The process of setting up a new gaming laptop is a fun one. However, without proper configuration, it would not give you the full power of cutting-edge hardware. Most gaming laptops are not setup straight out of the box in a position for their peak performance. All that it takes is a few tweaks and you can take your gaming experience to a whole new level.
This guide will how to get the most out of one of the best gaming laptops, or even getting the most out of your older machine. It is time to take it to step by step.
Update Graphics Drivers
One of the important things you need to do if ever you power up your gaming laptop is to update the system. An outdated software will hound your general performance and your gaming capabilities.
Depending upon the version you are currently using, start by updating your Windows OS. Click on Settings > Windows Update and where it says check for updates. It is to make sure your system runs with the latest features and security patches.
For the graphics drivers, you’ll need to update based on your GPU type:
- Alternatively, download the GeForce Experience tool or the latest Nvidia’s official drivers. Windows Device Manager is also usable in this case. Press Windows + X and go to Device Manager, then Click on Display adapters. Then, right-click on the GPU and choose “update driver.”
- AMD drivers can be found on AMD’s Drivers + Download Center or by using Radeon Software which will automatically detect and install the right drivers.
A better frame rate and smooth gaming is what drivers update bring to your gaming laptop’s GPU, and helps improve the gaming performance of your laptop.
Switch to Performance Mode
Once your updates are done, it is time to configure your performance settings. Gaming laptops by default optimize for power efficiency, and so throttle gaming performance. To enable your laptop to use all the power it has when playing, switch to Performance Mode.
Follow these steps:
- Go to Windows & Settings.
- In the System section, go to Power and set it to Power Mode, Best performance.
- Go to System > Display > Advanced display and choose the highest refresh rate so you see it with smoother visuals.
Next, adjust advanced power settings:
- Click Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Change Plan Settings > Change Advanced Power Settings.
- There, in the Hard disk heading, select Never for Turn off hard disk after when plugged in.
- In the same Settings, from Under Display Change Turn off display after to Never.
- To never while plugged in set Sleep after in the Under Sleep section.
These are tweaks to make sure your laptop puts its weight behind gaming performance without disruptions.
Keep Your Laptop Plugged In
Unlike gaming desktops, gaming laptops are portable but at the cost of peak performance so long as they are not plugged in. Laptops tend to shut themselves down if they run out of battery power, but if they are on a charger they automatically reduce performance to conserve energy.
As such, gaming sessions are restricted to about 1–2 hours and GPU power consumption decreases. Throughout gameplay, you must always plug your gaming laptop into a power source in order to avoid these constraints.
Optimize Cooling for Longevity
Heat is generated from high performance and when your gaming laptop is not cooled properly, it will overheat. Buy an exceptional cooling pad to get rid of thermal necrosis. Or place the laptop on something (a book) to get some extra airflow. Give your machine breaks when needed and keep an eye on system temperatures regularly.
Updating your system, adjusting performance settings, and keeping the cooling optimal can bring you wonderful gaming experiences on your gaming laptop. Next to test its power is with the latest PC games.
