Are you a gaming enthusiast who invested a lot of money in buying a high-performance gaming laptop but still not getting the desired results?
Do you feel like your laptop is underperforming, heating up too quickly, or just not working as it should? You’re not alone.
Many gamers make mistakes that hinder their gaming laptop’s performance, and these mistakes can be easily avoided.
In this guide, we will discuss the top 11 gaming laptop mistakes you’re making with your gaming laptop and how to avoid them. Plus, a bonus tenth mistake that everyone makes at the end. Let’s jump into it.
Mistake #1: Not cleaning your laptop
Gaming laptops have loud fans that suck in a lot of air to keep the components cool.
As a result, they tend to collect a lot of dust and dirt, which can clog the air intakes and reduce the airflow.
Reduced airflow can lead to overheating and performance issues. Therefore, it is important to clean your laptop periodically to remove dust and dirt. Use compressed air to blow out the dust from the air intakes and fans.
Cleaning your laptop a couple of times a year can help keep it running smoothly.
Mistake #2: Not using your laptop on a flat surface
Gaming laptops require a lot of airflow to keep the components cool.
When you use your laptop on a soft surface like a bed or your lap, it blocks the air intakes, which leads to overheating and performance issues.
Therefore, it is important to use your laptop on a flat surface like a table. Also, make sure to leave some space around the air exhausts on the sides and out the back so that hot air can escape easier.
Mistake #3: Gaming on battery power
Playing games on battery power can be convenient, but it can have a negative impact on your laptop’s performance.
Gaming puts a heavy load on the battery, and the laptop cannot provide the same level of performance as when it’s plugged into a wall outlet.
Additionally, constantly going through discharge and recharge cycles can reduce the battery lifespan. Therefore, it’s best to plug your laptop into a wall outlet for the best performance.
Mistake #4: Not opening your laptop with care
Many gaming laptops are known to have issues with their hinges, which can break over time. To avoid this, it’s important to open your laptop with care. Instead of ripping open the lid from the corner with lots of force, gently open it from the middle to spread out the pressure.
Mistake #5: Not updating your laptop
Updates usually fix known problems and improve performance, so it’s important to stay up to date.
Most operating systems come with automatic updates, and you should also check the Microsoft store separately for updates, including many gaming laptop control panels.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re on the latest version of graphics drivers for your gaming laptop, whether that’s from AMD or Nvidia, as these drivers get regular updates when there are new games out.
The laptop’s BIOS may also receive updates over time that offer performance tweaks or security patches.
Mistake #6: Not using dual-channel memory
Using dual-channel memory can significantly improve your laptop’s performance. This means using two identical memory sticks instead of one.
The memory sticks should be installed in the correct slots to take advantage of the dual channel memory.
Put simply, if you have two identical memory modules installed in your gaming laptop, it can operate in dual channel mode.
This means the system can access both memory modules simultaneously, which results in faster performance compared to single channel mode.
Many gaming laptops come with only one memory module installed, which means they are not taking advantage of the potential dual channel performance boost.
So if your gaming laptop only has one memory module, consider adding a second one to enable dual channel mode and improve performance.
Mistake #7: Not optimizing your laptop’s power settings
Every game has a variety of graphics settings that can be adjusted to improve performance or visual quality. Some gamers may not be aware of these settings or may not know how to adjust them properly.
For example, reducing the resolution or turning off certain graphics features can significantly improve performance without sacrificing too much visual quality.
On the other hand, enabling all graphics settings at their highest level can result in poor performance, even on high-end gaming laptops.
So take the time to experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between performance and visual quality.
Mistake #8: Overclocking your laptop
Over time, the battery in your gaming laptop will degrade and lose its capacity to hold a charge.
However, there are ways to prolong the life of your battery and ensure it stays healthy for as long as possible.
One important step is to avoid fully discharging your battery too often. Instead, try to keep the battery level between 20% and 80% for the best results.
Additionally, avoid exposing your laptop to extreme temperatures, as this can also negatively affect battery health.
