Laptop vs. Desktop: Gamers Perspective

[Semnae]

When I first started gaming, laptops were still in their early stages. Back then, desktop computers were certainly the way to go for any serious gamer. Laptop technology was far behind desktops, and simply could not run most games adequately enough to be considered for gaming. Times have changed.

Laptops may still be slower than desktops, but advances in hardware technology have far outpaced advances in software. I can still play almost all new games on a desktop I built several years ago on the highest settings. Laptops are now being built that are several times better than my current desktop computer. This presents the question, have laptops surpassed desktops as the ultimate pc gaming machine?

I've never owned a laptop, but from what I can tell, you are pretty much exchanging the ability to upgrade you computer hardware for portability. The ability to upgrade is not as great a benefit as I would hope. The idea is that if I spend a little money on a new component every so often, my computer would keep up with advances in game software and the expense would be spread out over a long period of time. In reality, if I wanted to see a significant increase in performance in my desktop, I would have to replace my CPU. This would mean replacing my motherboard and memory as well because a modern CPU would not fit in my motherboard, and my memory would not fit in a modern motherboard. These three components always seem to need replacing together. This means that if I want to do any upgrading at all, I'll probably have to spend quite a bit of cash all at once, negating the appeal of upgradeability.

Laptops on the other hand have portability! It doesn't take a gamer long to see the incredible benefit of this. While you can go to a lan party with your desktop in tow, desktop computers can be quite a hassle to move and set up. Desktops just aren't designed to be moved, and if you're not careful, you'll end up with a nice size crack down the middle of your expensive LCD monitor. It's easy to imagine a bunch of gamers sitting around a table full of laptops, without a bunch of cumbersome boxes taking up space and getting in the way.

So is it time for serious pc gamers to make the move to laptops?

[mgz]

what kind of a stupid question is this laptop vs desktop in price point for functionality. And desktops have a much higher high end.

Laptops will more or less always be behind desktop tech as its the same shit but needs to be smaller and use less power. So it gets toned down and heat will almost always be an issue when it comes to playing the newest games at highest settings laptops wont compete

[NinjaHamster]

Soon. Not yet. In my opinion, laptops have not caught up with desktops in performence. Laptops are prone to overheating because of their size, and can also be louder because the fan has to work harder. Probably the most frustrating part of not being able to change parts in a laptop is the graphics card. You'll have to get a new one eventually, even if you get a nice one to start off with. I would rather buy a new graphics card for my destop than a whole new computer.

Desktop computers can have a bigger screen and comfortable keyboard for a better gaming experience. They aren't as prone to overheating because they have more room for airation, and can even use (not sure if this is available for laptops) liquid cooling.

I think the primary place of gaming is at home. If I do 98% of my gaming in one spot, I won't sacrifice my desktop, with all its awesome perks, for portability.

[logos]

Semnae, your question belongs here instead

[TMRNetShark]

Unless a mobile platform (EX: not just an iPad or Android or other touchscreen based platform) gets to the point of fun that I use to have with my GBA and have that level of games (EX: Fire Emblem and Advance Wars and Pokemon)... then no.

I hate tablets, I hate gaming on my phone... I'm waiting for a PS VITA to come out and hopefully I can buy a battery extender or something for it... I've seen on the intrawebs that Sony is releasing a dangle battery extender for it to extend the batter an extra 6-9 hours.

As for laptop gaming on the go... blaaaahhhh. I'll pass. I've tried it... it's not fun... nor cool. I like having something in my hands than able to throw into my backpack without noticing it's in there (like I would with a tablet or laptop).

[metro.]

Semnae, your question belongs here instead

I'm glad I'm not the only one.


/upgradeability.

[kureshii]

Desktops have been, and still are, the cheaper and more powerful option for gamers who don't need portability. If you're looking for game portability, you're looking for something else. 5.1 sound systems, gaming peripherals, multi-screen gaming setups, large-screen gaming—none of these are portable, and while they do not define the gaming experience, they enhance it. If you intend to enjoy the use one of more of these, you might as well get a desktop for gaming.

Games with 3D graphics are starting to appear on on tablets and larger-screen smartphones as well; are you going to declare that the next step for "serious PC gamers" to move on to?

In reality, if I wanted to see a significant increase in performance in my desktop, I would have to replace my CPU.

I do believe you misspelled “GPU” quite badly there. PCI-e has been the de-facto interface of graphics cards for many years now. A Core 2 Duo/Quad is still great for gaming. Re-examine your assumptions. For instance,

I've never owned a laptop, but from what I can tell, you are pretty much exchanging the ability to upgrade you computer hardware for portability.

