Are laptops good for gaming?

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

Jee even without having a monitor /keyboard/mouse /speaker, a laptop is usually more expensive.
And from my experience only, I say don't do it!!!
When you put a lot of power into a laptop you can get lots of issues aside from the price. If you run a heavy game on a powerful laptop they are way more prone to crashing and overheating.

I recently had to pick a PC for mom and dad, and I found a PC almost as powerful as my own (Which is plenty powerful.) for about 1/2 the price I paid for mine (and I bought parts, and my parents PC was prebuild...)
For a really good PC you'd pay about 800 euro without monitor/speakers. If you are in the USA you are very lucky, cause PC's are way cheaper there. I bet they're like $700 for one that can play BF3 high.

You could ask this in the PC Hardware forum. System Wars isn't really the right place.

The one I got for my parents was a Pluto P120:
DVD/Bluray
i5-2500
4GB DDR3
Radeon HD6870
2 TB hdd
and windows 7 of course.

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

shahilsyed

No. Not sure about the CPU, but your GPU is absolute rubbish today. You probably wont be able to run Battlefield 3 even on lowest settings.

If you're willing to pay like 2000 € for it, then, sure you can get a good gaming laptop. Which I have. I don't have room for desktop and I travel a lot, so laptop was pretty much a must have for me.

How much is that laptop going to set you back? Im certain you could build a system for around the same price that will play BF3 on above medium settings for the same price if you take this to the pc hardware board.

Getting a gaming laptop is almost pointless except for the compact/ size. They put out too much heat to be viable on-the-go and require one of those cooling pads when doing any gaming.

I can generally play most games I end up buying for pc on my laptop.ME, GTAIV, Borderlands, Fallout New Vegas I can play at medium/high settings with 2.40ghz i5 cpu and ATI HD 5650 graphics. If you're doing all your gaming via pc I probably wouldn't on a laptop if it can be avoided, I can really feel mine burning up under my hand sometimes and I can smell the heat coming out of it. It's just not the most pleasant experience at times._Cadbury_

To avoid getting burn, get a gamepad for your laptop. I am using a Logitech Gamepad F710 to play deadrising, SF4, Blazblue, bioshock, masseffect 1, and Gta4. The laptop i have is a Sony VPC-EB model. It doesn't get hot even if i decide to use keyboard and mouse.

Getting a gaming laptop is almost pointless except for the compact/ size. They put out too much heat to be viable on-the-go and require one of those cooling pads when doing any gaming.

ChubbyGuy40

Real mobile HD gaming is possible on AMD Llano A8 based laptop.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/a8-3500m-llano-apu,2959-22.html

The power use in the above graph is a result of a controlled test on an external monitor, so we repeated this metric again, this time using the laptop's own display. The A8-3500M laptop lasted two hours and 12 minutes. Assuming the Intel laptop used the exact same battery, it would run for one hour and 22 minutes.

This is very impressive. Not only does the A8-3500M get about twice as much time out of its battery, it does so while delivering far better graphics performance. The implications of this are profound: a Llano laptop user might be able to play a mainstream 3D game for an entire two-hour flight with decent frame rates, while the Intel Core i5-based platform would only last for half of the flight with choppy performance. There does, in fact, seem to be validity in AMD's excitement over its improved power story, and of course this is a real advantage when it comes to mobile devices.

Personally, I plan for AMD Trinity APU + hybrid CrossFireX based laptop purchase sometime in 2012 i.e. my current gaming laptop would probably last until the end of current gen HD consoles.

The same amount you spend on a laptop for a desktop that desktop will obliterate it

Don't even use that laptop for serious gaming or more p to date games. I have similar specs and it struggles like a baby.

Don't even use that laptop for serious gaming or more p to date games. I have similar specs and it struggles like a baby.

NoodleFighter

If you can buy an expensive laptop, you can buy a gaming pc. Just sayin'.

But as for your current set-up - it's no good for BF3.

Slashkice

sometimes its not viable like myself to have a gaming rig,i take my laptop on the train to Aberdeen when i go every month and i get wifi on the train sometimes depending on if i can afford the first class ticket.I cant do that with a desktop can i :P

besides you can play loads old games with those specs some of which i personally think are better than a lot of newer games on the market :P

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

[QUOTE="shahilsyed"]

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

lucky_star

[QUOTE="lucky_star"][QUOTE="shahilsyed"]

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

I primarily game on an Asus G53JW after shifting countries.
One of the best PC's I've had to be honest, and it was far cheaper (about $600 AUD less (and had far better specifications)) than the closest Alienware equivalent.

