A gaming laptop is a laptop designed for gaming. However, it can operate as an ordinary laptop and can be used to perform other tasks related to work or school. Gaming laptops come with high-performing processors, high-end graphics, more RAM, and accessories.
Many factors make a gaming laptop beneficial.
- They are faster. A slow laptop can be very frustrating. A gaming laptop has a powerful processor that works fast.
- They have better quality parts. The hardware components can last you years if you take care of them.
- They are an all-in-one solution. You can use a gaming laptop for both works and play.
- They are portable. The selling point of a gaming laptop is its ability to move around with it.
What Not to do on a Gaming Laptop
Gaming on Battery Power
One of the advantages of a gaming laptop is its portability. However, gaming with your laptop unplugged can do more harm than good. Gaming on battery power can cause battery damage over time. This is because the laptop requires more resources than your battery power can handle, resulting in low FPS. It can also cause your laptop to overheat.
The safer option is to play video games while your laptop is plugged into a power source. Most laptop users are afraid that a laptop will overcharge when it stays connected to a power source. Most laptops come with a lithium battery that cuts the power supply automatically when the charge reaches 100 percent.
If you must game with battery power:
- Reduce or turn off the keyboard light.
- Reduce screen brightness.
- Close unused apps.
- Turn on the battery saver.
Leaving it Dirty
According to Tony Monzon, dust can reduce your laptop’s performance. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, get into the laptop, and block filters and vents, preventing them from working well.
When this happens, the laptop can overheat. Additionally, dust can cause the circuit boards to short out, which is dangerous as they can overheat and catch fire. Dust can also clog USB ports and drives.
Clearly, if you would like your gaming laptop to last longer, a regular cleaning routine is important. To clean efficiently:
- Switch off the laptop. Before cleaning the laptop, power it down and unplug it to avoid damaging your laptop’s drive.
- Use protective covers. When your laptop is not in use, cover it to avoid dust particles from settling on it. You can also use a keyboard protector for the same.
- Do not use any liquid, including screen sprays, to clean your laptop. The liquid may drip into the laptop and affect the internal hardware.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen, keyboard, and external case.
- Use a can of compressed air or an air compressor to blow out the dirt. Aim it at the vents to remove any internal dirt.
Do not open your laptop to clean inside if you are not a licensed technician. Not only will you lose your warranty, but you can also end up accidentally damaging it.
Installing Games From Unknown Sources
Different video games are released each year, and some are really pricey. It can be tempting to install free games from unknown sources. Though your operating system may allow it, this is not the best option.
Games from unknown sources may have security implications. Such games may come with malware and introduce security vulnerabilities to your laptop. Malware is any program, software, or file that intentionally steals data or damages your laptop. Malware comes in various forms:
- Virus. A virus is a harmful software attached to a document or file.
- Adware. Adware refers to software used to collect from the device data that can be used to tailor advertisements directed to you.
- Trojan. This is software that appears helpful but can be used to block, modify or delete your data.
- Worms. Worms are malicious software that infects a device and spreads within the network.
- Spyware. This is software that runs in the background collecting data and reporting back to a remote user.
- Ransomware. Ransomware is software that enters a system and blocks users from accessing any data unless a certain amount is paid.
To protect your device from malware and viruses, only install games (and other apps) from their source.
Not Switching it off
Though some studies show that multiple restarts can affect your laptop’s battery life, shutting down your laptop allows your laptop to cool down and increase its lifespan. In addition, keeping your laptop open allows different programs to use more processing power and RAM.
Not Updating Drivers
Driver updates are necessary for your laptop to perform optimally. Manufacturers usually release driver updates to deal with bugs, some of which are undetected. Another reason why you need to update your drivers is to keep your laptop secure. Hackers can easily find vulnerabilities in older drivers and take advantage.
Not Using a Surge Protector
Surge protectors are underrate equipment. They protect devices from power spikes that can damage your laptop and any accessory attached to it. The surge protector works by redirecting any surge in power or increased voltage away from your device.
Finally
Always protect your laptop when carrying it. Switch off the laptop and put it in a sleeve inside a backpack, preferably a waterproof one.