Looking for a new gaming laptop? Gaming laptops are incredibly advanced these days. You don’t have to struggle to find models that offer high performance, slim and lightweight designs, or even both. However, knowing what you’re really getting before you hit the buy button is crucial. Setting your priorities before shopping can save you a lot of trouble.
Here, we’ll break down some key features you should pay attention to when shopping for a new gaming laptop in 2024. The market has changed a lot, and making the right decision can make a big difference between getting a laptop that remains powerful for years or ending up with one that doesn’t meet your current needs.
- GPU is Key
Unlike building a desktop PC where you can pair any CPU with the GPU of your choice, gaming laptop manufacturers usually determine this combination. Most gaming laptop manufacturers will embed a very capable CPU into their machines, whether it’s an older generation Core i5 or the latest workstation chip. The CPU won’t have as much of an impact on your gaming experience compared to the GPU. - RAM Capacity
You may not have many choices in terms of the speed or type of RAM you get, but RAM capacity is very important. The initial RAM capacity is one thing, but how much you can add in the future is even more important. You don’t want just 8GB. That’s not enough in 2024. Ideally, start with 16GB of memory and increase it to 32GB or more as the demands of games increase in the future. - Storage and Upgrade Options
After the GPU and RAM, storage becomes the next consideration. Fortunately, storage is usually upgradeable. Consider what games you play often, how much space you need for other games, and how big modern games are nowadays. A 128GB SSD will hardly be enough for a full system, and 256GB won’t offer much extra space. If the laptop has an extra M.2 slot, you can choose a smaller SSD as a boot drive and add a larger SSD for file and game storage. - A Screen That Meets Your Needs
If you plan to connect the laptop to a quality gaming monitor at home and only use the laptop screen when traveling, this might not be very important. However, if you plan to play games on the built-in screen, make sure you get a good screen. - The Importance of Ports
Regardless of whether you use a gaming laptop as a desktop replacement or play games on the go, make sure you have enough ports. Look for HDMI 2.1 and USB-C ports that support DisplayPort. USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 are also very useful because they allow connection to hubs that multiply port options and handle display output. - Battery Life
Laptops should be portable, even if you only plan to use them lightly when away from a power source. Many gaming laptops allow you to turn off the discrete GPU to save battery. Some laptops can last longer with the GPU turned off, but be sure to check reviews for battery life measurements.
This means the GPU becomes the most important component to consider. Make sure it’s a discrete GPU, not integrated graphics. Consider your target resolution, frame rate, and the types of games you want to play. Remember, laptop GPUs are generally slower than their desktop versions, so don’t rely too much on desktop GPU benchmarks. Also, pay attention to the TGP (Total Graphics Power) of the GPU offered by the laptop. A lower TGP might mean less heat and power consumption, but it also means lower performance.
If the laptop has soldered RAM, the decision becomes more difficult. 16GB might be enough for a while, especially if you play lighter games. But with many new AAA games requiring 16GB, it won’t be long before 32GB becomes the new standard. So, it might be better to choose extra RAM from the start.
1080p screens are sufficient for laptops up to 18 inches, but also pay attention to the colors, panel type, and refresh rate. Screens that support 90-100 percent sRGB or 100 percent DCI-P3 will offer a more appealing display. IPS and UWVA panels offer decent clarity, while OLED offers outstanding contrast and pixel response.
Choosing a gaming laptop in 2024 requires more attention to these important features. By paying attention to the GPU, RAM, storage, screen, ports, and battery life, you can get a laptop that not only meets your current needs but is also ready to face future demands. Happy gaming laptop hunting! Happy Gaming!
