What makes a custom gaming laptop?
When configuring a custom gaming laptop, several elements will affect speed, power, and visuals. Here are the different components of gaming laptops that you will want to understand.
GPUsThe graphics card is the most critical piece of hardware on a custom gaming laptop. Consider investing in the best GPU you can afford. GPU cards with higher memory will render images in greater detail.
GPUs are essential for gamers who want to ensure that their games run efficiently and seamlessly.
CPUYour CPU will offload much of the processing load to the GPU, but a faster CPU will still have a significant impact on your gameplay. A CPU is integral to updating the game between frames and is even more relevant in RTS (real-time strategy) gameplay.
RAM Random-access memory (RAM) determines how much data can be loaded into memory for processing. You can get by with 8GB of RAM, but 16GB of RAM is quickly becoming the standard for gaming PCs.
Hard drives An SSD drive is much faster than a standard HDD, though more expensive. Depending on your budget, you could consider combining a smaller SSD and a larger HDD, using the SSD as a boot drive.
Screens 15-inch screens are the sweet spot for custom gaming laptops today. Larger screens will deliver a more immersive experience but require more hardware resources. A
4K gaming laptop can render images in incredible detail, but screens with Full HD resolution tend to deliver a faster gaming experience.
Refresh rates of 60Hz are satisfactory for casual gamers. However, competitive gamers will want screens with 120Hz or 144Hz for smoother gameplay. It's best for gamers to avoid touchscreens, as they are unnecessary for gaming and can kill battery life.
Keyboard Keyboards with at least 1.5 mm of key travel – how far a key can be depressed – will deliver the responsiveness you expect from your keyboard.
Size and weightA
thin gaming laptop allows for greater portability, while a larger, heavier device may offer more power. This is undoubtedly a factor to consider if you plan on gaming in different locations and don't want to have difficulty transporting it.