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There’s an array of different kinds of computers out there. If you’re thinking of buying a new one, it’s worth knowing the difference between a gaming laptop vs mini PC.
Gaming laptops are powerful and portable devices. They are also one of the most affordable ways to get into PC gaming, saving the need for you to buy internal components separately, and even negating the need for a gaming monitor.
Mini PC’s meanwhile, are a kind of prebuilt computer. The image that springs to mind for PCs is a great big bulky rectangle, sitting beneath your desk, but Mini PCs have changed that conception. They are sleek and compact computers, that can be placed on your desktop without taking up much space at all and have only been getting smaller and smaller.
So which one makes more sense for you? We’ve broken our comparison down into different sections to try and keep things simple. Let’s get into it.
Gaming laptop vs mini PC – Specs
Modern gaming creates a heavy workload for a computer. In order to handle it while keeping gameplay smooth, a gaming laptop will often have some pretty beefy specs. You should expect 8GB of RAM at an absolute minimum, and ideally be seeing 16GB or 32GB.
You should also expect a dedicated graphics processing unit, or GPU, specifically geared towards gaming. The best gaming laptops will invariably have one of the best Nvidia GPUs or, the best AMD GPUs inside them. As well as that, you should expect a powerful CPU, and a refresh rate of 120Hz or above.
With a mini PC there is much more variability. You do get some which are geared towards gaming, in which you should expect the same kind of specs (though of course, as there is no screen, there will be no refresh rate). However, you also get mini PCs geared towards all manner of different needs. Perhaps the most common kind of mini PC is one intended for office use, and which therefore has fairly modest specs.
That said, if you’re willing to splash the cash, you can get a tonne of sheer computing power packed into a mini PC.
Gaming laptop vs mini PC – Design
Visually gaming laptops and Mini PCs have a very different look. Not just because one has a screen either, there is also a general difference that can be seen in the aesthetics. Though it can be overstated, there is a specific look gaming laptops often go for, they tend to have RGB backlighting and an intense visual look with striking angles. They can also often be slightly bulkier.
Mini PC’s meanwhile will tend to have a strong emphasis on sleek and thin design. In fact, it’s this design feature that primarily sets them apart from more traditional desktops.
Despite this, it is, of course, gaming laptops that are far more portable than Mini PCs. If you are intending the game on the go and are worried about a bulky size you can check out our list of the best thin and light gaming laptops.
Gaming laptop vs mini PC – Price
Price can vary significantly for both gaming laptops and mini PCs. That said, if price is your only concern, there is no doubt the cheapest Mini PCs are more affordable than their gaming laptop equivalents. You can get something like the Bosgame B95 Mini PC for less than $200, but its gaming performance will be virtually non-existent.
Meanwhile, the best gaming laptops under $1000 will still give you a decent performance across most games, just not with the highest frame rates and resolutions. If you have a bit of a larger budget to play with, the best gaming laptops under $2500, will offer you great performance. For the same price, you can also get an incredibly powerful Mini PC, though, you might then want to invest in the best gaming monitor and keyboard if you want to make the most of that power.
Razer Blade 14
Display Size
14 inches
Resolution
920 x 1080p
RAM
16GB
GPU
GeForce RTX 3060
CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
Gaming laptop vs mini PC – Final word
If you’re wondering whether to go for a gaming laptop or a mini PC, the most important thing to consider is whether you want to take your computer with you on the go. While mini PCs can be carried around, it is not practical as you’d need to bring a screen and other peripherals with you. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, are designed for just that.
If you are just looking for an affordable computer, you do have more variability with a mini PC, meaning you can find them for much cheaper. If you are concerned with gaming performance, you can get high-powered mini PCs for a reasonable price, though you do need to factor in the price of a gaming monitor too.
If you are sure you want a laptop but not sure if a gaming one is right for you, you can check out our guide on gaming laptops vs normal laptops.
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