With so many choices of gaming laptops, it is often confusing to actually pick a good laptop. How Intel & Nvidia & AMDto buy a gaming laptop? Here are 6 EASY steps that anyone can follow to get you started, even if you are not tech-savvy.
The first absolute step on how to buy a gaming laptop is to determine the budget. With a clear budget, you can instant sift through many options.
When determining a budget, keep in mind that computers become obsolete and are replaced very quickly. A super expensive top-notch computer might not be top-notch after a few months.
Budget ranges vary for each individual. I classify budget ranges into 3 broad categories:
Low-end models, for regular users that do casual gaming every now and then, have a price of $650 or below (usually).
Middle-range models, for power users that do some gaming, have the budget range set at $650-$850.
High-end models, designed for real hardcore gaming, are usually found at $850 or above.
Of course, a gaming laptop needs have the “juice” to play games. High-demanding games are usually high-demanding in the way that they need powerful GPU to compute the sophisticated graphics calculations. You should always look at the graphics card to gauge the “legitness” of a gaming laptop. Without a good graphics card, all the other features and hardware are USELESS.
The primary hardware that distinguishes between a good gaming laptop and a bad gaming laptop is the graphics card. Therefore, graphics cards are extremely important for gaming.
Nvdia GTX 9
For lower-end models, an Intel HD integrated graphics card is usually enough to run games at low to medium settings.
Nvdia GTX 9 For middle-range models, it is best to have a discrete graphics card. Nvidia cards are best for gaming. AMD cards are fine too.
Hardcore gamers that wish to run high-demanding games at MAX settings should shoot for GTX 9 series cards. Those are the best. For the sake of budget, GTX 8 cards are fine too.
For more detailed list of graphics cards ranked by performance, please visit Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards. It includes up-to-date information on laptop graphics cards.
The graphics card might be more important for games, but the CPU is the core that makes your laptop run. A good CPU not only improves gaming experience, but also everyday use experience. I personally think that CPU is as important as the graphics card and should not be overlooked.
Usually, AMD processors are of great value for low-end models. They get the job done cheaply.
When looking for middle-range, I suggest looking for Intel processors. Intel Pentium processors offer a wide rangeIntel Core i7 of performance and price. Intel Core i5 series are great choices too. They get the job done smoothly.
For high-end mean machines, Intel Core i7 series are definitely the way to go. The processors are available in many options. If you have the budget, shoot for an i7 with 4 cores and 8 threads.
PassMark – CPU Benchmarks: Great web resource for technical knowledge on CPUs.
The storage units, like RAM and Hard drive, should not be overlooked. Although they aren’t as expensive as the CPU and Graphics card, they play a big role in a good gaming laptop.
RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM memory is the memory module used to store critical data that makes the system and programs run. Therefore, the more memory the better as you can run more programs more smoothly.Random Access Memory Strip (RAM Strip)
Random Access Memory Strip (RAM Strip)
Regardless of budget, 4 GB of RAM should be mandatory. The optimal amount is 8 GB or above. A regular computer does not require more than 12 GB of RAM. Adding more RAM is always an option. Most computers allow you to add extra RAM strips up to 8 GB. Some computers allow you to add up to 16 GB.
Hard Drive
A good hard drive is certainly important. A 500 GB hard drive is standard. However, external hard drives aren’t expensive. You can buy a 1 TB (1000 GB) drive for about 60 USD. Middle-range to High-end laptops are often installed with a 1 TB hard drive. 1 TB should be enough.
Remember you can always purchase an external hard drive for extra storage. Check out: Best External Hard Drive
SSD Drive
SSD Drive SSD drives are solid state drives (Wikipedia Page). They do not have moving parts, unlike regular hard drives. SSD doesn’t have a lot of storage space. However, they are fast and quiet. You can install your system on an SSD drive, so it is super fast. SSD drives are a bonus for more expensive laptops.
SSD Drive
The above 3 critical aspects is essential to a good gaming laptop. However, there are other features for you to look out for.
Different individuals require different features. There isn’t a set rule for these features.
Operating System: Check out which operating system (ie. Windows 8) you prefer.
DVD Drives: If you want to play DVDs on your laptop, a DVD drive is needed. You can always purchase an external DVD drive.
USB Ports: Good USB 3.0 ports are a great add-on to your laptop. It will improve the speed to any external devices. USB 3.0
VGA/HDMI Ports: If you wish to put the screen of your laptop to a larger screen, a VGA or an HDMI port is required. Most screens have VGA ports. So a VGA port allows you to connect to most screens. An HDMI cable delivers higher quality video. However, older screens might not have HDMI ports to connect to.
USB 3.0
Keyboards: A good keyboard can greatly improve work efficiency by increasing typing speed and accuracy.
Speakers: A pair of good speakers is an aspect to look out for.
SD Card Reader/Express Card Port: Additional features such as SD card readers or Express Card ports can be very useful.
Cooling system: A high-end gaming laptop can generate a lot of heat when running. Although you can always purchase a cooling pad, a good gaming laptop should include a sufficient enough cooling system.
A warranty is the last thing on the considerations list. A 1-year warranty is a basic warranty. You should shoot for computers that have a 2-3 year warranty. Therefore, you do not have to worry about unexpected failures of the product.
So those are the 6 steps on How to Buy a Gaming Laptop.
