Gaming Laptops

How To Choose the Best Gaming Laptop in 2024 in the UK?

There is no denying that desktop Gaming PCs should be the first choice for gaming enthusiasts, but sometimes, one loves to play games on the go. Therefore, gaming laptops become the preferred choice for people who often game on the roads, and who need portability. These laptops are power beasts, featuring top-notch specs and powerful capabilities to help you experience the thrills of games. However,  there are many things to consider before choosing the best gaming laptop for yourself, your friend, or even your loved ones as a gift. For instance, form factor, battery life, display, and more. What’s more, there are many brands out there that claim to be the king in the market of gaming laptops. It makes it harder for novices to choose the best gaming laptop.

Don’t worry! 

In this write-up, we have explained everything you need to navigate the market with confidence and ease. We will walk you through the basics and help you understand all the components of a gaming laptop so that you can make a well-informed decision. Ready to dig in? Let's cut the crap and discuss features that you need to fully understand. 

Selecting the Right Gaming Laptop for Your Needs:

Many components play a key role in the performance of any laptop and when it comes to gaming laptops, the importance of each component increases exponentially. Let’s make a quick tour of each spec that matters the most in your gaming experience. 

Display:

Needless to say, the display will have a critical role in determining your gaming experience. Here are some specs of display that you must know: 

Refresh Rate:

The refresh rate ensures that actions on the screen appear smoother and easier to follow. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the actions. Therefore, you need at least a 144Hz refresh rate. You can find as high as 240Hz, and 360 Hz refresh rates in high-end gaming laptops.

Screen Size:

Screen size can vary from laptop to laptop, but normally, laptops are available in 13, 15, and 17 screen sizes. The larger screen size is quite understandably a better option, more importantly, you need to make sure that the gaming laptop you are purchasing has thinner bezels. It will help you enjoy a larger screen.

Resolution:

Resolution is also a major factor determining the quality of the display. The more resolution your laptop has, the higher the number of pixels will appear on the screen, helping you experience clear images and videos. You need at least an HD or 1080p laptop, though many versions are offering as high as 1440p or even 4K resolution, it may be overkill because it will cost you a lot.

GPU or Graphics Processing Unit:

Graphics cards, also known as GPU or video cards, are also a major factor in determining the ultimate laptop for your gaming needs. They are responsible for processing all information which is then displayed on the screen. As a thumb rule, the better GPU you have, the better graphics you experience on screen. 

Normally, graphics cards are very expensive, but you can find an affordable solution as well to take your gaming level to the next level. But there are top contenders who offer the most productive graphics which are NVIDIA Graphics Cards and AMD Graphics Cards for both budget-conscious users and high-end productive users, who do not want to compromise on productivity.

For beginners, gaming laptops such as HP Pavilion Laptop with NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1650 graphics card are certainly a great choice. But if you are interested in a hyper-realistic gaming experience, the GeForce RTX 3070 video card can help you enjoy all the moments on screen with a deeply immersive experience.

Features like Ray Tracing, display refresh rate consistent with refresh rate of your display, and frame rate should guide your final selection of GPUs.

Here are some additional recommendations:

Best Gaming GPUs for Gaming Laptops:

For entry-level gamers, there are many options available such as:

• GeForce RTX 3060
• GeForce RTX 4060
• GeForce RTX 4050

• • Geforce RTX 4090

Mainstream Gaming:

For mainstream gaming, the RTX 4060 is usually ranked as a middle-of-the-road option for enjoying high-end gaming. Similarly, RTX 4070 can also give a significant boost, helping you enjoy most of the games in higher settings.

CPU or Central Processing Units:

The CPU is the brain of your laptop, processing all information sent by software installed on your system. The choice of CPU would end up having deep impacts on everything in your gaming laptop such as response time, frame rate, and even battery life as well. Therefore, the CPU should be selected carefully.

Here are some vital aspects of the Central Processing Unit:

Clock Speed:

Measured in GHz, clock speed indicates how many cycles a CPU can execute within a second. The higher the clock speed, the faster the CPU and smoother the gaming experience. But there are other factors at play as well in the performance of the CPU.

