Gaming on a Desktop Computer VERSUS Gaming on a laptop

In your opinion, what do you think are the pros and cons of gaming on a desktop computer and a laptop computer ?

I'm hoping in the next several months to own a fairly decent gaming system, whether it be laptop or desktop. However I'm still undecided as to what I really want.

Money won't be an issue for me, I guess my main desire out of this would be to acquire a system that will last me a long time and that I can get my moneys worth from it for a while to come.

In my comparison both will be off the same Value, but no price is set
Desktop:

Pros
-Good Performance (often 2-3x as good as the laptop)
-Can Handle Stress
-Generally Easier to game on

Cons
-Big
-Noisy


Laptop:
Pros
-Small
-Portable
-Easy to use
-Generally Quite

Cons
-Often runs on older technology
-Quickly breaks down and stops working during stress
-Harder to game on
-Performs way worse then Desktop

People who says that you can get just as good laptop for lets say 1000 dollars as you can for a 1000 dollars desktop are Wrong and should get more knowledge off this (My list might not be fully perfect and feel free to correct my mistakes), This is often because laptop runs on older technology, most 2-3 Thousand dollar laptops runs on DDR2 Technology
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit
Ultraportable in my specs is best of breed - you can find gaming laptops with similar tech but they will not match desktop levels for a while.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x86-64[email protected] 1066MHz FSB6GB DDR3 1066MHz9300M GS 256MB Dedicated (Speed) + Intel4500M...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony Vaio Z46GDU
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x86-64
CPU
[email protected] 1066MHz FSB
Motherboard
Sony branded
Memory
6GB DDR3 1066MHz
Graphics Card(s)
9300M GS 256MB Dedicated (Speed) + Intel4500MHD (Stamina)
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
13.1' WXGA
Screen Resolution
1600x900
Hard Drives
320GB 7200RPM w/ 16MB cache
Internet Speed
1MB/s
Ultraportable in my specs is best of breed - you can find gaming laptops with similar tech but they will not match desktop levels for a while.

also you must pay alot more.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit
Depends on your preference. I have a laptop that can play DA Origins for 2 1/2 hours on battery power without any lag, plus anywhere you take it, it can be quickly connected to almost any external video and audio system (preferably >42" HDTV and at least 2000 watts and 5.1 channels of audio) It can sit idle while downloading for 6 1/2 hours from mobile broadband or a 4g network...kind of useful if you're unfortunate enough to have to stop playing just long enough to drive to work...
 
For me there are many cons for gaming on my laptop which I know that a desktop doesnt have: Battery may run out and When fan speed reaches max everything lags
There are also many other cons but Im happy with my laptop. One con that I know is that desktops have more power than laptops. They can have better processors, more RAM, and so on. I am planning on buying a desktop but Im going until Black Friday so I can get one cheap:D
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit (x86)Intel Pentium Dual Core T34003GB DDR2nVidia 9200M GE and Mobile Intel 4 Series Exp...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Compaq
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit (x86)
CPU
Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400
Motherboard
Wistron 3612
Memory
3GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia 9200M GE and Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset
Sound Card
Conexant High Defininition SmartAudio 221
Screen Resolution
1366x768
Hard Drives
SAMSUNG HM251JI ATA 250GB
Internet Speed
160KBps
I'd go with desktop as you can upgrade further down the line.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64.i5 760 @ 4.2Ghz. 1.18v4g Corsair xms3 ddr3, 1600Mhz.Gigabyte GTX-560Ti soc edition
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build.
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64.
CPU
i5 760 @ 4.2Ghz. 1.18v
Motherboard
Gigabyte - H55M-USB3
Memory
4g Corsair xms3 ddr3, 1600Mhz.
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte GTX-560Ti soc edition
Sound Card
Asus Xonar Dx - Logitech Z5500.
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer 22" LCD Wide screen 1680-1050 -Samsung 42" Plasma....
Screen Resolution
1680/1050 -----1920/1080p.
Hard Drives
2x 2TB Seagate Go Flex,
1x 1TB Seagate,
1x 640WD Black,
x16 Gig sandisc flash drive,
1x8Gig sandisc flash drive.
PSU
XigmaTek 80plus NRP-PC702 - 700w dual 30a.
Case
Venus Gamers Midi Tower Case with LED Display
Cooling
Arctic Freezer 7 Pro Rev 2... x2 Arctic F8 case fans........
Keyboard
Logitech G15-v2 Gaming.
Mouse
Microsoft Sidewinder X8.
Internet Speed
Virgin Media - 50mb down- 8mb up.
Other Info
x2 Xbox 360 wireless controllers...

