Choosing a new gaming laptop or desktop can sometimes feel like its own side quest. Whether its processing power, graphics or display resolution, there’s a lot to consider. Plus, you need to work out if you’re after the raw power of a desktop or the portability of a laptop. This guide will simplify those choices, breaking down the key features, explaining what matters most when it comes to gaming, and help you find the setup that fits your style. That way you can spend more time saving the day, defeating the final boss or rescuing the princess.
What’s the Difference Between a Gaming Laptop and a Gaming Desktop?
Gaming laptops and gaming desktops are essentially built to do the same thing, which is to play games smoothly, but they suit different needs:
- A gaming laptop offers portability and an all-in-one setup you can easily move around with or take over to game night with friends, and the latest models handle most modern titles quite well.
- A gaming desktop stays put and usually offers more power, better cooling and the option to upgrade parts down the track.
How to decide? If you want something flexible that can be used in different places, a gaming laptop makes sense. But if performance and long-term upgrades are more important, a gaming desktop is the better fit.
Key Things to Consider When Deciding on a Gaming Laptop or Desktop
Performance: This is the heart of your gaming setup. Look at the processor and graphics card, as these determine how smoothly your games run and how well your system handles new releases. Think about the games you want to play. Older titles like ‘Fortnite’ or ‘Overwatch 2’ need less processing power, while new releases require high-performance hardware. Check out PC Game Benchmark for recommended specs for desktops or laptops.
Screen: For gaming laptops, size and resolution matter. A bigger, high-resolution screen makes games look more immersive, while a smaller screen keeps the device portable. Desktops give you more flexibility with monitor choices. Refresh rate is also important, especially when it comes to gaming. Measured in hertz (Hz), this rate refers to the speed in which the screen can display an image or frame. For example, 120Hz means the display can show 120 frames per second. The higher the hertz, the quicker and better the refresh rate.
Storage Capacity: This is your device’s local long-term storage that’s measured in gigabytes (GB), which is equal to 1 billion bytes, or terabytes (TB), which is 1000GB. The more capacity your device has, the more games, software and documents you can store locally.
Memory: Also referred to as random access memory (RAM), a laptop’s memory is its short-term data storage for apps and games you’re actively using. While you’re playing away or multitasking, your RAM is loading the data needed so you don’t have to wait. The more RAM a device has, the more it can handle at once without slowing down.
Cooling and Noise: Gaming can get intense, and heat is a factor. Laptops need good built-in cooling, while desktops often handle heat better and can stay quieter under load.
Portability: Laptops are great if you want to game in different locations, but desktops are meant to stay in one spot. Think about where and how you’ll be using your setup.
Upgrades: Desktops usually offer more room to swap out parts as technology advances, while laptops have limited upgrade options. Consider how long you want your system to stay current.
Battery Life (laptops only): If you plan to game away from a power outlet, battery life matters. Gaming drains battery quickly, so check how long the laptop lasts under load.
Best Gaming Laptops
Best Overall Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gaming Laptop Core Ultra 9 32/1TB RTX5070
Screen size: 16 inches
Battery life: Up to 8.4 hours*
Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
Refresh rate: 240Hz
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is a seriously powerful gaming laptop with a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics, perfect for gaming or creating content. Its 16-inch OLED screen with 2560 x 1600 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate delivers sharp, smooth visuals, while 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage keep everything running fast. With Lenovo’s AI Engine+ tweaking performance in real time, plus Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and plenty of ports, it’s a great choice if you want a portable laptop that can handle demanding games and software without breaking a sweat.
Best Affordable Gaming Laptop: MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop i7 16/512GB RTX4050
Screen size: 15.6 inches
Battery life: Up to 5.9 hours*
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Refresh rate: 144Hz
The MSI Katana 15 is a solid choice for gamers who want smooth, responsive performance without breaking the bank. It packs a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4050 graphics, with vibrant visuals on its 15.6-inch full-high-definition screen. There’s 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and it handles games and multitasking well, while the RGB keyboard with highlighted WASD (directional) keys is a nice touch, too. This laptop is a great pick if you want reliable performance and fast visuals in a portable package.
Best Mid-Range Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion 5i Gaming Laptop Core i9 24GB/1TB RTX 5070
Screen size: 15.1 inches
Battery life: Up to 9 hours*
Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
Refresh rate: 165Hz
The Lenovo Legion 5i is a powerhouse for avid gamers. It’s powered by a 24-core Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 5070 graphics, delivering high frames per second in games and smooth performance, plus it boasts an impressive battery life of up to nine hours. Its 15.1-inch OLED display looks stunning, and the full-high-definition webcam is ideal for work meetings, online classes or streaming. With 24GB of RAM, 1TB storage, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and multiple ports, this laptop runs fast, stays connected and keeps you productive without compromise.
