Lifespan of a gaming desktop/laptop?

stealthyexplosion

Estimable
Jul 26, 2014
3
0
4,510
So I know that a gaming desktop is better for gaming than a gaming laptop for several reasons, including the luxury to update the graphics card and longer longevity. But how long does a gaming laptop usually last? Will it last a lot longer if I play on low/mid settings? What about high/max settings? And while we're at it, how long does a gaming desktop last, in comparison to a laptop?
 
Solution
Honestly i would think the hardware would become outdated and not able to play the newer games before it ever just broke. And it depends really if your like me and have the cpu and gpu overclocked to the max and game all the time dont expect it to last more than a couple years but i usually end up just upgrading before i ever actually break anything.

Jim90

Honorable
Feb 3, 2013
19
0
10,570
For a desktop, make sure you select your motherboard (most critical component) with care - i.e. make sure you get the latest chipset /CPU slot design release you can. With the MB as a base you can happily game for at least 5-6 years (or more).
Just how many years depends on you continuing to upgrade the most important gaming component - the GFX card. If you are happy gaming with lower eye candy then you can further extend the system's lifetime.
You will, of course, need a CPU that matches the input requirements of your GPU. You don't need the highest tier/most expensive CPU.

For any Laptop you're going to spend much, much more for any equivalent performance to the desktop. You will also never be able to match a high end desktop - especially one kitted out for >1080p gaming (ignoring the fact that >1080p Windows Laptop screens are very rare). Laptops offer very limited upgrade options - I don't know of any manufacturer that encourages or allows for any GPU upgrade options for an existing Laptop (it's not impossible for some e.g. some Clevo's though you are very limited).
Thus a Laptop's longevity is much shorter than a desktop, particularly for gaming. If you have lots (and lots) of money you'll find custom laptops with xfire/sli options featuring high end mobile GFX cards.

 

Dunlop0078

Estimable
Herald
Feb 13, 2014
351
1
5,260
Honestly i would think the hardware would become outdated and not able to play the newer games before it ever just broke. And it depends really if your like me and have the cpu and gpu overclocked to the max and game all the time dont expect it to last more than a couple years but i usually end up just upgrading before i ever actually break anything.
 
Solution

stealthyexplosion

Estimable
Jul 26, 2014
3
0
4,510


Thanks for the explanation and details! But what if I play on low/mid settings? Will it last longer then? You have any numbers on that? BTW, even if the laptop is no longer capable of running games, it can still be used for other things right, like a regular laptop?