Core Count:

Number of cores is also important. If there are multiple cores, it translates into multi-tasking as each core acts like an individual core to perform a specific task. For instance, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology allows laptops to run more than one software thread per hardware core, helping you to enjoy a smooth gaming experience on your laptop.

For enjoying the consistent in-game performance, you are advised to choose at least an Intel® Core™ i7 processor. You should also choose a higher clock speed and higher core count as well for enhanced performance.

RAM:

RAM is also a critical component, influencing the speed and performance of your laptop significantly. For average gamers, 8GB RAM is a minimum requirement. However, if you can afford and are happy with a screwdriver, you should go with 16GB RAM. For instance, an RTX 4060 or higher graphics card would accompany 16GB RAM.

You should note here that RAM is a component that can be upgraded easily later on. You would always have the option to scale them up in line with your growing gaming needs.

Storage:

Storage can be either SSD or HDD. SSD or Solid-State Drive is much faster and more reliable than traditional HDDs. SSDs are capable of reading/writing electronically blocks of data without any moving parts, whereas, Hard Disk Drives come with mechanical platters to do the same job. This is one of many reasons that explains why the SSDs outflank HDD storage.

Which is storage the best for your gaming laptop?

Both have pros and cons. SSD storage is faster, there is no denying but it costs a lot. Therefore, many budget gaming laptops are equipped with both of these storage types. A major chunk of storage comprises HDD and a smaller part is made of SSD as a boot drive. It is not uncommon to say 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD are working hand in hand and delivering top-notch performance.

In short, if you are an avid gamer, you are suggested to buy a laptop with both storage types as SSDs can prove too costly.

Cooling Mechanism:

The cooling mechanism has evolved over the years. Gone are days when gaming laptops were bulky, thick, and unwieldy because improvement in technology has allowed gaming laptop manufacturers to add effective cooling mechanisms in small form factors.

Though fundamentals of the cooling mechanism have remained the same, comprising fans, vents, heatsinks, and cooling pipes, you can find ever-thinning gaming laptops and gaming notebooks with far more superior mechanisms.

Therefore, you don’t have to purchase an unwieldy laptop to ensure an effective cooling mechanism, there are now thin laptops, offering speedy and reliable cooling. You can read reviews to judge real-world performance before settling down on a particular gaming laptop. But if you are a serious gamer or performing heavy-duty tasks then you should definitely opt for the Laptop Stand or Laptop Cooling Pad for optimal performance.

Special Features of Gaming Laptops:

Having discussed the components of laptops for gaming, we now discuss some special worth noting features that you may find interesting in your gaming notebooks or laptops.

• RGB Backlighting:

Gamers know how important it is to have RGB keyboards. You can quickly locate all-important WASD keys, helping you to maximize north, south, east, and west keystrokes. In addition, there are many added benefits of RGB backlighting in your gaming laptops: 

First, you can customize keymaps, highlighting favourite firing patterns, spell throws, and the like actions. 

Second, backlighting colours can help you know when the system is too hot or the wireless connection is down, helping you to take remedial measures instantly. 

Third, profiles can help you coordinate keyboard lights with any other RGB peripherals. 

Nowadays, gaming engineers are also exploiting RGB backlighting, for instance, there are now some game functions that are designed to work with RGB backlighting. You can, for example, get a visual alert when there is an enemy nearby or your ally has left. 

• Thunderbolt 4:

Thunderbolts 4 is the latest generation of Thunderbolts. These ports are available in PCs equipped with the latest Intel® Core™ mobile processors or they are found on systems that come with Thunderbolt controllers. 

Over the years, laptop manufacturing companies have adopted this technology because it offers very high-speed data transfer compared to ordinary USB-type connections. In particular, Thunderbolt 4 allows connections with a lot of USB peripherals, external displays, and even external GPUs like Razer Core X. In short, having Thunderbolt 4 in your laptop means that your gaming laptop is far more reliable, versatile, and capable of delivering a smooth gaming experience.

