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Is it worth getting a gaming PC?

841 Views 8 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  lochlomonder, 
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Hello, all!

I am currently rocking a standard laptop setup and only game occasionally (let's say an average of 1hr a week). My go-to is VALORANT, on which I get 35-40 FPS. The laptop is getting fairly old now, so I am at a crossroads regarding what to do (tech-wise) before university/college.

The two main options I can think of are: (1) buy a middle of the range gaming pc (found one with solid specs for £650/$900) and then get a tablet to tackle the obvious portability issues, or, (2) just buy a new and better laptop.

I will be studying medicine, and so the main uses of my tech will be word processing and internet browsing. Moreover, in term time, I will not have masses of free time to game in. As such, this 1hr a week average will probably be maintained throughout. As such, the two main issues I have to contend with are logistical (i.e. maximising potential casual gaming performance (and overall user experience) whilst staying portable) and whether it would be worth paying this extra money for a pc with better specs (since it would be the price of a PC, monitor, and tablet vs. just a laptop) despite not playing particularly often.

If you require any further elucidation as to aid your advice-giving please do just let me know.

Thank you for your time,
ProfessorDr
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lochlomonder
Welcome to the forum, @ProfessorDr.

For only gaming 1hr/week, I don't think there would be much point in purchasing two discrete pieces of hardware. If I was in your shoes, I'd invest in a replacement laptop.
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lochlomonder said:
Welcome to the forum, @ProfessorDr.

For only gaming 1hr/week, I don't think there would be much point in purchasing two discrete pieces of hardware. If I was in your shoes, I'd invest in a replacement laptop.
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Thank you for your advice.

Perhaps my comment of "1hr/week" doesn't tell the full story. During term time, I may not game for weeks at a time. However, in the holidays/vacation, I could well game for an hour+ every night. I suggested that this, overall, would average out to 1hr a week

Do you think that this newfound information will affect the advice you've given?

Thanks!
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i would get a new laptop if your only gaming around one hour a week even if it is more on vactions
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lochlomonder
I would still recommend a laptop, given the criteria you've outlined.
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lochlomonder said:
I would still recommend a laptop, given the criteria you've outlined.
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Ok, thanks! How frequently would one have to game for this purchase/strategy to be justifiable?
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lochlomonder
It's difficult for me to say, given the subjectivity of the question, as to what the tipping point would be vis-à-vis gaming laptops and PCs. It's certainly easier to upgrade a PC for newer hardware requirements for games, but that's contingent on what sort of games you'll be looking to play on it.
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lochlomonder said:
It's difficult for me to say, given the subjectivity of the question, as to what the tipping point would be vis-à-vis gaming laptops and PCs. It's certainly easier to upgrade a PC for newer hardware requirements for games, but that's contingent on what sort of games you'll be looking to play on it.
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That's absolutely understandable. As it stands, I only really play Valorant, though this is likely because I have not had the hardware capabilities to play anything more demanding.

I will deliberate on this further, as both my options have their relative merits. Thank you for your assistance.
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lochlomonder
You're welcome.
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