Hey everyone, I'm starting university in September to study game art, and I'm debating whether to get a laptop since I already own a high-spec desktop. My desktop has some serious specs: an RTX 5090 GPU, R7 9800X3D CPU, 96GB RAM, and 6TB of NVMe SSD storage. I'm considering a laptop with a 5070 Ti GPU and a Core Ultra 9 processor, which I plan to get for around £2000. I'll be using software like Unreal Engine 5, 3ds Max, and Substance Painter. Do you think it makes sense to get the laptop, or would I be fine just using my desktop?
5 Answers
If you plan to work on assignments away from home, you might want to think about getting a decent laptop. You really don’t want to be reliant solely on your desktop for everything—having a backup for notes and quick tasks when you’re out can save you headaches later.
Definitely go for a laptop! Portability is super handy for university life. But seriously consider what you actually need it for. A lot of people splurge on high-spec laptops, thinking they'll need all that power, but often the campus provides decent machines. If you're just doing basic note-taking and some light tasks, a simpler laptop or even a tablet could do the trick.
I totally agree! Battery life and portability usually matter way more than having a powerhouse laptop for most students.
From what you’ve described, a gaming laptop seems like a good fit if you need mobility. You can find some decent ones around the price you're looking at. Just remember, with laptops, you might sacrifice thermal performance and longevity compared to a desktop, but they are super convenient.
Yeah, especially for game art! A portable option lets you do sketching or work on the go, which is crucial in your field.
If you're doing serious work, stick with the desktop whenever possible—it sounds like a beast! You might want something less pricey just for note-taking or remote access to your desktop while you’re on the go. Also, consider how your school's tech setup works; you might find you’re more productive using their computers when you need higher performance.
You make a great point about remote access! When I was at uni, I mostly used the school's machines for heavy rendering.
It really comes down to your university setup. If you're just a short walk from your desktop, you could get by without a laptop initially. But for times when you're out and about, or if the dorm situation doesn't allow good access to a workstation, you might want one after all. Check how the school’s equipment holds up, too—sometimes they're better than you expect!
That’s true! Having a look at what the school provides could save you a lot of money if their setups are good enough.
Right? I always end up wishing I had my laptop when I’m stuck somewhere without solid internet.