Gaming Laptop Vs Desktop Update 12/2024

Those who play video games have varying requirements for their hardware. Large ATX cases with programmable RGB lighting are a favorite among PC enthusiasts who also value curved displays and mechanical keyboards. Others may prefer a laptop that can be folded up and stored out of the way when not in use.

The best gaming PCs or laptops can now deliver a competitive experience. It’s possible to find a laptop or desktop computer that meets your needs with regards to upgradeability, portability, and cost. So, which is better for you: a desktop computer or a laptop computer for playing video games?

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Portability of Gaming Desktops vs. Laptops

To sum up, this is a resounding victory for portable gaming computers. The largest 17-inch systems still collapse to fit inside a briefcase.

The most portable gaming laptops, typically equipped with Nvidia’s Max-Q GPUs, are lightweight and small enough to fit in a backpack without requiring an additional battery pack. A pair of large bricks may be necessary for certain machines that use desktop-level components. Neither is as bulky as a dedicated gaming desktop, and both include a display and control panel.

A mini ITX build, on the other hand, is small enough that some people could potentially transport it to a LAN party in their cars. However, a monitor and other accessories are still needed to use this.

Upgradeability of Gaming Desktops vs. Laptops

Many people get into PC gaming because of the tradition of constructing their own computer.

Self-assembling laptops is not possible. However, despite appearances, operating a desktop computer is actually quite simple. If you want to know how to construct a computer, click here. Moreover, if you construct your own, you can tweak its design and add more advanced features as time goes on. Have you thought about upgrading your GPU alone? Improved RAM? That is a simple addition to make. To top it all off, even if you decide to upgrade your CPU and it only works with a specific type of motherboard, you can keep using your current case and PSU (and probably sell them later on). In a world where nearly every component can be swapped out, desktop computers come out on top.

When dealing with prebuilt desktops, things get more complicated. Some of them have less expandability because their motherboards are proprietary and not standardized. RAM, graphics processing unit, and central processing unit are all upgradable (assuming they are from the same chipset).

Although the memory may be soldered to the motherboards of the thinnest laptops, most laptops allow you to swap out the RAM and storage as needed.

A few enhancements have been made to portable computers. It was clear from our teardown that the Alienware Area-51m has a desktop-class processor that can be swapped out and a modular GPU. However, compared to a desktop, those components are much harder to get to in a laptop of that size. That level of customization is also unusual for laptops.

Cost of Gaming Desktops vs. Laptops

The vast number of configurations and the price of components make it difficult to make a direct comparison between gaming laptops and desktops. However, a quick look at a few examples reveals some overarching trends.

We started by contrasting a few of Dell’s G series entry-level machines.

When both machines are equipped with 9th generation Intel Core i5 processors, the gaming desktop is $200 cheaper.CPU, GTX 1660 Ti (a Max-Q variant is used in the portable device), and 8GB of RAM (with dual-channel RAM in the portable device but only single-channel RAM in the desktop). When compared to a laptop, the desktop computer’s storage capacity is double that, but it uses a slower, bulkier spinning hard drive rather than a fast NVMe SSD.

A Core i3-9100 and GTX 1660 Super in a desktop with the same amount of RAM and storage space is now only $679.99. A less expensive model of that laptop makes use of older technology.

In contrast, there are some up-front costs associated with a desktop computer. A monitor, and ideally one of the best gaming monitors, is essential. Most pre-built computers also come with a subpar mouse and keyboard. Those won’t be included if you built it yourself. Plus, you might want to invest in a pair of headphones or speakers. The display, speakers, and keyboard of a laptop all come as one integrated unit. Though the display is smaller than that of a desktop monitor, a mouse (and possibly headphones) is all you need to enjoy your favorite games.

There is a slight labor cost associated with purchasing a pre-built desktop. You can save money and use higher-quality materials if you construct it yourself. Here’s a paper version we made to see how we stacked up against that Dell G5:

Of course, costs change and you can invest more cash in a specific area. In contrast, our setup featured the same CPU and GPU as before, the same amount of storage in an NVMe SSD, and enough extra cash for a fancier CPU cooler.

