Choosing a gaming laptop: how to compare performance, screen and upgrade options

Buying a gaming laptop might seem straightforward: check the graphics card, look at the amount of RAM and choose a model with RGB lighting. In practice, the biggest differences often come down to details that are less prominent in product titles. These include the maximum GPU power, cooling, screen type and whether you can upgrade the storage or memory later.

These are the key things to consider if you’re a gamer, esports fan, content creator or someone who combines AI applications with multitasking.

Three common pitfalls when choosing a gaming laptop

1. Looking only at the graphics card name

An RTX 5060 or RTX 5090 doesn’t tell you everything about performance. Manufacturers can pair the same GPU with different power settings. So, if the information is available, check the stated TGP or maximum GPU power too. For example, the Lenovo Legion 5 lists an RTX 5060 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR7 and a maximum 115W TGP.

A powerful graphics card also needs a suitable processor, adequate cooling and an appropriate power adapter. As a result, a slim laptop may perform differently from a larger model with similar components.

2. Assuming a higher refresh rate means a better gaming experience

A laptop with a 240Hz screen could be a good choice for competitive gaming, but only if the hardware can deliver enough frames per second. For many players, a QHD or QHD+ resolution at 165Hz offers a practical balance between image sharpness and performance.

Also check the panel type. According to its product specifications, a laptop with an OLED screen offers deep blacks and high contrast, among other benefits. Be sure to check the brightness, resolution, HDR rating and colour coverage too. Together, these features determine how well the screen suits gaming, films and image editing.

3. Overlooking heat, power and upgrade options

A gaming laptop uses more power than a standard laptop during demanding games or rendering. Place it on a hard, flat surface and keep the ventilation openings clear. Use the supplied adapter; USB-C Power Delivery won’t necessarily provide enough power for intensive gaming.

Also check:

• RAM capacity: 16GB is a useful starting point; 32GB gives you more headroom for streaming, browsers and creative software.
• Storage: A 1TB SSD is more practical if you install several large games. A 512GB drive can fill up sooner.
• Upgrade options: Some models have spare SO-DIMM or M.2 slots.
• Ports: HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, Ethernet and Thunderbolt can all be important for a desktop setup.

Key specifications compared

RTX 5060 or RTX 5090?

A gaming laptop with an RTX 5060 is designed for modern games at high settings, depending on the resolution, game engine and power limits. The range includes several RTX 5060 models with 16GB or 32GB of RAM.

A gaming laptop with an RTX 5090 is a much more powerful configuration for users who need maximum graphics performance or combine 3D rendering with large AI and video projects. According to its product specifications, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI has an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with 24GB GDDR7. However, it also weighs around 3.6 kg and uses a powerful 400W adapter, making this type of laptop less suitable for everyday travel.

16GB, 32GB or 64GB of RAM?

A laptop with 16GB of RAM is suitable for gaming, studying, office work and everyday multitasking. If you stream while gaming, edit large projects or keep lots of programmes open, a laptop with 32GB of RAM could be a better fit.

A laptop with 64GB of RAM is mainly useful for demanding professional applications, virtual machines, large media files and intensive AI workloads. More memory won’t replace a powerful GPU or fast processor, so consider the full specification.

165Hz, 240Hz or 120Hz?

• 165Hz: A practical choice for QHD gaming and everyday use.
• 240Hz: A good option for esports and fast-paced competitive games, particularly at high frame rates.
• 120Hz: Could suit a very high resolution, such as UHD+, where image sharpness and HDR matter more than the highest possible refresh rate.

Remember that refresh rate isn’t the same as response time. Check the other screen specifications and the ports available for external monitors.

Recommended models for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Lenovo Legion 5 15AHP11 Gaming Laptop

Why it suits this type of user: Combines an RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5 and a 15.3-inch WQXGA OLED screen for gaming, studying and everyday multitasking.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications list the GPU memory, TGP, screen resolution and refresh rate, so you don’t have to rely on the RTX name alone.

Key benefits and features

2560 × 1600 OLED screen, 165Hz, 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD and two SO-DIMM slots, with up to 32GB of listed memory.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

MSI Stealth 16 AI+ B3WF-011NL Copilot+ PC

Why it suits this type of user: Designed for users looking for a portable setup for gaming, content creation, AI applications and productivity.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This configuration lists 32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, two M.2 slots and a 90Wh battery, making key details easy to check.

Key benefits and features

16-inch QHD+ OLED with 240Hz, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4 and 32GB DDR5.

Suitable for: Specialist uses and demanding users

MSI Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG-492NL Gaming Laptop

Why it suits this type of user: Made for users who need plenty of graphics power, storage and memory, and mainly use their laptop in one place.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its weight, 400W adapter and cooling requirements make it clear that this isn’t a lightweight laptop for travel.

Key benefits and features

RTX 5090 with 24GB GDDR7, 64GB DDR5, 6TB SSD and an 18-inch UHD+ Mini LED screen.

Suitable for: Esports fans

Thunderobot Radiant S16 5060 Gaming Laptop

Why it suits this type of user: The 16-inch QHD screen with 240Hz is suited to fast-paced games and users who want a more compact screen than a 17-inch model.

How this product avoids the pitfall

As well as the 240Hz refresh rate, the product specifications list the QHD resolution, processor, 16GB DDR5 and available ports.

Key benefits and features

RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Mini DisplayPort and two USB-C ports.

Accessories for your gaming setup

If you use a laptop dock or desktop setup, you might also want to consider gaming speakers with RGB lighting. According to the product description, the Edifier G1500 Computer Speakers have two 2.5-inch drivers, a stated peak power of 10W and five RGB lighting modes. The speakers connect via USB, 3.5mm AUX or Bluetooth 5.3, and offer game, music and film modes. Check out the Edifier G1500 gaming speakers for details of the connections and the latest product information.

Frequently asked questions about gaming laptops

Is 16GB RAM enough for a gaming laptop?

For many games and everyday multitasking, 16GB of RAM is a practical starting point. If you stream while gaming, edit video or use several demanding programmes, 32GB gives you more room to work. Check whether you can upgrade the memory later.

How long does a gaming laptop last?

Its lifespan depends on the demands of the games you play, the cooling environment, the battery and how well you maintain it. Keep the ventilation openings clear, use a hard surface and install updates. A model with upgradeable RAM or an extra M.2 slot may remain suitable for longer as your storage and memory needs change.

Does a gaming laptop use a lot of electricity?

Power consumption is generally higher when gaming than when doing office work, particularly with models that have powerful GPUs. The adapter capacity, GPU power limit and screen size give you an idea of the laptop’s design. To work out the exact cost, multiply its actual power consumption by your electricity rate.