Dual layer optical disc drive...

Chrome 79million

A.V = MSE
I would recommend desktop

1. You can update the graphics card every few years.
2. You can update the graphics card every few years.
3. You can update the graphics card every few years.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bitIntel Core 2 Duo CPU E4500 2.20 GHz1.99 GBIntel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family (256 MB)
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Seanix Desktop PC
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU E4500 2.20 GHz
Memory
1.99 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family (256 MB)
Sound Card
Realtek ALC888/1200
Monitor(s) Displays
DELL
Screen Resolution
1280 X 1024
Hard Drives
320GB Internal
200GB External
Case
Seanix
Keyboard
Seanix USB Keyboard
Mouse
Seanix USB Keyboard
Internet Speed
Broadband
Other Info
Getting close to 3 years old.
In your opinion, what do you think are the pros and cons of gaming on a desktop computer and a laptop computer ?

I'm hoping in the next several months to own a fairly decent gaming system, whether it be laptop or desktop. However I'm still undecided as to what I really want.

Money won't be an issue for me, I guess my main desire out of this would be to acquire a system that will last me a long time and that I can get my moneys worth from it for a while to come.
If money is money option then just get a really powerful laptop.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 x64 ProfessionalIntel Core i7-870 Lynnfield 2.93 GHzKingston Hyper X 1333MHz DDR3 4x4GbNvidia GTS 250
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Own build
OS
Windows 7 x64 Professional
CPU
Intel Core i7-870 Lynnfield 2.93 GHz
Motherboard
Intel Whitesburg P55 LGA1156
Memory
Kingston Hyper X 1333MHz DDR3 4x4Gb
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTS 250
Monitor(s) Displays
AOC Q3279VWF 31.5"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Western Digital 1000GB Hard Drive (SATA 3.0Gb/s, 7200rpm, 32MB Cache)
Verbatim 500GB (External)
PSU
650W
Case
Coolermaster HAF 912
Cooling
Stock
Keyboard
Logitech
Mouse
Logitech
Antivirus
Avira
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
LG OptDrive 24x SATA DVDRW Lightscribe
Personally, I'd go with a desktop. However, I need the portability factor for other things such as school work. So I decided to go with a laptop and it is quite good too. You can get a decent laptop for 799 (mX11, anyone?). Else, a similar laptop for 1 grand but with a nicer, bigger screen (you want to see all the HD beauty really well you know!)

As far as cons and pros go, desktop typically have a greater life span for a user simply because of the mere fact of replacable parts. Plus, laptops can never match the full power of desktops.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 2000 5.0 Build 2195Intel Core i7-2630QM@2GHz(2.9GHz Turbo Boost)...Kingston DDR3 1333 16GB (4GBx4)nVidia GTX 460m 1.5GB
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Asus G73SW-XN2
OS
Windows 2000 5.0 Build 2195
CPU
Intel Core i7-2630QM@2GHz(2.9GHz Turbo Boost) [Sandy Bridge]
Motherboard
Asus G73SW (Intel HM65 Chipset)
Memory
Kingston DDR3 1333 16GB (4GBx4)
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia GTX 460m 1.5GB
Sound Card
EAX Advanced HD 5.0, THX TruStudio
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3 in. primary & 23 in. secondary
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Seagate Momentus XT (SATA II) 500 GB @ 7200 RPM
Hitachi (SATA II) 500GB @ 7200 RPM

Non Raid because ASUS was crappy to choose an HM65 Chipset
Keyboard
Built-in 102-Key Backlit Keyboard
Other Info
It's a Laptop.
I have been working over sea's for a few years and building a desktop is pretty much out the window for me. So my preference are desktop replacements, although they can be bulky and heavy machines themselves but if you want performance i guess you have to sacrifice something :D. I had a Sager NP9262 which was an absolute monster but i have currently upgraded to a Sager NP8120 which is even more a beast then my previous machine.

