How do you choose a gaming laptop?

When choosing a gaming laptop, it's important that you ask yourself a number of questions. This way, you're sure that you're playing your favorite games on your new gaming laptop. Ask yourself the following:

• What kind of games do you play?
• Which video card do you need for these games?
• Do you want to play in Full HD or 4K resolution?
• What about the screen refresh rate?

With a gaming laptop, the video card is the most important part. For example, the video card is crucial for the amount of frames per second (fps) you play a game with and at what resolution a game remains playable. In addition, the screen is important. Do you play in Full HD, or do you also want to play games in 4K? Besides, a 120Hz screen has a refresh rate that is twice as high as a regular gaming laptop screen. This results in a smoother gameplay.

Do you play light games or older games? For example The Sims, or Rollercoaster Tycoon? A laptop with a basic dedicated video card such as the NVIDIA GeForce MX150 or MX250 is enough. You can't play any heavier games like Fortnite or League of Legends on these laptops. You need a starter model gaming laptop for these types of games.

For light competitive games like Fortnite or Call of Duty, you need at least a 50 or 60 series video card. For example, the RTX 4050 or 4060 also allows you to play older demanding games smoothly in Full HD. For example, GTA V with a few minor mods. To play heavier or newer games such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla at high settings, you need an all-round gaming laptop.

Do you like to play extensive singleplayer games or more demanding multiplayer games? You need at least a 70 series video card, such as the RTX 4070. To play games such as Elden Ring, Dying Light 2, or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, you need more graphic power for at least 60 fps. In this laptop category, you'll also find laptops with screens with a high 120 or 140Hz refresh rate. This allows you to see the movements in the game more smoothly. For 4K gaming or demanding games like Starfield, you need a hardcore gaming laptop.

Gaming laptops with an 80 or 90 series video card like the RTX 4080 or 4090 run games at the highest settings. They run them at 60 fps and even in 4K resolution. RTX video cards have ray tracing technology, which makes light, shadows, and reflections look extra realistic. In addition, you're already prepared for future games with even higher specifications. Do you want even more detail on your screen? Choose a gaming laptop with a 4K resolution.

Your laptop works extra hard while gaming. This means that it consumes a lot of power to ensure a smooth gaming experience. That's why we recommend that you always connect the charger while gaming. If you don't do this, you'll get a worse performance and the battery will be empty within 1 to 1.5 hours. This means you run the risk of your laptop running out of battery halfway through a game. When you're not gaming, you can still use your laptop without a charger.