Finally, if you plan on storing your gaming laptop for an extended period of time, make sure to charge the battery to around 50% and store it in a cool, dry place.
Mistake #9: Ignoring software and hardware warnings
Ignoring software and hardware warnings is a common mistake that people make while using their devices.
Most of us tend to overlook software or hardware notifications that pop up on our screens or devices, thinking that they are just minor issues that can be ignored. However, ignoring these warnings can lead to more significant problems, including data loss or hardware damage.
Software warnings are often related to system updates or patches that need to be installed to fix bugs, improve performance, or enhance security. Ignoring these warnings can leave your system vulnerable to security threats or cause system crashes. Software updates are crucial as they not only improve the overall performance of your device but also fix any security vulnerabilities.
Hardware warnings, on the other hand, can signal potential problems with your device’s physical components. For example, if your laptop’s battery is low, a warning message will pop up, alerting you to the fact that the battery needs to be charged. Ignoring this warning can lead to battery damage and even shorten the overall lifespan of your laptop.
It is essential to take these warnings seriously and address them promptly. By ignoring them, you could be putting your device and data at risk.
It is also advisable to keep your software and hardware up-to-date regularly. You can set your device to automatically update or check for updates regularly. Doing so will ensure that you are running the latest version of the software, which will include critical security patches and bug fixes.
Mistake #10: Not using a cooling pad
Even with proper cleaning and placement, gaming laptops can still overheat under heavy use.
This is where a cooling pad comes in handy.
A cooling pad is a device that sits underneath your laptop and provides additional airflow to help dissipate heat. Many cooling pads also come with built-in fans that can further improve cooling performance.
So if you find that your gaming laptop is still overheating despite your best efforts, consider investing in a cooling pad.
Mistake #11: Not using a surge protector
Gaming laptops can be expensive investments, and the last thing you want is for a power surge to fry your system.
That’s why it’s important to use a surge protector when plugging in your gaming laptop.
A surge protector is a device that protects your electronics from power surges caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or other electrical disturbances. It’s a relatively inexpensive investment that can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs.
FAQ’s: Gaming Laptop Mistakes
What are some common gaming laptop mistakes to avoid?
There are several common gaming laptop mistakes that you should try to avoid, such as ignoring software and hardware warnings, not properly maintaining your laptop, purchasing a laptop with outdated or underpowered components, and failing to optimize your laptop’s settings for gaming performance.
How can I ensure that my gaming laptop stays properly maintained?
To ensure that your gaming laptop stays properly maintained, you should clean the dust out of its fans and vents regularly, keep the laptop’s operating system and drivers up to date, avoid exposing the laptop to extreme temperatures or moisture, and use a high-quality cooling pad to prevent overheating.
What components should I look for when purchasing a gaming laptop?
When purchasing a gaming laptop, you should look for a high-quality graphics card, a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and a fast solid-state drive (SSD) for storage. You should also make sure that the laptop’s screen has a high refresh rate and low response time for optimal gaming performance.
How can I optimize my gaming laptop’s settings for better performance?
To optimize your gaming laptop’s settings for better performance, you can adjust the graphics settings of your games to match your laptop’s capabilities, disable unnecessary background programs and services, set your laptop’s power settings to high performance, and use third-party software to overclock your laptop’s components.
What are some signs that my gaming laptop may be experiencing hardware issues?
Some signs that your gaming laptop may be experiencing hardware issues include overheating, frequent crashes or freezes, slow performance, and strange noises coming from the laptop’s fans or hard drive. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have your laptop checked by a professional to prevent further damage.
Conclusion: Gaming Laptop Mistakes
By avoiding these common 11 gaming laptop mistakes and taking steps to properly maintain your gaming laptop, you can ensure that it performs at its best for years to come.
From regular cleaning and proper placement to updating drivers and using a cooling pad, these tips can help you get the most out of your gaming laptop.
And don’t forget the bonus 10th mistake: always use a surge protector to protect your investment.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your favorite games on your gaming laptop without having to worry about performance issues or hardware failures.
