How to choose a PC game that suits your laptop's specs

How to choose a PC game that suits your laptop's specs - a beginner's guide by Gameyplay.

Choosing the right game for your laptop is tricky, especially when new to PC gaming. With so many titles available, it is very important to consider selecting games your laptop can smoothly run without lag and overheating. Not every laptop is made for gaming, and therefore understanding the capability of your device will be very key to a seamless experience in gaming.

This tutorial will lead you through everything you should know in choosing PC games based on your laptop specifications to avoid frustration and keep the fun.

1. Know Your Laptop's Specs

Before venturing deep into the world of PC gaming, you should know exactly what is constituting your laptop in terms of hardware specification. The following are some of the most vital components you must know about:

• CPU Processor, Your processor runs the instructions of a game. The stronger the CPU, the well your laptop will do; the more powerful it is for games that use lots of resources.
• GPU Graphics Card, The GPU renders the graphics. Gaming laptops with dedicated graphics cards, like NVIDIA or AMD, are better at performing in-game functions compared to those using integrated graphics.
• RAM (Memory), RAM allows your laptop to multitask and support multiple applications running at the same time. In modern gaming, 8 GB is about the bare minimum suggested, but it is favorable if you can get more such as 16 GB for heavier title games.
• Storage, Modern games take a lot of space. Faster storage (SSD over HDD) will help reduce loading times. Make sure there is enough room to install the games.
• Display, Less important than the above, but the quality of a display will go up with an increased refresh rate and higher resolution for display. 

Tip: Still wanting to know how to find your system's specification in your laptop, just check on Settings > System > About, on Windows, or third-party applications like CPU-Z for detail information.

2. Game System Requirements

Each game comes with a list of system requirements. These usually come in two forms: minimum and recommended. Here is what those terms generally mean:

• Minimum requirements, This is the lowest hardware your laptop will need to run the game. When your system meets only the minimum system requirements, the gameplay will go on but with low performance, which might limit the frame rates or reduce the graphics quality.
• Recommended requirements, The hardware needed to run the game more smoothly, at higher graphics settings for a better overall experience.

When looking into a game's system requirements, pull them up against your laptop's specs. If your laptop matches or goes above the recommended requirements, you're good to go. When it only meets the minimums, you may be required to adjust some of the settings in the game for optimal performance.

How to Find System Requirements

Most of the gaming platforms, be it Steam, Epic Games Store, or GOG, list the system requirements on a store page about the game. You could also get the same information from the developer's website or forums.

3. Understand the Different Game Genres

It turns out that some genres are more taxing than others. For example, open-world games like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 use a lot of processing power and memory to render large environments in real-time. On the other hand, usual 2D platformers and indie titles are usually less resource-intensive.

Here's a quick rundown of game genres and how demanding they tend to be:

• First-person shooter: Call of Duty, Battlefield, and other such games belong to this genre, and because of the pace of their gameplay and detailed in-game graphics, they typically call for a highly powerful GPU and CPU. 
• RPGs: These might be demanding, too-mostly for those fond of huge open worlds and deep systems-such as in The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077.
• Real-time strategy: Games of the type, like StarCraft II, usually come with an average requirement; large fights can soon raise the load on your system's CPU and RAM. In general, 
• Puzzle and 2D games are low demanding and should run without problems on less powerful laptops.
• Simulation games may vary regarding demand-the size and complexity of the game's world determine how much PC resources it will consume. Examples include The Sims 4 and Cities: Skylines.

Tips: If your laptop isn't a high specs, be inclined toward indie games or other less graphically demanding genres of games such as puzzle, strategy, and 2D platformers. These are equally enjoyable but won't push your hardware to the edge.

4. Optimize Game Settings for Performance

If you happen to have found a game that you liked, but it does not run as smoothly as you had wished, well, there you go. Most of the games will give you a number of settings that you can adjust in order to optimize performance. Some of the key settings to change include:

• Resolution: Lowering the resolution boosts the performance significantly, especially when dealing with laptops with integrated graphics.
• Graphics quality: Most games allow you to adjust the quality of the textures, shadows, and effects. Setting them to "Low" or "Medium" might increase your frame rate with minimal loss in graphic detail.
• Anti-aliasing: Anti-aliasing smooths out jagged edges; however, it is very demanding on the GPU. Turning off anti-aliasing can improve performance.
• V-Sync: V-Sync synchronizes your game's frame rate with your display's refresh rate. While it may get rid of screen tearing, it also may add input lag and lower performance. Disabling it is worth trying to see if that helps.

Many games have options like "Performance" or "Low Spec Mode". This will automatically lower settings for you.

