Yes and no. Gaming laptops can deteriorate over time. This is determined by various factors, including how well you take care of them and what specs they have. In fact, a machine that is well-taken care of can last you between three and six years.
Just like any other laptop, a gaming laptop will face different issues, which you can read about here.
Factors That Affect a Laptop’s Lifespan
Buying a gaming laptop can be an expensive investment you would like to last a while. Unfortunately, over the years, different parts start breaking down or become outdated, and your laptop starts to underperform.
Overheating
A gaming laptop’s CPU and GPU generate a lot of heat when playing games, and this can cause your laptop to overheat. You will see your laptop is overheating when:
- It feels warm constantly. The fans are noisier and faster. The cooling fan’s speed is determined by how much heat is being produced. The more heat, the faster the fan will run and the noisier it will be.
- The laptop shuts down unexpectedly. When the CPU becomes too hot, your system notices and forces the laptop to cool itself.
Battery Life
An ordinary laptop has a longer battery life than a gaming laptop because gaming laptops have more intensive components that need more power to operate. One of the best ways to extend your battery life is by using it when it is plugged into power.
Usage
How long and how well you use your laptop will determine how long it lasts. Gaming laptops are no different. They last a shorter time because gaming can be really heavy for a laptop.
Hardware
Compared to ordinary laptops, gaming laptops come with different specs, some of which cannot be upgraded. This is because the CPU, GPU, and RAM are usually soldered on the motherboard.
GPU
The GPU on a gaming laptop is a notch higher than in ordinary laptops and is usually the most expensive part of a laptop. The more a GPU works, the faster it can degrade over time, especially if you do not take care of your laptop. When your GPU stops working optimally:
- Your laptop will start crashing a lot. Games will start crashing and rebooting more often, even after troubleshooting.
- Graphical glitches. Your laptop will stop rendering images properly and in instead show poor images. It will also cause random images and screen glitches to appear.
- The FPS reduces after updating drivers and other troubleshooting measures.
Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your GPU once it dies. You will need to replace your gaming laptop.
CPU
Gaming laptops have faster processors. The CPU is responsible for making the right logical decisions that allow the computer to complete its tasks. The CPU in a gaming laptop usually has multiple cores to allow for a smoother gaming experience. As more games are created and updated, a gaming laptop with an older CPU may be unable to run high-end games.
RAM
A gaming laptop with less than 16GB RAM will lose its purpose over time. A smooth gaming experience requires at least 8GB RAM. However, if you use your gaming laptop for other tasks, 16GB RAM will give you leeway to game and perform other tasks.
Quality of Laptop
Premium gaming laptops tend to last longer and work better over time compared to budget-friendly ones. They are built better and have better graphics, processors, and more RAM. Unfortunately, the more premium the laptop, the more expensive it is.
How to Make Your Gaming Laptop Last
There are certain measures you can take to prevent your laptop from getting worse over time and make it last longer.
- Switch it off. This is the simplest solution to an overheating laptop. Switching it off will allow it to cool down naturally.
- Get a laptop with higher specs. A laptop with higher specs will be able to handle newer games and game updates.
- Clean it. Just like other electronic devices, a gaming laptop gets dirty and dusty with time. The dust particles can enter the laptop, settle on the fan, motherboard, and vents and prevent airflow. Cleaning your laptop with a damp cloth or an air compressor will help remove the dirt and dust.
- Keep it cool. Keep your laptop cool by using it on a hard surface. Using a laptop on your lap or a bed can prevent air from circulating properly. Another way you can keep your laptop cool is by re-applying thermal paste. You can do this every year to ensure your laptop stays cooler for longer.
- Close background apps. Background apps can add more strain to your CPU and cause it to overheat. When gaming, close other apps that you are not using.
In Summary
A gaming laptop has a shorter lifespan than an ordinary laptop. Gaming can significantly reduce this lifespan, especially if you game for long periods. You can take certain measures to ensure your laptop lasts longer. Nevertheless, if your laptop is unable to run games, you can turn it into an ordinary one and use it for basic computer tasks.
