Choosing the Right Specifications When Buying a Gaming Laptop in 2025

Gaming has become so advanced in 2025, and the games being released have amazing graphics and great storylines, but they require lots of processing power to run properly.  This means that gamers have to be careful when buying their next gaming device to ensure it has the needed specifications and can run the games they like. Some people like to play their games on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, as they can reasonably support the games released specifically for them. However, console gaming is not always ideal since they sometimes do not have access to some popular games.

Consoles tend to have exclusive rights to highly sought-after games when launched since the manufacturer wants to gain as much market share as possible. For example, Playstation had exclusive rights to titles like God of War, The Last of Us, and Days Gone upon launch, while Xbox had similar rights to Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon, and Starfield.

However, a large part of the gaming community prefers to play on PC. Owning a PC allows people to access a wider variety of games than a single console provides, as console gaming manufacturers tend to release some of their exclusive titles on PCs sometime after launch. Some people also prefer using a PC over consoles since they can also be used for streaming, video editing, and other productive activities.

It is crucial to note that the fact that a game is available on a PC is not a guarantee that every computer can run it. This is because all PCs are built differently and the capability of a specific computer depends on its components. Additionally, some people prefer gaming laptops over desktops for convenience and portability.

When buying a laptop, it is important to choose the one with the right specifications so it can run the programs you need it for. The components listed below are what you should pay close attention to:

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the short-term memory of a computer. Your PC uses it to temporarily store data that it needs quick and easy access to so it can run programs and access files. The more RAM your PC has, the more programs it can run simultaneously and the faster each application will run. It is recommended that you buy a gaming laptop with 32 GB of RAM to run modern games, but 16 GB will still suffice in most cases. This may be expensive, but you might get a discount at an online store that offers laptop specials and deals.

Processor

The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is considered the brain of a computer. It is the component that processes data executes instructions, and handles tasks as needed by the operating system and other installed software programs. The faster a processor is, the better a computer will be at multitasking and running heavy-duty software, so you should buy a gaming laptop with a high-end processor from Intel or AMD.

If you are a casual gamer, Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors will be suitable for you. However, if you game competitively and need high frame rates, opt for Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processors instead.

Graphics cards

Graphics cards are responsible for rendering images, animations, and videos on your computer. They are also known as graphic processing units (GPUs) and contribute significantly to how fast your games run and how good their visual quality is. Besides gaming, GPUs are also used for video editing and 3D rendering.

To enjoy your favorite games at a reasonable price, buy a laptop with a powerful dedicated graphics card from a store offering deals on their computers. Note that all laptops come with integrated graphics cards for basic functions, but dedicated graphics cards do more intensive tasks. For modern gaming, GPUs from the NVIDIA RTX 40-series will serve you well, but you should research them to determine the exact one you need.

Monitor

The specifications of laptop monitors are often overlooked but are important. As a gamer, you want buttery smooth gameplay, so you should opt for a laptop that has a monitor with high refresh rates and can produce high frame rates.

At a minimum, any gaming laptop you buy should have a refresh rate of 144Hz and a refresh rate of 120fps. This will enhance the look and feel of the games you play and make gaming a more worthwhile experience.

Endnote

As a gamer, you should strive to get the best device possible to play the games you like. You may choose to own a console, but if you prefer playing on a gaming laptop, ensure you buy one that has the specifications needed to play the games you are interested in. The guide above will help you make the right decision, but you should also watch reviews of any laptop that has your desired specs to ensure they meet your expectations.