What Is the Single Most Important Feature in a Gaming Laptop?

A lot of laptops are being marketed and sold as gaming laptops today without having the actual capability to play the latest titles at acceptable frame rates, and even less so at your display's native resolution (which is always preferable) While you can be fairly sure that gaming-oriented brands like Asus Republic of Gamers and Alienware are up to the task, others can be considerably more difficult to pinpoint. This is a problem because a lot of prospective laptop buyers are looking at models that are somewhat less expensive than the high-end gamer brands, but still want enough performance to play games.

The Processor is a Secondary Factor for Gaming

If a sales representative tells you that you need the latest and most expensive quad-core Intel Core i7 processor to play games on your laptop, you are probably better off shopping somewhere else. Although the CPU is the "heart" of the system and has a major effect on the overall performance of your notebook, it is actually a secondary factor when you play games. It is the graphics card that performs a vast majority of the heavy lifting in 3D gaming.

The only question is whether the CPU is so slow as to be a performance bottleneck for the graphics card. The short answer is that all modern processors - save for a few low-end, low-voltage or netbook variants - are fast enough to keep up with the graphics card. And if the laptop is equipped with a decent GPU, you can be fairly certain that the processor is not an issue.

Steer Clear of Integrated Graphics

So let's take a step back and answer the original question more thoroughly. The graphics card - also known as the GPU - is what really counts when it comes to gaming. The biggest GPU manufacturer is Intel, but they produce only so-called integrated graphics solutions (integrated on the same chip as the processor or on the motherboard). These GPUs - or IGPs as they are called in this case - are not capable of anything but older or less demanding 3D games. At best, you might be able to play World of Warcraft using the latest Intel IGP, with the details turned down a few notches.

Nvidia or AMD? It's Complicated

The two main competitors in gaming graphics are AMD (previously ATI) and Nvidia. Both manufacturers produce excellent graphics cards, but the difference between their entry-level and high-end offerings is huge. To make matters more complicated, both Nvidia and AMD frequently update their model names - sometimes after only minimal changes in the actual chips.

For example, the previous-generation Nvidia GeForce GT 445M is more powerful than the current-generation GT 550M. Both have a similar architecture, but the former has 144 shaders ("GPU processors"), while the latter has only 96. Moreover, the GT 445M has a larger memory bus. The exact same problem applies to AMD's GPUs, only with different model names.

This is obviously quite confusing to the average consumer, who does not generally keep track of changes in graphics processor architecture. To make matters even more convoluted, the performance of the graphics card is also affected by the manufacturer's choice of video memory. At the moment, two different types are frequently used: DDR3 and the faster GDDR5. In other words, two identically named graphics cards may perform differently depending on their memory modules.

What to Do

For obvious reasons, the average laptop buyer cannot keep track of all these factors and neither should they have to. If the laptop has been on the market for a while it has likely been reviewed by one or more websites. Look for gaming tests of the laptop you are looking to purchase and make sure that the frame rate (FPS) is at least 30 in your favorite games.

If the laptop is brand new you may have to do some alternative homework. Look for the name and model number of the laptop's graphics card and search for it online. It may have been tested in other, similar laptops. Otherwise you can visit the GPU manufacturer's homepage, look up the specifications for the card and compare it to others with similar specifications.

Jesper Berg is a technology writer with a keen interest in mobile tech, including all kinds of portable devices but especially gaming laptops. Visit bestgaminglaptop.net for the latest updates on high-end laptops, laptop gaming guides, independent analysis and buying advice.

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Top Gaming Keyboards Have Become Vitally Important in Online Games

Gaming has turned into a preferred routine for a lot of people. Probably the most common type is playing games on a PC. Over the past few years many top games happen to be playable on the net and on a laptop computer or home PC. This provides yet one more dimension and option of online gaming for anyone. One of the required gear for this is a keyboard. A gamer keyboard is sort of a normal key-board which enables consumers to use it to experience certain game titles with a personal computer. These types of computer keyboard are specifically designed to manage PC games and enable folks to more efficiently perform their actions when gaming on the PC.

As with the majority of other products, a keyboard comes in many varieties and styles. A proven way to identify which PC keyboard is best in your case is to go over reviews of gamer keyboards. By reading over these evaluations, you'll be capable to find the one that's best suited for your demands. The reviews also mention countless attributes and benefits of each keyboard so that you can learn all about what to search for when buying one. User reviews of keyboards for games are the very first source to check out when looking to buy a gaming keyboard.

