Level Up: The Top 6 Must-Have Features for Gaming Laptops in 2024
When it comes to gaming laptops and their ever-increasing prices, it’s not exactly breaking news, is it? Those machines packed with power have always come with a hefty price tag. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the maze of features to consider when hunting for a new gaming laptop in the year 2024.
Let’s kick things off with the heart of any gaming laptop: the CPU. Unlike desktop PCs where you can mix and match CPUs and GPUs to your heart’s content, gaming laptop manufacturers like to make life simpler for you by cramming in potent CPUs. Whether it’s a slightly older Core i5 or the latest top-of-the-line chip, the difference in gaming experience might not be as vast as you think. I once tested an RTX 4090 in a poorly cooled laptop that lagged behind a well-cooled RTX 4080 in a more affordable model. Moral of the story? It’s not just about the numbers on paper.
Next up, storage – a crucial element for any gamer worth their salt. Opt for a gaming laptop with an extra M.2 slot, and you can skimp on the boot drive size, knowing you can easily upgrade to a larger SSD down the line. If you’re a homebody who mainly games on an external monitor, the laptop’s display specs might not be a deal-breaker. While 120-144Hz displays are standard, higher refresh rates like 165Hz and 240Hz are gaining popularity. But here’s the kicker – the newfangled CASO tech has somewhat diminished their significance in squeezing out peak performance.
Ports, those often-overlooked heroes of connectivity, are vital for both desktop-replacement gamers and those on the go. Gaming laptops are notorious for guzzling battery life faster than you can say, “Level up!” Some laptops offer the nifty option to disable the discrete GPU, giving your battery a much-needed breather. So, if endurance is key for your gaming marathons, be sure to check for this battery-saving feature.
In the grand scheme of things, the quest for the ultimate gaming laptop in 2024 boils down to balancing power, performance, and price. With manufacturers continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, choosing the right gaming laptop requires a discerning eye and a willingness to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of gaming tech. So, arm yourself with knowledge, weigh your options carefully, and may your gaming adventures be filled with epic wins and zero lag!
