Gaming laptops 101: how to choose a portable PC you’ll love.
Dreaming of a flashy gaming set-up, but short on space?
Good news: unless you’re a profesh streamer, there’s no real need to give up a whole corner of your room to accommodate a sprawling rig. Advances in portable PC tech mean that a wide array of sleek yet powerful gaming laptops are now available. Hella good gameplay is possible anywhere, anytime – no bulky hardware necessary.
However, the gaming laptop scene can feel daunting if you’re new to it all (and even if you’re not). Will an entry-level model do, or is a high-end option worth it? Broadly, there are three key aspects to focus on: performance, portability and price.
This article explains the key specs to consider on your quest and includes a round-up of the best hardware to suit pro gamurz and dabblers alike.
Bring the action.
Get some specs education.
GPU, GHz, RTX … if your brain giga-hurts from all the acronyms involved in laptop shopping, we don’t blame you. There’s a whole lotta tech terms to grapple with. And on top of that, you need to consider the tangible features of each model.
As a guide, here’s a quick list of the most important components of a gaming laptop:
- Processor, aka CPU – The processor determines how powerful your laptop is. Opt for the latest generation quad-core processor or above, ensuring you don’t go below a clock speed of 2.5GHz.
- Graphics card, aka GPU – Gaming laptops are fitted with either NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards, which determine graphics performance. Casual gamers may find that a GTX 3050 or AMD RX 5500M does just fine, but if you’re keen to play on high settings, an RTX 3060 or 3080 card should serve you well.
- Resolution – For gaming, you don’t want anything less than a 1080p display (full HD). This resolution won’t compromise frame rates like higher ones do, making it ideal for competitive gaming. But if you’re a sucker for story-driven games, a 1440p screen will bring the visuals to life in breathtaking detail.
- Refresh rate – Check that the laptop’s display has a refresh rate fast enough to deliver smooth, clear visuals. You can get 120Hz displays, but for gaming, 144Hz is ideal. Only consider 240Hz if your GPU is powerful enough to render sufficient frames at your desired settings (otherwise, it’ll be pointless).
- Storage space – Game files are notoriously hefty, so you’ll want plenty of storage capacity. Solid-state drives (SSD) are good at loading heavy games quickly, while hard disk drives (HDD) offer more space at an affordable price. Opt for a laptop that combines the two for the best of both worlds.
- Memory, aka RAM – The more memory you have, the faster your laptop is and the more applications it can run at once. If high resolution and high frame rates are your goal, it might be worth splurging on 16–31GB of RAM. Otherwise, 8G should do just fine.
- Size – 17" laptops tend to offer better performance and a wider screen for immersive gaming but are harder to carry around than their 15” counterparts. Smaller laptops provide better convenience and battery life at a lower price point, but they’re also more prone to overheating.
Peruse premium laptops with top-tier tech.
There’s no denying that, especially in Australia, gaming laptops are a significant investment. But they’re generally pretty darn impressive, with entry-level machines matching your average mid-tier laptop in terms of pricing and specs.
So how much should you budget? Think of the hours you’ll spend getting lost in lush landscapes, capturing enemy bases and having a blast with friends. If gaming is one of your fave hobbies, investing in a higher-end machine should pay off in spades.
Also, keep in mind that PC tech evolves quickly. With a spiffy new model, you won’t need to shell out for upgrades so fast.
The HP OMEN 17.3-inch 512GB Laptop has won our hearts. Its Intel Core i9 processor, accelerated SSD storage and 144Hz refresh rate pack a real punch. And the generous screen size, vibrant colours and cutting-edge sound set-up (tuned by Bang & Olufsen) deliver an 11/10 gameplay experience every time.
Looking to go full god mode? The Razer Blade 17.3" Gaming Notebook ups the ante with 1TB of SSD storage, a 1440p display and a 240Hz refresh rate. With this monster, you’ll enjoy lightning-fast, lag-free loading for years to come. #ragequitsbegone
Consider cheap gaming laptops that don’t skimp on quality.
Playing with a tight budget? DW – gorgeous gameplay is still within reach. It’s just a matter of knowing which hardware parts to prioritise and then separating your must-have features from the nice-to-haves.
These are the key components to set your budget against, in order of importance:
- Processor
- Graphics card
- Storage
- Memory
Now, think about how you’ll be using your laptop and the types of games you’re into. For example, lovers of a good action-packed online multiplayer sesh could probably do without a 1440p screen and instead go after a model with the latest wi-fi tech.
If you’re after something to take on adventures, the compact Minecraft SC403 14" HD Laptop offers hectic value for money. And yes, Minecraft comes included (score).
Have your heart set on a bigger screen? The GIGABYTE G7 features a 17.3" display with a high refresh rate, meaning you’ll enjoy buttery smooth, colour-rich images time after time. Motion blur? I don’t know her.
Elevate your experience with sick gear.
A killer portable gaming set-up requires more than just the laptop itself. These are the essentials you’ll want to pick up:
- Laptop bag – Look for a pack with a sleeve that’s big enough to fit your laptop but not too roomy. A comfortable fit will help minimise damage. Looking at a 15" laptop? We rate the water-resistant EO Travel Backpackl.
- Mouse – When mouse shopping, pay attention to sensitivity (aka DPI). High sensitivity helps with speed, while low sensitivity can mean better precision. Not sure what’ll work for you? Opt for a mouse with a wide sensitivity range to be safe.
- Headset – A first-rate headset seriously ups your in-game immersion. Our rec would be the stylish Logitech G733, whose surround sound capability offers next-level immersion and crystal-clear communication with friendlings. It also features dual-layer memory foam and an adjustable headband for long-lasting comfort.
- External keypad – Up your reaction speeds and avoid errors with a gaming keypad, whose ergonomic design promotes quick, accurate key presses. This nifty peripheral offers a more streamlined WASD layout, plus macro buttons that you can configure to execute multiple inputs in one keystroke.
When it comes to accessories, you’re spoiled for choice. But be discerning! High-quality gear not only looks great but can help you respond to in-game situations as quick as a flash. By the same token, poor-quality items can hold you back and, frankly, look a bit cringe.
Pro tip: wired accessories are generally more reliable and responsive than wireless ones.
Play it cool with Afterpay.
Whether you enjoy whiling away the hours fighting zombie hoards, exploring endless space or wreaking total havoc as a troublesome goose, gaming offers a chance to escape from everyday life, chase thrills and have a blast with friends. With so many schmick gaming laptops now available at a range of price points, what’s stopping you from getting in on the fun?
Shop the latest hardware now and start slaying – in every sense of the word. Just look for the Afterpay logo.
