It is an issue that those who decide to buy a new computer, even those who are experienced in computer, are undecided: Is it better to buy a desktop computer or a laptop when buying a gaming computer? This time we will cover the endless debate of years, but we will not do it only on concepts we know like ‘portability’.
Of course, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages that we know. However, the part we will detail will be the answer to the question of which one you can get more efficiency and enjoyment from. We’re not going to say it’s personal preference. We’ll let you shape this preference. In general, we will focus on the use of computers for gaming.
Let’s start with the known facts first: What are the advantages and disadvantages of desktop computer-laptop computer?
Desktop advantages:
- It offers higher performance even if it has the same units.
- It can be easily customized according to your needs and can be renewed with up-to-date parts.
- It is cheaper than laptops.
- It is easy to cool.
- It has many ports (USB-A, USB-C, Display Port etc.).
Desktop PC disadvantages:
- It cannot be moved, it cannot be used anywhere you want.
- You need to buy extra equipment such as keyboard and monitor.
- You have a constant need for electricity.
- It may cause cable pollution.
- It occupies ground.
Laptop advantages:
- Portable, you can use it anywhere you want.
- It can be used even when there is no electricity.
- It consumes less energy than a desktop computer when connected to the outlet.
- Keyboard and additional monitor are optionally purchased.
- It takes up almost no space.
- You can use it with peripherals such as a desktop computer whenever you want.
Laptop disadvantages
- It is more expensive than desktop computers.
- Extra equipment may be needed for cooling.
- For high-power operations, you must be connected to the cable.
- Critical parts such as the video card and processor cannot be replaced.
- It has a limited number of ports.
Let’s come to our main questions: Which one is more enjoyable to play?
Many factors will play a role when it comes to the pleasure side of the job. The table where you set up the gaming desktop, the chair you use, the equipment, your monitor… But for comparison, we will assume that we keep these conditions the same for both options.
It is useful to look at the performance side of the business just to deal with the enjoyment we get in the game. After all, when you experience stuttering in a game, the experience you get in that game is not very positive.
Desktop and laptop computers can have the same hardware parts on paper. But even the physical dimensions of the hardware offer a big clue. Let’s take the processors, which are the smallest of the critical parts in our computer, let’s assume that both computers have 12th generation Intel i7 processors. Let’s skip the model names at this point for those who are not very familiar with the computer world.
The performance of a 12th generation Intel i7 processor on a desktop computer can be up to 25% higher than on a laptop. In fact, this difference can reach up to 40% in processes such as 3D rendering outside of the game.
The same will be true for video cards. NVIDIA’s popular GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card can even go up to almost twice as much on desktop computers. The reason for this is that the processors used in laptop computers have less processing capability, so the communication between the video card and the graphics card is more limited.
The percentage differences in between also highly affect the FPS value you get in the game. You can play a game that you can play with 150 FPS on a desktop, on a laptop with components with the same model name, in the range of 100-120 FPS. It should not be forgotten that this difference is very important especially in competitive games.
When we look at these numbers in a reality where you sit at a desk and play games, we can say that gaming pleasure will be much better on desktop computers. However, it should not be forgotten that you can continue to play games for a while (with lower performance) even when the power goes out on laptop computers, or you can play games while lying on your sofa in the living room.
Costs, performance, bills..: Which one is more efficient to play games?
In the productivity item, we will consider three main factors: installation cost, performance and impact on the invoice. Gaming laptops can be sold for double or more because they have a monitor, keyboard and portability, even if they carry the same model as their desktop siblings.
If you prefer the cheap way, the desktop computer, this time you have to buy each peripheral component separately. When you choose to buy a quality monitor, keyboard, mouse and camera, the cost can be close to the laptop and even higher depending on your monitor preference.
Let’s say you build both computers for the same price in setup cost. If you choose a laptop, you get a smaller and less capable monitor and lower performance for the same money, but you meet an important requirement such as portability.
Your desktop system, which you set up for the same price, offers you much higher performance and image quality, but you say goodbye to portability.
When we look at the costs in the coming years, there can be a big difference again. When you want to replace the parts of your desktop computer, you can “sell the old, buy the new” and have the most up-to-date hardware at a very low cost.
When you try to change the processor or graphics card in laptops… You can’t get up. Instead, you are forced to buy a new laptop by selling the computer directly. The price difference between buying a new computer and buying new parts is quite high.
We also have to forget about the fact that electricity bills are hefty. So, which computer we buy will inflate the bill less? We have a clear winner here. Laptop computers consume less energy than desktop computers while performing the same task.
Let’s take the RTX 3060, which offers higher efficiency than previous years’ models. The power consumption of the desktop models of the video card can reach up to 170 W. The same video card consumes a maximum of 115 W in laptop computers. The same ratio applies to processors and motherboards.
In summary…
If you just want to play games at home and want high performance, it would be more logical to choose a desktop computer. But if you want to play games or do different things wherever you want without being stuck on a desk, the laptop will be more valuable to you.
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