Weak inference. The typically larger form factor of PCs also have greater cooling capacity, enabling you to run that kind of graphics hardware that is needed for multi-screen setups, or high-resolution gaming. Not many mobile graphics chips have that kind of render capability.

This is in addition to other advantages that PCs enjoy beyond upgradeability, such as easy parts replacement. Good luck replacing that laptop GPU when it conks out on you.

[AceHigh]

Hardware aside, the comfort for gaming is lacking in laptops. The screen starts where the keyboard ends, the keyboard is smaller in size, the screen is small, there are tons of things that make laptop a wrong kind of computer for gaming.

[Dr. Hellno]

I can still play almost all new games on a desktop I built several years ago on the highest settings.

Well, "almost" is a key word here. If you want to be able to play *everything* at high settings, that's going to take a recent desktop.

More to the point, you say highest settings, but I really doubt that's true. Are you maxing out anisotropic filtering? That sh*t COSTS, performance-wise. Are you displaying at 2560x1600? Because 1080 really isn't much to look at once you've played games at 1600. Some games are going to need Vsync to be playable, and that can cut your frame rate in half under the right (I should say wrong) circumstances, so it's nice to have a monster PC that can handle it.

Portability is of course a virtue in and of itself, but no laptop will provide the same quality gaming experience as a high-end desktop.

[xShadow]

There are too many ways in which a laptop is inferior. Not least of them is how upgradable it is (that is, hardly at all, in all honesty). There's also the issue of how much you can customize the package, and, since it's impossible to build yourself (without undue trouble)... which means you're forced to buy premades.

Now, how many gamers do you know want to overspend on hardware?

Probably none.

Not to mention less cooling due to smaller size.

The only thing I really like Laptops for is LAN parties. Every few Fridays I go over and play some stuff with some guys over in another set of dorms, so it's useful for that.... but other than that I would prefer a desktop in every single way.

[Clannad_92]

if you ask me, Desktop ftw!!
laptop...meh, cannot be upgraded + hot (eventhough there is cooler fan)...

[tomoya-kun]

Laptop is good since it's multipurpose (bring it to class as well) while a desktop I can't bring anywhere, it's nice to have a good spec laptop to play games on as a secondary machine.

Macbook pro 15inc runs the pretty basic games I play at max settings so I dont need much more really

[metro.]

Laptop is good since it's multipurpose (bring it to class as well) while a desktop I can't bring anywhere, it's nice to have a good spec laptop to play games on as a secondary machine.

Macbook pro 15inc runs the pretty basic games I play at max settings so I dont need much more really

You know we want to run um... SOME GAMES RIGHT. Macs, lol.

Sorry, I'm not arguing their overall terribleness this time, they might have a purpose but gaming is not it.

[AceHigh]

Tomoya is being a Mactard as usual, ignore his pc gaming advice as you would ignore an opinion of some Amish guy who lives without electricity.

On a related issue, this video makes a good point on Tablet gaming attempt.

[Slysoft]

Tomoya is being a Mactard as usual, ignore his pc gaming advice as you would ignore an opinion of some Amish guy who lives without electricity.

On a related issue, this video makes a good point on Tablet gaming attempt.

OMG that guy in the video is the dude from this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh1jB4hVJRg

Also if that razer tablet actually exists then I have lost all hope for that company

[AceHigh]

He is also one of the commentators in these series:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/unskippable

[NinjaHamster]

Laptop is good since it's multipurpose (bring it to class as well) while a desktop I can't bring anywhere, it's nice to have a good spec laptop to play games on as a secondary machine.

Macbook pro 15inc runs the pretty basic games I play at max settings so I dont need much more really

Yeah, laptops make good secondaries, but the point is they are inferior in general.

[Semnae]

what kind of a stupid question is this

Semnae, your question belongs here instead

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Lol. Careful guys, your fanboyism is showing.

[metro.]

what kind of a stupid question is this

Semnae, your question belongs here instead

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Lol. Careful guys, your fanboyism is showing.

I think you're mixing up fanboy with opinion.

Fanboy requires dedication to a brand and/or specific game/book/form of entertainment.

This is just steering away from Laptops.

Like saying "buy a Car, not a Truck" for example.

[Proin Drakenzol]

Semnae, you're still retarded.


But a $1500 laptop will play any current game at high settings. If you're willing to upgrade every 3 years or so then a laptop is fine.