STACK #255 January 2026

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ONE POWERFUL DEVICE FOR STUDY & PLAY! GAMING LAPTOPS continued

power. Adjusting in-game or software settings can also help strike the right balance between visuals and smooth performance. Keeping your gaming laptop cool Gaming laptops naturally run hotter than standard laptops, and their fans may be noticeable in quiet classrooms. Using a cooling pad can help manage temperatures, and it’s a good idea to periodically clean the vents with compressed air to prevent dust build-up. These small steps can improve performance, reduce noise, and help to extend the life of the laptop. What else do I need to know? Gaming laptops generally cost more than standard laptops, and often more than an equivalently powerful desktop. The trade-off is performance in a portable form. Battery life is another consideration. Powerful components draw more energy, so gaming laptops typically last fewer hours away from a charger. If you need to get through a full school day, you may need to recharge between classes or carry a portable battery. It’s also worth thinking about discipline and school policies. Gaming laptops can be distracting, and some schools may restrict their use due to weight, battery life, or the temptation to game in class. Always check your school’s BYOD guidelines before committing to a gaming laptop.

TGP stands for Total Graphics Power – essentially how much power is allocated to a laptop’s GPU. Two laptops with the same graphics card can perform very differently depending on their TGP. A higher TGP allows the GPU What is TGP, and why does it matter?

to run faster, delivering higher frame rates and better performance in games and creative tasks like 3D modelling or video editing. Lower TGP designs may run quieter or offer slightly better battery life, but they can’t access the same level of graphical performance. Understanding TGP can help you compare gaming laptops more accurately, beyond just the name of the GPU.

The processor also plays a big role in overall performance. A modern multi-core CPU (Central Processing Unit) is essential, with eight cores or more providing enough headroom for gaming, multitasking, and demanding school projects. What’s less important? RAM improves overall responsiveness, but you don’t need excessive amounts for study. 16GB is the sweet spot for most students, offering smooth performance. Storage is similar. A fast SSD is essential, but 512GB will suit most students unless you know you’ll be working with very large files. Connectivity is rarely a concern, as gaming laptops are built for online play and typically support the latest or recent Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.

How do I get the most out of the GPU?

To keep performance at its peak, make sure your graphics drivers stay up to date, and avoid blocking the laptop’s vents. Closing unnecessary background apps can also free up valuable resources. When gaming or running heavy software, it’s best to keep the laptop plugged in, as performance is often limited on battery

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