Although there is no doubt that a good desktop is always preferable to a laptop especially from a upgradability stand point. Then again i guess it depends on what kind of laptop you have. Specs are listed.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7x64 SP1Intel® Core™ i7-990X24GB Crucial DDR3 1333Mhz2 x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M SLI
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sager NP7280
OS
Windows 7x64 SP1
CPU
Intel® Core™ i7-990X
Motherboard
Clevo X7200 (X58)
Memory
24GB Crucial DDR3 1333Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
2 x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M SLI
Sound Card
Razer Megalodon
Monitor(s) Displays
Hanns-G 28 inch LCD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080 Laptop 1920x1200 Hanns-G
Hard Drives
512GB Crucial M4
3 x Black Scorpio 750GB
PSU
2 x 300W Chicony
Cooling
ZM-NC2000
Mouse
Razer Mamba
Go desktop for gaming......$500 or so for a decent gamer...not top of the line but a decent one
Go laptop for portability/copy buddies homework.....Go the other $500 for a decent laptop for browsing, school work, whatever other than gaming.....

Conclusion = got a decent gamer and a decent laptop for the price that everyone with a couple of extra thousand dollars would have spent on 1 machine.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

win7 ultimate x64Intel Core2 Duo E8400 @ 3.04gb corsair 6400 ddr2Palit GTX260 Sonic 216 SP
OS
win7 ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core2 Duo E8400 @ 3.0
Motherboard
NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI
Memory
4gb corsair 6400 ddr2
Graphics Card(s)
Palit GTX260 Sonic 216 SP
Sound Card
sb audigy 24bit
Monitor(s) Displays
i-inc 19" lcd
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Hard Drives
seagate barracuda 7200 250 gb
PSU
ULTRA LSP Pro 750
Case
ultra midtower
Cooling
air
I got a "High Perf. Lappy" or not so much anymore - all i really have now is some good ram. But for me - my main issue was with the graphics card and battery life. I just recently finished building my new desktop, now my laptop is only a blu-ray dvd player.

Pros of Lappy:
Mobile.
Many uses.
Can use it @ school.

Cons.
Cooling(multiple mods on mine - including adding some more cooling Arctic gel)
Battery Life - GARGH
Impossible to upgrade anything but HDD/SDD and Ram(if not already maxed out.)
Due to no upgrades - outta business for games in 2 yrs max.

Thats about it though - i wont lie, i really enjoyed my laptop while it lasted, but i couldn't wait to finish building my desktop.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

7 x64/ Back-Track 4Intel Core 2 Duo CPU 8300@ 2.4 Ghz4096 MB DDR2Nvidia 8400M GS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP dv6000t CTO Entertainment Lappy |My Desktop @ Bottom
OS
7 x64/ Back-Track 4
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU 8300@ 2.4 Ghz
Motherboard
HP's Own
Memory
4096 MB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 8400M GS
Sound Card
Altec Lansing (The usual on Laptops )
Monitor(s) Displays
Laptop Screen. 17' Wide.
Screen Resolution
1280 x 800
Hard Drives
150 GB HDD.
Cooling
2 External Fans, Undervolted, Coolant
Keyboard
Norm. Cheap Random Keyboard
Mouse
Norm. Cheap Random Mouse
Other Info
This is my Homemade Desktop :)
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 320GB 16MB 7200RPM SATA2
And more to come in a bit! :D
If you want to browse through some laptops that are great for gaming, check out the PC Scout tool: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-laptop-scout/default.aspx. The site lets you enter either general things like what you want to use the laptop for (for your purpose, gaming) or more specific specs (limited budget, etc.) and then gives you a list of some systems that match what you’re looking for.