The price of laptops equipped with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2060 is expected to drop to $999 in the coming months, and there are currently many discounts available. However, if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck in terms of computing, nothing beats putting together your own desktop.

It’s a draw. A custom desktop computer will cost less overall, but that doesn’t include the monitor or other add-ons.

Performance of Gaming Desktops vs. Laptops

The specifications you choose have a significant impact on performance. A $3,000 gaming laptop will undoubtedly have superior performance to an $800 gaming desktop.

A desktop computer is superior to a laptop for gaming if all other factors are equal. Equivalent desktop components will outperform their mobile counterparts. Larger chassis sizes and more fans improve cooling and heat dissipation, which in turn boosts performance. A liquid cooling system can be installed in a desktop PC if that is your preference.

The mobile versions of CPUs and GPUs from Intel, AMD, and Nvidia aren’t quite as powerful as their desktop counterparts. And the gap has certainly shrunk thanks to technological advances in laptops. Currently, however, desktop platforms are home to the highest-end components capable of being overclocked.

The Best Gaming Laptops for 2022

Acer Predator Triton 300 SE

Why We Picked It

A mainstream gaming laptop should satisfy the needs of a wide range of potential buyers, including serious gamers on a budget, casual players, students, and those who plan to use the device for more than just gaming. When comparing products that aim to please as many people as possible, the Predator Triton 300 SE stands out. It’s not a super-cheap model that feels cheap, but it’s reasonably priced and its 14-inch screen is part of a trend toward smaller gaming laptops that you might actually want to carry around. Additionally, it does not skimp on the basics like physical ports or battery life.

The Triton 300 SE is something of a “Goldilocks” in the gaming-laptop market, being neither too big nor too expensive, while still providing adequate power. Many other 14-inch models are premium designs that start at higher prices. (Our test device’s GeForce RTX 3060 is a fantastic mainstream graphics processing unit.)

Who It’s For

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To begin, you should know that our recommendation is conditional on your desire for a compact gaming laptop, which is not the norm. (The standard 15.6-inch laptop represents the bulk of the gaming laptop market.) The Triton is aimed squarely at thrifty shoppers who can be flexible with their budget. More serious players won’t be disappointed either, even if they can’t afford a monster machine that costs two grand. A wide variety of gamers can reasonably expect to benefit from our $1,399 evaluation unit.

MSI Katana GF66

Why We Picked It

MSI’s Katana GF66 is a welcome relief for those on a strict budget in this age of ever-increasing computer and component prices. We found an excellent in-store Micro Center deal on the topped-out configuration we tested, which normally retails for $1,199, at only $1,099. What sets it apart from other affordable systems that are also a good choice? It has an eight-core Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU at a price lower than competing machines. With everything you get, this is a steal.

The price tag means there will inevitably be some sacrifices, but rest assured that they won’t be too severe. We wish the Katana had a more vibrant display and longer battery life, but it falls short in both regards. The essentials are covered, and then some. Its GeForce RTX 3060 graphics processing unit (GPU) makes it a rare find in budget laptops, but it easily provides 60fps or more in games with a low entry point. The Katana has a 144Hz screen refresh rate for games that can push past 60 frames per second on a mid-range graphics processing unit (GPU), such as the increasingly popular competitive multiplayer games.

Who It’s For

Those who have a large library of games but a limited budget should give the Katana serious consideration. We also left out the fact that our review unit’s 1TB solid-state drive was unusually large for the price and perfectly suited to the ever-increasing sizes of modern game installations. As a result of its excellent price-to-feature ratio and general quality, the Katana GF66 has been selected as an Editors’ Choice for frugal shoppers.