Runs games well at a native 1080p, only a few need settings notched down, and there's HDMI out and a Blu Ray player a bonus.

Downside is you need the external power supply plugged into a wall when playing games on the laptops 'high performance' setting otherwise the battery drains in just over an hour, and compared to a deskptop you're not getting as much 'bang for your buck'.

On the flip side you can easily connect it to a monitor / TV, and then connect an external keyboard (and mouse); you have a portable desktop.

Both games, highest settings and 4XAA (I think)

That laptop of yours however would probably struggle to run BF3 on decent settings, and I doubt it'll scale that well.

If you have BFBC2 it will be worth giving it a shot to get an idea of how the engine might perform.

Getting a gaming laptop is almost pointless except for the compact/ size. They put out too much heat to be viable on-the-go and require one of those cooling pads when doing any gaming.

ChubbyGuy40

top laptops wont be as powerful as top desktop pcs but they are decent enought if you are willing to spend $ 2000 + in one. Or do what i do, laptop = study, desktop = game

I´d rather game on a Mac then on a laptop. They are that bad.

Gaming laptops are actually pretty decent, just more expensive. You are trading the best performance for portability. And that should be the main or even only reason you wanna buy a gaming laptop : to move around. I used to go about places including at friends' places so I need a gaming laptop (besides I have to do some graphics/vid/sound editing work).

Also, obviously gaming laptops won't perform on the same level as a desktop would at 1080P so you have to be prepared to drop some settings. But you can always opt for a smaller screen and a lowered resolution which would allow you to play games at usually very high settings, many times max effects/particles and bla bla bla.

I iterate again, the main reason to buy a gaming laptop is when you move around ALOT.

Oh try to stay away from Alienware coz the impression I get from a lot of people is that they are overpriced(I don't really know tbh, just what they say). I'm using an Asus laptop. Very hardy, very reliable. Heard that MSI laptops are pretty good too. Do a lot of homework when buying a laptop because they are pricey. Read multiple reviews, go watch on youtube vids so you know what you are really buying and etc etc.

YES...laptops are great for gaming if you get a good enough one..PLUS portable. I was in the same boat as many people in the beginning of this year. I was torn between buying a sub 1000.00$ gaming laptop OR building another nice desktop...I ONLY chose the desktop because if something goes wrong with the laptop you cant fix it with ease. AND im not rich to just take that chance..

I have MSI GT780 and it's really a good desktop replacement since i'm away from home. It has a GTX 560M capable of maxing games except the heavy ones like Crysis 2. I can run Crysis 2 DX11 at 1980x1050 in extreme settings with playable framerates. It also has good speakers. The best speakers i've heard from any laptop.lordlors

Dont do it. I got an m17x as a replacement for a dell computer and well let just say it heats up too fast.:(

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

Getting a gaming laptop is almost pointless except for the compact/ size. They put out too much heat to be viable on-the-go and require one of those cooling pads when doing any gaming.

skrat_01

Yeah Asus laptops and the Alienware laptops are very good.. The M11x is awesome idea of ultra portable laptop thats extremely portable.. And its extremely affordable at like $700 for such a good laptop... The next level one is real good too.

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

shahilsyed

[QUOTE="shahilsyed"]

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

dommeus

That depends entirely on what you mean bang for the buck.. For a laptop your paying for it being extremely portable.. Something the desktop doesn't even have. Not even the lan party made ones.

Yes, but desktops are superior in that you can upgrade them and they have KB/M.

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

They can be, but a laptop will cost far more than a desktop of similar power, so if you're worried about price and thinking of buying a laptop....well...... :P

My brother bought himself a gaming laptop (since he travels frequently), and after we ran our computers through some benchmark tests we found that his laptop was practically equal to my desktop in power. The only difference is that his laptop still costs roughly $1000, and I bought my desktop PC + 24" 1080p monitor for $800 total nearly 2 years ago!

Other drawbacks beyond price that laptops come with is that the monitors typically aren't 1080p, but instead lower resolutions because laptop screens are generally smaller as is, there are heat issues when you game for too long (if you play graphic-intensive games), you can't upgrade them easily, and for me personally I hate laptop keyboards and I hate how the monitor is attached directly to the keyboard (I like how my desktop monitor is raised six inches off my desk).

I wouldn't recommend a laptop for any reason other than you travel frequently. If you're going to game at home there's no reason you should not buy a desktop for gaming because a laptop is worse in every department except portability.

They can be, but a laptop will cost far more than a desktop of similar power, so if you're worried about price and thinking of buying a laptop....well...... :P

My brother bought himself a gaming laptop (since he travels frequently), and after we ran our computers through some benchmark tests we found that his laptop was practically equal to my desktop in power. The only difference is that his laptop still costs roughly $1000, and I bought my desktop PC + 24" 1080p monitor for $800 total nearly 2 years ago!

