Don’t Buy a Laptop Without Watching This Video - Ultimate Buying Guide!

Summary

Choosing the right laptop in 2024 or 2025 can be overwhelming, with various options across budget, mid-range, premium gaming, and thin & light categories. This guide covers essential factors like CPU (Intel Core i5/i7 or Ryzen 5/7), GPU (RTX 3050/4060), RAM (16GB minimum), and display (1080p, IPS, high refresh rate). The guide also touches on considerations for storage, battery life, and upgradability, offering advice for different use cases, from gaming to everyday tasks. It emphasizes smart shopping tips, including checking offline stores for price matching.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on getting a CPU with at least 6 performance cores for budget gaming laptops, such as Intel i5 (12th gen) or Ryzen 5 (5000 series). Avoid Zen2 and Zen3 architectures.
• 😀 For budget gaming laptops, consider GPUs like the RTX 3050 or even a 4060 if the budget allows. The RTX 3050 is seen as the new GTX 1650, offering better performance.
• 😀 Always prioritize 16 GB of RAM, preferably LPDDR5, for better performance. Avoid 8 GB RAM setups even if they are LPDDR5.
• 😀 The display of a gaming laptop should be at least 1080p with a higher refresh rate. Opt for IPS LCD panels with good brightness (300-400 nits) for better gaming experience.
• 😀 Mid-range gaming laptops (₹75,000-₹100,000) should have at least an Intel i7 or Ryzen 7 (H, HX, or HS series), and an RTX 4060 GPU for optimal performance.
• 😀 For mid-range laptops, ensure at least 16 GB of RAM (preferably LPDDR5), with extra SSD slots for potential upgrades.
• 😀 Premium gaming laptops should consider the latest Ryzen 7/9 or Intel Ultra Core i7/i9 for top-tier performance. Also, opt for 32 GB or 64 GB DDR5 RAM and Gen 5 SSDs if possible.
• 😀 Avoid 1080p displays in premium gaming laptops; aim for 2K or 4K resolutions. OLED panels are a plus if available.
• 😀 Thin and light machines (e.g., MacBook M series, Intel Core Ultra 1) are ideal for power efficiency and battery life, but ensure you are comfortable with the platform and software support.
• 😀 When purchasing thin and light laptops, opt for more RAM (16 GB or ideally 32 GB) and larger SSD storage (512 GB or 1 TB), as many of these laptops have non-upgradable RAM and storage.

Q & A

Which CPU should I consider for a budget gaming laptop?

For a budget gaming laptop, you should aim for at least an Intel Core i5 (12th generation) or a Ryzen 5 (5000 series). Avoid CPUs based on Zen2 or Zen3 architectures from AMD.

Is an RTX 3050 enough for gaming in 2024?

An RTX 3050 is a solid option for budget gaming laptops and is comparable to the older GTX 1650. It's capable of running most games at medium settings, though upgrading to an RTX 4060 would provide better future-proofing.

Should I prioritize 8GB LPDDR5 RAM over 16GB LPDDR4 RAM?

It is better to prioritize 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM over 8GB of LPDDR5. While LPDDR5 is faster, having more RAM generally offers better multitasking and gaming performance.

What display features should I look for in a gaming laptop?

Look for a 1080p IPS panel with at least a 60Hz refresh rate, ideally 120Hz or higher for smoother gameplay. Ensure it has decent brightness (preferably 300 nits or more) and color accuracy (at least 45% NTSC support).

Is it worth buying an RTX 4060 laptop in mid-2024?

Yes, buying a laptop with an RTX 4060 in mid-2024 is a good choice. The RTX 4060 will still be relevant until at least mid-2025, when the next generation (RTX 5060) will be released.

What is the recommended RAM size for a mid-range gaming laptop?

A mid-range gaming laptop should have at least 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. If the budget allows, 24GB or 32GB is better for future-proofing.

What kind of CPU is ideal for a premium gaming laptop?

For a premium gaming laptop, you should consider Intel Core i7 (Ultra series) or Ryzen 9 processors, as they offer higher core counts and better overall performance, especially for tasks like video editing or 3D modeling.

Should I wait for the 5000 series GPUs before buying a premium gaming laptop?

It may be worth waiting for the 5000 series GPUs, which are expected to release in mid-2025, but if you need a laptop now, models with RTX 4070, 4080, or 4090 will still offer excellent performance.

What storage should I consider in a gaming laptop?

Gaming laptops should have at least a 512GB SSD, with 1TB being ideal for better storage capacity. Ensure that the laptop has extra SSD slots for future upgrades.

What are the key differences between thin-and-light machines with Intel, AMD, and Apple M-series processors?

Intel and AMD thin-and-light machines are generally preferred for Windows users, offering better compatibility with a wide range of software, including games. Apple M-series chips, particularly the M4, are powerful and energy-efficient, but they are optimized for macOS, which may limit software compatibility on the Windows side.