Why I’m Not Upgrading My Old Gaming Laptop
Most people don’t upgrade their technology every year, and I’m no exception. While my job gives me access to the latest computers, I tend to be slow when it comes to upgrading my personal hardware. In 2017, I bought a gaming laptop that was supposed to last for years. It was the MSI Stealth GS63VR 7RF, which came with an Intel Core i7-770HQ processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060. I also added more RAM and storage to get the most out of this expensive 4K gaming laptop.
But even by my standards, eight years is pushing it. The Stealth is too old to run Windows 11, and it struggles to keep up with modern games. I even had to use tape to hold the chassis together after replacing the battery. So, it’s time to consider an upgrade. However, there are three main reasons why I’m not going to replace it.
I Already Have a Laptop and a Gaming Handheld
I already own a laptop and a gaming handheld, and they can handle just about every game I play. A good laptop isn’t going to fully replace a quality gaming laptop, but between my Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M1 Pro) and the MSI Claw 7 AI+ (A2VM), there are only a few games I can’t play on the go. Most of those, I don’t even end up playing when I’m traveling or at LAN parties with friends.
I can easily play popular live-service game Final Fantasy XIV, the well-loved RPG Baldur’s Gate III, and the Android RPG gem Genshin Impact on the Claw. Both Final Fantasy and Baldur’s Gate are also compatible with macOS. The only game I’m currently playing that’s a pain with my current setup is Monster Hunter Wilds. However, there are workarounds, like using Nvidia GeForce Now.
When I’m at home, I have two gaming desktops. One is a custom RTX 3080 Falcon Northwest build, and the other is a mid-range desktop that’s still in progress but will be completed once I find enough time for cable management. So while I do want to upgrade my old MSI Stealth, I bought it back in 2017 when my other options were limited. Between my desktops, the Claw, and my MacBook, it’s hard to justify getting another piece of hardware for occasional use.
Good Gaming Laptops Are as Expensive as Desktops
If I’m spending several thousand dollars, I’d rather invest in a quality tower. Even if I could justify having a dedicated gaming laptop for once-monthly LAN parties, price is a big factor. While you can find some gaming laptops under $1,000, most of the Nvidia RTX 50-series models we’ve seen so far cost over $2,000.
If I’m going to spend enough money to cover my rent, I’d prefer to put it toward a desktop that can be upgraded as needed rather than a laptop. More and more laptops now come with accessible SSD and RAM slots for easier upgrades, but that can only extend your laptop’s life by a couple of years. GPU upgrades on laptops aren’t viable, making it hard to justify buying a gaming laptop if you have the space and budget for a desktop.
I Don’t Love Any of the RTX 50-Series Laptops I’ve Seen
I’m not saying this generation of gaming laptops is ugly. I’m just saying I haven’t found one I love this time around. I prefer laptops in the 14-16-inch range because they’re easier to carry compared to 18-inch desktop replacements. For me, a gaming laptop only makes sense if it’s portable. While I loved last year’s Razer Blade 14, this year’s model lacks the power and battery life to be a viable choice.
It’s possible that the Intel Lunar Lake and Nvidia RTX 4070 Acer Predator Triton 14 AI might change my mind. I love how unique that laptop’s design is, which could be enough to convince me if it has enough battery life and performance to justify its price. However, I’ve only seen a demo version so far, so I remain unimpressed by the RTX 50-series lineup.
Sticking With My Current Setup
So, I’m sticking with my current setup. I still write about hardware, and that means I occasionally get access to new review units. If I want to take a gaming laptop with me, I usually have something in my review queue that I can use for a spin. After all, you have to game on a gaming laptop to review it, so it’s technically work if I use a review laptop for my monthly game nights.
Even without that, I honestly don’t need more hardware. And I’m not compelled enough by any of the laptops I’ve seen so far to justify spending a lot of money on a machine that will be used maybe twice a month at most. So, my poor GTX 1060 gaming laptop will be the first gaming laptop I’ve ever bought—and likely the last.