Gaming Laptops: How Long Do They Last?

Gaming Laptops - How Long Do They Last

Gaming laptops are quickly becoming a popular choice for gamers everywhere. They offer the perfect blend of power and portability, making them the ideal device for gaming on the go.

But one question that many gamers have is how long do gaming laptops last? In this blog post, we will take a look at gaming laptop lifespans and what you can expect from yours.

5 questions about the longevity of gaming laptops.

1. How long do gaming laptops last on average before they need to be replaced or serviced?

We’re talking about how long a gaming laptop can adequately keep up with new games and their requirements.

Gaming laptops can last anywhere from 3-5 years, with proper maintenance. With advancements in technology, you can expect a top-quality gaming laptop to last for about 5 years, performance-wise. However, with proper care and maintenance, it can continue to function for up to 10-12 years.

Gaming laptops are a popular choice for many PC gamers, but they can be a significant investment. So, let’s look at this in more detail.

What is the average lifespan of a gaming laptop?

The average gaming laptop lasts between three and five years before it needs to be replaced or serviced.

Gaming laptops are typically built with high-quality components that are designed to withstand heavy use. However, like any piece of electronic, they will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear.

This is mainly due to the requirements of new games as they are released. As games become more demanding, older gaming laptops struggle to keep up with the new demands and will need to be replaced.

The good news is that gaming laptops typically have a longer lifespan than other types of laptops. With proper care and regular maintenance, gaming laptops can last for several years before they need to be replaced or serviced.

Tips on gaming laptop longevity.

How can I make my laptop last longer:

  1. If you play AAA games daily for hours, make sure to invest in a laptop with a good GPU so it will perform and keep up with current games for at least a few years.
  2. Keep the gaming laptop clean and the fan vents clear to dissipate heat properly. this will prolong the laptop’s life.
  3. Apply software and hardware updates regularly to avoid compatibility issues with new games.
  4. Upgrade the RAM and SSD drive at some point to bolster gaming and performance.
  5. The laptop battery will probably need replacing after 3 or 4 years of use, but the other components should last much longer.

However, if you want to get the most out of your gaming laptop, it is important to choose a quality brand that offers good customer support. By doing your research and investing in a quality gaming laptop, you can enjoy years of gaming without having to worry about replacing or servicing your laptop.

Did you know: According to Statistica.com “In 2020, the global gaming laptop market is valued at 10.96 billion U.S. dollars, with forecasts predicting that the market will reach 17.82 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2026.“

2. What factors affect how long a gaming laptop lasts?

A number of factors affect how long a gaming laptop lasts. We’ll look at the laptop components and how they affect longevity.

Heat

Heat is the number one enemy of gaming laptops. The constant heat generated by gaming laptops can cause components to degrade over time. This is why it’s important to keep your gaming laptop clean and free of dust, as well as to use a cooling pad when gaming.

Ensure the fans are running properly and clean the vents to prevent the build-up of heat. See Why Does My Laptop Overheat for more information.

How hot does a gaming laptop get?

The temperature for a laptop at idle is between 35-50°C (95-122 degrees Fahrenheit).
A laptop’s temperature during gameplay can be between 60-85°C (140-185 degrees Fahrenheit).

A laptop temperature consistently at or above 160 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot and could potentially cause damage to internal components.

See the Signs of an overheating laptop.

Laptop Battery

Gaming laptops typically have a shorter battery life than regular laptops due to the power-hungry components. Gaming laptops typically last between two and four hours on a single charge.

You can extend the battery life of your gaming laptop by gaming on low power mode or simply plugging it into an outlet. See how to replace your laptop’s battery.

Display

The display is one of the most important parts of a gaming laptop. It’s also one of the most fragile.

The lifespan of your gaming laptop’s display will depend on the quality of the panel. Higher-end gaming laptops usually have IPS panels that offer better color reproduction and viewing angles. These panels typically last longer than TN panels.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The Graphics Processing Unit is responsible for rendering images on the screen. It’s one of the most important components in a gaming laptop.

The GPU is also responsible for a lot of the gaming laptop’s heat output. The better the GPU, the more heat it produces. This can cause the other components in the gaming laptop to degrade over time.

The lifespan of a GPU will depend on how well it’s made and how often it’s used. Higher-end GPUs can last for several years, even with heavy use. However, cheaper GPUs may only last for a year or two.

Processor and memory specs

The processor and memory are two important specs in a gaming laptop. They determine how well the laptop can handle demanding tasks such as gaming.

Both Intel and AMD provide a 3-year warranty on their processors.

Both processor and memory should last a very long time and not wear out. However, their technology will become outdated and not be able to perform up to the specs required of the latest games.

This is simply because newly released games innovate and move forward with technology and gaming laptops need to be able to match these gaming requirements.

See What’s Better For Multitasking, More RAM Or A Bigger SSD?

3. What are the most common problems with gaming laptops that can cause them to fail prematurely?

Gaming laptops can be prone to a number of different problems that may cause them to fail prematurely. Some of the most common issues include overheating, firmware glitches, inadequate cooling, and low battery life.

These issues can all lead to a shortened lifespan for gaming laptops, as they can cause critical components such as the processor and GPU to work harder than intended, which results in faster overall wear and tear.

Additionally, certain gaming laptop models are more vulnerable to these issues than others due to poor design choices or insufficient quality control measures.

For example, gaming laptops with multiple fans at the bottom of the chassis may experience overheating issues if those fans become clogged with dust.