Acer Nitro 5 (2021, 17-inch)

Why We Picked It

As you may have noticed, the price of the test model we cite in our comprehensive review of this massive Nitro is a little higher than the “budget” range we outlined at the beginning of this piece. That being said, the Nitro 5 has, for many years and generations, been a standard low-cost laptop with plenty of options in the lower price range. Since 15.6-inch screens are the sweet spot of the market and the most cost-effective in laptop production, you’ll be able to find more budget models at that size than at 17 inches.

If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend looking at the 17-inch Intel-based Nitro 5 configurations starting at $1,099 (note that the Nitro 5 is also available in a 15-inch-class model). While we used a fully loaded Ryzen 7 beast with an extreme RTX 3080 GPU for testing, you can get a Core i5 or i7 processor and GeForce RTX 3050 or RTX 3050 Ti graphics for the same or slightly more than the starting price. Plus, you’ll get a lot of display area and plenty of ports for your money. Nitro 5’s display panel brightness betrays its budget roots a little bit, but it’s fine for basic indoor big-screen gaming.

Who It’s For

The latest Nitro 5’s lower-end configurations will appeal to gamers on a tighter budget who still want a massive display. Since wired Ethernet is no longer included by default on all gaming laptops, this one is a good option if you plan to keep your laptop in one place or are looking for a large-screen portable.

Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022, PH315-54-760S)

Why We Picked It

In both 2020 and 2021, we rated the Predator Helios 300 from Acer as a four-star product, making it an Editors’ Choice pick both years. This 2022 version didn’t manage a hat trick, but it’s still a great deal considering the size of the display and the cost. The Helios 300 is available in 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch displays with prices starting at $1,199.99; the 15.6-inch, 144Hz display model we tested in 2022 costs $1,299.99. The budget-friendly MSI Katana GF66, which was just mentioned, offers better overall value (mainly due to its sizable SSD), but the Helios 300 has the better display. (That’s what you look at the most on a laptop, anyway.)

Otherwise, the competition is very close. When paired with the 1080p display, the GeForce RTX 3060 in the Helios 300 we tested performed admirably. Its eight-core Intel processor is more than powerful enough to handle non-gaming productivity needs, such as web browsing, word processing, and even some basic media editing. A deciding factor for some, perhaps An RGB programmable keyboard is available on the Helios.

Who It’s For

The latest iteration of the Helios 300 is a solid choice for gamers in search of a midrange gaming laptop that doesn’t break the bank but still has a decent set of features. The laptop market between $1,100 and $1,300 is so crowded, though, that you should check back regularly for deals and new models.

Alienware m17 R4

Why We Picked It

How common is it for a Cherry-switch mechanical keyboard to be an optional extra on a gaming laptop (or laptop, period)? There aren’t very many. How many laptops can match the Alienware m17 R4’s level of customization? That simplifies everything down to a single category.

We tested a monster m17 with a Core i9 CPU, three SSDs, and a GeForce RTX 3080, but you can get one with less high-end components for less than $2,000 if you want to. The m17 R4 excels in the sweet spot between extremes. The construction is solid, the keyboard is easier to type on than on most gaming laptops (especially if you go with the Cherry option), and high-refresh-rate displays are available, reaching up to a (yes, probably overkill) 360Hz. And it absolutely screamed in the benchmark and gaming tests we ran on our sample.

Who It’s For

The core of the market for this product consists of aspirational gamers. (People who plan to frequently transport their laptop should keep looking; the m17 is large, and the power brick is heavy.) These laptops will be popular among gamers who prefer to play on a larger screen and who also value a comfortable typing experience. You should also appreciate the unique style of Alienware computers. There is no way to mistake it for anything else even at a distance of one hundred yards.

