If you’re in the market for a new computer, you’re probably wondering if a gaming laptop is right for you. Gaming laptops are certainly capable of playing games, but they aren’t exactly portable. Plus, they’re quite a bit more expensive than a traditional notebook.
So, which one should you buy? And what are the benefits and drawbacks of each? Let’s find out.
There is a great deal of misunderstanding among customers concerning the distinction between a gaming laptop and a MacBook. Because they lack technical knowledge regarding laptops, they cannot clarify their thoughts. No Offense! However, there are still certain types of individuals who aren’t very knowledgeable about the technical aspects of computers and trust what advertisements and customer reviews say to be the best products on the market.
Leaving that aside, folks with a strong understanding of computers are still caught in the middle, wondering if a MacBook would perform well or a gaming laptop.
They have established a mindset that believes gaming laptops are powerful enough, but Apple never lags in performance. Another viewpoint is that gaming laptops are fantastic for multitasking and high-end work, but the MacBook simplifies most jobs.
Well, such notions are nothing; they’re simply the state of mind a user acquires from listening to other people’s experiences. Various tasks call for different kinds of computers, and a gaming notebook and a MacBook are two examples. A wide variety of users use them for purposes that are exclusive to them.
If your needs aren’t particular, there’s no need to shell out a lot of cash for a high-end laptop. That operates similarly in this scenario. Users of Apple’s MacBooks might be businesses, video editors, or any other kind of professionals with specialized needs that Apple can provide. Why, pray tell, would they choose to purchase a laptop designed specifically for gaming, point to note?
They are not obligated in any way to participate in the games. On the other hand, such users are more preoccupied with their professional responsibilities. The purpose behind many people buying devices is to make their everyday lives easier. You are responsible for having the same level of comprehension.
So, without juggling the thoughts, let’s come to the facts and figures.
MacBooks
Apple MacBooks were never intended to function primarily as gaming laptops and have never been built to do so. Because the majority of MacBook models depend on integrated graphics cards from Intel, which are not very powerful. It should go without saying that integrated graphics cards are not the best choice for gaming. Even if you have the most advanced APUs, they will not function very well. Even while each iMac has its own dedicated graphics card, the computer is still unable to run the majority of today’s popular games.
Despite this, Apple has made significant strides toward realizing its vision of gaming on MacBooks in recent years. Many gamers nowadays believe that the MacBook is an excellent option for gaming and recommend it. Regarding the hardware, some models are superior to others for this application. There are MacBooks on the market that are capable of playing games quite effectively. Still, the cost of purchasing one of these machines is often significantly more than that of comparable gaming laptops.
Gaming Laptop
A gaming laptop is a portable and lightweight laptop with its own screen built in and is intended to allow gaming while the user is on the go or in locations where a desk is unavailable. A gaming laptop is fundamentally a laptop that is more powerful than a regular laptop. Consequently, it delivers superior performance in gaming and daily chores because of this increased power.
You can use a regular laptop and a gaming laptop for day-to-day tasks in addition to playing video games. The main difference is that a gaming laptop can run the most recent video games and make them appear impressive on its screen, whereas a regular laptop cannot. Or even if you do manage to get a demanding game to load, the graphics will be terrible.
You will, at most, be able to play games that are two or three years old at a high-performance level. You shouldn’t belittle their significance even if you aren’t interested in brand new AAA games. There are also a number of fantastic games developed independently that you may play for years without becoming bored. Gaming laptops are designed to withstand prolonged, strenuous usage and high-performance activities. They are also more sturdy and can withstand quite a few blows.
Macbook vs. Gaming Laptop
Quick Comparison
Basis | Gaming Laptop | MacBook |
Performance | High | High |
Ports | More | Less |
Battery Life | Average | Excellent |
Display | Good | Excellent |
Gaming Performance | Excellent | Below Average |
Device Longevity | 2-3 Years | 4-5 Years |
Best For | Gaming and high-end tasks | Video editing, Coding |
Performance
The performance of a gaming laptop or the MacBook is determined by the gaming experience they are providing you. The Apple MacBook Pro is the most powerful and capable laptop in the MacBook line. In this section, we will examine a high-end gaming laptop with the same amount of processing power as the MacBook Pro (A series of MacBooks).
