.
Jumping back to my previous point, buying a desktop could save you even more money over the long term, as the ability to switch out any broken components with ease means you don’t have to jettison your whole machine when something goes kaput, as is often the case with laptops.
Ability To Customize
Gaming laptops are generally sold on a one-size-fit-all basis. Of course, there’s a huge amount of variation between different machines, but once you’ve got your heart set on a specific model, there’s limited room for manoeuvre.
With a desktop, however, the world is your oyster when it comes to customization. Let’s ignore DIY desktops for a second – their customizability is obviously unsurpassed. Even when purchasing a pre-built gaming desktop, manufacturers often offer lots of choice, allowing customers to order a computer that is made exactly to their specifications. Even aesthetic choices are wider with a desktop, with a range of case colors and vibrant cooling options available to make your machine totally one-of-a-kind.
Final Verdict
Choosing whether to buy a laptop or a desktop for gaming is a totally personal decision, and ultimately you should buy whatever fits you best. If you value portability above all, a laptop might be a good fit; if you crave customization, consider a desktop. Either way, enjoy your new machine!
Michael Dehoyos works for PhD Kingdom and Write my research proposal as an editor and web developer. In addition, he helps companies optimize their marketing strategies, and contributes to numerous sites and publications, including Origin Writings.
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