Running 4K gaming laptop at 1080p - any problems/issues?

[Martphils]

I currently have a MSI GT73 gaming laptop and am thinking about upgrading to a newer gaming laptop (for a faster CPU, better graphics card etc). My current laptop has a 17" 1080p screen - I don't use external monitors.
Some of the newer 17" laptops I've seen have 4K displays - my eyesight isn't what it used to be - I'm worried that 4K on a 17" is just too small - am I ok to run the 4K at 1080p (in full screen mode) - does running the 4K screen at 1080p cause any problems/issues (performance/screen clarity/refresh etc)?

 

[hornetstinger]

You can use scaling to make font bigger in windiws

Gaming will be much slower, running native

 

[stu.artd]

A 4k screen will run fine if it’s set to 1080p but the on screen image won’t be as sharp as at 4k. It shouldn’t look too bad though, the image is being displayed on a 17” screen the so the scaling won’t be as noticeable as on a larger display.