Razer Blade 15 (2022)

Why We Picked It

The Razer Blade 15 is one of our go-to high-end gaming laptops because it strikes the perfect balance between performance and arguably the best physical design in the industry. The 2022 edition starts at $2,499.99, and our review unit was $2,999.99, so it’s clear that this is a premium option for those with deep pockets, but the newest components from Intel and Nvidia push its performance even further. New GeForce RTX 30 Ti graphics processors and Intel’s 12th generation “Alder Lake” processors offer a higher power ceiling than ever before while maintaining the same lauded thin, all-metal chassis. In addition, the resolution of the display has been increased to Quad High Definition (QHD), making it a significant improvement over the more common 1080p.

While an improvement over the previous version, this is not a major upgrade to the flagship system. However, when a high-quality product has already proven successful, it typically requires only minor adjustments before the inevitable major updates every few years. The 2022 version has larger keycaps, a different design for the speakers, and an improved power button, all of which are typical of incremental updates.

Who It’s For

The Blade 15 is the best option for those looking for a powerful yet portable laptop that is larger than a 14-inch screen. Our Core i7 and RTX 3070 Ti setup effortlessly exceeds the 60fps mark in modern games (at both full HD and its native QHD) and soars above 100fps on less demanding games without sacrificing the system’s streamlined appearance. While there are more powerful desktop replacements (Lenovo Legion 7) and mobile alternatives (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14), this 15-inch-class machine offers the best of both worlds.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (G733)

Why We Picked It

Want to take your gaming laptop’s setup and display size to the stars at the same time? Although this Scar will leave a monetary dent in your wallet, it is for a worthy cause. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of a premium gaming laptop. DDR5 memory and up to an Intel Core i9 “Alder Lake” processor are at your disposal. The GeForce RTX 3070 GPU was installed in the model we used for testing. The 17.3-inch screen is a fine-grained QHD (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) panel, increasing the native resolution. We found the 240 Hz display to be crisp and clear, and the laptop’s MUX switch helped mitigate any delay introduced by routing the GPU signal through the IGP first.

The long battery life and quiet fans are extra bonuses, but it really shines in every other respect. And if you’re into flashy RGB effects, the Scar will shine brightest: Not only on the keyboard, but also on the sides of the chassis. One major criticism we have is that Asus doesn’t include a webcam with this computer.

Who It’s For

Consumers willing to spend a lot of money on a gaming laptop who want the highest possible resolution on the largest possible screen will be very satisfied with the Scar. A traditional, beefy gaming laptop, but with a slew of modern improvements.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

Why We Picked It

When CPU performance is paramount and money is no object, the ROG Zephyrus G14 is the 14-inch laptop to beat. It has a sleek and portable design, a long-lasting battery, and performs better than comparable devices in benchmark tests. (We owe it all to the state-of-the-art AMD Ryzen 6000 series processor.) With its portability and processing power rivaling that of some desktop gaming systems, this laptop is, price tag aside, the best gaming laptop available. In keeping with the norm for gaming rigs of this size, the G14 and the competing Alienware x14 both begin at $1,649.99, while the configuration we tested cost $2,499.

Once upon a time, we recommended the Alienware x14 (below) as the best ultraportable gaming laptop. It’s fantastic overall, but the G14 has the upper hand in a few crucial respects. Its benchmark scores for gaming performance are objectively better than the competition, which is crucial in this field. It can easily maintain frame rates of over 60 fps in demanding AAA games and its 120 Hz screen is put to good use in esports. When we put the G14 through its paces, its battery lasted longer than ever before in our rundown test.

Who It’s For

Many different types of PC users, including gamers, CPU performance enthusiasts, and content creators. It’s reasonable to assume that all gamers share a common desire for a portable gaming laptop. While the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is the better deal, this machine is still a compact beast. Furthermore, it has a fun customizable light-up outer lid that dazzles with an elaborate array of LED pinpoints, making it a hit with bling hounds. Asus calls this function the “AniMe Matrix,” and it can be used to show off personalized animations, messages, and more. If flashy jewelry is what tickles your fancy, this is the perfect solution.

Alienware x14

Why We Picked It

The 14-inch laptop is unquestionably a new trend, and Alienware’s x14 is among the best examples of this portable form factor. Although the x14’s small stature might make some worry about its performance, it still manages to punch well above its weight class.

