AMD Ryzen or Intel i5??

[gammaray84]

I wouldn't go anything laptop, been there, never again.
Myself, prefer AMD.

Laptops are not made for gaming, even if the hardware or advertisement is telling you the opposite.

[eric]

In the context of what this website is about, whether it's the 3D modeling, code compilation, code execution, or spending time in one of the various simulators, a properly designed gaming laptop delivers what's promised.

[SMRY]

Laptops are not made for gaming, even if the hardware or advertisement is telling you the opposite.

Laptops aren't good for anything period (except perhaps a boat anker). Learned an expensive lesson the hard way long ago.
Hopefully eric, others, had / have a better experience.

[R. Steele]

Laptops aren't good for anything period (except perhaps a boat anker). Learned an expensive lesson the hard way long ago.
Hopefully eric, others, had / have a better experience.

Another Opinion: In my first experience with a laptop ( Alienware M17R2 -- less than a year in use ) I've had the opposite experience, excellent performance and support, performs all tasks well, runs OR with no issues.

[EricF]

There are gaming laptops out there that are worth the money, but you have to do your homework and know what's in them, just like with a desktop. And on top of that, you have to look for one with decent airflow through the fans so that the cooling keeps working and it doesn't slowly cook itself to death.

I have an ASUS gaming laptop that I picked up a few years ago -- It has a desktop-type GTX 1060 GPU in it -- not the "Max-Q" version which runs at a lower clock speed and has less VRAM. That's one of the main reasons I chose it. That and a clever hinge setup that makes a plate on the bottom open up and pushes the back up slightly when the screen is opened -- it opens up a big air intake vent underneath that's kept from being blocked because it's up above that hinged plate that's resting on the desk or wherever you put it down. Most laptops have an intake vent on the bottom -- which winds up sitting right on top of tables, desks, paper... the couch... basically getting blocked off unless you buy one of those laptop "cooling" stands with a vent or even a fan in it. Basically, bad design in way too many of them.

Take good care of a proper gaming laptop -- especially mind the cooling -- and it can last quite a long time.

[SP4449]

I've been using laptops for years, needing the portable aspect. Bought an MSI GE-75 Raider gaming laptop last year. The laptop seems to perform well, and I'm still getting used to how much power any gaming computer uses to support a graphics card. The MSI does throttle down nicely if I'm just using a browser or text editor. I've seen power use from 40 to 400 watts, usually in the 200 watt range, but the meter that I'm using may be off.

One of the reasons I've been buying laptops is to use less power, but when using the GPU, a GTX-2030. this laptop can use more power than any computer I've had before. I'm still debating with myself the practicality of using 200-300 watts for hours to run a simulation for enjoyment.

I'm not certain that I'd buy from MSI again. They seem to be fairly blunt about their right to collect data from a user. I had to install a utility from them just to control the LED lighting in the keyboard. I guess that any gaming laptop will have custom programs to control the hardware.

[rdayt]

Practically speaking, what entertainment venues are going to cost less and give the same enjoyment.
I can't think of any.
At 300 watts for 4-6 hours w/power at @$.16 per KWH? That's like $0.30 a day/$9 a month.
I'd spend more on gas just trying to go somewhere.

Randy

[eric]

What adult has time for 4-6 hours a day of gaming?....

[SMRY]

Practically speaking, what entertainment venues are going to cost less and give the same enjoyment.
I can't think of any.
At 300 watts for 4-6 hours w/power at @$.16 per KWH? That's like $0.30 a day/$9 a month.
I'd spend more on gas just trying to go somewhere.

Randy

Need to add the cost of your chosen PC / Laptop with those figures starting out of the box.
Then, compare cost of trips for the same level of enjoyment til you reach the cost of PC / Laptop.
Then begin your saving comparison on a per month basis.

I say that, as, many moons ago when I moved into the new home just after Xmas couldn't locate someone wanting to take on a new plow / salt & sand customer. When I finally did, they wanted to charge $120.00 per storm, for a very very short driveway, roughly 2 18wheeler lengths. Neighbors at the time said the former tenants paid all of $30 per storm. I said "F" it. Ran out purchased a bucketloader / backhoe combo, by the time all said & done roughly $25Gs. Not one of my better decisions up front. However, over the years has paid for itself in oh so many ways, even allowing me to take on snow removal for neighbors. In the end, the enjoyment of operating the tractor has indeed been priceless, as I love being outside, I just need to dress warmly, hint hint (RTS) Sean Murrell... lol

[SP4449]

Good point. I have to make my own power, so my situation is uncommon.
If I play during the day, it doesn't cost me anything. If I play at night, I have to run a genny to help my small system out.