Choosing the Best Gaming Laptop: Cooling Systems and Brand Recommendations
When it comes to selecting a gaming laptop, one of the most easily overlooked technical details is the cooling system. While the processor, RAM, and graphic cards are often the primary focus, these components will only perform effectively if equipped with a robust cooling solution. Unlike desktops, where upgrading or changing the cooling system is feasible, laptops are often limited by what they come with.
The importance of a good cooling system cannot be overstated. Without proper cooling, your laptop may throttle the performance of its core components. For example, the new MacBook Air 2020 features a fan system that, while effective, is not directly connected to the core components via heat pipes, leading to significant thermal throttling of the processor.
MSI's Cooling Solution: CoolerBoost
One of the leading brands in the gaming laptop market, MSI, takes their cooling systems very seriously. Their Cooling Boost technology, known as CoolerBoost, is one of the best cooling solutions I have encountered on a laptop. The MSI GS66, for instance, features a sleek, lightweight design with an Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 2080 SUPER Max-Q GPU. Despite the significant heat generated, the cooling system, which includes 3 fans and 7 heat pipes, ensures optimal performance. This laptop can maintain peak gaming performance with a consistent 300 FPS, even under heavy load.
Brand Recommendations: Asus and MSI
When considering price, both Asus and MSI offer a range of gaming laptops that are reasonably priced compared to equivalent models from Alienware or Razer. These brands often strike a balance between performance and affordability, making them excellent choices for gamers on a budget.
Other Considerations for Cooling
While some brands like Dell, Asus, and MSI provide decent cooling systems, others are significantly worse. Based on personal experience, Alienware and Razer are slightly less bad, with Packard Bell being the least bad in certain models. However, the absolute worst performing laptops in this regard are from HP.
It is worth noting, however, that even the best laptop cooling systems are not as effective as a desktop setup. For optimal performance and cooling, desktops generally outperform laptops. This is why, if cooling is a primary concern, it might be best to consider a desktop system, which allows for better airflow and easier maintenance of cooling components.
Conclusion
When choosing a gaming laptop, it is crucial to pay attention to the cooling system. Brands such as MSI stand out with their CoolerBoost technology, providing reliable and efficient cooling solutions even for high-performance laptops. While prices can vary, brands like Asus and MSI offer solid options within a broader budget. Ultimately, if you prioritize cooling and performance, a desktop system might be the best choice.