5. Free Up System Resources

Sometimes, it is not that your laptop is underpowered to run these games; rather, some resources are diverted to other running processes without you noticing. Here are some quick tips that ensure that your laptop runs optimal while gaming:

• Close any extra applications: Items that are running in the background can clog your system, like web browsers or music players.
• Update your drivers: Drivers for graphics cards are constantly updated to run more smoothly when it comes to gaming. Ensure that drivers get updated.
• Adjust power settings: In Windows, make sure that your laptop is in the "High Performance" power mode under the Power & Sleep Settings.
• Disable Startup programs: Some programs launch on startup. A lot of those programs can eat away at your resources. Disable them via Task Manager in the Startup tab.

6. Consider Game Streaming Services

If your laptop can't handle new games, you should at least consider such game streaming services as NVIDIA GeForce Now, Google Stadia, or Xbox Cloud Gaming. Such services will enable gaming on powerful cloud servers while the video stream goes to your laptop. In this way, you can enjoy even the most powerful games without having high-end hardware.

However, most of these services work with an excellent and steady Internet facility, and might lag in the literal sense where you are in the world.

7. Look for Games with Low System Requirements

If you don't want to go through the process of handling system requirements, then there are plenty of great games that have been made to run on a low-spec machine. Here are a few popular titles that are laptop friendly:

• Stardew Valley: Farming simulation games that are pretty relaxing and run most systems.
• Undertale: 2D RPG with an interesting storytelling method. Needs very little for system requirements.
• Terraria: Like Minecraft, a 2D sandbox in most ways, just without resource usage.
• League of Legends: Popular MOBA which can run well on older laptops.
• Slay the Spire: A deck-building roguelike that does not have to be demanding on a machine.

8. Keep Your Laptop Cool

Overheating is one of the most common issues when gaming on a laptop, especially if that laptop isn't intended for gaming. High temperatures may cause throttling, which means that your CPU or GPU will run at slower speeds to prevent overheating and hence manage low performance. Here's how you can keep your laptop cool:

• Use cooling pad: Much like using a laptop stand to increase airflow for your laptop, it's a pretty inexpensive solution that cools down your laptop.
• Clean the vents: Maybe the dust has collected in the vents, which is preventing air from flowing properly and thus overheating your laptop. Make sure the vents are clean.
• Place your laptop on a flat, hard surface and slightly elevate the back to facilitate airflow.

Top 5 Laptop Recommendations for Gaming Based on Your Budget

Choosing the right laptop for gaming doesn't have to be overwhelming, especially when you're working with a specific budget. Whether you're looking for a high-performance machine or a budget-friendly option, there are plenty of great choices available. Here are five laptops that we recommend, each offering excellent gaming performance for its price range:

1. Acer Nitro 5 (Around $700) => Buy in Here

For gamers on a budget, the Acer Nitro 5 offers an excellent balance between price and performance. With a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU, and 16GB of RAM, it's perfect for playing games with moderate system requirements. It also features a 15.6-inch Full HD display and reliable cooling, making it a solid choice for casual gaming.

2. ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (Around $1,000) => Buy in Here

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is ideal for those looking for a bit more power without breaking the bank. It’s equipped with a Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 4060 graphics card, offering smooth gameplay for more demanding titles. The 16GB RAM and 1 TB SSD provide plenty of space and speed for a seamless gaming experience. This laptop is also known for its durability and long-lasting battery life.

3. MSI GF63 Thin (Around $900) => Buy in Here  

If you’re looking to spend a little more, the MSI GF63 Thin provides impressive performance with its Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU. This laptop can handle the latest AAA games with ease, offering high frame rates and detailed graphics. Its lightweight design and sleek look make it an attractive option for gamers who want portability as well.

4. Dell G15 5530 G-Series (Around $900) => Buy in Here

The Dell G15 5530 offers powerful performance with its Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, ideal for running the latest games. Its 15.6-inch FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, while 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD provide fast storage. The Alienware-inspired thermal design keeps it cool, and the Game Shift key boosts performance on demand, making it a solid choice for serious gamers.

5. Razer Blade 15 (Around $2,000) => Buy in Here  

If you’re seeking a premium gaming experience and are willing to invest more, the Razer Blade 15 is one of the best options on the market. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU, and 16GB of RAM, delivering top-tier performance for all types of games. With a stunning 144Hz display, an ultra-slim design, and excellent build quality, the Razer Blade 15 is perfect for serious gamers who want the best performance and aesthetics.

Each of these laptops is available on Amazon, and by choosing one that fits your budget, you can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember, investing in a reliable gaming laptop will enhance your gameplay, making it worth every penny.

By purchasing through the links provided, you'll also be supporting our website through Amazon’s affiliate program. Happy gaming, and we hope you find the perfect laptop for your needs!

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