Gaming Laptop Maintenance and Repairs
Gaming laptops are the perfect choice for individuals who crave high-end gaming on the go. These laptops offer top-notch resolutions and performance levels that standard laptops cannot match. From display quality to cooling systems to storage capacity, a gaming laptop easily outperforms a traditional laptop in every way.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. Constantly running at peak performance levels can take a toll on a gaming laptop’s components. Compared to a standard laptop, a gaming laptop’s components can wear out faster, making maintenance a crucial aspect of ownership. Proper maintenance not only helps extend the lifespan of your gaming laptop but can also, by taking preventative measures now, you can avoid costly repairs in the future.
This blog will discuss tips and tricks to keep your gaming laptop in top shape. By performing regular maintenance, you can guarantee the proper functioning of your gaming laptop continues to deliver peak performance for years. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Keep it ventilated
Gaming laptops usually run at maximum performance levels. When you are playing those action-packed games such as first-person shooting, car racing, e-sports, etc., all of these require your laptop to give its best. This results in the production of a lot of heat.
Even though gaming laptops come with full-featured cooling systems, sometimes you may still need help with system overheating, leading to multiple issues. Performance latencies are evident, but overheating can also have long-term effects on your gaming laptop’s hardware.
Excessive heat can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of a laptop’s components, including the processor, graphics card, and other critical parts. High temperatures can cause thermal throttling, resulting in decreased performance and, in some cases, permanent damage to the components.
It is crucial to keep your gaming laptop cool. To ensure optimal performance, it’s best to place your laptop in a well-ventilated area. This can be achieved by placing it on a hard, flat surface, such as a desk or table, rather than on a soft surface, like a bed or couch, which can obstruct airflow.
Take breaks
No one likes taking breaks during those fast-paced gaming sessions. But remember that they are vital for your and your laptop’s health. Suppose you have placed your laptop in a well-ventilated area and invested in a cooling pad. There is still a high chance that by constantly playing for more than 6 hours, your gaming laptop will start getting overheated.
Not only this but even with the highest quality of eye care technology integrated into the laptop monitor, you will notice that without breaks, your eyes will start feeling tired. You can also get one of those annoying headaches. This is also why specialists recommend looking away from the screen for 5 minutes every 30 minutes. But if you can’t take a break after every 30 minutes, you can at least take a break after every 2-3 hours.
Don’t over-drain the batteries
One of the significant drawbacks of a gaming laptop is its limited battery life. Gaming laptops consume a lot of energy and commonly run out of battery much sooner than a standard laptop. As a result, they are charged more, completing their healthy recharge cycles much earlier. So, after a year or two of usage, you might need to replace your laptop’s battery.
But the above case is implementable when you are not adding extra stress to your fragile battery packs. If you are someone who waits till the laptop shuts down to put it on charge, then there is no bigger enemy of your laptop than you. When the battery is completely drained out, i.e., when it reaches 0%, the laptop has to put out excessive power to make it active and work. This burdens the batteries more, making them drain out much sooner than expected.
Luckily, this challenge can be sorted out relatively simply. When the laptop’s battery is about to run out, every laptop sends a notification that “You need to plug in your charger”. As soon as you see this message, pause everything else and instantly run toward your charger.
If you are playing live games or e-sports in which you don’t have the margin to leave even for a second, then the best policy is to stay prepared beforehand. Before starting your game, click the small battery icon on your laptop’s lower right corner. It will show you the percentage of recharged battery and the period for which it’ll last.
Invest in a cooling pad
Purchasing aftermarket cooling accessories can be a viable solution if you use your gaming laptop in conditions where high temperatures cannot be avoided, such as in a hot room or during the summer.
One popular option is a laptop cooling pad, a specialised accessory designed to help dissipate heat from your laptop’s components. These pads typically feature built-in fans that help increase airflow around the laptop, reducing the risk of overheating and thermal throttling. Laptop cooling pads are angled pads with a fan or multiple fans. Designed to help keep your laptop cool by drawing away the extra heat. Some models even have additional features, like more USB ports for charging other gadgets. Our hot picks are below.
- Kootek Cooler Pad Chill Mat 5
- Tree New Bee Cooling Pad
- Cooler Master NotePal U3 Plus
Another option is a laptop cooling platform, a raised platform that allows air to circulate around the laptop. These platforms are often made of materials like aluminium or plastic. They may include built-in fans or ventilation holes to help improve airflow.