Not cheap, especially considering the lowest price point is $1,649.99. (A setup costing $2,299.99 was used in our tests.) However, for the cost, you get a powerful combination of portability and performance. In fact, the 14-inch size is where Alienware’s recent aesthetic makeover in the “X” series really shines, as opposed to the larger X models. Our review unit provides a robust gaming experience that is on par with or even exceeds that of competing laptops thanks to its Intel Core i7 “Alder Lake” processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. Our tests suggest that even the most demanding games can be played at 60 frames per second, and possibly even more quickly paced esports games.

Who It’s For

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If you’re a gamer on the PC and need a portable gaming companion, this is a good option to consider. Comparable or even superior alternatives exist, such as the Asus Zephyrus G14 that was just mentioned, but some customers will settle for nothing less than the unmistakable Alienware design. And that’s fair, because going ultra-compact really adds value at this screen size, producing a truly road-ready gaming laptop you’ll want to be seen with.

Gigabyte Aero 16

Why We Picked It

While browsing laptops, you may notice that some are clearly designed for gaming (check out any Alienware or Acer Predator) while others are designed for content creation (check out Acer’s ConceptD or Asus’s ProArt notebooks). Then there are crossovers, which function similarly to SUVs but are not station wagons.

One of the top hybrid computers is the Gigabyte Aero 16. This Aero, like its forebears, boasts cutting-edge hardware in the form of a 4K OLED display, powerful Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti graphics, and the newest Intel Core i9 processor. However, the fact that it can handle AAA games well is a nice bonus. Graphic design, video editing, and animation are no match for this content mill. However, the brilliant OLED display is what truly separates it from a standard hulked-out gamer. Most games won’t benefit from the super screen’s glorious picture and great color, but your artistic endeavors certainly will.

Who It’s For

The panel will attract video editors and graphic designers who will finish their workdays to participate in the gaming. The battery life isn’t great, so it might not be the best choice for everyone who does creative work on the go, but if you want a powerful laptop for video editing or media work and gaming on the side, this is it. No self-respecting media mogul would be without one.

Origin EVO17-S (2022)

Why We Picked It

While some of the other choices take size or cost into account, this one doesn’t hold back. The Origin EVO17-S is your best bet if you can afford to throw money around, as it sacrifices efficiency for raw power. The latest hardware from Intel and Nvidia offers unrivaled gaming performance and a suite of extras that will please shoppers with deep pockets.

The large 17-inch display mimics working at a desktop PC, and the chassis is well-built and lightweight (6 pounds, to be exact). Considering the strength, the slimness is impressive. Our review configuration’s Intel Core i9-12900H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card stomped through our benchmark tests with ease.

Who It’s For

gamers with a lot of disposable income who are obsessed with speed and want the latest and greatest hardware. If you’re concerned primarily about frame rates and performance in the newest games, this is the best gaming laptop you can buy.

Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 (GX551)

Why We Picked It

If your laptop can accommodate two screens, why settle for just one? The first generation of Asus Duo models impressed us with their seamless integration of two displays, and now they’re even more powerful thanks to an update from the company. While we’d recommend one of Asus’ more affordable configurations, the Duo is compelling enough for some gamers to warrant its own category. We tested a version of this machine with a stack of AMD Ryzen 9 processors.

It’s a specialized product, as a second display is still more of a perk than a necessity, but there are plenty of uses (not just in gaming, but in regular life as well) for having a third display. You don’t have to sacrifice performance to keep this unusual machine at a manageable size thanks to the extra screen’s ability to tilt up for improved internal ventilation and viewability.

Who It’s For

The Duo is an unconventional answer to a problem that many gamers may not even be aware they have: the desire to keep a second panel open while playing, for purposes such as between-player conferencing, viewing a game-walkthrough website, or simple game streaming. In addition, having a secondary screen can be extremely helpful for regular computing and work tasks, such as keeping notes, real-time messages, or palettes visible below the primary screen while you work.