Hot Tip: Keep your laptop cool by placing it on a hard surface, not a bed or pillow. Use a book if needed and regularly check vents for dust or blockages.
Best Gaming Laptop for Work and Play: Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop Ryzen 5 16GB/1TB RTX5050
Screen size: 16 inches
Battery life: Up to 6 hours*
Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels
Refresh rate: 180Hz
The Acer Nitro V is made for gamers who want strong performance on the go. It packs a Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA RTX 5050 graphics, delivering smooth gameplay and responsive performance for creative work. The 16-inch display with a 180Hz refresh rate provides sharp, fluid visuals, while 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage ensure fast multitasking and quick load times. With a full-high-definition webcam for video calls, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and multiple ports, it’s a versatile laptop also suited for work, balancing power, portability and connectivity.
Best Gaming Laptop for Battery Life: MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Core Ultra 7 32GB/1TB Copilot+ PC
Screen size: 16 inches
Battery life: Up to 25 hours*
Resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
Refresh rate: 120Hz
The MSI Prestige packs serious gaming power in a portable laptop. Its impressive 25-hour battery life lets you play, stream or create without constantly searching for a plug. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, Intel Arc graphics, 32GB of RAM and 1TB storage, it delivers smooth gameplay, vibrant visuals and responsive performance wherever you take it.
SEE ALSO: A Gamer’s Top Picks for a New Gaming Setup
Best Gaming Desktops
Editor’s Pick: Best Gaming Desktop: Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Core U9 32/1TB RTX 5070
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 24-Core, 2.7–5.4 GHz with Intel AI Boost
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7
RAM: 32GB
Storage: 1TB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm audio
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is built for gamers who want high-end performance without compromise. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and RTX 5070 graphics card handle even the most demanding games with ease. With 32GB of RAM and 1TB storage, multitasking and fast load times are effortless. VR-ready and packed with multiple ports for connectivity, it’s a powerhouse desktop that balances speed, graphics and versatility for gaming and creative work.
Best Affordable Gaming Desktop: ASUS TUF T500 Gaming Desktop Core i5 16/1TB GeForce RTX 3050
Processor: Octa-Core Intel Core i5 2.1–4.6 GHz
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GDDR6
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm audio
The ASUS TUF T500 Gaming Desktop delivers high-performance gaming in a durable, military-grade chassis. Its Intel Core i5 processor and RTX 3050 graphics card ensure smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking, while 16GB of RAM and 1TB storage provide fast load times. Compact yet powerful, it’s a versatile choice for gamers and creators who want reliability, performance and robust build quality in one desktop.
Best Desktop Gaming Computer For Performance: MSI MAG Infinite E1 Gaming Desktop Core i7 1GB/1TB 5060
Processor: 20-Core Intel Core i7 2.1–5.4 GHz
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 5060 8GB
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm audio
The MSI MAG Infinite E1 is built for gamers who demand stability and durability. Its 20-core Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 5060 graphics card deliver smooth, high-performance gameplay, while 16GB of RAM and 1TB storage ensure fast load times and easy multitasking. With a robust metallic-like chassis, advanced cooling and versatile connectivity, this desktop balances power, reliability and longevity for serious gaming sessions.
Complete Your Setup
Best Lighting and Aesthetics for Your Gaming Setup
Being fully immersed in gaming is more fun with the right atmosphere. Using RGB (red, green and blue) LED smart lighting lets you control colours and effects via an app or voice, creating your ideal gaming zone.
What to Try
- Logitech G Litra Beam LX Streaming Light
- ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Gaming Keyboard NX Snow Switch Black
- Typhoon Ultimate Gaming Electric Sit-Stand Desk 1500mm Black
SEE ALSO: 10 Hacks to Make Your Gaming Setup Even Better
Best Monitors For Your Gaming Desktop
Being fully immersed in gaming is more fun with the right screen. A gaming monitor with a high refresh rate will deliver smooth, responsive visuals for every move and every battle.
What to Try
- Samsung Odyssey G3 27" FHD 180Hz 1ms Gaming Monitor G30D
- Lenovo Legion 32" QHD 180Hz 0.5ms Gaming Monitor R32QC
- Acer Nitro 27” FHD 200 Hz 1ms Gaming Monitor QG271 X1
- MSI MAG 27" QHD 180Hz 0.5ms Gaming Monitor 27CQ6F
*Battery life/runtime may vary and is dependent on various factors including loaded applications, configuration, features, usage, network and settings. Battery run times quoted are typically results of benchmark testing by brands.
This article was originally published in November 2021 and has been updated.