I’d take a look at what is out there as far as gaming laptops go, compare them to your desk options, and decide from there what to purchase. Let me know if you would like me to give any suggestions RE: gaming laptops!

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional 64-bitPentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5300 @260GHz
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP/p6207c
OS
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
CPU
Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5300 @260GHz
Sound Card
RealTek High Def Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 2159m
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 x 60
Mouse
HP M/N: M-U0009-HP1
Internet Speed
Broadband
I prefer the desktop for gaming for all the reasons already posted. But I also like having my laptop for portability. I mostly use it for watching movies, emailing and web browsing.I have never liked the touch pad an have always used a portable USB mouse. The one I have now comes with the USB receiver in the mouse released with a click on the top of the mouse, then when reinserted turns off the mouse to save battery life. It also came with a nice carrying bag.To be completely honest though I've never owned a laptop powerful enough to game on so..... Fabe
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit / XP Home sp3intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0ghz8 gigs 1066 OCZ Fata1tyEVGA GTX 580 Call of Duty Black Ops Edition
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built
OS
Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit / XP Home sp3
CPU
intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0ghz
Motherboard
Asus P5ND bios 1401
Memory
8 gigs 1066 OCZ Fata1ty
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 580 Call of Duty Black Ops Edition
Sound Card
Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2zs
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus 24in LCD's 2MS X2
Screen Resolution
1920x1080p @60Hz
Hard Drives
WD Caviar 500 Black/ WD Caviar 200 Blue
PSU
OCZ 700W GameXtreme
Case
NZXT Apollo
Cooling
Corsair H50 CPU/120mm x3 /60mm x2 /Corsair Dominator Ram
Keyboard
Logitech Bluetooth Wireless MX5000
Mouse
Logitech Bluetooth Wireless MX1000
Internet Speed
Download 19.83 Upload 0.97
Other Info
Logitech Z2300 Speakers/ Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones/Avermedia PCI-e Hybrid TV Bravo/Epson NX415 all in one/ 4 Port Powered USB Hub/ LG 10x Bluray Burner /TSST Corp DVDRW External
im using laptop for gaming and i found it cool, it doesn't lag on most game, check out my spec and maybe u wanna purchase it
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium x64Intel Core 2 Duo P88004 GB DDR3NVIDIA GeForce GT 220M, 1 GB GDDR3 SDRAM
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Asus F83VF Noteook
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo P8800
Motherboard
Intel PM45 Chipset
Memory
4 GB DDR3
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 220M, 1 GB GDDR3 SDRAM
Sound Card
Realtek
Screen Resolution
1366x768
Hard Drives
Seagate 500 GB
PSU
-
Case
-
Cooling
-
Keyboard
-
Mouse
Razer Lachesis
Internet Speed
10 Mb/s
im using laptop for gaming and i found it cool, it doesn't lag on most game, check out my spec and maybe u wanna purchase it

I have an Asus laptop as well. You have a faster CPU and better Ram, but I have a faster HDD and GPU. Yours probably has a longer battery life than mine. I get about 1hr20min non-gaming 30-40min when gaming.

Asus makes some good gaming (Edit) laptops. I get 35fps in Crysis on med-high settings and am loving the PhsyX on the Nvidia card.

Edit: 35fps with this is due to using a 22" external monitor through DVI @ 1680x1050
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win7 Home Premium 64xIntel Core 2 Duo P7450 / 2.13 GHz (2.29 with ...4 GB PC-6400 Hyundai (2X2) at 800MhzNVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M 1GB DDR3 VRAM
Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
ASUS G60-RBBX05
OS
Win7 Home Premium 64x
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 / 2.13 GHz (2.29 with Extreme Turbo)
Memory
4 GB PC-6400 Hyundai (2X2) at 800Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M 1GB DDR3 VRAM
Monitor(s) Displays
16" LED Backlit
Screen Resolution
1366 x 768 on laptop 1600x1050 max res on 22" external mon
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility 3 60GB SSD / 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 7200 rpm
PSU
6-cell Lithium ion { lasts 1.5 hours }
Case
ASUS G60 Laptop
Keyboard
Chicklet type back-lit (white light) keyboard
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse 3200dpi and 1000 reports per minute
Internet Speed
Comcast 8.60mb/s up - 3.11mb/s down
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
General mid-budget gaming Comp. Low batterylife - High FrameRates - currently overheating problems :(