Source:http://awok-com.blogspot.ae/2015/08/how-to-buy-gaming-laptop.html
Website:www.awok.com
Post:Ramiz Ali Khan
Intel & Nvidia & AMD
Step 1: Budget
When determining a budget, keep in mind that computers become obsolete and are replaced very quickly. A super expensive top-notch computer might not be top-notch after a few months.
Budget ranges vary for each individual. I classify budget ranges into 3 broad categories:
Low-end models, for regular users that do casual gaming every now and then, have a price of $650 or below (usually).
Middle-range models, for power users that do some gaming, have the budget range set at $650-$850.
High-end models, designed for real hardcore gaming, are usually found at $850 or above.
Step 2: Graphics Card
Of course, a gaming laptop needs have the “juice” to play games. High-demanding games are usually high-demanding in the way that they need powerful GPU to compute the sophisticated graphics calculations. You should always look at the graphics card to gauge the “legitness” of a gaming laptop. Without a good graphics card, all the other features and hardware are USELESS.
The primary hardware that distinguishes between a good gaming laptop and a bad gaming laptop is the graphics card. Therefore, graphics cards are extremely important for gaming.
Nvdia GTX 9
Nvdia GTX 9 For middle-range models, it is best to have a discrete graphics card. Nvidia cards are best for gaming. AMD cards are fine too.
Hardcore gamers that wish to run high-demanding games at MAX settings should shoot for GTX 9 series cards. Those are the best. For the sake of budget, GTX 8 cards are fine too.
For more detailed list of graphics cards ranked by performance, please visit Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards. It includes up-to-date information on laptop graphics cards.
Step 3: Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The graphics card might be more important for games, but the CPU is the core that makes your laptop run. A good CPU not only improves gaming experience, but also everyday use experience. I personally think that CPU is as important as the graphics card and should not be overlooked.
Intel Core i7
Usually, AMD processors are of great value for low-end models. They get the job done cheaply.
When looking for middle-range, I suggest looking for Intel processors. Intel Pentium processors offer a wide rangeIntel Core i7 of performance and price. Intel Core i5 series are great choices too. They get the job done smoothly.
For high-end mean machines, Intel Core i7 series are definitely the way to go. The processors are available in many options. If you have the budget, shoot for an i7 with 4 cores and 8 threads.
PassMark – CPU Benchmarks: Great web resource for technical knowledge on CPUs.
Step 4: Storage units
The storage units, like RAM and Hard drive, should not be overlooked. Although they aren’t as expensive as the CPU and Graphics card, they play a big role in a good gaming laptop.
RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM memory is the memory module used to store critical data that makes the system and programs run. Therefore, the more memory the better as you can run more programs more smoothly.Random Access Memory Strip (RAM Strip)
Random Access Memory Strip (RAM Strip)
Regardless of budget, 4 GB of RAM should be mandatory. The optimal amount is 8 GB or above. A regular computer does not require more than 12 GB of RAM. Adding more RAM is always an option. Most computers allow you to add extra RAM strips up to 8 GB. Some computers allow you to add up to 16 GB.
Hard Drive
A good hard drive is certainly important. A 500 GB hard drive is standard. However, external hard drives aren’t expensive. You can buy a 1 TB (1000 GB) drive for about 60 USD. Middle-range to High-end laptops are often installed with a 1 TB hard drive. 1 TB should be enough.
Remember you can always purchase an external hard drive for extra storage. Check out: Best External Hard Drive
SSD Drive
SSD Drive SSD drives are solid state drives (Wikipedia Page). They do not have moving parts, unlike regular hard drives. SSD doesn’t have a lot of storage space. However, they are fast and quiet. You can install your system on an SSD drive, so it is super fast. SSD drives are a bonus for more expensive laptops.
SSD Drive
My article on SSD Drive vs Hard Drive – Why Do You Need An SSD Drive?
Step 5: Other features
The above 3 critical aspects is essential to a good gaming laptop. However, there are other features for you to look out for.
Different individuals require different features. There isn’t a set rule for these features.
Operating System: Check out which operating system (ie. Windows 8) you prefer.
DVD Drives: If you want to play DVDs on your laptop, a DVD drive is needed. You can always purchase an external DVD drive.
USB Ports: Good USB 3.0 ports are a great add-on to your laptop. It will improve the speed to any external devices. USB 3.0
VGA/HDMI Ports: If you wish to put the screen of your laptop to a larger screen, a VGA or an HDMI port is required. Most screens have VGA ports. So a VGA port allows you to connect to most screens. An HDMI cable delivers higher quality video. However, older screens might not have HDMI ports to connect to.
Keyboards: A good keyboard can greatly improve work efficiency by increasing typing speed and accuracy.
Speakers: A pair of good speakers is an aspect to look out for.
SD Card Reader/Express Card Port: Additional features such as SD card readers or Express Card ports can be very useful.
Cooling system: A high-end gaming laptop can generate a lot of heat when running. Although you can always purchase a cooling pad, a good gaming laptop should include a sufficient enough cooling system.
Step 6: Warranty
A warranty is the last thing on the considerations list. A 1-year warranty is a basic warranty. You should shoot for computers that have a 2-3 year warranty. Therefore, you do not have to worry about unexpected failures of the product.
So those are the 6 steps on How to Buy a Gaming Laptop.
Source:http://awok-com.blogspot.ae/2015/08/how-to-buy-gaming-laptop.html
Website:www.awok.com
Post:Ramiz Ali Khan