Remember that while selecting a cooling accessory, it is essential to consider factors such as the size and weight of your laptop and the specific cooling needs of your laptop’s components. It is also necessary to ensure that the accessory is compatible with your laptop model and provides sufficient cooling power to meet your needs.
Keyboard Cover
Gaming keyboards endure a lot of abuse. With all the rapid-fire button mashing and grubby finger tapping, it’s no wonder they can start to wear out. It’s a common frustration among gamers when a key won’t register or stops working. In these cases, replacing the affected key or even the entire keyboard might be necessary.
Don’t let a malfunctioning keyboard keep you from dominating your favourite games! Install a keyboard cover. These covers have been deliberately crafted to fit snugly over your laptop’s keyboard and protect from dust, dirt, and other debris accumulating in the small spaces between the keys. By keeping your keyboard clean, you can help prevent damage to the keys and prolong the lifespan of your laptop.
Keyboard covers can also help prevent key labels from rubbing off or fading over time. This is especially important for gamers who rely on specific key commands and shortcuts to achieve their best performance. With a keyboard cover, you can protect your key labels from getting erased, ensuring your laptop remains a reliable tool for gaming sessions.
When choosing a keyboard cover, select one specifically designed for your laptop model to ensure a proper fit. It’s also essential to look for a keyboard cover made from high-quality materials that won’t damage your keyboard or interfere with its functionality.
Avoid installing untrusted software
One of the most important steps to protect your gaming laptop from malware is to avoid installing unknown software applications. Unfortunately, many malicious software programs are disguised as legitimate applications, making it easy to infect your computer with malware accidentally. For instance, there are thousands of complaints from people reporting lost game files and progress due to the integration of cheat software.
It is essential to do your research before installing any software on your gaming laptop. Start by checking the Internet for reviews and information about the application. You can also check the developer’s website to ensure the software is legitimate and free of known vulnerabilities.
It is also essential to be cautious when downloading software from unfamiliar websites or sources. Stick to reputable websites and trustworthy sources, and avoid downloading software from popup ads or other suspicious sources. (Hot tip: Popups are mostly scandalous.)
Suppose you encounter an unfamiliar software application and are unsure whether it is safe to install. In that case, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid installing it altogether. Researching and verifying the legitimacy of software applications can go a long way toward keeping your gaming laptop safe from malware and other threats.
Keyboard Cleaning
If you’re a gamer, you know the importance of having a laptop that can handle intense usage. However, it’s important to remember that gaming laptops often come with more delicate keyboards than desktop keyboards. Once a key is broken, it can be difficult or even impossible to replace, leading to expensive repairs or even needing to replace the entire laptop. And in some cases, there might be debris stuck behind one of those keys, resulting in missed shots and missed targets. Thereby, it is imperative to clean your laptop’s keyboard every now and then. And you don’t even need to bring your laptop to a technician to do so. Here’s how you can give your keyboard a regular cleaning in some simple steps:
- Please turn off your laptop and disconnect it from any power source.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust, dirt, or debris that has accumulated between the keys. Hold the can of compressed air upright and use short bursts to prevent moisture from escaping.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber towel to wipe down the keyboard and remove any remaining debris. You can dampen the cloth slightly with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to help remove dirt and grime.
- If there are any stubborn stains or marks on the keys, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to scrub them away gently.
- Allow the keyboard to air dry completely before turning on your laptop or replacing the keyboard cover.
Get a Surge Protector
If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you know your laptop needs to handle a lot of power to keep up with your gaming needs. That’s why it’s crucial to use a surge protector to prevent sudden power surges or fluctuations from damaging your laptop’s power supply or battery.
Think of a surge protector as a shield for your laptop, protecting it from unexpected power fluctuations that could fry your laptop’s internal components. It’s like having an extra layer of defence against electrical mishaps that can save you a lot of money on repairs.
Investing in a good surge protector is an affordable and easy way to ensure your gaming laptop stays in tip-top shape. Plus, it’s a small but significant step you can take to protect your investment and keep your gaming sessions going strong.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, gaming laptops provide exceptional gaming experiences, but high-end components require proper maintenance to ensure longevity. Gaming laptops generate excessive heat, which can cause performance latencies and long-term effects on hardware components. Gaming laptops must be placed in well-ventilated areas to prevent overheating and require regular breaks during prolonged gaming sessions. Over-draining the battery and not using a cooling pad can also reduce the lifespan of the gaming laptop. By investing in a cooling pad or platform, it is possible to reduce heat and improve performance. Proper maintenance of gaming laptops can not only extend their lifespan. Still, it can also save individuals from expensive repairs in the long run.