Gaming on a laptop

Scythian · 12 Jul 2012 at 20:30

Just wondering how many people here play games on laptops or what their experiences have been like,

I play games occasionally on my laptop (Dell XPS 17 with a pretty good spec) and it seems to handle it pretty well (Portal 2, TF2, Diablo 3, Assassins Creed: Revelations etc) though the only problem being that the laptop seems to get a bit warm / hot on occasions.

With the steam sale on I'm tempted to just go and sell my console at a local store and buy a range of new games, though I'm concerned whether or not laptops are for ideal for gaming in the long run without shortening its lifespan (vastly

) and if there are ways to negate this. Thoughts?

squerble · 12 Jul 2012 at 20:36

I play FSX on a 13" MacBook Pro, but the fans are certainly screaming when I do, even with settings on very low. It does get pretty warm and I have similar concerns on lifespan. Obviously I wish I had more screen estate but I'm putting together a new gaming rig to get around this

AMG · 12 Jul 2012 at 20:38

I do currently as my desktop is retired and is getting replaced...soon. i ve got simlier to you but the 15inch version, its quite a capable little laptop

Agent_Smith357 · 12 Jul 2012 at 21:13

Use a decent cooling stand and laptops can take the abuse all day long.

Teknobry · 12 Jul 2012 at 21:14

I game on a dell m1730 (2.6ghz dual core, 8800mGTX in sli) it's still able to run most games at half decent graphics levels (works better on my tv with lower res -760x1330 as opposed to laptop res of 1920x1200)

It's been hammered for gaming for 4 years, gets up to 90c for hours whilst gaming! As long as you've got dells NBD warranty you've got nothing to worry about

They've even offered me a final years extension for £90, which I'll be taking up!

dmcg · 12 Jul 2012 at 21:18

have a mx17 r4 with a 7970m for when I'm on the move

RevBillyG · 12 Jul 2012 at 21:26

Puzzle games in bed, proper gaming on my PC

Pighardia · 12 Jul 2012 at 21:30

Agent_Smith357 said:
Use a decent cooling stand and laptops can take the abuse all day long.

+1

I occasionally play games on my laptop whilst at work. I don't have the best gpu in it, but it manages ok. I played through FONV, Oblivion, Dragon Age and countless old games from GOG. At the moment I have Deus Ex, Baldur's Gate 1+2(with Big World Project), Max Payne 1+2 and Neverwinter Nights on there all at various stages of completion.
It was however, unable to cope with Max Payne 3(not surprisingly).

It did use to overheat sometimes, but as said above, a good cooling stand really makes a difference.

Aeleys · 12 Jul 2012 at 21:48

Agent_Smith357 said:
Use a decent cooling stand and laptops can take the abuse all day long.

+1 as well, i used to play WAR on my first and only laptop ever for the price it was an epic machine and wish they still made them. every laptop i have used (not owned) since can barley handle minecraft.

but i use PC/console for my game needs now.

blueshift · 12 Jul 2012 at 21:55

I have a samsung laptop i bought off OC, it handles anything i throw at it

WatchTower · 12 Jul 2012 at 22:27

I play Skyrim at 1080p via windows through bootcamp on my Feb 2011 Macbook pro. Works well but I do need a new PC purely for gaming.

Scythian · 13 Jul 2012 at 16:12

Thanks for the advice so far

Any recommendations as to which cooling pad to get? I was looking at the NZXT Cryo LX but it doesn't seem to be available in the UK

Any ways to get one of these imported? (preferrably without any extra charges)

Reeve · 13 Jul 2012 at 17:38

I've been using a laptop for gaming for 3 years now and its shown no signs of wear and tear(gtx 280m and an i7). I use a targus chill mat to cool my laptop, it may not look up to much, but its quiet, cheap, comfortable, light and it cools well as the surface the laptop rests on is perforated and there is room for ventilation on the underside, it does the job even without using the fans.