Desktop vs Laptop: 13 Differences Explained

During the early days of computers, they were bulky, had less inaccurate performance, and costliest machines. But nowadays things have changed a lot and today computers are the standard machines that everyone can use.

Although the word computer is suitable for both desktop PCs and laptops, there are some dissimilarities between them. On this page, you can find the complete information on ‘desktop vs laptop.’

Not only differences between desktops and laptops but also common factors exist. We can find them here too. Here is the list of uses of a laptop.

Let’s have a quick introduction to desktop and laptop computers.

  • A desktop computer is a normal computer that has a CPU, Monitor, Keyboard & Mouse are different components and we use cables to connect them.
  • A laptop is a compressed version of a computer. So, we don’t need cables like HDMI, DisplayPort, etc. However, if you want to connect a monitor to your laptop, then you need to use these cables.
Desktop vs Laptop
Desktop vs Laptop

These are the most common aspects we need to consider before going to buy a computer. I’m sure, after reading this comparison, you’ll find the best computer type (Desktop or Laptop) for you and your profession.

And one more thing, here I can give you completely unbiased information.

Custom PC build:

The first thing we need to consider is a PC build. Desktop PCs are the ones that we can build by ourselves. But we can’t build a laptop computer. The laptop components are small and so delicate compared to the desktop PC components.

So, in this aspect, the desktop PC has an upper hand over the laptop. The components’ price and the system specifications are completely under our control.

Here you can find a guide for a PC build. If you are looking to build your PC, this guide will help you.

Hardware components :

We know that a computer is a collection of various hardware components like a motherboard, processor, RAM, ROM, keyboard, etc. However, it does not require all PC components for all PC users. Find the complete information about PC components. So that you can choose which one to buy and which one to ignore.

However, we can find almost all the PC components are the same for both desktop PCs and laptops. But the type of technology is different. Here what I mean is, that the size of the desktop PC component is big compared to a laptop.

The laptop PC components are designed with the help of Integrated Circuit technology. So, they consume very little space. However, the same component has a different physical structure in both systems. And this is the reason why they have various advantages and disadvantages.

Software performance :

Coming to performance a desktop beats a laptop computer because the laptop components are under restrictions like limited PC fan cooling, and others. Here you can find the best ways to fix an overheating computer.

The more cooling a PC gets, the maximum performance it will give. In that case, laptops fail to get PC airflow optimization by providing more fans.

The fact is, a desktop PC performs better compared to a laptop with the same system configuration. Generally, an Integrated Circuit motherboard has more potential than a normal motherboard.

Maybe in the future, we will find a laptop that can beat a desktop computer.

Power consumption :

A desktop PC consumes more power than a laptop. This is because desktop PC components are bulky and they need additional requirements like more PC fans, RGB fans, high-standard UPS, etc. All these require more power.

A normal computer consumes 200 Watts of power, and how much power does a gaming laptop consume?

A desktop PC takes AC power as input, but a laptop can take both AC and DC power as its input to start. How to start your PC with AC and DC power? Find here.

Component replacement :

A desktop PC – has complete flexibility in component replacement. We can replace components of a computer in two situations.

  1. When the component in a CPU cabinet gets damaged
  2. When you want to upgrade your PC specifications

In both cases, we can make a component replacement by ourselves on desktop PCs. But in laptops, we can replace a damaged component at high risk, and in fewer cases, we can upgrade laptop configuration.

You can find your PC component details under system information.

Carry Ability :

Though the desktop computer has different components, it is hard to carry all of them at once. But we are very comfortable carrying a laptop anytime, anywhere.

This helps a lot for many travelers, office employees, etc.

Maintenance :

A desktop computer needs to be cleaned regularly because of dust particles. At least every six months, we need to open the CPU case and clean the components in it.

Even if your surroundings are clean, you shouldn’t ignore this task because dust is a very small particle so you can’t find when the dust is entering your CPU and how much it will.

The laptop also requires proper maintenance. However, when compared to the desktop PC, laptop maintenance is easy.

An IO shield in a computer does the same purpose (block the dust). Is an IO shield necessary for your PC? Find here.

Internal drives :

Hard-disk
Internal Hard-disk

When it comes to internal storage drives, a desktop PC has multiple slots to keep a hard disk or SSD or M.2 based on the motherboard and the CPU cabinet. So, it is very useful for us to increase the internal drive storage to a desktop computer.

However, it is not possible in a laptop computer because all the internal components are designed to fit under a specific area. So there is no chance to put the external components in it.

A hard disk occupies more space compared to other storage drives like SSD, M.2, Pendrives, etc.

External drives :

Both are capable of holding external drives like external hard disks, Pendrives, Keyboard & mice, etc.

It all depends on what type of ports a motherboard has in a system. This is also a reason that the motherboard is a primary component of a computer.

If you want to know the model of your motherboard, click here.

Gaming :

Undoubtedly, a desktop PC performs better in gaming compared to a laptop. Today, we found gaming laptops but when comparing a gaming laptop with a desktop PC, I prefer a desktop PC because of the following reasons.

  • The desktop PC performs well
  • I can build my PC and it is colorful
  • The price management is completely under my control
  • I can increase my PC specs if I want

User-Friendliness :

When it comes to user-friendliness, both devices have their advantages and disadvantages.

A desktop PC – has a colorful setup with RGB lightning but we can’t carry it anywhere. We shouldn’t compromise with the monitor. We can replace it if we want.

On Laptops – we can’t find a colorful appearance like desktop PCs. We can’t replace one laptop screen with another. Instead, we can use another monitor with a laptop screen. We can easily carry it as our requirement.

Cost :

The cost of the product is one of the most important factors in comparison to desktops and laptops.

Each component in a desktop computer is our wish to choose but on a laptop computer, a manufacturer decides what the system specs will be. So we don’t have a choice to decide the cost of a product.

However, If we aren’t satisfied with the price of a laptop, we can choose another one.

Conclusion :

Finally, I want to say there is nothing tremendous or wrong here. You can choose the right one for you based on your work, whether it be a laptop or a desktop.

For example, a gamer needs a desktop computer for the best gaming performance and streaming. And a photographer uses a laptop because it is comfortable for his work.

Scroll to Top