In 2022 graphics cards are one of the costliest PC components of all. Whether you want a gaming PC or a workstation, you will definitely need a dedicated GPU, but is the price-to-performance ratio worth the investment? It’s a ubiquitous question among all PC user communities worldwide. Let’s briefly discuss why you need to consider a dedicated GPU for your system and how you can find an alternative to justify the price you pay. 

How Dedicated GPUs Help?

Back in early 2000, graphics cards were meant for enthusiast PC gamers only. But, over the last two decades, the situation changed a lot with advancements in technology. Now, not only gamers but developers, designers, engineers, and data scientists, everyone needs a dedicated GPU to increase the computation capability of their systems. With the rising need for AI applications, Machine learning algorithms, deep learning techniques, cryptocurrency mining, indie game development, video editing, and Matlab simulations, the requirements for multi-threaded rendering have grown exponentially. 

While the costliest high-end CPUs like Intel Xeon Scalable CPU or AMD Threadripper 3990x feature up to 64 Cores, there is a GPU like Nvidia Quadro RTX T8000 that can withhold more than 5000-plus cores in 2022. 

So, these days, graphics cards are not only meant for gaming, as they are being widely used in many other computational sectors. Depending upon needs these days, GPUs also come in multiple variations. For example, the Nvidia GeForce (both GTX & RTX) series is meant for gamers, while the Nvidia Quadro series is intended for developers and designers. There are also specialty graphics cards under development to target crypto-mining consumers. 

For example, you can check out the online reviews on OMEN by HP Laptop 16-c0136AX. This laptop features an entry-level gaming CPU CPU (i.e. Ryzen 5 5600H), but comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4 GB), which creates a hell & of heaven difference in improving the smoothness and FPS in games. If you buy any Omen devices from HP Online Store, then you can opt for the 12-month no-cost EMI and also get 10% instant cashback using Pine Labs. You can opt for Bajaj Finserv, Pine Labs, or SBI as your EMI partner.

Why GPUs are So Expensive?

PC components have been an expensive investment since the birth of computers. But when the cryptocurrency mining business hit the market, many people started seeing it as a business opportunity. Such people began a trend of buying new GPUs in bulk, which created an artificial crisis in the market, resulting in a price increase. 

Another reason showed up when the manufacturing plants of Taiwan, China, and South Korea shut down due to the COVID pandemic. With this, the prices have stayed high for the last couple of years. The silicon chip shortage worldwide also played a crucial role in increasing consumer electronics prices worldwide. 

What is the alternative to Dedicated GPU For Gaming?

For gamers, GPU is the main component that ensures good performance and a smooth gameplay experience. If you do not have the budget for a decent but expensive GPU, there are few options among which you can choose. 

● You can opt for a powerful CPU, along with 16GB RAM, which will ensure you a decent gameplay experience in many games. Any CPU-bound game like CS GO, Valorant, Rocket League, DOTA, League of Legends, etc., will perform well without a dedicated GPU if a CPU like Intel Core i5, i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 is being used. 

● You can opt for a decent Ryzen APU like Ryzen 5 5600G or Ryzen 7 5700G, which has inbuilt Vega Cores, to compensate for the absence of GPU. But this will not ensure a performance like a dedicated RTX 3050 onboard.

● The third is the most viable choice for a budget gamer, which is opting for a gaming laptop instead of a desktop. Gaming laptops will come with dedicated GPUs, and it will ensure you an excellent gaming performance in both multiplayer and AAA titles. 

Is a Gaming laptop a viable choice over a Gaming Desktop with a dedicated GPU?

Gaming laptops have become a viable choice over gaming desktops in 2022. The price of desktop components keeps going up and down all the time, but laptop prices are likely to be the same. As OEM laptop developers go through pre-production deals with GPU manufacturers, so they get a sweet deal, and the price stays the same for them, regardless of market conditions. 

On the other hand, the performance difference between laptops and desktops is decreasing day by day. These days laptops are extremely capable of multitasking, designing, and developing tasks. Some professionals are opting for mobile workstation PCs for data science operations. So, if you are on a stringent budget, it is recommended to opt for a gaming laptop instead of a gaming PC. Talking from the price point of view, you can get a gaming laptop with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 for a lesser price than a desktop with Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650. Check out the Victus by HP Laptop 15z-fb000 that comes with Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 and Ryzen 5 5600H under a 70,000 INR price tag; in this range, you will not be able to get a custom gaming desktop with the same config. 

So, according to the present marketing scenario, if you are not an enthusiast, professional gamer, or gaming content creator, getting a gaming laptop is a better idea all the way.

Best Gaming Laptops as Dedicated GPU alternative

For budget gamers, opting for a reliable brand is very important. Look for which brand gives you the best after-sales benefits like technical assistance, service centers, etc. In India, that will probably be HP, as they have the highest number of service centers nationwide. 

You should choose which CPU & GPU combo you want according to your budget. Make sure you opt for a laptop with long battery life and some room for upgradability. I would recommend opting for the OMEN by HP Laptop 16-c0138AX that comes with 5th-gen Ryzen 7 5800H and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, with a price tag of Rs. 105,000. You can get an additional 10% cashback (up to 10,000 INR) if you buy the same using Pine Labs from the HP online shopping site. The no-cost 12/0 EMI feature will reduce the load of one time investment, which makes this a pretty steal deal.

For enthusiast gamers and premium segment device users, I’ll recommend the OMEN by HP Laptop 16-c0141AX, which comes with AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, Radeon RX 6600M GPU, and 16GB RAM. With the price of Rs. 145,000, you are getting a premium built laptop with an sRGB anti-ghosting keyboard, free HP Vector gaming mouse, 8+ hours of battery backup with a QHD 165 Hz IPS display. This device comes with great offers where you can get 10% (up to 10,000 INR) cashback instantly, and you can also opt for the easy 18/0 or 12/0 EMI options. You can choose SBI, HDFC, Pine Lab, and Bajaj Finserv as your payment partner.

HP gaming laptops offer extra slots for RAM upgrades and storage upgrade options. In Omen laptops, you can add up an additional SSD. In Pavilion laptops, you can add an extra HDD. With RAM upgradability up to 64 GB, you will be able to use the computer for gaming for 5+ years, which justifies the cost. With a gaming laptop, you will be able to carry your entertainment with you everywhere, and it is a cost-effective alternative to gaming desktops with the same configuration. 

Summary

For gaming, gamers need to keep upgrading their hardware every couple of years. Investing a hefty amount on a gaming laptop for a 5-6 years life span is not worth it if you are not a professional esports player. On the other hand, if you are stuck with a nominal budget for gaming (i.e. 50-60K), then the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15-ec2008AX is a lifesaver for you. As with the price tag of Rs. 58,000, you won’t be able to get your hands on any decent gaming desktop or gaming laptop from other brands in India. This device is on an offer with a 20% discount on the MRP, and you can get an additional 5% instant cashback if you buy it from HP Online store using an SBI card. Also, any buy over 35,000 on the HP Store is eligible for a no-cost 6/0 EMI facility, so just don’t wait but grab it while you still can.

Check out the HP Online store to find such suitable OMEN gaming laptops at a fair price.