Other drawbacks beyond price that laptops come with is that the monitors typically aren't 1080p, but instead lower resolutions because laptop screens are generally smaller as is, there are heat issues when you game for too long (if you play graphic-intensive games), you can't upgrade them easily, and for me personally I hate laptop keyboards and I hate how the monitor is attached directly to the keyboard (I like how my desktop monitor is raised six inches off my desk).

I wouldn't recommend a laptop for any reason other than you travel frequently. If you're going to game at home there's no reason you should not buy a desktop for gaming because a laptop is worse in every department except portability.

Ly_the_Fairy

I have to say I could care less about 1080p to me itsjust more stress on the hardware when 1680x1050 looks more or less the same.. With any differences can be covered up with the use of AA.. Its far more future proof imo.. Because if you play anything below the said 1080p thanks to it being a lcd, it will look awful.. And nothing is stopping you from tv outing yoru laptop and using a usb keyboard.

You should only get a laptop if you

• Are going to college/university
• Travel a lot
• Don't use a computer other than to browse the web, check email, facebook and play the odd flash game

Stay away from them if you want to do serious gaming.

[QUOTE="Ly_the_Fairy"]

They can be, but a laptop will cost far more than a desktop of similar power, so if you're worried about price and thinking of buying a laptop....well...... :P

My brother bought himself a gaming laptop (since he travels frequently), and after we ran our computers through some benchmark tests we found that his laptop was practically equal to my desktop in power. The only difference is that his laptop still costs roughly $1000, and I bought my desktop PC + 24" 1080p monitor for $800 total nearly 2 years ago!

Other drawbacks beyond price that laptops come with is that the monitors typically aren't 1080p, but instead lower resolutions because laptop screens are generally smaller as is, there are heat issues when you game for too long (if you play graphic-intensive games), you can't upgrade them easily, and for me personally I hate laptop keyboards and I hate how the monitor is attached directly to the keyboard (I like how my desktop monitor is raised six inches off my desk).

I wouldn't recommend a laptop for any reason other than you travel frequently. If you're going to game at home there's no reason you should not buy a desktop for gaming because a laptop is worse in every department except portability.

sSubZerOo

I have to say I could care less about 1080p to me itsjust more stress on the hardware when 1680x1050 looks more or less the same.. With any differences can be covered up with the use of AA.. Its far more future proof imo.. Because if you play anything below the said 1080p thanks to it being a lcd, it will look awful.. And nothing is stopping you from tv outing yoru laptop and using a usb keyboard.

There's less stress in running my games at 1920x1080 with no AA than there is at running them at 1680x1050 with AA, and as far as I'm concerned there's better picture quality running it at 1920x1080 to begin with, so I always choose that if I can.

And you're right. You CAN hook up your laptop to a tv, and use a USB keyboard, but why? Don't you buy a laptop because you want portability? It seems kinda stupid to use a laptop just as you would a desktop especially for gaming. At that point you're just paying more, and getting less.

Asus laptops have giant vents at the back, so you can actually game with the thing on your lap and not be roasted. The downside is that it's a louder idling than most laptops. skrat_01

My friend has a top-of-the-line single GPU ASUS laptop from last year and that thing heats up like a mother******. The cooling it provides is not efficient and he has to have a cooling pad while gaming. Even doing some basic multitasking it can overheat itself.

Real mobile HD gaming is possible on AMD Llano A8 based laptop.

Personally, I plan for AMD Trinity APU + hybrid CrossFireX based laptop purchase sometime in 2012 i.e. my current gaming laptop would probably last until the end of current gen HD consoles.

ronvalencia

I was never arguing that they couldn't. To me, it just seems pointless since you have to have it plugged in for any decent gaming session, and a cooling pad is essential.

At that point, it just makes a desktop seem so much more viable. Unless you're always on the go and need that power with you, I just don't see the point. Definitely easier to bring to LAN parties though.

You should only get a laptop if you

• Are going to college/university
• Travel a lot
• Don't use a computer other than to browse the web, check email, facebook and play the odd flash game

Stay away from them if you want to do serious gaming.

EliteM0nk3y

or if you dont have a big room :P

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="Ly_the_Fairy"]

They can be, but a laptop will cost far more than a desktop of similar power, so if you're worried about price and thinking of buying a laptop....well...... :P

My brother bought himself a gaming laptop (since he travels frequently), and after we ran our computers through some benchmark tests we found that his laptop was practically equal to my desktop in power. The only difference is that his laptop still costs roughly $1000, and I bought my desktop PC + 24" 1080p monitor for $800 total nearly 2 years ago!