• Support for WiFi 6:

The support for WiFi 6 or 802.11ax standard in your laptop or notebook designed for gaming can help you gain several advantages. For instance: 

The higher data speed, 1.25x faster than WiFi 5, helps you to download stuff quite instantly, and you enjoy a smooth gaming adventure. 

It also features lower latency. This translates into a responsive gaming experience because your commands are registered quickly. It comes in handy in those highly competitive games where milliseconds matter and can influence the outcome of games. 

WiFi 6 can also enhance the battery life of your laptop. It comes with a Target Wake Time (TWT) feature that can help your devices plan when to sleep and awake, reducing battery consumption and extending its shelf life.

• HDMI:

HDMI port in your laptop can also give you many advantages. For instance, an HDMI port can allow you to connect your laptop to a larger display; you can enjoy high-quality audio and video; you can also set up multiple displays. All lead to an immersive gaming experience.

What else do you need to add to your Gaming Laptop System in UK?

Some accessories you should consider to increase your laptop gaming experience and productivity. 

Gaming Mouse:

First of all, you can attach the External Gaming Mouse that would increase your clicking capability while you are Gaming or if you enhance your professional productivity. One such mouse that can do these tasks is none other than the Asus ROG Spatha X Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse.

Gaming Keyboard:

Second is the Gaming Keyboard, either the Mechanical Gaming Keyword or the Normal one. Both will do the work fine. But the Mechanical one can give an enticing feel, whenever you click the keys and have a longer life compared to the normal ones.

Gaming Chairs:

Gaming chairs are specifically designed to provide optimal comfort and support for extended gaming sessions. With features such as high-density foam padding, adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and reclining backrests, these chairs offer a superior level of comfort compared to traditional office chairs. Additionally, many gaming chairs come with customizable features like RGB lighting and built-in speakers, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Gaming Headset:

Gaming headsets offer several advantages when paired with gaming laptops, enhancing the overall gaming experience:

Immersive Audio: Gaming headsets are designed to deliver high-quality, immersive audio that can help you hear subtle sounds and nuances in games. This can give you a competitive edge, as you'll be able to pinpoint enemy footsteps, distant gunfire, or environmental cues more easily.

Noise Cancellation: Many gaming headsets come with noise-cancelling features that can block out external distractions. This is especially useful for gamers who live in noisy environments, as it helps to create a more focused gaming experience.

Clear Communication: Gaming headsets typically have built-in microphones that are optimized for voice chat. This ensures that your teammates can hear you clearly, even in noisy settings. Effective communication is essential for teamwork and coordination in multiplayer games.

Comfort: Gaming headsets are designed to be comfortable for long gaming sessions. They often have padded earcups and adjustable headbands to provide a secure and comfortable fit.

Customization: Many gaming headsets offer customizable features, such as adjustable bass levels, surround sound modes, and RGB lighting. This allows you to personalize your gaming experience and create a more immersive atmosphere.

Some Top-Ranking Best Gaming Laptop Brands in 2024:

The market is flooded with laptop manufacturers, claiming the best gaming laptop in the market. However, some brands are ranked consistently higher based on their performance and other gaming benchmarks. 

Here is a brief description of these bands manufacturing laptops for gaming. 

• Razer:

There is no denying that Razer gaming laptops are the best in the market. Equipped with a unibody aluminum design, Razer gaming laptops are a power beast, offering you an exemplary gaming experience. Razer has carved its name historically by offering cutting-edge gaming peripherals such as gaming mice, gaming keyboards, and gaming headsets. This expertise has translated into Razer laptops that offer eye-popping displays, high-end keyboards, and excellent touchpads. 

Razer manufactures three laptops: Razer Blade 14, Razer Blade 16, and Razer Blade 18, each reflecting the screen sizes. 

The only downside of Razer gaming laptops is their expensive nature. They can cost you a lot, but if you are not concerned with price, Razer laptops are certainly a great choice for every gaming enthusiast. 