One of the finest models of keyboards are manufactured by Microsoft. The SideWinder X6 is one that might have less capabilities compared to the Logitech models, however it's got some unique functions that make it advantageous. A Microsoft keyboard includes a completely detachable numeric pad that allows for simpler access to your computer mouse. The keys of a Microsoft keyboard are large so they will furthermore reduce your typing mistakes. A Microsoft gaming keyboard also provides management of up to 90 macro combinations so you'll get a significant advantage when playing on a Desktop. When having a Microsoft gamer keyboard, you likewise have a continuous actionkey that operate the functionality of any other key that you use when you touch the pair together. This enables for quicker functionality and efficiency. VLC and iTunes can also be managed with the Microsoft gaming. Using a Microsoft gaming keyboard is an excellent choice for PC game play especially for video games like Warcraft.

Yet another popular model based on countless keyboard reviews is almost any Logitech keyboard. Logitech is possibly the finest maker of keyboards for gaming. The Logitech G19 in particular is the best model built by Logitech. The Logitech model includes quite a few useful and progressive capabilities which can help you perform at your very best in games such as Warcraft. A Logitech keyboard has a keys backlight that allows it to be personalized with several different hues as wanted. Utilizing a Logitech keyboard you'll get around 36 macros along with having the ability to turn off the contextual menu. This enables for the prevention of interferences when you're playing a computer game such as Warcraft. If you are into FPS and RPG video games, Logitech's gaming keyboard is the very best for these particular kinds of games. A Logitech keyboard also features numerous USB connectors which permit consumers to attach extra hardware to the keyboard and Personal computer.

In accordance to the numerous keyboard for games ratings the two very best are produced by Logitech and Microsoft. The numerous gaming key-board ratings demonstrate that these gaming keyboards are great for all kinds of video game titles. Even so one game in particular is best suited for keyboards based on the gaming keyboard reviews and that's Warcraft. This video game is a RPG game that's quite popular and frequently played on a Computer. To experience the best performance in WoW, you will need the best keyboard.

A wireless gaming keyboard offers you a bonus when playing online games. Gaming keyboard reviews will provide you with all the info you'll need to assist you determine which keyboard is right for your needs.

John Popes - senior tech editor which writes articles about gadgets, the Internet and how to build a website. If you want to know more just read my work and browse through various topics. I'm familiar with site building and gadgets testing so you might want to look for those things first.

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Setting Up Your Very Own Game System: 5 Important Things You Must Have

It's the same when you want to enjoy the newest block-buster at home, you need a decent sound system and a considerable wide-screen. We call them the basic things. It goes the same way with gaming and other entertaining activities.

In gaming, there are basically 5 essential tools that can make or break the deal. What are they?

They are a good computer screen, a sensitive mouse, a gaming keyboard, a decent graphic card, and a sound system. We will go into details now.

Essential thing #1: The computer screen

This is perhaps the first impression for gamers when it comes to playing their games.

Of course it's not necessary to purchase a huge wide-screen like watching movies requires. In fact, it will go against you if you do so. All you need is a good screen that will help relaxing your eyes.

Because we all know that players will spend hours after hours in front of the screen. If it annoys you more than help you, it's tough to enjoy the time!

Essential thing #2: The gaming mouse

Fact is, your mouse is like your main weapon when it comes to virtual battlefields.

This can't be truer when your favorite games are FPS like Counter Strike or Call of Duty. I remember how tough and ridiculous it was when I tried to finish the hardest level in CoD with a normal mouse. I couldn't beat those snipers until I plugged in my Razer Death Adder.

No pushing here, you can pick up your favorite brand. But remember that gaming mouses are not designed equally. Some are for FPS games, others might be designed for strategy games. So make the decision wisely.

Essential thing #3: The keyboard

There are some minor discussions among my friends (my game partners). They want to know if the keyboard is that important to the quality of the game match.

To me, it's not that crucial. At least in comparison with the mouse. But if you are aiming for something like a combo of gaming gears you can make extra moves. Not only you can save some money when you buy combo but it will also provide extra effectiveness for your response.

Who knows, just a mistype or misclick can be a win or lose matter!

Essential thing #4: The graphic card

But don't pay attention to just the graphical hardware alone. What you want is good computer hardware like a decent processor, a monster hard disk driver, a good cooling system, and the graphic card. They form the heart of the system. Without it, you simply can't play today's games. Because their requirements are incredibly high!

So if you're serious about entertainment with computer games, it's time to take a look at the hardware.

Essential thing #5: The sound system

Have you ever watched a block buster with the sound muted? So boring and looks stupid right? It's the same truth when it comes to playing games.

I know that you can play some games without hearing the sound but a lot of them have sound as part of the gameplay. The clear example are shooting games. How boring it could be when playing CoD without hearing the guns roaring?

I'm by no mean expert in the gaming industry but what I shared with you are my own experiences. And if you care about the sound system like me, I have a suggestion. Why don't you take a look at the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 speaker system?

I write an informative review about the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 that I know you will like it. Read it for more information before you make the final move. It won't let you down!

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