In recent years, due to the continuation and intensification of economic sanctions, the sharp decline in the value of the national currency, as well as the restrictions of the central bank on the import of foreign goods in order to control the exchange rate, the price of hardware, accessories, and laptops and computers has increased irrationally. . On the other hand, due to the uncertainty of the economic future, the lack of a monitoring system and the impossibility of importing, we are currently facing a severe lack of parts and its variety.
In general, the chaos of the market these days in the country has made gaming more difficult. Preparing a suitable home computer system for gaming is a difficult task these days. On the other hand, buying a laptop suitable for gaming is not a simple matter considering the limited choices in the Iranian market. Considering these conditions, if you are a user who is limited by game consoles, which one is a better choice?
The main differences between a desktop computer and a laptop
At first glance, the portability and small size of laptops seem to be a big advantage over home computers. Portable computers have poorer performance as a result of less heat. But you probably all know that powerful home computers have higher processing power and better output.
However, it should be kept in mind that many of these gaming laptops are still relatively heavy compared to other laptops. However, choosing a laptop for gaming is an option with efficiency and a lower price in addition to being portable. But to what extent can this decrease in efficiency affect your choice? In the continuation of this article, we will examine the basic differences between the two.
What is the difference between a central processor in a laptop and a computer?
The computer’s central processing unit (CPU) acts as the brain of the computer. In fact, it is the part of the computer that is responsible for actions, calculations and program execution. The processor is one of the most important parts of a gaming system that determines the overall performance and efficiency of the system. In fact, the burden of most of the physics calculations of the processor is on this part.
Having said that, the role of the central processor in smooth performance and games seems to be strong. But in practice and for running games, two identical processors in a laptop and desktop can give us more or less the same output. But it should be noted that even if you use the same CPU in a laptop and a computer, the final result of a laptop and a desktop computer will not be the same. This is due to the difference in the components that support the CPU.
A gaming computer accommodates more random access memory or RAM, thus increasing the speed and volume of information being processed. On the other hand, a desktop computer can run higher quality graphics cards than a laptop. Meanwhile, many laptops still use integrated and weak graphics.
In expensive and modern laptops, the presence of independent video processors and dedicated video memory has increased performance. But it is still not possible to compare the powerful graphics processors of today’s computers with the optimized versions of laptops. But in general, we can say that you are not going to notice a difference between a laptop and a computer with the same CPU in daily tasks or even playing light games. But in heavy processing such as editing and playing heavy games, we will notice huge changes.
The difference in GPU efficiency in laptops and computers
Contrary to the role of the central processor, the GPUs of computers and laptops have fundamental differences. You should not expect massive and powerful graphics cards to have the same performance or even close to the small graphics processors of laptops. But maybe you have been asked how much the same graphics in computer and laptop are different in efficiency?
For example, consider the powerful and new RTX 3070 processor. Compared to a powerful computer card, the laptop GPU uses a structure with fewer cores. Both of these processors use GA104 silicon. The computer graphics card has 5888 CUDA cores. This is if the number of cores in the laptop version is only 5120.
In the best case, the clock speed (Boost clock speed) is also less than 100 MHz in the laptop. In contrast, the 8 GB GDDR6 memory configuration is the only fixed feature of the two processors. In gaming experience, the laptop with the RTX 3070 graphics card appears up to 30% weaker than its desktop counterpart.
Laptop and computer processor cooling
The RTX 3070 laptop processor is available in two thermal powers depending on the system cooling method. Higher thermal power means more heat, resulting in bigger fans and ultimately bulkier laptops. However, these optimized cooling systems still look ridiculous compared to PC graphics cards with independent fans. In fact, the laptop with the RTX 3070 chip and the computer with the RTX 3070 graphics card only have similar names, but they are completely different in terms of performance, efficiency and power.
In general, laptops today are much faster, more compact and quieter than in the past. The use of more advanced chips along with new cooling methods as well as faster memories has made us witness a revolution in terms of graphics in modern laptops. But these portable and compact systems still have a long way to go to compete with bulky desktop computers.
Comparison of upgradeability of laptop and computer
As you know, many parts in laptops are not upgradeable. Due to the integrated structure or complex of processors and motherboard, it is usually not possible to upgrade or replace these parts. These limitations can also be related to specific chips, different interfaces, different physical structure, etc. Changing such parts is usually not recommended due to high cost and risk.
But on the other hand, in computers, continuous development and upgrading is normal. You can change all the hardware parts of your computer over time and according to your budget. This is despite the fact that in laptops, usually the most choice is to add SSD memory and sometimes RAM. So the lifespan of a gaming laptop cannot exceed several years.
Is it more expensive to buy a laptop or a computer?
If we look at the figures on paper, it is cheaper to buy and assemble desktop computer parts than to make a close model with lower efficiency in laptops. But since we live in Iran, it is extremely difficult and expensive to get suitable hardware parts these days. So getting a powerful laptop may seem a bit more logical.
Some cheaper models of brands such as Asus or Lenovo, which are specific to the Middle East or Africa and produced with cheaper body materials, can also provide a much cheaper final price in mid-range laptops. On the other hand, the possibility of getting stock laptops at a great price is also a choice that can make buying a laptop more rational.
Is a gaming laptop better or a gaming computer?
In the end, it is you who should prepare the system according to your budget and expectations. This choice is different in different categories according to the variety of parts, models and efficiency, and one platform cannot be prioritized over another. But it should always be kept in mind that a gaming laptop cannot compete with advanced computers; But for a pleasant experience in many games, a mid-range laptop is enough.
| Ease of transportation | Laptop |
| Processing power | Computer |
| Upgradability | Computer |
| Optimal energy consumption | Laptop |
| Price | it depends |
Yes; Laptops have a limited ability to upgrade memory and RAM.
Gaming computers are a better choice for gamers.
