gaming laptop or gaming pc

When it comes to hardcore gaming, there is a common misconception that a gaming desktop is way more powerful than a gaming laptop. But are they? In modern times, computer manufacturers have launched various gaming rigs with a budget and high-end price tags. Each has alluring strengths but can a gaming laptop beat a gaming PC? Let us find out.

Factors to Compare Gaming Laptops with Gaming Pc

To have a fair comparison between the two, there are various factors that we will be keeping an account for, including:

  1. Number of features and functions available
  2. Portability
  3. Performance level for gaming
  4. Thermal cooling system
  5. Fan noise
  6. Power Consumption
  7. Value for money

Number of features and functions available

There are great key differences between a gaming notebook and a desktop PC, though both are used for the same purpose. A gaming laptop offers a built-in display as well as a keyboard and touchpad. The battery is also integrated and there is limited wired connectivity which enables it to be portable. Though there are a few models that offer upgradability it is rare.

On the other hand, you would need to connect all the input and output peripherals to a gaming desktop to make it function. You also need to keep it connected to a power supply and because of its huge size, you cannot carry it with you. However, you do keep to easily customize and upgrade the configuration as per your liking. You can always invest in a better graphics card to keep up with the latest games without changing the whole PC.

Performance level for gaming

Since you can have the same processor, a similar amount of storage and RAM, and discrete graphics in both a gaming laptop and a desktop, you can expect similar performance. However, in reality, a desktop outperforms a laptop in terms of its hardware.

This is the reason why you might have seen professional graphic designers, gamers, and content creators always working on a Desktop, rather than on a laptop.

Portability

The laptop wins this category without debate. It is small, compact, and can be carried anywhere you like. Unlike desktops, which need to be kept connected to a power source all the time and are bulky. However, with the launch of mini PCs like Intel’s NUC Extreme, Falcon Northwest Fragbox, and Origin Chronos, the portability issue has been resolved to some extent. Though these still require external peripherals and power.

Thermal Cooling System

One issue that most gaming laptops face is overheating. This is caused mainly because the small and slim fans need to spin fast to dissipate hot air. This causes noise sometimes. Still then, the laptops run hotter than desktops due to their small size.

On the other hand, a desktop due to its large surface area, stronger and bigger fan dissipates heat much better.

Power Consumption

A gaming laptop consumes 200 to 300 watts at peak loads, whereas, a desktop can exceed a 500-watt power consumption at high loads. PCs with high-end configurations can edge towards 1000 watts consumption as well. Thus having a gaming pc will increase your monthly power bill.

Value for Money

If you are looking for a device to offer you good value for the price, which delivers performance and a long useful life for gaming then keep on reading.

If there is a laptop such as the MSI Sword available for $1000, then you can too create a desktop with the same specs for under or close to $1000. If the portability factor adds value to the laptop, it loses a point for the lack of upgradability in the long run.

Moreover, there is lifespan of a laptop, which in general is three to five years, after which it needs to get replaced.

When it comes to repairing, a desktop is much cheaper to repair in comparison to a laptop. That said, a laptop consumes less power, hence no extra load on the electricity.

Also, all the input and output peripherals are built-in so you do not need to go the extra mile to purchase and connect the peripherals like in desktops.

Final Verdict

To sum it all up, we think a gaming laptop is way better than a desktop. Why? New models have the upgradability and customization option available, laptops can be carried anywhere you like easily, there is no hassle of external wires and peripherals required and it consumes way less power than a desktop.

Therefore, we recommend you invest in a gaming laptop rather than a gaming PC. You can visit our website for a huge inventory featuring the best gaming laptops in Pakistan.

Also, there are budget gaming laptops available as well for beginners. You can also view the specifications of the high-end gaming laptops as they can double up to be used for other graphic-intensive tasks such as 3D illustrations, video editing, content creation, and graphic designing.

Once you place your order, we will deliver it to your doorsteps without any extra cost. Those living in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad can also opt for our cash-on-delivery service or visit for in-store pickups at our outlets.