Gaming Laptops
As hardware requirements for current PC games surpass each other year after year, not just any laptop can supply a sufficient amount of performance to meet gamers expectations. With technology trends leading to more efficient hardware that utilize performance based components, gaming laptops take advantage of every formidable resource, despite sacrifices having to be made due to the physical dimensions. Whether you are attending a local LAN party or gaming while on-the-go, laptops are easily becoming the equivalent version of a gaming based desktop.
If you are interested in purchasing a gaming laptop or just curious about the potential these rigs can harness, this article emphasizes on multiple aspects about hardware required to run the latest PC games.
We begin by looking at gaming laptop performance factors and other significant features.
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Choose the FASTEST processor you can afford!!!
With technology at the level it is today, put aside mobile processing for a moment, as gaming based laptops are now featuring exclusive desktop based processors, which use a much faster FSB or Front Side Bus. You need a fast FSB because it delegates communication between the processor and primary memory, aka RAM, so from a clearer perspective the faster, the better. When selecting a processor intended for mobile gaming, be sure to consider Intel's Core 2 Duo, Quad, or Extreme processor and their successor, the core i3, i5, i7 and two upcoming " i " versions.
I recommend Intel, as AMD's mobile processors do not have what it takes to ultimately challenge Intel's dominant hold in the CPU market, but you should consider this processor family, to fully benefit from the processor you choose.
Here is a quick overview for specifications you are likely to see about mobile processors. You may need to inquire the technical information yourself, as manufacturers usually only mention the type of processor.
Gaming Laptop - Processor performance factors: (No specific order)
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Processor clock speed, usually rated in GHz
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Amount of processor “core.” Meaning there can be more than one processor per individual chip. More information on Multicore Processing here.
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Dedicated memory known as the L1, L2, and L3 cache, but check for the highest amount for the L2 memory capacity
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Ensure the bus speed is adequate (FSB or Front Side Bus)
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The “Die” , which houses the actual processor, and its size, the smaller the better, can help decrease heat production resulting in a faster clock speed.
While CPU's have been advancing towards mobile technology, so have the associated graphic chips. Until just recently, mobile graphics are truly meeting their potential. Nvidia's GeForce 200 series is an incredible candidate to consider. AMD features the Radeon R700 series, which act as the competition towards Nvidia's current lineup. One important precaution when choosing graphic chips is the fact most laptops do not have the option to interchange GPU because of their restrictions and the process in which they were implemented under the exterior of the laptop chassis. So be sure to check out the latest updates for current DirectX and OpenGL standards to ensure the best possible graphic production.
Gaming Laptop - Mobile video card performance factors: (No specific order)
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The rated core clock speed of the GPU
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The video memory capabilities: memory capacity, type, and bandwidth frequency
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Nvidia or ATI, two most recommended manufactuers to look for
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Intel recently introduced SLI technology for gaming laptops, something gamers should definitely consider.
- A wider bus is always better to have than more memory, so just compare the technical info once you think you have made a decision to ensure you are using all the memory's potential.
You need the MAX amount of RAM your gaming laptop can handle!
Memory makes another crucial impact to gaming whether its being used by a gaming laptop or desktop. Memory contributes to performance by allowing the processor to store temporary data that it needs to re-execute from a program it has interacted with. A more common acronym for it would be, RAM or random access “memory.” This component simply allows your system to run in harmony, depending on the amount of allotted usage that programs are requesting while they are active.
To supply a gaming laptop with an efficient amount of memory, consider at least 2 Gb/s to ensure stable and reliable system operations. I recommend fitting your gaming laptop with as much as it can handle, to avoid any hang time when loading your games. The type of memory you should look for should be SO-DIMM DDR2 SDRAM memory, but I recommend the DDR3, DDR4, or even DDR5 versions for the best performance to benefit laptop gaming.
Other than the few pieces of information we recommend above, out memory page has more information for you if you need more guidance.
Gaming Laptop - RAM / Memory performance factors:
- Memory characteristics: capacity, type, and bus width
- More, More, More!!!! Always fit your gaming laptop with as much as it can handle or you can afford!
Speed is what your gaming laptop needs to load games in real time!
In order to store data in the memory that has been processed, it first must be accessed. Majority of video games being produced today have a wide range of graphic detail, varying at each stage / level or area of world you are in. This is where your secondary storage device plays a key role. Once you begin playing a game, data is constantly being accessed in an order of visual representation on the screen, which originates on the most common form of storage device, the hard drive.
Most modern laptops use 2.5'' inch bay(s) to house hard drives and the performance factor associated with gaming would be the rated cycles per minute it takes your device to locate and transfer this data. A disk with an RPM around 7200 should adequate, but consider something faster to ensure better read and write times. Also, look for drives that utilize the SATA interface for best performance. SATA II drives are the most current model at the moment. After you have determined these characteristics, there is another storage option available, but I don't recommend this drive for the time being for a few good reasons. These are flash based storage devices known as solid state drives. The reason I don't recommend them is because they are generally over priced and the fact you can interchange storage drives leaves you the option in the future to invest in one. These drives do succeed hard disk drives because of the the improvements in performance and cooling requirements, but by all means if you have deep enough pockets purchase one!
Gaming Laptop - Secondary Storage device performance factors: (No specific order)
- Check the interface: First generation SATA drives or second generation SATA II drives.
- Ensure the storage capacity is adequate for the games you intend to run
- Note the RPM, as this will determine the performance
- When selecting an HDD, it is beneficial to know the capacity of the integral cache to allow the disk to re-access data again, only quicker
- Some laptops come with numerous install bays for connecting multiple storage device for more storage options, so check this specification for your benefit
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