Are gaming laptops good for content creation?
Creating content like videos, podcasts, and livestreaming is becoming more demanding on the devices we are using. If you have browsed through online stores at their laptop selection you may have come across gaming laptops – bulkier looking machines designed to be more powerful than your standard office-use device.
Why would a gaming laptop be good for content creation?
Gaming laptops are designed more towards, as the name suggests, gaming. This means they are optimised to be more powerful and handle more intensive tasks that other devices aren’t equipped for.
For example, gaming laptops typically have more powerful CPU’s or processors, and include graphics cards. They also usually have more storage space (for all those games) and more RAM.
Gaming laptops may also be more upgradable allowing the user to add more storage or RAM keeping the laptop well equipped for years to come.
What is a graphics card and why would it make a difference?
A graphics card or GPU processes the graphics that appear on your screen. When gaming the graphics card takes the weight of processing the graphics away from the CPU and enables better performance on the device. The better the graphics card, the better performance you get. A mid-range graphics card, like an RTX 3060 should allow you to play most games at 1080p 60fps.
A high-end GPU, however, like an RTX 4090 will deliver much better performance enabling 4K gaming at higher refresh rates – typically 100-160fps. But, as you would expect, this comes at a significantly higher cost.
The difference a GPU makes is significant in any case because it removes unnecessary work from the processor while optimising graphical based tasks, like exporting, rendering, and gaming.
Do gaming laptops have better performance for content?
Because of the addition of a GPU handling the graphical processes, content creation should, on paper, be faster. Video editing is heavy on the CPU, however if the CPU doesn’t have to process any of the graphics, then it should give you better performance on your timeline.
Additionally exporting the video should be significantly faster on a device with a GPU over a device without one. Exporting photos in programs like photoshop or lightroom will also be faster with a GPU.
Now you can get office-style laptops like Dells and HPs with graphics cards included, but a gaming PC may still outperform them. Why? Because of heat dissipation.
Gaming PCs are built bigger. Bigger cases, bigger frames, and bigger fans, all in the service of creating better heat dissipation, allowing the components to run at higher outputs more consistently. Traditional laptops are built slimmer and more lightweight, which is great for carrying them to the office, but are much more at risk of overheating when performing demanding tasks.
Have you ever had your laptop on your lap and felt like it was going to cook your legs? The buildup of heat prevents the device from running at full power, however gaming laptops are built to better withstand overheating and continue working at high output.
What are the drawbacks?
As mentioned, gaming laptops are built bigger, and heavier, so you sacrifice weight and style when you use a gaming laptop. Manufacturers like Razer have made great strides in producing high-performing gaming devices with more appealing appearances, but this adds a premium to the price.
You may also find that battery life suffers with gaming devices. The heat dissipation we discussed earlier allows the device to run at higher power for longer, drawing more power to the components. This means you’re going to need to keep a gaming device on charge to get superior performance for longer periods of time – however that is kind of what they are designed for.
The last drawback, which could be a deal breaker, is noise. These things, with their big fans, can make a lot of noise when they get going. If you’re looking for a subtle machine to handle your workload as you work in a library or local coffee shop, you may get some funny looks as your laptop all but attempts to take off from the desk.
Is a gaming laptop right for you?
If you want a machine that can handle heavier workloads like video editing, graphic design, 3D modelling, or livestreaming, and you are happy with keeping it plugged in at your workspace, and can deal with a bit of noise, then yes, a gaming laptop is right for you.
If you want to be out and about, working from anywhere, with solid battery life and quiet performance, then you may need to investigate some alternative options – but we have you covered! Check out another article: Is a MacBook good for content creation?