Overall, gaming laptops need to be carefully chosen and properly maintained in order to ensure an optimal gaming experience and a long lifespan.

http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ reports the failure rate of laptops to be about 31% over three years. See the data in the chart.

Laptop Failure Rate Chart Over 3 Years
Laptop failure rate over three years.

4. How can you extend the life of your gaming laptop and prevent it from breaking down prematurely?

Looking for ways to extend the life of your gaming laptop? Follow a few simple tips:

  • Keep it clean: Dust is the enemy of gaming laptops. Make sure to keep your gaming laptop clean and free of dust with a can of compressed air. See 12 Steps To Remove Dust.
  • Use a cooling pad to help keep it cool. Cooling pads are cost-effective and can help prevent overheating.
  • Check the fans: Ensure the fans are running properly and clean the vents to prevent the build-up of heat. See How to clean a laptop fan.
  • Plug it in: Gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life, so keep it plugged in to run at full capacity.
  • Choose wisely: Be picky about which gaming laptop you choose. Higher quality will cost more, but it is worth it for a laptop you will push to its limits.

5. Are there any steps you can take to ensure that your warranty is valid if your gaming laptop does break down prematurely?

There are a few things you can do to ensure that your gaming laptop’s warranty is valid:

  1. Register your gaming laptop with the manufacturer. This will ensure that they have your contact information on file in case you need to make a claim.
  2. Keep your receipts and proof of purchase. This will be necessary to show the manufacturer that you bought the gaming laptop from an authorized dealer.
  3. Save all packaging and manuals. This will help the manufacturer troubleshoot any issues you may be having with your gaming experience.
  4. Follow the manufacturer’s care and cleaning recommendations. This will help to prevent any damage that voids the warranty.

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your gaming laptop’s warranty is valid in the event that something goes wrong.

6. How much do replacement parts and servicing cost for gaming laptops, and is it worth repairing them instead of buying a new one altogether?

The cost of replacement parts and servicing for gaming laptops can vary depending on the issue. To repair a gaming laptop, the cost could range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

If a major internal component fails, such as the display, it is probably worth investing in a brand new gaming laptop that will also come with the latest specs.

Upgrading hardware components or parts such as RAM or a new SSD drive are easily done by the owner and are fairly cost-effective. Upgrading RAM from 8GB to 16GB might cost around $100.

In contrast, buying a brand new gaming laptop with the latest specs can cost upwards of $2000.

Whether or not it is worth repairing a gaming laptop instead of buying a new one altogether depends on the individual situation.

The Pros and Cons of investing in a gaming laptop

So is it worth investing in a gaming laptop, or should you buy a gaming desktop?

Here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision:

PROS:

  • Gaming laptops are more portable so you can take them with you to LAN parties or other gaming events.
  • Gaming laptops are just as powerful today as desktops.
  • Laptops are just easier to use because of their portability.

CONS:

  • Gaming laptops are generally more expensive than comparable gaming desktops.
  • Gaming laptops are less upgradeable than gaming desktops.
  • Gaming laptops can overheat more easily than gaming desktops.

I think the portability and capability of today’s gaming laptops make them the ideal choice for gaming. Plus, many companies sell a dedicated gaming line of laptops built to excel at gaming.

How to pick the perfect gaming laptop

So how do you know which gaming laptop to buy? When looking for a gaming laptop, there are several things you should keep in mind:

  1. The type of games you want to play. Resource-intense games will demand a high-level gaming laptop with the latest specs.
  2. How much you’re willing to spend? You can spend from $600 to $3000 on a gaming laptop.
  3. The size and weight of the laptop. Think about carrying around the laptop, you may want to invest in a good carry bag.
  4. How important portability is to you? If you plan on gaming at home most of the time, a desktop might be a better option.
  5. The level of graphics you need. Do you want or need the latest GPU? It will cost you.
  6. The processor you need. Do you want an Intel or AMD Ryzen processor, and what generation?
  7. How much storage do you need? How much space do you need to store game data and other files?
  8. What other features you might want? Do you need any other specific features? Think about the amount of RAM, a touchscreen display, or a fingerprint reader.

Keep these factors in mind when looking for a new gaming laptop.

FAQs

Can a gaming laptop last 5 years?

Yes, expect a gaming laptop to last between 3 and 5 years, however, if you invest in a good quality laptop and properly maintain and take care of it, it should last 5 years.

Do gaming laptops degrade over time?

Yes, it is possible for gaming laptops to degrade over time. Heat and excessive use of electrical components can affect their performance and longevity. Most often though, the laptop or a certain component will just fail after several years.

Are gaming laptops durable?

Yes, gaming laptops are designed and built to be durable to withstand the gaming environment. However, they are still susceptible to wear and tear, just like any other laptop.

What is the best gaming laptop?

The best gaming laptop is the one that meets your gaming needs and budget. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to gaming laptops.

Also read: Recommended Lenovo Gaming Laptops to find my top-rated systems.

Gaming laptops – Summary

A gaming laptop can and should last for years, most often the limiting factor is it just becomes outdated. Its specs become too slow to play the latest games and can’t keep up with the new releases. Take the steps shown in this article to prolong the life of your laptop as long as possible.

J.S. is the owner, content creator, and editor at Upgrades-and-Options.com. I’ve worked in the IT and Computer Support field for over 20 years. The server hardware in my computer labs has mostly been IBM, but I’ve supported Dell, HP, and various other hardware. In addition, as part of my lab administrator responsibilities, I’ve learned, supported, and repaired/upgraded network hardware such as Cisco routers and switches.