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Title: The best laptops for gaming and schoolwork in 2025

Date: Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:00:35 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/be...

Finding a laptop that can juggle both gaming and schoolwork isnΓÇÖt as tricky
as it used to be. These days, you donΓÇÖt have to choose between a machine
that can handle your homework and one that can keep up with your favorite
games. Whether youΓÇÖre diving into an essay, editing video for a project or
hopping into a round of Fortnite or BaldurΓÇÖs Gate 3 after class, there are
plenty of laptops that strike the right balance between performance,
portability and price.

The key is knowing what to look for. A solid schoolwork and gaming laptop
should have enough processing power for multitasking, a GPU that can handle
modern games (even if you're not cranking settings to ultra) and decent
battery life to get you through a day of classes or study sessions. Some are
sleek and lightweight enough to slip into a backpack while others double as
full-on gaming rigs when youΓÇÖre home and plugged in. WeΓÇÖve tested a range
of laptops to help you find one that fits your student schedule and your
Steam library.

Best laptops for gaming and school in 2025

Best laptop for gaming and schoolwork FAQs Are gaming laptops good for
school?

As weΓÇÖve mentioned, gaming laptops are especially helpful if you're doing
any demanding work. Their big promise is powerful graphics performance, which
isn't just limited to PC gaming. Video editing and 3D rendering programs can
also tap into their GPUs to handle laborious tasks. While you can find decent
GPUs on some productivity machines, like Dell's XPS 15, you can sometimes
find better deals on gaming laptops. My general advice for any new workhorse:
Pay attention to the specs; get at least 16GB of RAM and the largest solid
state drive you can find (ideally 1TB or more). Those components are both
typically hard to upgrade down the line, so itΓÇÖs worth investing what you
can up front to get the most out of your PC gaming experience long term.
Also, donΓÇÖt forget the basics like a webcam, which will likely be necessary
for the schoolwork portion of your activities.

The one big downside to choosing a gaming notebook is portability. For the
most part, we'd recommend 15-inch models to get the best balance of size and
price. Those typically weigh in around 4.5 pounds, which is significantly
more than a three-pound ultraportable. Today's gaming notebooks are still far
lighter than older models, though, so at least you won't be lugging around a
10-pound brick. If youΓÇÖre looking for something lighter, there are plenty
of 14-inch options these days. And if you're not into LED lights and other
gamer-centric bling, keep an eye out for more understated models that still
feature essentials like a webcam (or make sure you know how to turn those
lights off).

Do gaming laptops last longer than standard laptops?

Not necessarily ΓÇö it really depends on how you define "last longer." In
terms of raw performance, gaming laptops tend to pack more powerful
components than standard laptops, which means they can stay relevant for
longer when it comes to handling demanding software or modern games. That
makes them a solid choice if you need a system that wonΓÇÖt feel outdated in
a couple of years, especially for students or creators who also game in their
downtime.

But thereΓÇÖs a trade-off. All that power generates heat, and gaming laptops
often run hotter and put more strain on internal components than typical
ultraportables. If theyΓÇÖre not properly cooled or regularly maintained
(think dust buildup and thermal paste), that wear and tear can shorten their
lifespan. TheyΓÇÖre also usually bulkier and have shorter battery life, which
can impact long-term usability depending on your daily needs.

Gaming laptops can last longer performance-wise, but only if you take good
care of them. If your needs are light ΓÇö browsing, writing papers and
streaming ΓÇö a standard laptop may actually last longer simply because
itΓÇÖs under less stress day-to-day.

What is the role of GPU in a computer for gaming and school?

The GPU plays a big role in how your laptop handles visuals ΓÇö and itΓÇÖs
especially important if youΓÇÖre using your computer for both gaming and
school.

For gaming, the GPU is essential. ItΓÇÖs responsible for rendering graphics,
textures, lighting and all the visual effects that make your favorite titles
look smooth and realistic. A more powerful GPU means better frame rates,
higher resolutions and the ability to play modern games without lag or
stuttering.

For schoolwork, the GPU matters too ΓÇö but its importance depends on what
you're doing. If your school tasks mostly involve writing papers, browsing
the web or using productivity tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Office, you
donΓÇÖt need a high-end GPU. But if youΓÇÖre working with graphic design,
video editing, 3D modeling or anything else thatΓÇÖs visually demanding, a
good GPU can speed things up significantly and improve your workflow.

Georgie Peru contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/be...
132207352.html?src=rss

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