• Alienware:

Alienware is also a name that has earned respect among the gaming community due to matchless performance and eye-catching design. Also, it is the subsidiary brand of the Dell. So, you can expect the outstanding performance from it. Moreover, the Alienware Laptop has two categories: X series and M series. 

If you prefer a lightweight but powerful gaming solution, go for the X series. It features an aluminum design similar to the Razer Blade laptop, allowing you to enjoy both durability and top-notch performance. 

The M series also delivers a solid performance. Various models can have RTX 4060 to RTX 4090 configurations, giving you the option to choose the laptop that best meets your gaming needs. If you can afford it, the M series can offer high-end specs such as Intel Core i9 14th-Gen CPU, RTX 4090 GPU, 18-inch QHD+ display, and more. 

Though various Alienware gaming laptops are available in the market, experts rank Alienware m18 R2 as one the best available options. 

• ASUS ROG:

ASUS has carved its unique name in the gaming market because it offers a comprehensive range of products to give you an immersive gaming experience. When it comes to Asus gaming laptops, ASUS offers the following series: 

• ASUS ROG Flow 
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus 
• ASUS ROG Strix

ASUS ROG Flow is the best option if your priority is portability. They can provide as high as a 4K display or an affordable FHD screen, similarly, they are lightweight and easy to carry. 

The ROG Zephyrus series is famous for offering incredible performance. This series features hundreds of combinations, giving you to freedom to choose the best available option. 

ROG Strix series comprises high-end laptops, giving you the option to choose the best of the best GPU/CPU combinations to satisfy your high-end gaming adventure. 

Experts are of the view that ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2024) is the best available option, featuring NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, eye-popping 18-inch 2.5K Nebula HDR display, and Intel Core i9 14th-Gen CPU. 

Also, there are some other Top Ranking Gaming Laptop Brands that you would like:

• MSI Gaming Laptop
• Lenovo Gaming Laptop
• Acer Gaming Laptop
• HP Gaming Laptop
• Dell Gaming Laptop

Having discussed some top-ranking brands, we see now what gaming trends are prevailing in gaming and how they are going to influence gaming in 2024 and beyond. 

Top Gaming Trends in 2024 and Beyond:

Here are some trends that you need to know so that you can ensure that your gaming laptops remain future-proof.

• AR and VR in Gaming:

The incorporation of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in gaming is the most common trend, influencing both gamers and game manufacturers. The immersive first-person video gaming experience is what makes both AR and VR quite popular. In particular, Pokemon Go has given AR/VR an overnight popularity among the gaming community. 

Various gaming manufacturers are incorporating AR/VR features such as MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games including DOTA 2 and League of Legends are upgrading to allow users a more immersive and thrilling experience. 

The further popularity of this trend has been driven by VR headsets and hand controllers. You can use these devices to enjoy an interactive gaming experience with your gaming laptops or gaming desktops. 

• Cloud Gaming:

Cloud gaming has also become a top trend, enabling users to stream games over the internet without any need for powerful hardware or costly local installation. Players can stream games through various devices such as laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, Smart TVs, and more.

Various firms are stepping in to exploit this potential. For instance, Netflix has extended its cloud-based gaming portfolio, helping gamers to enjoy games on their laptops, desktops, and Smart TVs. Similarly, META is also offering cloud gaming for Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro users. NVIDIA has also expanded its cloud-based games, boosting its services with G-Sync technology to ensure improved cloud gaming performance and minimized stuttering.

Final Thoughts:

Online gaming has become a key source of entertainment, people are investing massively to make their gaming experience thrilling, immersive, and smooth. One such investment is made in gaming laptops, but when there are many brands out there, offering hundreds of laptops with varying specs and capabilities, it becomes very hard to choose the best one.

You need to take care of factors like CPU, GPU, battery life, display, and built quality. Furthermore, you should also pay attention to brands as well. In this regard, ASUS ROG, Razer, and Alienware are some brands that you must see before making a final decision. We do hope that this blog will help you make a data-driven decision vis-à-vis the best gaming laptop in 2024 and beyond.