CPU
With a powerful Intel Core i9 CPU, both gaming laptops and MacBooks have a lot of storage space and DDR4. The performance of both laptops is excellent and satisfactory due to their enormous amounts of random access memory (RAM) and tremendous storage capacities. There is not a single discernible difference between the central processing units (CPUs) found in gaming laptops and MacBooks.
Clock speed and cooling systems, meanwhile, have a significant impact on laptop performance.
Winner: Tie
GPU
A gaming laptop, designed with a greater emphasis on the graphics processing unit (GPU), is undoubtedly the superior option in this scenario. One of NVIDIA’s most recent graphics processing units (GPU), the GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, is included in a high-end gaming laptop with Intel’s UHD Graphics 630. In addition, this high-end laptop has a minimum graphic card memory of 6 gigabytes, making it capable of delivering an unrivaled gaming experience. The GPU processor is also included.
On the other hand, the graphics processing unit (GPU) of Apple’s MacBook receives less attention since these laptops are not designed for gaming. The Apple MacBook Pro is equipped with an AMD Radeon Pro 560X GPU, which is a powerful graphics processing unit that is suitable for gaming but cannot compete with the processing power of a dedicated gaming laptop.
Winner: Gaming Laptop
SSD
It is impossible to find a gaming laptop that can compete with the SSD storage capacity and speed of the MacBook. No other gaming laptops come close. As a rule, Apple’s Macbook provides more storage provided by SSDs than gaming laptops.
However, this is not an issue of causation. With gaming laptops, it is possible to install more SSD storage if it is compatible with the laptop, enabling the machine to function far more effectively. However, Apple’s Macbook is still ahead of the competition in terms of performance.
Winner: MacBook
Battery Life
Since gaming laptops have gear that requires a significant amount of power, you should not anticipate the battery life to be particularly lengthy. When put through normal, continuous usage, the battery life of a typical gaming laptop may reach up to three to four hours. On the other hand, it is anticipated that the most recent versions would have an increased battery capacity, allowing for continuous usage for up to seven to five hours.
In addition, the MacBook ensures that electricity is used effectively, resulting in a battery life far longer than that of competing products. Even though macOS is built for its user with technology that requires a lot of power, the battery life of a MacBook lasts far longer than a gaming laptop.
Winner: MacBook
Port or I/O Selection
The sleek and understated look of the MacBook Pro does not conceal an overwhelming number of connectivity options. It only has four Thunderbolt 3 connections and one socket for a headphone jack, giving the impression that it is pretty forward-looking in terms of connectivity options. Dongles are a necessary expense if you want to utilize an external mouse or hard disk drive on your computer. The MacBook does not come with a particularly large number of connectors.
On the other hand, a laptop designed specifically for gaming often has several ports that may be used for a variety of reasons. Therefore, it makes it simpler for customers to connect external devices without requiring them to spend any money. A standard gaming laptop will often include the following ports: three USB 3.0 ports, one Thunderbolt 3 port, one headphone jack, HDMI 2.0, mini DisplayPort, and one graphics port.
Therefore, a gaming laptop is more favored in this scenario if you are more trustworthy or convenient with the number of various ports.
Winner: Gaming Laptop
Longevity
Apple MacBooks often have a lifespan that is far greater than that of gaming laptops. Their operating system is more resilient, the quality of their builds is exceptional, and they provide outstanding customer support. MacOS is comparable to, if not superior to, Windows regarding the availability of security features and resilience.
There is minimal unnecessary software, and the operating system has been fine-tuned to get the most out of the available hardware. It’s not unusual to see MacBooks from three to eight years old yet still operate at a high-performance level.
The default installation of Windows includes a large amount of unnecessary software. Your laptop can become less efficient if you don’t clear off any remaining data after uninstalling programs. The more intuitive nature of Windows, as a comparison to MacOS, is a significant benefit. Windows has the capability of running practically any application. The powers of macOS are limited, and the use of some applications is restricted.
Apple’s MacBooks, which have an aluminum unibody enclosure, are constructed to exacting specifications. As a result of this design, Apple MacBooks are very portable and have a low profile.
Because various manufacturers are responsible for its production, gaming laptops will have varying degrees of structural integrity.