2nd Rig: Case: Rosewill BLACKHAWK Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3
CPU: AMD FX-6200 Zambezi 3.8GHz (4.1GHz Turbo)
Heatsink: COOLER MASTER V8 CPU Cooler
RAM: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM 1866 (PC3 15000)
GPU: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6850 1GB 2
Go desktop for gaming......$500 or so for a decent gamer...not top of the line but a decent one
Go laptop for portability/copy buddies homework.....Go the other $500 for a decent laptop for browsing, school work, whatever other than gaming.....

Conclusion = got a decent gamer and a decent laptop for the price that everyone with a couple of extra thousand dollars would have spent on 1 machine.

This. Desktop will be much cheaper for much more power. my desktop is about $800. My last big test was bioshock infinite at max settings, on an eyefinitey 3x1 monitor, 6900x1080 res. Never dropped below 35fps. I then take a 5 year old ($500 at the time) laptop to classes, and on trips. Web browsing, very casual games (like minecraft), and even coding works fine.

A desktop will last significantly longer for gaming, because when a single component starts holding you back, you can upgrade it. The laptop will usually require replacing.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium x64Intel Core i5 4690k 3.50GHZ - OC to 3.924GB @ 1600 - 2x Corsair XMS 3 4gb, 2x Patrio...MSI GTX 1060 6G OCV1
Computer type
PC/Desktop
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel Core i5 4690k 3.50GHZ - OC to 3.9
Motherboard
GA-Z97X-SLI
Memory
24GB @ 1600 - 2x Corsair XMS 3 4gb, 2x Patriot Viper 8gb
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GTX 1060 6G OCV1
Monitor(s) Displays
3x Acer H236HL, 1x LG 42"
Screen Resolution
7680x1080
Hard Drives
1 x 128gb Toshiba Q Series Pro
2 x 2TB Seagate Baracuda
PSU
Thermaltake Smart M850
Case
APEVIA X-TROOPER
Cooling
Cooler Master GeminII S524
Keyboard
Logitech G110
Mouse
Razer Deathadder 2013
Internet Speed
100/50 mb/sec
You know you are posting in a 4 year old thread, right?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bi...Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600/Intel Core i7 4790/In...2GB/16GB/4GBIntel G33/G31 Express(Vostro)/NVIDIA GeForce ...
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 400/Dell XPS 8700(Slightly Customized for me by Dell)/Toshiba Satellite T135
OS
Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600/Intel Core i7 4790/Intel Pentium
Memory
2GB/16GB/4GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel G33/G31 Express(Vostro)/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745(XPS)
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 2009m(Vostro)/ViewSonic VX2250wm-LED(XPS)
Screen Resolution
1600x900(Vostro)/1920x1080(XPS)
Hard Drives
Seagate ST3160815AS(Vostro)/Western Digital Blue(Satellite)
External:
Western Digital My Passport 0748
Samsung HM121HC
Keyboard
Dell L100)(Vostro)/Dell KB2133p(XPS)
Mouse
Dell M-UAV-DEL8(XPS)
Internet Speed
100 Mbit/s(Only when IPTV is plugged out)
Antivirus
Avast, Malwarebytes PRO
Browser
Internet Explorer 11
Other Info
Note: Names with slashes between two different parts mean that the left is my old desktop and the right is my old laptop and the middle is my new desktop.(Unless specified)
Ping is horrible for servers overseas in US and Europe.
New laptop:LG Gram(Not available in US) Processor:Intel Core i3 4th Gen Ultra Low Power RAM:4GB Hard Drive:SK Hynix OEM MSATA or M.2 Graphics:Intel HD
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