Building A Gaming Laptop

shuffles03

Can it be done? Should it be done? I've never found a thread discussing it. Basically, I want a mobile gaming solution but don't want to throw down all the money on a branded machine ala Alienware etc. Mobile is pretty important in what I need - I don't want my rig/machine to be locked to one position.

WHat are your thoughts? Yay or nay?

Monotype

The closest that you can get to building your own laptop is getting barebones laptops and adding in your own stuff. However, these are hard to find in Europe so the best we have is the likes of pcspecialist.co.uk.
You have a good level of customisability. The majority of websites that have that level of customisability are using the same few OEMs to supply their laptops, so you don't find much variation on top of that. I can't remember the OEM names - Clevo make the bulk of them; PC-Specialist used to give an indication who made each one, but they've removed it as far as I can see. You can find out by searching the forums anyway.

It's not a good idea to overspend on a gaming laptop. You have to spend a lot of money to get near the speed of the desktops. Then there's heat and the weight of powerful laptops, so it's not exactly mobile. Poor battery life as well.

You'd be better off getting a medium laptop that'll run a few games and a desktop that can run all the games very well rather than forking out too much on a laptop.

ibstar

From what I read in the past, when that idea came into my head is that it's possible and doable.
But in most cases it ether comes out more expensive than buying one, or you end up buying main components of the same brand that is going to be your mobo, reducing your choice etc.
Thus mostly locking you into making a laptop that you could have bought from that make/company cheaper.

I am still skeptical of gaming laptops, until somebody comes up with a v.good cooling system and battery to support the pressure from gaming.

But if you are looking to get a gaming laptop, I would suggest buying one, rather than building. On top of saving money, you will be covered by the manufacturers grantee.

Monotype

Have a look at MSI's laptops as well. They can be competitively priced for what you are getting.