Winner: MacBook
Keyboards and touchpads
The keyboard is fully functional and adequate for the vast majority of users. The smaller profile of the keys on the MacBook’s keyboard is the one downside of its keyboard. This implies less travel when you push the keys, which will take some getting used to if you are used to desktop-style keyboards with softer keys. MacBook has the same excellent trackpad. Its glass construction makes it easy to use. The multi-touch trackpad can detect pinches, zooms, and other actions with as many as four fingers.
In contrast, gaming laptops, such as Acer’s new Predator Helios 700, include a transformable keyboard and trackpad. Sliding the keys forward reveals fans under the keyboard, increasing cooling and performance. The keyboard has innovative “MagForce keys” with linear switches. A quick hands-on with the Helios 700 revealed that the sliding keyboard is a decent compromise for those who like it in its traditional position at the rear of the laptop’s base. In addition, the fact that the laptop has a built-in palm rest dramatically improves the comfort of using a front-mounted keyboard.
Winner: Gaming Laptop
Benchmarks
First, let’s go through the audio-visual materials. The Apple MacBook Pro is the most superior computer. The IPS display included on the MacBook Pro is not just sharp but also boasts Apple’s unique Retina Display. This translates to the possibility of enjoying the most stunning displays that have ever been found on a portable computing device. The music is crystal-clear and sharp, and it manages to strike all the proper notes for an integrated speaker system. The sound quality is fantastic.
Is an external audio system possibly providing a higher sound quality than the Mac’s? Without a doubt, that would be the case. However, you may have peace of mind knowing that the experience of consuming media will be delightful if you invest in a Mac.
When it comes to gaming, the MacBook Pro does not do very well. Numerous laptop manufacturers built gaming laptops for gamers with a particular goal in mind from the beginning. Because the laptops have graphics cards manufactured by NVIDIA and AMD, users will enjoy an unparalleled gaming experience while using one of these machines.
You won’t be able to play the most current games on an ultra-high level on a laptop with a graphics card that falls in the range of a mid-range to high-end model, but you can play them. You will likewise observe that the dimensions of gaming laptops are not constrained in any way. These laptops feature uncompromised venting capabilities, provided by either an integrated fan or thermal throttling software.
This makes it possible for games to function without any hiccups anytime they are required. A Mac is not capable of competing with the enormous selection of games that are available for Windows; even Microsoft has some of these titles.
Apple has paid greater attention to the MacBook Pro’s design and its homogeneity. Yet, it cannot contain heat in the same manner as gaming laptops. You won’t need to worry about damaging your MacBook Pro if you use it for light, moderately intense, or even sometimes fierce jobs. It can handle all of these kinds of work just well. However, if you continue to subject it to strenuous activities and have a metal body, the temperature will eventually reach an unsafe level.
This product includes a dedicated graphics card that has a memory capacity of 4 gigabytes. The issue, though, is that Windows and the Mac do not share an equivalent amount of available titles. Consequently, we are now in the Windows operating system. Alternatively, you might stream games by using services that are offered for cloud gaming.
Let’s say you find the game you’re seeking on Mac. Let’s say you buy it. On the other hand, the MacBook Pro only has a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which is a little on the sluggish side. The term “Screen Refresh” refers to the number of times the display screen is updated during one minute.
In games with a fast-paced action sequence, such as shooters, the screen refresh rate of gaming laptops is set to 120 hertz to prevent screen ghosting and screen tearing. Consumption of immersive media experiences is best accomplished on a MacBook. If you are looking for media processing, such as video or picture editing, the Macbook Pro is the most significant decision you can make.
If playing video games is your primary priority, you should look into purchasing a Windows laptop designed specifically for gamers that come equipped with a graphics card that has a memory capacity of at least 4 gigabytes devoted to it.
Verdict
People often struggle to decide whether to get a high-end gaming laptop or a MacBook. Nevertheless, in my perspective, it never was. Consider the features and capabilities that are necessary for a computer for you.
Let’s say you’re currently employed and want to get a laptop that fits your work requirements and profile. Because you put more emphasis on your work than gaming, you have decided against purchasing a laptop designed specifically for gamers.
On the other hand, the MacBook Pro does not support the operation of many applications on macOS, which restricts the range of options available to customers. If this is the case, inevitably, a MacBook is not the right choice for you. Although the MacBook outperforms the competition in several categories, it cannot be regarded as a perfect notebook for every kind of user.
Because each user’s requirements and operation methods are unique, you should choose a laptop machine carefully to meet your specific demands.