The world of video games is exciting, and every day there are new titles that surprise at the graphics and gaming experience level. In this case, many choose to buy a gaming laptop, since it can be transported anywhere. Now, it is important to analyze the disadvantages of gaming laptops before deciding on them.
Laptops designed for video games are much more expensive than desktop computers, and even the same conventional laptops. They are also more fragile, have a shorter life span, and are more difficult to repair.
Of course, there are many nuances involved, so you have to analyze them one by one to determine if a gaming laptop is for you.
Are gaming laptops bad?
Gaming laptops are not bad quality devices, far from it. On the contrary, they are characterized by having good performance and therefore have become one of the best-selling devices on the market. Also, thanks to their compact and lightweight features, they can be taken anywhere.
Furthermore, with the advancement of technology, its components have also been optimized so that they have excellent performance. However, they are still computers that, compared to desktop computers with similar characteristics, have several disadvantages.
Disadvantages of gaming laptops to consider before buying
If you want to buy a gaming laptop, it is important that you carefully analyze all the aspects involved. This way, you will not run into surprises or regret your choice.
Be aware of the following drawbacks:
1. Higher price
This is possibly one of the most obvious disadvantages of gaming laptops. Simply the fact that they have compact and easy-to-transport features increases their price significantly. A desktop computer with identical features can cost 20% and up to 30% less.
If you are on a budget and want a good value for money gaming device, it is unlikely that you will find it on a laptop. It is preferable that you decide on a desktop computer.
2. No customization
When shopping for a desktop computer, you can choose the components that are to your liking. There are numerous options for processors, motherboards, video cards, RAM memories, storage units, among others.
Although it is possible to choose between several examples of laptops, you have to settle for the configuration that comes from the factory. Buyers do not have the ability to choose specific components for their computers.
3. Same components, less performance
A laptop can be equipped with the same parts as a desktop computer, but in its version for laptops. These components, despite bearing the same name, are generally modified to be sized to fit on a laptop. As a result, manufacturers tend to sacrifice in some respects.
For example, there are laptops with RTX 3070 graphics cards, but that does not mean that they have the same performance as an RTX 3070 for desktop. If you look at its structure, construction, and design, the laptop version is much smaller and with lower wattage to prevent it from heating up and consuming a lot of power.
4. Difficulty in repairs
Repairing a laptop is very difficult, especially when some of its most important components are damaged. It must be remembered that a large part of these computers brings the components welded to the motherboard. Therefore, if the processor, RAM, or storage unit is damaged, it is not possible to do an individual replacement.
Sometimes, you have to replace all the components to be able to continue using the laptop. In this case, its screen and peripherals would be the only thing that would remain after the replacement.
It is possible to fix the computer, but generally, the investment is not worth it compared to buying a new laptop. Also, if you keep in mind that these laptops are already more expensive than usual, it means a big impact on the budget.
5. They become obsolete more quickly
It is an aspect related to the previous one. By not being able to replace the components easily, you will inevitably have to buy a new laptop in the future. Desktop computers support part replacement to upgrade equipment to what today’s generations demand.
For example, in a gaming computer, you can expand the RAM memory, change the graphics card or replace the processor with a newer one. In most cases, this is not feasible on a laptop, so it will probably go out of date in less time.
6. They can be more uncomfortable
If you are used to playing several hours a day, you need to be in front of a comfortable and ergonomic computer. Since laptops are smaller, there is a tendency to adopt poor posture, leading to back pain and joint problems.
In the same way, the screen is smaller, so it may be difficult for you to visualize all the content in an optimal way.
7. They are heavier
If you compare a gaming laptop with a conventional model, you will notice that its weight increases significantly. Although it can also be taken wherever you want, transporting these computers is a bit more complicated. This means that to a certain extent, that portability characteristic is diminished.
8. Less battery life
The battery has always been one of the most talked-about aspects of laptops. While it is true that this feature has been improved in recent years, it is not yet its strongest point. As if that were not enough, a gaming laptop consumes much more energy than a conventional model.
Its components are more powerful, have more peripherals and there is generally the inclusion of RGB lights that directly or indirectly reduce the battery life.
9. They are louder
In order to keep the equipment at the proper temperatures, a good ventilation system is required. Consequently, more fans are added to these computers, which significantly increases their noise level. It is true that there are models that are quieter than others, but there are also computers that sound like a jet engine.
10. They can overheat
Even though gaming laptops have more fans, it does not mean they always stay cold. What these components do is dissipate excessive heat, but they are still machines that heat more than a desktop computer.
If you only play occasionally or a couple of hours a day there will be no problem. However, if you are going to play intensively, it is preferable to do so on a computer with a better cooling system, especially if the temperature is somewhat high where you live.
11. Greater fragility
It is no secret that laptops are more fragile than desktops. In the same sense, when transporting them from one place to another, there are more risks of falls or accidents. If a laptop is dropped, it is likely to be damaged, especially to the screen.
Is it worth buying a gaming laptop?
After analyzing all the disadvantages of a gaming laptop, you may feel some doubts when buying one of these computers. However, you should be aware that these disadvantages have been selected in contrast to a desktop computer.
If you have to choose between a desktop computer and a laptop to play games at home, a desktop PC will always be the best option. It is easier to repair, it is possible to update, the maintenance is simple and its performance is more satisfactory, without forgetting that the price is also more accessible.
On the other hand, if you travel frequently or are a student who goes from one place to another and requires portability, a gaming laptop becomes an excellent companion. Of course, do not expect the highest performance, much less if you do not have a lot of money, but moments of fun are guaranteed.
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Jefferson Huera Guzman
Jefferson is the main author and administrator of Computernoobs.com. I like sharing information and news about technology.
