If you’re an avid gamer, then you know the value of having a powerful gaming PC. However, not everyone has the budget to purchase one outright. Luckily if you already have a laptop lying around at home that is just collecting dust, there’s good news! You can easily convert your old or inexpensive laptop into a formidable gaming machine with some simple upgrades and adjustments.
Here are six things to keep in mind when converting your regular working notebook computer into an ultimate gaming station. We’ll go over everything from adding more RAM and storage to upgrading your graphics card so read on!
1. Upgrade Your Graphics Card
The first step in turning your laptop into a gaming PC is to upgrade the graphics card. Most laptops come with integrated graphics cards that work well for basic activities like browsing and playing online crypto casino slots but fall short when it comes to running high-end games.
A dedicated and stronger GPU will help you experience clear visuals and smooth frame rates without any stuttering or lagging experiences as seen on most entry-level models.
However, keep in mind that not all laptops have removable GPUs; some are baked directly onto the motherboard of your machine so make sure you check before investing money blindly into upgrading something impossible.
The standard way to upgrade your dedicated graphics card is by purchasing an external GPU enclosure that can plug into your laptop’s USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port.
2. Add More RAM
The next step in improving your laptop’s gaming potential is to add more RAM. If you have less than 8GB of system memory then upgrading it can significantly boost your machine’s performance when playing games that require a lot of resources.
To upgrade the RAM on most laptops simply unscrew and remove the bottom panel or keyboard cover beneath which lies access points for each vacant slot where additional DIMMs could be inserted. The exact configuration varies from device to device so always consult manuals before handling sensitive components like these.
3. Upgrade Your CPU
Like with any kind of computer use-case out there: processor power matters – especially for highly demanding software such as modern-age video games. If an older model was initially built upon basic specifications consisting mostly dual core processors having relatively low heat loads (like i-5s or their equivalents), this won’t cut through some resource-intensive titles yet due to limited core count. Upgrading to latest generation quad-core CPUs will certainly help smooth over those stutter-step frames we’ve all encountered midway multiplayer action time.
4. Get An External Monitor
While laptops are very portable and convenient, they often have smaller screens than desktop computers. To truly experience a game the way it was meant to be played – with immersive graphics and visuals that make you feel like you’re in another world – get an external monitor.
Set up your laptop using HDMI or VGA cords available from local electronics shops for easy setup of full HD displays that can range between 23-27 inches. A bigger display not only gives more room for UI elements but also provides better immersion when paired since larger image sizes mean crispier images on large panels!
5. Invest In Gaming Peripherals
For any gamer out there reading this: investing comes along with healthy choices which equip a competitive edge. A Good keyboard shift into exclusivity mechanical switches optimized particular key patterns associated various genres such as FPS, RPGs or MOBAS available through the brand-differentiating in quality made switches appreciated. Mechanical keyboards have these high-quality keycaps and serve a personalization functionality allowing gamers to tailor each button’s travel time as well.
In addition to that mouse should be of ultimate gaming element sizing: going for models with higher DPI sensors can respond faster without errors – leading to more accurate clicks being issued and adjusted entirely depending on what kind of game you’re playing altogether. Suffice it to say not all mice are created equal so always read reviews before committing yourself.
6. Improve Cooling
Just like desktop rigs need proper cooling solutions laptops require consideration regarding their temperature controls. Additional fans help dissipate built-up heat; altering lap desk material (such as mesh surface-type) permits varied airflow patterns to improvise letting the processor remain better ventilated providing consistency across extended period usage sessions. It all will help to avoid overheating within – thus increasing comfort level overall.
Conclusion
Turning a regular laptop into a gaming machine does require some investment and adjustments. However, it’s an excellent way to get the most out of your device without spending too much money on expensive desktop setups or new laptops.
As we have discussed, upgrading the graphics card is crucial when it comes to gaming. Adding more RAM and updating your CPU can also improve performance significantly.
