Are Gaming Laptops Good for Trading?

Yes, gaming laptops can be good for trading as their power allows them to handle any trading software. However, keep in mind that gaming laptops tend to be bulky and often have low battery life. 

The main strength of gaming laptops is their potent GPUs. For trading, though, this advantage comes into play only if you’re a seasoned pro. In that case, a strong GPU will help you run advanced software (such as thinkorswim). But for basic trading situations, you can get by with a less heavy-duty machine. 

Want to learn more before making a buying decision? Then read on.

Laptops & Trading | Source: pixabay.com

What is the Difference between a Gaming Laptop and a Trading Laptop?

Both gaming and trading laptops pack high processing power and ample memory. As a result, they can handle significant browsing load and heavy software. 

Where they differ are graphics and convenience of use. Gaming laptops require advanced GPUs, often a step ahead of what even advanced traders need. 

So is a gaming laptop overkill? It could be. If you’re only going to use the laptop for trading, you might want to avoid splurging on a high-end gaming laptop like MSI Titan or ASUS ROG Zephyrus.

In addition, these two types offer very different ease of use, as you’ll see next.

Benefits of a Gaming Laptop for Trading

Gaming laptops have large displays with a high refresh rate, which helps with acting fast and making real-time trading decisions. And since they usually have more ports than average laptops, you can hook up multiple monitors. 

With their strong CPU and RAM combo, gaming laptops can handle trading at any level. Plus, their high-end GPUs are perfect for power users. Their graphic power allows viewing multiple charts at once and running complex technical analyses.

And, of course, if you’re into both gaming and trading, such a laptop would be an ideal fit.

Drawbacks of a Gaming Laptop for Trading

The biggest downside to using gaming computers for trading – if you are on the go – is their low battery life. Typically you can expect 3-5 hours of juice in one charge. 

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’ll go to a coffee shop or coworking space, and I don’t want my battery dying out mid-session.

Plus, these laptops usually weigh 4-6 pounds (and add to that a charger), which is challenging to lug around if you commute. 

Also, gaming laptops can overheat under stress. It’s not likely that trading programs will cause this, but overheating is something to keep in mind. 

Some traders may find gaming laptops to be a bit of an overkill for their needs. So be careful, as you may be paying too much for features you don’t necessarily need. If you’re also using it for AAA games, or demanding tasks like photo and video editing, that’s a whole other story.

What are the Benefits & Drawbacks of Using a Gaming Laptop for Trading?

How to Choose a Trading Laptop?

When choosing a trading notebook, keep two things in mind. First, your machine should allow you to execute decisions fast. Second, your system should be able to endure long hours.

Also, a caveat before we move on: No matter how good your machine is, a slow internet connection will ruin your trading experience. So start with getting a solid connection first.

With all this in place, let’s dive deeper into how you can select the right trading laptop.

It Starts with You…

The most important thing to keep in mind is your trading habits, i.e. how frequently you trade and how you analyze data.

A simple machine will serve your needs just fine if you’re a swing trader or use web-based platforms. But if you’re a scalper or a day trader, you’ll need stronger specs.

Similarly, a browser-based platform like TradingView requires a lighter machine than software like thinkorswim. 

Think ahead and figure out what type of trading you’d be doing a couple of years down the road. Decide for the long run, so you don’t have to go through the hassle again – at least not for a while.

Minimum & Recommended System Requirements

Once you’re clear about your current needs and future ambitions, it’s time to dive into overall features and specs for maximum trading efficiency.

Processor

Go with at least a newer Intel Core i3 processor to cover your basic trading needs. For advanced users, we recommend opting for Intel Core i7 processors or an AMD equivalent.

Memory

A minimum of 8GB RAM should be your starting point, while laptops with 16GB RAM are suited for power users.

Graphics card

Integrated graphics should suffice for most trading needs. Go with a dedicated graphics card with at least 1GB vRAM if you’re a pro with more demanding trading work and visualizations.

Storage

Start with at least 256GB SSD and upgrade to 512GB. That way, you’ll be sure to have enough storage for data analysis, charts, and docs you might need.

Displays, keyboards, and all the trimmings

A good display is essential for effective trading, so I’d recommend a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS (1920 x 1080) screen (preferably with thin bezels). Large panels generally make it easier for me to navigate the platforms, and I want to see as much data as possible.

Also, since I love trading at night, a laptop with a backlit keyboard and a dedicated number pad is a must. And more importantly, make sure your touchpad is responsive to avoid any errors or delays.

Finally, consider getting a laptop with multiple ports for external monitors to view multiple charts (three would be ideal).

Trade Like a Pro on One of These Laptops

Trading does require power, but not as much power as gaming does.

This means that for the most part, gaming laptops can be overkill for trading.

Of course, if you’re dealing with loads of charts, graphs, several platforms – the requirements can add up quickly – it might be a good idea to look into powerful laptops.

But you also want to take into account portability and battery life, which most gaming laptops are notoriously lacking.

That’s why we made our own list of best laptops for trading – hop on over and see if any of these trading pros catch your eye.