The Best Desktop Gaming PCs

Best Compact Desktop: MSI Trident X

There are times when only a quick and simple solution will do. The MSI Trident X is the ideal gaming desktop for those who lack the room for a dedicated gaming setup or the inclination to carve out a section of their hangar bay to house a massive desk. The Trident is about as big as an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 (well, maybe not quite as big). It can easily be placed next to a television or integrated into an entertainment center because of its compact dimensions. The Trident X may be small, but it packs a punch and can handle any game with ease.

Based on Amazon’s listing, the Trident is equipped with a GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card and 32 GB of RAM, which should be more than enough for most of the newest games.

Sleek and Stylish: Alienware Aurora R13

Computers from Alienware used to be designed to look like cursed artifacts from outer space, half-buried in the Martian sands and humming with power. In particular, I love how the Aurora R13 and other recent Alienware products have adopted a softer, more natural aesthetic.

The Aurora R13 isn’t just an impressive gaming desktop, but a real eye-catcher as well. In the best possible way, its streamlined, rounded design evokes images of a large speaker or air purifier. Those aesthetic touches aren’t there for show; the slim chassis was built to efficiently dissipate heat and circulate cool air around the internal parts.

An Intel Core i7 processor is recommended (the i3 and i5 aren’t powerful enough). You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with the included RTX 30XX series graphics card.

Bespoke Beauty: Origin PC Millennium

Destining Origin’s website to buy a personal computer is like visiting a futuristic spaceport filled with vendors from all over the galaxy. Every PC is handcrafted to the customer’s specifications, and they have access to a wide range of customization options. Further, the Origin Millennium is an exceptionally sturdy machine that is constructed to last. It will be delivered to your door in a box fit for the Ark of the Covenant. As a result of its careful design, Origin is regarded as one of the best gaming PCs currently available.

The settings in Origin are extremely thorough. We recommend an AMD Ryzen system with a Core i5-7600K processor and a GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card as a starting point. The predetermined motherboard and fan settings are adequate if you do not have any particular preferences.

Personalized Power: Maingear Vybe

Some of the best hybrids of ready-made and do-it-yourself gaming PCs are Maingear’s customizable machines. You have the option of selecting from several premade layouts, or building your own from scratch. Once your PC is assembled and ready to go, the company will ship it to you. We were impressed by the neatness of the cables and the abundance of cool lighting options.

While many prebuilt PCs aren’t upgradable, Maingear’s are made with standard components. We put a $7,000 gaming rig with an RTX 3090 Ti through its paces, and it easily ate through demanding titles like Doom: Eternal. Usually, a price tag like that would make us wary of the build’s durability, but knowing that certain components can be upgraded removes that concern and allows for more room for personalization.

A Custom PC on Rails: NZXT BLD

Putting together your own gaming PC is one of the best ways to get a powerful machine, but if you’re not up for the challenge (and we don’t blame you), NZXT has the next best thing. The BLD gaming PCs from the company allow you to customize your gaming rig by choosing the components you want.

Popular games like Fortnite and Minecraft have frame rate estimates that adapt to your system’s graphics card, processor, and other settings. Even if you don’t fully understand what each component does, this can help you zero in on the right ones. After you decide on a configuration, the company will assemble it and send it on its way.

Bottom Line

The most robust, upgradable, and cost-effective way to play PC games is still on a gaming desktop. To save money, you can build your own and use full-sized desktop components, as well as customize it by swapping out nearly any part.

A gaming laptop is the superior choice if you’re short on desk space or need portability. Although lower-priced laptops won’t have the same raw power, high-end models can still power through games at their highest settings. Gaming laptops, however, can’t be updated as easily and will need to be replaced when they become obsolete in a few years.

You can play games on a personal computer in whichever form factor you prefer, though desktops tend to be the default when people are asked about PCs specifically designed for gaming.

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