Choosing Between Gaming Laptops and Desktop PCs

When choosing between a new gaming PC, users often ask whether it's more worthwhile to get a laptop or desktop system. Don't worry, we're here to help with a range of computers that make the most of Windows 11 gaming features such as DirectStorage, which can load complex levels from SSDs in a flash, and Auto HDR for rich color when exploring open worlds with DirectX 11 or higher titles. All the following systems take of DirectX 12 Ultimate, which supports immersive features like real-time ray tracing for realistic lighting, variable rate shading for improved performance, and mesh shaders for complex scenes

Choosing a Gaming Laptop

A high-performance gaming laptop is often the best choice for those who live stream from small bedrooms and/or like to take their systems on the go. The appeal is obvious. For one price, you get a computer, screen, speakers, keyboard, and touchpad. You would need to purchase those components separately with a desktop system. Plus, you can pack laptops in a bag to take on trips. However, the trade-off is that your upgrade options can be limited as technology progresses.

Top End Laptop Performance

If you're looking for desktop-grade performance in a laptop, then check out the 18" Gigabyte AORUS MASTER 18. This monster system holds nothing back, giving you the power to play practically any game at high to max setting in addition to making short work of 4K rendering with its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX series 2 processor. It's also equipped with 64GB of DDR5 memory and a 2TB M.2 SSD, which allows you to smoothly load and multitask demanding applications. Alternatively, a version with 32GB of RAM and a GeForce RTX 5080 GPU is available.

But perhaps the most impressive feature is the 18" 2560 x 1600 resolution, 240 Hz mini-LED display that delivers exceptional Dolby Vision HDR enhanced visuals with a 1 million:1 contrast ratio and 1200 nits peak brightness. At the same time, G-Sync compatibility eliminates screen tearing and stuttering from fast-action games and videos. As if that weren't enough, the screen is backed by a 6-speaker Dolby Atmos surround sound system that immerses you with deep bass and wide dynamic range. Wi-Fi 7 support and a 2.5 Gb/s Ethernet port provides low-latency connectivity while you play online.

Immersive Visuals

Similar to the AORUS MASTER 18 but with a smaller screen, the 16" Lenovo Legion Pro 7i gives you a lot of bang for the buck with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX series 2 processor, 32GB of DDR5 memory, and a 2TB M.2 SSD. Also, the 16" 2560 x 1600 OLED, 240 Hz screen may be its most stunning feature. Supporting Dolby Vision HDR with G-Sync compatibility, this laptop provides vivid color when playing games and watching movies. Plus, NVIDIA Advanced Optimus allows the laptop to intelligently switch between battery-saving and high-performance modes, depending on what you're doing. This laptop keeps you connected with Wi-Fi 7 support and a 2.5G Ethernet port. Models with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 or GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics are also available.

Everyday Gaming Laptop

Budget-oriented gamers can check out the 15.6” MSI Katana 15 gaming laptop, outfitted with 4070 graphics, an Intel Corei7 CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Ideal for parties, events, and get togethers, this laptop provides smooth, responsive visuals with its 2560 x 1440 resolution, 165 Hz Full HD display. An integrated MUX switch lets you manually choose between Discrete Graphics to save power and MSHybrid Graphics (NVIDIA Optimus) modes for high performance. The Katana 15 keeps you online with Wi-Fi 6E support and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

Choosing a Gaming Desktop Computer

Generally speaking, you lose portability with a desktop gaming system, but you make up for it with power and flexibility. In addition to being able to add any size screen you wish, you can upgrade desktop systems with different processors, more powerful graphics cards, more memory, and more storage as needed to keep up with your gaming and productivity needs.

Ultra Desktop Performance

Elevating both style and performance, the MSI Vision Elite RS AI pretty much lets you do it all. Play games at high to max settings, then switch over to editing 4K videos that highlight your best matches. The liquid-cooled Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics, backed by 64GB 6000 MHz DDR5 memory and a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD, help you get it done. Both the RAM and storage may be upgraded to fit your needs. Wi-Fi 7 support and 2.5G Ethernet port keep you online.

All-Around Desktop System for Gaming & Content Creation

With its liquid-cooled AMD Ryzen 9 7900X processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, 32GB of 6000 MHz DDR5 RAM, and 2TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 storage, the MSI Aegis ZS2 desktop computer delivers impressive performance without necessarily putting a huge dent in your wallet. You can upgrade the system with up to 96GB of memory and three M.2 SSDs to optimize performance. The Aegis ZS2 features integrated Wi-Fi 7 and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

Compact Desktop

Measuring 10.6 x 7.1 x 2 inches, the ASUS ROG NUC 970 Mini PC proves that you don't necessarily need a monolithic tower system to deliver impressive gaming performance. This mini desktop system features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics and an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, coupled with 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. Beyond its specs, the compact design allows you to create a console-like experience by connecting the ROG NUC 970 to a large screen television while using a wireless controller, keyboard, and mouse from the comfort of your couch. It's also ideal for small rooms and apartments in addition to being a breeze to pack up and bring to parties and events. Best of all, you can upgrade the system with up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 memory and install a total of three M.2 PCIe 4.0 drives. The Thunderbolt 4 port lets you daisy chain up to 40 Gb/s compatible storage drives and monitors. A version outfitted with a GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, and 16GB of RAM is also available.

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