Other drawbacks beyond price that laptops come with is that the monitors typically aren't 1080p, but instead lower resolutions because laptop screens are generally smaller as is, there are heat issues when you game for too long (if you play graphic-intensive games), you can't upgrade them easily, and for me personally I hate laptop keyboards and I hate how the monitor is attached directly to the keyboard (I like how my desktop monitor is raised six inches off my desk).

I wouldn't recommend a laptop for any reason other than you travel frequently. If you're going to game at home there's no reason you should not buy a desktop for gaming because a laptop is worse in every department except portability.

Ly_the_Fairy

I have to say I could care less about 1080p to me itsjust more stress on the hardware when 1680x1050 looks more or less the same.. With any differences can be covered up with the use of AA.. Its far more future proof imo.. Because if you play anything below the said 1080p thanks to it being a lcd, it will look awful.. And nothing is stopping you from tv outing yoru laptop and using a usb keyboard.

There's less stress in running my games at 1920x1080 with no AA than there is at running them at 1680x1050 with AA, and as far as I'm concerned there's better picture quality running it at 1920x1080 to begin with, so I always choose that if I can.

And you're right. You CAN hook up your laptop to a tv, and use a USB keyboard, but why? Don't you buy a laptop because you want portability? It seems kinda stupid to use a laptop just as you would a desktop especially for gaming. At that point you're just paying more, and getting less.

Yet again those are options on top of it.. In the end Laptop gaming has never been better with how powerful they are at how cheap they are.. They of course will always be more expensive but your paying for a portable product.. IN the end its pointless to discuss it because its a matter of tastes.. I like them both.. And yet again 1080p is overrated especially with a LCD where your forced to stay in that resolution always..

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]Asus laptops have giant vents at the back, so you can actually game with the thing on your lap and not be roasted. The downside is that it's a louder idling than most laptops. ChubbyGuy40

My friend has a top-of-the-line single GPU ASUS laptop from last year and that thing heats up like a mother******. The cooling it provides is not efficient and he has to have a cooling pad while gaming. Even doing some basic multitasking it can overheat itself.

Real mobile HD gaming is possible on AMD Llano A8 based laptop.

Personally, I plan for AMD Trinity APU + hybrid CrossFireX based laptop purchase sometime in 2012 i.e. my current gaming laptop would probably last until the end of current gen HD consoles.

ronvalencia

I was never arguing that they couldn't. To me, it just seems pointless since you have to have it plugged in for any decent gaming session, and a cooling pad is essential.

At that point, it just makes a desktop seem so much more viable. Unless you're always on the go and need that power with you, I just don't see the point. Definitely easier to bring to LAN parties though.

Last time I checked you can't just simply plug your desktop towerany where an run it.. Furthermore why would you care if yoru going to be playing games for any amount of time on a laptop your going to be in a place where a plug is located to begin with.. In the end there should be either or, I would think if every one could they would want to have botha gaming laptop and a gaming desktop.

can sony vaio laptops be good gaming laptops?

I am wondering whether laptops are good for gaming so I can play major games this year on them. I can't really afford a gaming pc at the moment tbh or to build one. If I buy a really good and expensive laptop, will it be good enough for gaming, will it be able to play battlefield 3 and even max it out on graphics wise. Anyways I have a current laptop which I might use for gaming but I am not sure if its good enough. Here are my specs,

CPU: AMD Sempron™ Processor 2.1GHz

GPU: ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics card

Are my processor and graphics good enough?

My friend has a top-of-the-line single GPU ASUS laptop from last year and that thing heats up like a mother******. The cooling it provides is not efficient and he has to have a cooling pad while gaming. Even doing some basic multitasking it can overheat itself.

ChubbyGuy40

I've played way too many hours gaming with let's say Crysis 2 and the likes of with it on a table, or my lap and it has never heated up to the point that it needed to be moved, or locked up, not close. Noticeably warm at the back though. Friend might have a hardware fault; if it's in the two year warranty that's worth checking out.

can sony vaio laptops be good gaming laptops?

shahilsyed

Unless you're always on the go and need that power with you, I just don't see the point.

ChubbyGuy40

And you're right. You CAN hook up your laptop to a tv, and use a USB keyboard, but why? Don't you buy a laptop because you want portability? It seems kinda stupid to use a laptop just as you would a desktop especially for gaming. At that point you're just paying more, and getting less.

Ly_the_Fairy

This coming from someone who has always gamedon desktops, the last which was connected to a monitor and television (with audio out) simulatanously.